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The most beautiful places in Madeira

The best in Madeira

Petr Liška
Wrote 2517 articles and follows him / her 248 travelers
The most beautiful places in Madeira
Inserted: 18.02.2022
Author: Petr Liška © gigaplaces.com
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Madeira is without a doubt one of the most beautiful islands in the world, thanks to its dramatic profile with steep mountains, one of the highest cliffs in the world and also the famous levadas – irrigation canals – thanks to which you can explore otherwise impenetrable mountain valleys. There is also beautiful lush vegetation and lots of waterfalls. Let's take a look at the most beautiful places Madeira has to offer.

1.
Mountain ridge Arieiro-Ruivo

The most beautiful and highest mountain of Madeira

Rating:
| Altitude: 1 794 m / 5 886 ft

The mountain ridge of the highest peaks of Madeira is one of the most beautiful mountain passages you can find in the world. Hiko here is one of the most amazing experiences in Madeira. continue reading

2.
Cliffs on Sao Lourenco Peninsula

The most beautiful cliffs of Madeira

Rating:
| Altitude: 8 m / 26 ft

The peninsula of Sao Lourenco is a little different from the rest of Madeira, relatively dry and full of colorful cliffs. The dramatic and multicolored cliffs are among the most beautiful you can find in Europe continue reading

3.
Vereda to Larano - North Coast Trek

The most adventurous area in Madeira

Altitude: 114 m / 374 ft

In the northeast of Madeira, between the cities of Porto da Cruz and Canical, there is about 10 kilometers of coastline unspoiled by human activity. Only steep mountains and cliffs. There is a beautiful but very narrow trail called Vereda do Larano or North Coast Trek. It often has a sign that there is a ban on entry. In the middle of this trek is the only possibility of shortening in the pass Boca do Risco (433 m), from where you can get inland to Machica continue reading

4.
Eira do Serrado Viewpoint

One of the most beautiful views in Madeira

Altitude: 1 013 m / 3 323 ft

If you drive from Funchal towards the village of Curral das Freiras, turn in front of the new tunnel onto the old road leading to the viewpoint of the beautiful Eira do Serrado. From the car park it is approximately 5 minutes to the viewpoint (Miradouro) with a magnificent view of the valley and Mount Pico Grande continue reading

5.
Ribeira Grande

The most beautiful canyon in Madeira

Altitude: 1 517 m / 4 977 ft

One of the biggest attractions on the famous Caldeirão Verde levada is the view of the amazing Ribeira Grande canyon. The bottom of this valley is a kilometer below the top of the highest mountain in Madeira – Pico Ruivo. continue reading

6.
Waterfall

A mysterious waterfall in Madeira

Altitude: 1 263 m / 4 144 ft

Caldeirão Verde waterfall falls from an altitude of 980 m above sea level into a small lake, its height is about 100 m. continue reading

7.
Miradouro da Portela

View of the famous Eagle Rock

Altitude: 592 m / 1 942 ft

At the former important road junction, in the Portela pass, is the famous Miradouro da Portela viewpoint. From here there is a beautiful view of the secluded volcanic peak of Penha de Águia (589 m above sea level) – Eagle Rock. It is truly an unmissable landmark of the landscape. The mountain is located near the town of Porto da Cruz. continue reading

8.
Levada das 25 Fontes

The most famous levada in western Madeira

Altitude: 1 066 m / 3 497 ft

Especially in the rainy season, there is a lot of water in the irrigation canal. The overflowing element makes the path more attractive by frequent wading. continue reading

9.
Risco Waterfall

Beautiful waterfall near Rabaçal

Altitude: 1 156 m / 3 793 ft

On the hike along the famous levada 25 Fontes, you will also come across a view of one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Madeira – Risco. This waterfall has two steps and is 100 meters high. continue reading

10.
Levada do Furado

Beautiful and long Levada

Altitude: 897 m / 2 943 ft

From the Portela saddle you can go on a beautiful but more than 10 km long levada to a place called Ribeiro Frio. Interesting tunnels, beautiful views and generally interesting nature around await you here continue reading

11.
Miradouro Beira da Quinta

Altitude: 474 m / 1 555 ft

In the northern part of the island of Madeira, on the ER211 road, be sure to stop at the beautiful Miradouro Beira da Quinta, located 500 meters above the surrounding countryside. continue reading

12.
Canto do muro viewpoint

View of the highest peaks of Madeira

Altitude: 1 297 m / 4 255 ft

On the ER105 road, connecting the vast Paul da Serra plateau and the Encumeada pass, you will find a nice view of the Canto do muro, from where there is a nice view of the highest peaks of Madeira. continue reading

