Welcome to the “Island of Eternal Spring.” Madeira is a stunning Portuguese archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean, renowned for its dramatic landscapes, lush vegetation, and year-round mild climate. Some of the best things to do in Madeira include hiking its famous Levada trails, exploring culturally rich towns, swimming in crystal clear waters, and indulging in delightful delicacies. Madeira is a paradise for all travellers, but especially those embarking on a motorhome road trip. When choosing a vehicle for your trip, keep in mind that Madeira’s roads can be steep and winding; ensure your motorhome is suitable for mountain driving. Without further ado, here are the ten best places to visit in Madeira in a campervan.
1. Funchal
There’s no better way to start a Madeira road trip than in the capital of Madeira, Funchal. You can fly to this city and then hire a motorhome in Funchal for the rest of your trip. This delightful city is bordered by green mountains and a dazzling blue sea, with something to look at in every direction. It’s one of the best destinations for a city trip, as it offers a unique range of sights and activities. As much as we love cafe culture on a city trip, Funchal is ideal for those looking to stay busy on their holiday. Known for its local wine, pretty handicrafts, and famous cable car, you might need a few days to really explore the cobbled streets of Funchal.
As mentioned, Funchal is known for its cable car. Take a trip to Monte and visit the Monte Palace Tropical Garden. This massive multi-level garden features exotic trees and flowers, ponds, African sculptures, a mineral museum, and more. It covers over 70,000 m2 and features over 100,000 plant species from across the globe, so we recommend planning a few hours for this.
Head to Mercado dos Lavradores (Farmers’ Market) for a bite to eat. Situated at the heart of the city, this open market is popular with locals. You’ll find everything here, from fresh seafood and vegetables to exotic dishes. It’s open daily, except on Sundays and public holidays.
You’ve filled your appetite, and now it’s time to get something to drink. Perhaps with a wine-tasting tour at Blandy’s Wine Lodge? Located in a historical building in the centre of Funchal, this family-run business has been passed down seven generations. Learn about the unique micro-climate of this location, take a tour, and certainly try a few of their esteemed wines.
2. Ponta de São Lourenço
Ready for a change of pace? We’re leaving the bustling capital and heading to a nature reserve. Ponta de São Lourenço is a stunning peninsula on Madeira's eastern tip, characterised by dramatic cliffs, rugged volcanic landscapes, and vibrant red, yellow, and green hues. This is one of the most popular destinations in Madeira for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, as it is home to some of the island’s most unique flora and fauna.
Hike the Ponta de São Lourenço trail for stunning coastal views. Ponta de São Lourenço is the easternmost point of the island of Madeira and feels like the edge of the world. This seven-kilometre route features varying climbs, with the steepest stretch at the end. It has numerous viewpoints along the way. Given that it has been at the mercy of volcanic erosion for millions of years, expect rocky and uneven terrain.
Need to cool down after that? Rent a kayak and explore the coastline from a different perspective. The rugged shoreline is filled with little inlets, beaches and rock formations, offering plenty to explore. But given the strength of Madeira’s sun, be sure to apply plenty of sunscreen and bring a hat.
Finally, it’s time to round off our time in Ponta de São Lourenço with a more tranquil activity: bird watching. The rocky shores and rugged terrain of Porto Moniz attract a variety of seabirds, such as the Cory's Shearwater and the Yellow-legged Gull. You might even spot some wading birds and other coastal species in the nearby lagoons. It seems that even birds agree that Porto Moniz is one of the best places to visit in Madeira.
3. Calheta
Next on our road trip in Madeira, we’re heading to Calheta. Located on the southwest coast, Calheta is one of the most beloved beach destinations in all of Madeira. Sheltered by sea walls, Praia da Calheta is one of the island’s few sandy beaches, thanks to imported sand. The nearby villages of Paúl do Mar and Jardim do Mar are popular with surfers. If you’re looking for a different type of watersport, you can try kayaking, windsurfing, scuba diving, or fishing instead. Or, if you prefer being just above sea level, head out on a dolphin and whale-watching expedition.
Active holidaymakers flock to Calheta for the wide range of activities available, including mountain biking, canyoning, and paragliding.
Lastly, we recommend visiting Engenho da Calheta. This sugar cane mill and rum factory is still active and features a fascinating on-site museum. Art enthusiasts should head to the clifftop Casa das Mudas Arts Center, which showcases contemporary art.
4. Camara de Lobos
Let’s turn our attention to one of the lesser-known destinations in Madeira, although it has quite a famous past. Camara de Lobos is a fishing town on the southern coast of Madeira. Surrounded by peaceful waters, the harbour is filled with colourful fishing boats, presenting a picturesque sight. So picturesque that Winston Churchill painted this unique place during his second visit to Madeira in 1950.
It’s likely that Churchill also tasted the local drink, Poncha, at one of the traditional bars. While we can’t confirm this, he was a man known for appreciating a good drink! Poncha is made of rum, honey and either lemon or orange juice. It was created by fishermen in Câmara de Lobos to prevent illness before work and has been enjoyed since the 16th century.
Hike the Cabo Girão Skywalk trail to Europe’s highest sea cliff — although not after a glass of Poncha! This glass-bottomed platform is located on the highest promontory in Europe, suspended 580 meters above sea level. It’s considered one of the best things to do in Madeira, so expect crowds during the afternoon.
