Home » The Best Things to Do in Madeira — A Complete Travel Guide
One of the top experiences in Madeira is whale watching — and it’s easy to see why. The deep Atlantic waters just off Madeira’s coast are home to over 28 species of whales and dolphins, making it one of the most biodiverse marine destinations in all of Europe. Unlike many places where sightings are rare or strictly seasonal, Madeira offers encounters all year round.
Resident species such as sperm whales, short-finned pilot whales, and bottlenose dolphins can be spotted on almost any morning departure. During spring (April to June), migratory giants like fin whales and even blue whales pass through — one of the best chances to see blue whales in European waters. Summer brings calmer seas and larger pods of Atlantic spotted dolphins, making it ideal for families and first-timers.
Tours depart from several points around the island. If you’re exploring the southwest, On Tales runs small-group whale and dolphin watching tours from Calheta Marina aboard comfortable yachts — with a strong focus on responsible, ethical wildlife interaction and regulated distances from marine life.
Madeira is home to nearly 3,000 km of hiking trails, and the most iconic of them all follow the levadas — ancient man-made irrigation channels carved into the mountainside that double as scenic walkways. The trails pass through laurel forests (Laurissilva), past waterfalls, and into the island’s wild interior.
Some trails not to miss:
Madeira’s capital is a destination in itself. The old town (Zona Velha) is full of colourful murals, cobbled streets, and seafood restaurants. From the city, you can take the cable car up to Monte and visit the Monte Palace Tropical Garden — a lush hillside park with koi ponds, azulejos tile collections, and sweeping views over Funchal Bay.
Don’t miss the famous wicker toboggan ride back down from Monte — a uniquely Madeiran tradition dating back to the 19th century, where drivers in white uniforms guide wicker sledges down the steep cobblestone roads.
Tucked on Madeira’s southwest coast, Calheta is one of the island’s sunniest and most underrated destinations. It’s home to the only imported golden sand beach on the island, a stylish marina, a contemporary art centre (Casa das Mudas), and some of the best sunset views you’ll find anywhere in Portugal.
The area is also the departure point for some of the most intimate whale watching tours on the island, with shorter distances to deep water meaning faster wildlife encounters. For a full overview of what to do here, check out the On Tales guide to the top things to do in Calheta — from beach days and boat tours to the best local restaurants and sunset spots at the marina.
On the remote northwest tip of the island, Porto Moniz is famous for its dramatic volcanic rock pools carved naturally by the Atlantic. Swimming here — with ocean waves crashing around you and the cliffs overhead — is one of those experiences that’s hard to put into words. The pools are open year-round and entry is cheap.
No trip to Madeira is complete without exploring its food culture. Try espetada (beef skewers grilled over laurel wood), bolo do caco (sweet potato flatbread with garlic butter), and fresh tuna steaks. Wash it down with a glass of Madeira wine at one of the historic lodges in Funchal, or try poncha — the island’s traditional rum-based drink — at a local bar.
Planning a trip to Madeira? Start with a whale watching tour — small groups, comfortable yachts, and responsible wildlife encounters from Calheta Marina.