13.
Levada

Levada at the famous Boca da Encumeada pass

Altitude: 899 m / 2 949 ft

The path along the irrigation canal is wide enough for safe walking and stops while studying the diversity of the surrounding landscape. continue reading

14.
Pico Ruivo (1861 m)

Madeira's highest mountain

Altitude: 1 861 m / 6 106 ft

Pico Ruivo (1861 m) is the highest mountain on the island of Madeira. At the same time, it is the third highest mountain in Portugal. The peak itself is easily accessible thanks to the nearby mountain cottage Casa de Abrigo do Pico Ruivo. The most famous climb to the top is from the famous ridge from Pico to Arieiro (1818 m). A shorter route is then from the Achada do Teixeira car park continue reading

15.
Levada

Beautiful levada in the northwest of the island

Altitude: 419 m / 1 375 ft

There are also a number of tunnels and tunnels on this road, which a flashlight or headlamp will definitely help you overcome. continue reading

16.
Pico do Furado

The eastern end of Madeira

From the Casa do Sardinha you can take a steep climb up the partially weathered road to Pico do Furado. From the top is a beautiful view of the very eastern end of Madeira. It is one of the places on the peninsula of Sao Lourenco, which is worth a visit. continue reading

17.
Levada Nova

Beautiful levada in the south of Madeira

Altitude: 397 m / 1 302 ft

Even on the south side of Madeira you will find beautiful levadas. One of them is Levada Nova. The starting point for this levada is the town of Ponta do Sol. The destination is a place overlooking a beautiful waterfall continue reading

18.
Miradouro do Fio

Viewpoint at the western end of Madeira

Altitude: 362 m / 1 188 ft

At the very western end of Madeira, you will come across the scenic Rua do Fio road, which will take you not only to the lighthouse, but also to the beautiful view of the Miradouro do Fio cliffs. continue reading

19.
Tropical de Monte Garden

The most famous botanical garden in Madeira

Altitude: 566 m / 1 857 ft

Jardim Tropical is the famous botanical garden in Funchal. It lies high above the city. It is accessible directly from the center of Funchal by cable car. Or you can come here by bus or car. Here you will find not only beautiful plants, but also interesting works of art. continue reading

20.
Porto Moniz

A city at the northwestern end of Madeira

Altitude: 40 m / 131 ft

At the very northwestern end of Madeira you will find the town of Porto Moniz. The coast and waves are wild here, but fortunately there are two swimming pools built between the cliffs – Piscinas Naturais de Porto Moniz and Piscinas Naturais do Aquário. You will also find the Forte de São João Baptista de Porto Moniz here continue reading

21.
Funchal

The capital of Madeira

Altitude: 57 m / 187 ft

The drive to Pico Arieiro starts in the capital Funchal on the ER103. The gradual climb offers nice views. continue reading

22.
Paul do Mar

A picturesque town in the southwest of Madeira

Altitude: 15 m / 49 ft

Fishermen live with their large families in neighborhoods near the port. Banana growing and fishing are the main sources of income for the city's inhabitants. continue reading

23.
Ponta Delgada

A picturesque town with a swimming pool

Altitude: 56 m / 184 ft

On the north coast of Madeira, about halfway up the island, you will find the picturesque town of Ponte Delgada. The city lies on terraces under a nearly kilometer high mountain with beautiful views of the surrounding cliffs. Another attraction for tourists is the Complexo balnear de Ponta Delgada, which is a swimming pool by the sea continue reading

24.
Achadas da Cruz Viewpoint

A place below the gigantic cliff of Achadas da Cruz

Altitude: 457 m / 1 499 ft

Not far from the village of Achadas da Cruz (2 km along the road to the car park by the cable car), there is a famous view from a cliff 450 meters high, which is one of the highest cliffs in Europe. Below the cliff, right by the sea, is a small fertile field, which used to be a difficult path. Today you can take the cable car there. continue reading

25.
Machico

The most important city in the east of Madeira

Altitude: 11 m / 36 ft

Machico is located in the east of Madeira. It is the best starting point for the peninsula of Sao Lourenco, the east and northeast coast of the island. In addition, it is relatively close to the famous airport. continue reading

26.
Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Funchal

The most famous church in Madeira

Altitude: 588 m / 1 929 ft

The most famous church in Madeira is the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary in Funchal (Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Monte). You will find it near the entrance to the botanical garden. The remains of the last Austrian emperor and Czech king Charles I are stored here. continue reading

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