Home

Download

Benefits

 Upptäck Db Journeys prisbelönta väsksortiment

Db_journey 1

Sign up for free now

Your benefits are one click away – Join free now

ad for sign up 

Looking east along the north coast of Madeira

unsplash

Ultimate Travel Guide to Madeira: Surf, Hike, Eat & Explore Portugal’s Island Paradise

Ultimate Travel Guide to Madeira: 

Surf, Hike, Eat & Explore Portugal’s Island Paradise

 for a much-needed sisters’ getaway and honestly, it turned out to be one of the most beautiful trips we’ve ever taken.

Here’s everything we did, loved, and highly recommend if you’re planning your own trip to this Portuguese island paradise !

Hiking in Madeira was one of the highlights of our sisters’ trip. Waking up before dawn, we trekked through misty peaks and lush valleys, and every step was rewarded with 

, especially as the sun rose over the island.

– We tackled this trail connecting Pico do Areeiro and Pico Ruivo, Madeira’s highest peaks. Watching the sun rise above a sea of clouds together felt absolutely magical—something we’ll never forget.

 – This one felt like stepping into another world. Waterfalls, ancient laurel forests, and that fresh forest smell made us feel completely immersed in nature.

– We went all the way to the eastern tip of the island and were blown away by the dramatic coastal views and the wild Atlantic winds. We just stood there for a while, soaking it all in.

, both perched on the hills above Funchal. Between koi ponds, tropical plants, and panoramic views, it was the perfect calm day after all the hiking and surfing!

One of our first adventures was heading to the coast for some waves. My sisters are better surfers than me, but even as a beginner, I found Madeira’s surf scene welcoming and fun.

– A golden sandy beach in Porto da Cruz, perfect for both beginners and experienced surfers.

 – Known for its consistent waves and local surf vibe, it’s a must-visit for anyone seeking that true island surf experience.

We booked our lessons through a local surf school, and the instructors made sure we had the best time. Book your Surf School through 

- Fanal Forest: Madeira’s Mystical Wonderland

was one of my favorite spots. Imagine walking through ancient, twisted trees covered in mist. The fog creates an ethereal, dreamlike atmosphere, it really felt like being in a fantasy movie. 

, which turned out to be so much fun!. Sliding through waterfalls and jumping into natural pools was the definition of 

. If you crave adrenaline, canyoning in Madeira is a must.

One of the craziest things I did in Madeira was head to 

 with my sisters. So much adrenaline as we soared through the sky on the zipline, the wind in our faces and the cliffs and forests stretching out below us. Then came the Giant Swing, the view from up there was absolutely unforgettable. Honestly, it was such a rush, and doing it together made it even more memorable!

 and it was unreal. Seeing dolphins swim right beside our boat at sunset was one of those “we’ll never forget this” moments.

Of course, we couldn’t leave without trying Madeira! We visited 

 in Funchal, where we learned every step of the process and the different grapes used. We did the Vineyard tour and the wine tasting and left with a bottle each!

We made it our mission to try as much local food as possible from fresh seafood to cozy cafés in the hills.

 – Perfect for grilled meats and local dishes.

 – A stylish spot offering creative seafood plates.

– Great for smoothies, healthy bowls, and brunch.

– Traditional Madeiran cuisine with a cozy atmosphere.

– Known for delicious pastéis de nata (custard tarts).

– Artisanal gelato made with local ingredients.

– Classic Italian-style ice cream in the heart of town.

 Year-round destination, but spring and autumn offer ideal weather for hiking and outdoor adventures. We went last week in October and it was perfect!

 We rented a car, and it made all the difference! Driving allowed us to discover hidden corners, scenic viewpoints, and little villages that we would have missed otherwise.

 For our trip, we booked our hotel through

, and it was super easy to find great deals. 

Related Articles

Exploring Vienna’s Green Side: The Best Parks, Gardens & Outdoor Spaces to Visit

How to Spend Winter in Barcelona: Top Activities, Holiday Markets, and Seasonal Fun

Exploring Beyond Barcelona: Best Nearby Towns, Day Trips & Scenic Escapes

The Best Things to Do in Barcelona: Must-See Sights, Landmarks & Experiences

Content

Related Articles

Exploring Vienna’s Green Side: The Best Parks, Gardens & Outdoor Spaces to Visit

How to Spend Winter in Barcelona: Top Activities, Holiday Markets, and Seasonal Fun

Exploring Beyond Barcelona: Best Nearby Towns, Day Trips & Scenic Escapes

The Best Things to Do in Barcelona: Must-See Sights, Landmarks & Experiences