secret madeira tours

• Skip to main content
• Skip to secondary menu
• Skip to footer

ZigZagonEarth

Plan unforgettable road trips!

12 Madeira hidden gems (off the beaten path)

Last updated on May 23, 2024 by Claire Robinson - this article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I get a small commission ( more )

Want to avoid the crowds at the top attractions of Madeira? The island still has a few hidden gems for you to discover. I have gathered my favorites  in this article , where no difficult hiking is required. Those Madeira secret places are not completely “secret” (nothing is), but you will find a lot fewer tourists than at other attractions for a better experience. Cable cars, viewpoints, towns, beaches… Let’s discover Madeira, off the beaten path. Map at the end of the article.

Before my tips + photos, here are my favorites for Madeira:

My favorite platform to rent a car in Madeira: DiscoverCars

The unmissable boat tour: Catamaran tour to go whale watching

My favorite excursion from Funchal:   4×4 tour of East Madeira

MMy favorite places to stay in Funchal:  Les Suites at the Cliff Bay  (Luxury) –  Sé Boutique Hotel  (4 stars) –  Market Place by Storytellers  (apartments)

My favorite places to stay outside Funchal:  Saccharum Resort  near a beach (Luxury) –  Estalagem da Ponta do Sol  (4 stars) –  Engho Velho Hotel  (mid-range)

#1 – Calhau da Lapa – hidden gem in Madeira

• About Calhau da Lapa –  As Madeira becomes increasingly popular, hidden secrets like this beach become too. But since it is only accessible on foot with 700 stairs or by boat, it reduces the amount of people visiting it. This is quite a unique place in Madeira.  The walk down will take you to a waterfall and then to the beach at the bottom of the volcanic cliffs. The particularities are the fishermen’ cave-houses inside those colorful cliffs.

• Location – South Coast 20min drive West of Funchal
• How to get there – Free access Walking path with 700 stairs (quite steep at the end)
• Practical tips – Don’t forget that you will have to walk back up those stairs. Bring your swimsuit, this is considered one of the beaches with the clearest water. See more photos

#2 – Achadas da Cruz cable car

• About the Achadas da Cruz cable car –  Many people visit Porto Moniz for the natural pools, especially on a day trip. But most don’t venture in the area of Porto Moniz. Yet, there is so much more to see. One of the attractions (now being promoted more in the town of Porto Moniz) is the Achadas da Cruz cable car. It claims to be the steepest in Europe. And it is an impressive experience to ride it down to the bottom of the cliffs! 451m of height over 600m – It is written that the beginning has a slope of 98%. See more photos

• Location – West coast of Madeira 20min drive from Porto Moniz
• How to get there – Smaller roads, but nothing difficult Medium-size carpark You must have a rental car .
• Practical tips – Hours – 8am to 11:30am / 12:30pm to 7pm – everyday Price – 3€ return ticket Travel time is 5min Cafe and toilets at the top

#3 – Porto da Cruz

• About Porto da Cruz –  The villages of the South Coast attract a lot of tourist. They often have better weather. However, I have a soft spot for the village of Porto da Cruz, on the North coast, where you will find more locals. The views from the seafront promenade are stunning with the mountain Penha de Aguia on one side, and the cliffs towards Ponta de Sao Lourenço on the other. It is home to seawater pool and an old sugar cane factory.

• Location – North Coast  15min drive from Machico, 30min drive from Funchal
• How to get there – East drive, close to the fast road exit
• Practical tips – Bring your swimsuit to enjoy either the beach or the seawater pools (small fee) I enjoyed staying in this peaceful village, very practical for all the East hikes and attractions –  See the accommodations in Porto da Cruz

#4 – Rocha do Navio

• About Rocha do Navio –  Considering how many people visit the Santana traditional houses, I was surprise by that far less people visit Rocha do Navio. I hope it stays protected a little from overtourism. This is my favorite cable car on the island ( see my list ), but even if you don’t take the cable car, the view from the top is stunning. However, if you do decide to go down, know that there are more waterfalls to admire along the way. Learn more on my Rocha do Navio article

• Location – North Coast, in Santana 40min drive from Funchal
• How to get there – Smaller road but nothing difficult Very small carpark. If full, park along the houses.
• Practical tips – Hours – 9am to 1pm / 2pm to 5pm (to 6pm on weekends) Price – 5€ return ticket – cash Toilets at the top 5min ride
• WARNING – The cable car is currently closed for tourists, there is a plan to upgrade the cabins but no dates.

