Beaches & Natural Pools
Black sand, lava pools and the sheltered spots that actually work for swimming.
The best of each coast
The island is small but slow — thirty kilometres can take an hour and change the weather completely. Pick what you want the day to feel like and we'll send you to the side of the island that does it best, at the hour it does it best.
Mountains & Viewpoints
Ridge lines above the cloud, glass skywalks and the miradouros worth the drive.
Levada Walks & Hiking
The irrigation channels that double as the world's most civilised footpaths.
Food & Restaurants
Espetada, scabbard fish, bolo do caco and where locals actually eat.
Funchal
The capital: old town, market, cable car, Monte and the promenade.
Family Activities
Short walks, calm swimming and the things that keep everyone happy.
Hidden Gems
The places that don't make the top-ten lists, and are better for it.
Day Trips
West coast, east coast, the interior, and the ferry to Porto Santo.
Culture
Wine, wicker, embroidery, Monte and 500 years of Atlantic trade.
Events
Flower Festival, Atlantic Festival, wine harvest and New Year's Eve.
Madeira with Kids
What works, what doesn't, and how to pace a family week.
Get the best of Madeira by email
New places we've walked and rated, seasonal timings, and the guides we've just rewritten. A few times a year, never more.