5. Paul da Serra
We’re heading to Madeira’s largest plateau, Paul da Serra, which is situated at an altitude of around 1,500 metres. It offers a stark contrast to the island’s typically rugged and mountainous terrain, making it a must-visit destination during your time in Madeira.
Paul da Serra is known for its flat, expansive landscape, and it is home to some of Madeira's most scenic hiking trails. One such route takes you through the Rabaçal area and its famous 25 Fontes and Risco waterfalls.
The plateau’s serene environment also makes it an excellent spot for stargazing and enjoying the island’s natural beauty. This might just be one of the best stargazing locations in Europe.
6. Machico
This list of the best destinations in Madeira wouldn’t be complete without the island’s historic first settlement. Machico is a charming coastal town where Portuguese explorers first landed in 1419. It boasts a golden sandy beach, which is a rarity on the island. It also features a picturesque promenade perfect for leisurely strolls.
Explore the Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Conceição, one of Madeira’s oldest churches. This is one of Madeira’s largest churches, despite being located in a small, old village. While it may appear slightly simple from the outside, the interior is anything but simple.
Hike the Vereda do Larano coastal trail. The route is 13 kilometres one way from Caniçal to Porto da Cruz, and it has only a little bit of incline, so it's great for families or casual hikers. It takes you across hills overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, providing countless photo opportunities.
7. Ribeira Brava
On Madeira’s southwest coast, you’ll find Ribeira Brava. This picturesque town is known for its charming riverside setting and tranquil beaches. With its sunny climate and relaxed atmosphere, Ribeira Brava is a great base for exploring the surrounding valleys and enjoying coastal strolls.
Ribeira Brava is home to an Ethnographic Museum, which takes visitors on a journey through the unique cultural wealth of this archipelago. The museum, located in a 17th-century manor, provides context on traditional Madeiran culture so visitors can enjoy the island even more.
Next, it’s time to visit the São Bento Church. This stunning church captures Madeira's religious and artistic heritage with its striking 16th-century architecture and intricate azulejo tiles depicting biblical scenes. Inside you’ll find that the serene ambiance, gilded altars, and detailed woodwork provide a glimpse into the island's rich cultural history.
The port of Ribeira Brava is the ideal place to spend your afternoon. You can walk along the promenade and enjoy a coffee at a seaside café.
8. Pico do Arieiro
Also known as the Stairway to Heaven, Pico do Arieiro is one of Madeira’s highest peaks. Standing at 1,818 meters above sea level, it offers panoramic views of the island's rugged terrain and cloud-filled valleys. Pico do Arieiro is a popular spot for sunrise watchers and the starting point for the challenging but breathtaking hike to Pico Ruivo. The peak is accessible by car and features a visitor centre as well. If you can pull yourself out of bed early enough, we urge you to watch the sunrise from the summit — a guaranteed highlight of your Madeira road trip!
For a bite to eat after your hike, head to Abrigo do Poiso Restaurant. It features indoor and outdoor seating and some of the best pastel de natas in Madeira. Located in the middle of a pine forest, the atmosphere is truly unique, making it an excellent lunch spot.
9. Santana
The north coast of Madeira is often considered to be the most beautiful part of the island, and looking at Santana might just make us agree. This small town is about a 45-minute drive from Funchal and feels like a reminder of what this region once was.
Santana is primarily known for its Casas Típicas de Santana, traditional stone houses with steep, triangular-shaped thatched roofs. The north of the island was heavily isolated from the rest of the island until recently, and this can be seen in villages like Santana. These houses are also visible at Madeira Theme Park, which isn’t a theme park as we know the term. Rather than rollercoasters, you can expect this children-friendly attraction to feature buildings and displays outlining Madeira’s rich history, science and cultural traditions.
Once again, we’re recommending a hike! This time it’s the Pico das Pedras to Queimadas trail. This is a shorter trek than other routes on our list and should take about 45 minutes to complete. This trail runs along the esplanade of the Levada do Caldeirão Verde, between the Queimadas and Pico das Pedras Forest Parks. It’s mostly paved surfaces, making it far more accessible than other routes in Madeira.
10. Porto Moniz
Last but certainly not least, on our list of the best places to visit in Madeira, we’re heading over to Porto Moniz. Located in the northwest corner of the island of Madeira, this is a mandatory stop on any road trip in Madeira, with sights worth seeing. Porto Moniz is known for its natural beauty, as well as its important historical and cultural heritage.
Drag out your walking boots one last time and hike the Levada da Ribeira da Janela trail. This route runs from the coast to the mountains, taking you through an enormous canyon and on cliff-side paths to get there. It’s a challenging 15.6-mile route, so we recommend tackling it over two days or only following a section of it.
You’ll likely need some time to recover after this, and we’ve got just the place to do that. Pull on your swimmers and take a dip in the natural swimming pools of Porto Moniz. They’re about two metres deep and calm waters, making them ideal for the whole family. Trust us when we say that these warm pools are one of the best things to do in Madeira, and the perfect way to close off your trip.
Now for the truly difficult part… choosing where you’ll go first! That’s the advantage of motorhome travel for your Madeira road trip, as you can design your perfect route and go at your own pace. You’ll find great campsites near all of the best places to visit in Madeira, so your days of exploring can end under a brilliant starry sky.
If you’re looking to explore more places in Portugal, why not try our Algarve road trip route? Or check out the other great road trips in Portugal.