All locations listed in this article are included in my travel Guide eBook that helps you easily plan your Madeira trip :

Plan your dream trip in Madeira thanks to my guide

• 7 maps to easily plan your itinerary
• 120+ pre-selected locations
• GPS coordinates direct to the carparks
• Tips to make the most of your time
• 260+ original photos to help you choose

#5 – Banana Route in Madalena do Mar – Madeira Secret place

• About The Rota Banana –  One of the main fruits cultivated on Madeira is the banana. You will see plantations everywhere. In the village of Madalena do Mar, there is even a small walking route where you can enter those plantations and discover the local farming industry with the irrigation system. This is quite a fun experience.

• Location – Village on the South Coast, close to Ponta do Sol 30min drive from Funchal
• How to get there – Easy to access and to park
• Practical tips – 1.9km lopp (1.2mi) but you can enter and get out at many points, so you can see as much as you want.

#6 – Cave in Poças do Gomes

• About Pocas do Gomes –  Despite being located in a touristy area, at the end of the Lido promenade, near many hotels and restaurants, I was surprise not to see more people in the tunnel and admiring the cave. Yet, this is a unique experience. Normally, you can only see sea caves from a small boat. But here there is a tunnel connecting the promenade to Praia Formosa. And in the middle of it, there are 3 windows that allow you to admire the sea-cave!
• Location – South Coast, West of Funchal
• How to get there – Parking in the area, taxi…
• Practical tips – 100m long tunnel Free access Closed at night

#7 – Road ER 228 incl. Miradouro da Terra Grande

• About Miradouro da Terra Grande –  As people take the fast roads to the main attractions, there are many beautiful roads and viewpoints that are off the beaten path in Madeira. You can enjoy the scenery alone! One of my favorite viewpoints (see my list) is Miradouro da Terra Grande. Located on the magnificent road ER228 (worth driving fully), it offers 180° views towards the mountains and the sea.  Sadly, my pictures don’t do it justice.
• Location – Middle of the island, close to Ribeira Brava
• How to get there – Driving ER228 (not taking the tunnels) – mountain road, but nothing difficult

Where to stay in Madeira?

My favorite places:

• Funchal , for a choice of restaurants and if you don’t rent a car –  see best-rated accommodations
• Funchal Lido , for luxury resorts – see best-rated hotels
• Machico , for a sandy beach – see best-rated accommodations
• Porto da Cruz , for a quiet village in beautiful scenery – see best-rated accommodations
• Ribeira Brava , for a practical location to explore the island – see best-rated accommodations
• Porto Moniz , to enjoy the natural pools – see best-rated accommodations

#8 – Praia Ilheus Ribeira da Janela – Madeira off the beaten path

• About Praia Ilheus Ribeira da Janela –  I can’t believe this place does not see more people! Everybody just rushes to Porto Moniz which is only 5min way, but few stop here. Yet, it is an easy short stop to admire the sea stacks.  There is even a staircase into the cliffs to the higher viewpoint. More photos on  my Ribeira da Janela article .

