A coastal village in Portugal
LUSH ISLAND ESCAPE

Cruise to Madeira (Funchal), Portugal

Portugal's island of Madeira is an adventure junkie's paradise. Explore this unique island by land, sea or air. Trek the levandas, the island's open canal system, and take in panoramic views of the mountains and the ocean. Dive into the deep blue sea to swim with fish and rare seals with your Madeira cruise. If you're looking for something to spike your adrenaline, soar above the island while hang-gliding or paragliding. In the mood for more low-key exploration? Stop by a local bakery for a slice of queijada, a regional cheescake, and walk along the harbor in Funchal, taking in the 17th-century architecture.
National Language Portugese
Currency Accepted Euro (EUR)

Things To Do in Madeira (Funchal)

A woman climbing the staircase at Pico de Areeiro in Madeira (Funchal), Portugal

Get Irrigated

A woman climbing the staircase at Pico de Areeiro in Madeira (Funchal), Portugal

A woman climbing the staircase at Pico de Areeiro in Madeira (Funchal), Portugal

Get Irrigated

A trip to Madeira isn't complete until you've walked along a levanda. With over 3,000 kilometers of irrigation channels around the island, the routes are endless. Wander deep into chasms, across mountains or through long tunnels, and discover some of the best views on the island.

Ponte do Gabrie on the coast of Portugal

Shipwreck Dives

Ponte do Gabrie on the coast of Portugal

Ponte do Gabrie on the coast of Portugal

Shipwreck Dives

Strap on your diving gear and jump into the crystal-clear waters of Madeira. Explore shipwrecks like Bowbelle, and observe sea life like anemones, fish and seals with a front-row seat to one of the best diving locations in all of Europe.

View of Madeira (Funchal), Portugal from a mountain
View of Madeira (Funchal), Portugal from a mountain

View From the Air

Take to the sky to catch a glimpse of Madeira Island from above. Adrenaline junkies will soar through the heavens while hang-gliding or paragliding over massive mountains and bewitching blue waters. First-timers are welcome, and tandem options with a guide are available.

A round honey cake
A round honey cake

Local Cuisine

On Madeira island, you'll find plenty of fresh seafood to sink your teeth into. Try filete de espada, a swordfish filet prepared the Madeiran way, with passion fruit and banana sauce. If that's too sweet for you, try the smoky espetada madeirense, beef cubes on a skewer cooked over wood or charcoal. Got a sweet tooth? Cruise to Madeira to try bolo de mel de cana, the local honey cake.

An assortment of headdresses and hats in Madeira (Funchal), Portugal
An assortment of headdresses and hats in Madeira (Funchal), Portugal

Shopping

Shop till you drop on Funchal's main streets. Find regional goods, Portuguese delicacies and international shops in the capital city. For a more local feel, head to Feira da Lagartixa. Cruise to Madeira and try your bartering skills at the flea market on Saturdays, and discover unique treasures to bring back home with you.

Insider's Tips
Insider's Tips
1 Travel from mid-April to mid-May to see the flower festival.
2 There are nine tourism offices in Madeira if you need some local information.

My Personas

code: