Madeira for Couples

Sunrise ridges, sunset sails, wine cellars and the quiet end of the island.

By Madeira.Vacations · 6 min read · Last checked 31 July 2026

Catamaran at sunset off the Madeiran coast
Photo: muffinn from Worcester, UK · CC BY 2.0

The two set pieces

Sunrise at Pico do Arieiro and a sunset catamaran west past Cabo Girão. Book the boat for your first clear evening rather than saving it for the last night.

Where to be quiet

Jardim da Serra, Ponta do Sol and the Paúl da Serra side of the island empty out after five. Book a table inland rather than on the Funchal seafront.

Slow days

Wine lodge tasting in the afternoon, the Balcões levada in the morning, and an evening at a quinta with a bottle from the cellar you visited.

Do it guided

Tours that cover this

Booked through Viator — the price is the same as going direct.

Catamaran sailing along the Madeira coast at sunset
3 hours Funchal Marina

Sunset Catamaran Cruise

Sail the south coast at golden hour from Funchal marina — a relaxed catamaran cruise with a swim stop and the chance of dolphins along the way.

Colourful produce stalls at Funchal's Mercado dos Lavradores
3.5 hours Funchal

Madeira Wine & Food Tour

A guided walk through Funchal's old town tasting Madeira wine, local dishes and market produce, with the stories behind each stop.

Hikers on a Madeiran mountain ridge above a sea of clouds at sunrise
7.5 hours Pico do Arieiro

Pico do Arieiro Sunrise Hike

Pre-dawn pickup for the ridge walk from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo, above a sea of cloud. Demanding, unforgettable, with transport arranged both ways.

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