• Location – North Coast, 5min East of Porto Moniz
• How to get there – No difficulties Large carpark
• Practical tips – Large pebbles on the beach – not easy to walk around – easier to get up the stairs to get the view. Toilets at the carpark

#9 – Garganta Funda

• About Garganta Funda –  It is one of the highest waterfalls in Madeira – around 140m (460ft) tall. The Ribeiro River drops from the cliffs of Ponta do Pargo and makes its way to the ocean. This is really a “hidden secret” of Madeira. You have to know it is there. But there are some road signs.
• Location – East coast of Madeira 1h drive from Funchal, 30min drive from Porto Moniz
• How to get there – The last 500m are on a small road. There is no real carpark, you can park 3 cars at the departure point of the trail10min return walk 
• Practical tips – No facilities In Summer, the waterfall can dry up completely

#10 – Seixal sand beach & Natural pools

• About Seixal –  It is less off-the beaten path than other destinations. But I am surprised that not more people visit this place. There are people, but not as many as you would expect considering how beautiful it is. At sunrise, for example, I was all alone. Once again, everybody rushes to Porto Moniz. Seixal is home to natural pools (including a magnificent lava arch) and a black sand beach at the foot of the lush cliffs.

• Location – North coast, East of Porto Moniz 15min from Porto Moniz
• How to get there – Easy access to town and beach However, to reach the pools it is a very steep path downhill (with stairs for part of it)
• Practical tips – Free access to the pools Toilets and café near the pools
• See more photos

#11 – Miradouro do Paradeo – Valley of the nuns views without tourists

• About Miradouro do Paredao –  When visiting the Valley of the Nuns (Curral das Freiras), most people head to the famous viewpoint Eira do Serrado. I love it too. But if you are looking for a lesser visited viewpoint, head to Paradeo. The views are even more impressive, in my opinion. You are more on the side, but you are also higher. You can really appreciate how steep the walls of the valley are. 
• Location – North of Funchal, 30min drive inland
• How to get there – The last portion of the road is on a mountain road. I saw people write it was difficult to drive. I disagree. There are sharp bends and it is steep, but otherwise the road is in excellent condition and there is hardly any traffic. So you can take your time and it is easy.
• Practical tips – Free access

I don’t drink coffee

But I also like other drinks and sweets! Do you like the free content you find on my blog? All my tips and practical information, without intrusive advertising…

#12 – Miradouro do Cortado

• About Miradouro do Cortado –  Miradouro da Portela is the most famous viewpoint overlooking the mountain Penha de Aguia. And it is beautiful. But I prefer the view from the other side, from Miradouro do Cortado. I enjoy it because of the view of Faial and its promontory, and the view all the way to Ponta de Sao Lourenço, the tail of Madeira.
• Location – North Coast Between Faial and Santana
• How to get there – Easy to stop with a couple of parking spaces in the road bend. Access by rental car only.  

Madeira hidden gems – Map and selection

What is off the beaten path.

I know that some people will disagree. The notion of the “secret” or “off the beaten path” is a question of perception. I selected places where I was alone or almost alone. But, as Madeira tourism grows, those will become increasingly popular too.

Map of Madeira secret places

Below is a map to help you locate my selection of 12 hidden places above.

Plan your trip to Mallorca:

• My itineraries :  3 days – weekend ,  4 days ,  5 days ,  1 week ,  10 days
• 36 tips to rent a car in Mallorca
• Guide to driving in Mallorca
• Where to stay in Mallorca
• Where to stay in Palma de Mallorca
• Best things to do in Mallorca

Want to see more of the best Madeira offers?

• 42 Madeira travel tips to plan an unforgettable trip –  read article
• Where to stay in Madeira – best areas – read article
• The best landscapes in Madeira in 40 pictures – read article
• The 35 best things to do in Madeira –  read article
• Best time to visit Madeira –  read article
• The 7 cables cars in Madeira and their amazing views – read article
• Tips to rent a car and drive around Madeira – read article
• The 7 best boats tours in Madeira –  read article
• The 4 Madeira Natural Pools (and 6 coastal pool alternatives) – read article
• The 18 best beaches in Madeira –  read article

Planning a trip to Madeira?

Check out my travel guide to help you plan:

And keep track of your own trip!

Want to see more of MADEIRA?

