The volcanic island of Madeira impresses with its striking contrasts – from deep black sand beaches to towering mountain ranges. With its combination of wild coastlines, dense forests, and spectacular vistas, the island provides the ideal backdrop for adventurers, culture enthusiasts, and those seeking relaxation alike. We’ve put together a selection of highlights to lead you off the beaten tourist track.
Seixal: Black Sand Beach & Sea Pools
Tucked away on the island’s rugged north coast, the picturesque village of Seixal reveals a location rooted in the archipelago’s fiery history, effortlessly transporting you to a distant, primaeval world. Praia do Porto do Seixal is a spectacular, jet-black sand beach framed by massive, lush green cliffs.
Naturally formed rock pools are embedded into the dark volcanic rock formations just off the coast. Entry costs just a few euros and then you can take a refreshing dip in crystal-clear waters. A range of amenities is available here, including toilet facilities, showers, a bar with a terrace, and a sunbed rental area.
Secret Tip: Visit the beach in the early morning hours, when the soft light hits the striking cliff faces, creating a truly mystical sight.
The Picturesque Village of Seixal
The village of Seixal itself invites you to linger amidst the narrow lanes of its lower town. Here, whitewashed houses with lush, colourful gardens form a vivid contrast to the dramatic dark cliffs. Visit the picturesque church, the cultural centre dedicated to local traditions and ancient crafts, or the vibrant botanical garden brimming with exotic flowers and papaya trees.
Secret Tip: Visit the Véu da Noiva Waterfall
Along the historic route between São Vicente and Seixal, you will encounter another highlight that ranks among the island’s most frequently shared photo spots: the elegant Véu da Noiva waterfall (“Bridal Veil”). Serving as the overhanging mouth of the João Delgado stream, it is best admired from the viewpoint of the same name, Miradouro do Véu da Noiva.
Seixal Wine Region
Enjoy a glass of wine? Then you’ve come to the right place: Seixal is nestled between steep vineyards where the Sercial grape variety, used for Madeira wine, is traditionally grown. Not far from the village, you’ll find several local wineries where you can sample a selection of Sercial Madeira. Sercial is a particularly dry Madeira wine, prized for its distinctive, vibrant acidity and exceptional crispness.
Detour to Porto Moniz: Cable Car in Achadas da Cruz
From Seixal, a side trip to Achadas da Cruz is well worth it: alongside impressive natural sea pools in Porto Moniz on the north-western tip of the island, you’ll find one of Europe’s steepest cable cars, boasting a gradient of nearly 98%. Far less frequented and lesser-known than other cable car rides on the island, it connects Achadas da Cruz to the idyllic little village of Fajã da Quebrada Nova at the base of the cliffs over a descent of roughly 450 metres. A pebbled beach offering absolute tranquillity awaits you at the bottom. Unlike other cable cars in the country, the Achadas da Cruz route was not built purely for tourism: it primarily serves to transport local farmers and their harvests.
The spot is also perfect for a short circular walk: you can reach the pebbled beach via the scenic hiking trails Vereda do Calhau and Vereda da Ladeira before taking the cable car back up. Along the way, there’s even a small beach bar that makes for a wonderful pit stop. Riding the cable car costs €5.
Ponta do Sol: the Jewel of the South West
If you prefer extra sunshine and fewer crowds, Ponta do Sol is the place to be. Situated roughly 30 minutes from Funchal, this south-western coastal village is not only exceptionally picturesque, but also holds the record for the highest number of sunshine hours on the island. The village landscape is defined by dramatic gorges nestled with characteristic red-roofed houses. Highlights of this village, embedded amongst vineyards and banana plantations, include the venerable 19th-century church Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Luz and the historic pier Cais da Ponta do Sol. Not in the mood for sightseeing? You can simply spend hours unwinding on the long, peaceful pebble beach.
Paul da Serra: Breathtaking Viewpoint at Bica da Cana
The municipality of Ponta do Sol is home to the archipelago’s largest mountainous high plateau, Paul da Serra. Standing at an average altitude of 1,500 metres, Paul da Serra offers unmatched views over the mountain peaks and deep valleys that shape the surrounding area. The region features numerous areas of pristine flora, with endemic plant species typical of the central mountain massif standing out amidst the vegetation. A fascinating example is the rare mountain thyme.
Perched Above the Clouds
At a proud altitude of 1,560 metres, the Bica da Cana viewpoint opens up a sweeping panoramic view of Madeira’s central massif – including its prominent peaks, Pico Ruivo and Pico do Arieiro – and the vast, deep-green Laurissilva forest.
The climb is especially worthwhile at sunrise and sunset: during temperature inversion conditions, you can witness the almost magical spectacle of clouds drifting through the deep valleys below. On a clear day, the view even stretches across both the north and south coasts of the island simultaneously. The route there is straightforward, with only a short walking track separating the car park from this extraordinary backdrop.
Looking to embark on a longer hike? A variety of trails surrounding the spectacular panorama of Bica da Cana – such as the route to Pico Ruivo – invite further exploration. The area was recently modernised, offering an inviting picnic spot and various facilities to provide the perfect setting for a relaxing break in the heart of nature. Tip: As the spot is a sought-after hotspot for photographers, arrive early to secure one of the limited parking spaces.
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This article was created in collaboration with the Madeira Promotion Bureau.