Remote green sea cliffs on Madeira's north coast

Hidden Gems

After the greatest hits, the island keeps going. These are the spots we send returning guests to — quieter, harder to reach, and usually more memorable.

Where to go

  • Achadas da Cruz cable car

    A near-vertical descent to a farming shelf by the sea.

  • Ponta do Pargo

    The island's western lighthouse, and almost nobody there.

  • Ribeiro Frio to Portela

    Downhill levada walking with a taxi back.

  • Fanal at dawn

    Ancient laurels in fog, before the tour vans arrive.

Book it

Guided options

Open 4x4 jeep on a mountain track above green Madeiran valleys
Full day Island-wide pickup

West Madeira 4x4 Tour

Paúl da Serra plateau, Fanal's twisted laurel trees and the north-west coast road, in a small open jeep with a local driver.

Green forested canyon in the Madeiran interior
4 hours Central Madeira

Canyoning in the Ribeira das Cales

Abseil, slide and swim down a forest canyon in the island's interior. Wetsuit, helmet and guides included; no experience needed.

Guides on this subject

Remote cliffs and ocean on Madeira's north coast

Things to Do

Hidden Gems in Madeira

Twelve places we send returning guests, none of which appear on the coach routes.

7 min read

Green cliffs and Atlantic ocean on Madeira's north coast

Itineraries

7 Days in Madeira

A full week, split between a south-coast base and a few nights in the north.

10 min read