PREVIOUS: 

21 best viewpoints in Madeira

NEXT: 

4 Madeira Natural Pools (and 6 coastal alternatives)

Inspired? Share it on your favorite platform!

Par Claire Robinson Region Lovers SARL 76600 Le Havre FRANCE VAT FR21845103191

Follow ZigZag on Facebook

Follow ZigZag on Pinterest

Website in French: ZigZagvoyages.fr

Website in German: ZigZagreisen.de

Website in Spanish: ZigZagviajes.com

And discover the French regions:

Normandielovers.fr LoireLovers.fr CorsicaLovers.fr Provencelovers.fr

Privacy / Terms of Use / Disclosure Policies / Refund policy

Become an affiliate for the ZigZag road trip guides

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. ZigZagOnEarth.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, Amazon.uk and Amazon.ca

Pink's undisclosed health issue and the need for medical privacy

Pink recently announced she's pausing her tour due to an undisclosed health issue – once again starting a conversation about how much we owe people regarding private medical conditions.

The Grammy-winning pop star announced Tuesday that her show scheduled show in Bern, Switzerland, is canceled due to doctor's orders.

"I am so sorry that I have had to cancel my show in Bern this Wednesday," she wrote in an  Instagram caption . "I do everything I can to ensure I can perform for you every night, but after consultation with my doctor and exploring all options available, I’ve been advised that I'm unable to continue with the show tomorrow.

"I was looking forward to being with you and making memories with you and sharing our show with you and am so disappointed that we have to cancel," she added. "Sending love and health to you all, and I really hope to see you again soon." Most people flooded the comments on her Instagram post sending healing vibes – but speculation lurked anyway: "I said when I was there on Friday that I thought you were unwell," one Instagram commenter wrote. Another asked her what happened.

The reality is that no one – famous or otherwise – is immune to health issues, and  everyone deserves privacy  when they withhold details. Serious stories often lurk behind silence.

" Public figures need privacy  to cope,  heal , and develop a strategy to move forward just like everyone else," Amy Morin, psychotherapist, author of " 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do " and the host of a  podcast , previously told USA TODAY. "Working through issues privately can give them space to manage their emotions and strategize how to move forward without the distraction of outside opinions."

Boundaries are crucial

Not saying something is often as indicative as a lengthy statement full of details. If someone wanted you to know something, they'd tell you. Even celebrities.

" Boundaries  are essential to lead a healthy life,"  Laura Petiford , a licensed marriage and family therapist, previously told USA TODAY. "Healthy people respect the boundaries that others establish for themselves."

It's easy to ignore others' boundaries, however, in current times. "In the age of social media, the general public has become trained to share not only their most  private moments , but to also expect others to do the same," psychologist  Reneé Carr  also previously told USA TODAY.

Why celebrities deserve privacy like anyone else

The public often insists they  deserve  to know all the ins and outs of celebrities' lives . But do they  really ?

"If we put ourselves in their shoes, we would want to be able to have a private life especially when dealing with sensitive or difficult issues," Petiford adds. "Yes, they have chosen to lead a life that is more in the public eye but they have not forfeited their human need to draw a distinct line between themselves and those who are interested in them."

You'd want the same privacy for yourself during  life's cruelest moments , wouldn't you?

"We need privacy to not only cope with the situation, but to also try to makes sense of what has happened or is happening to us and try to figure out how to move on," Carr adds.

Moreover, no one going through a difficult time wants to hear every opinion about their situation, whether you're a celebrity or not.

"Comments from other people can be upsetting and distracting," Morin says. "During a crisis, it's important to devote your energy to things that matter most. You only have so much time and energy and the last thing you want to do is waste it on combating outside forces that could affect your decision-making."

Contributing: KiMi Robinson

Taylor Swift plays never-before-heard 'Tortured Poets' track in Amsterdam

O n night two in Amsterdam, Taylor Swift played a never-before-heard live on the Eras Tour song from "The Tortured Poets Department."

"The acoustic section is one of my favorite parts of every show, because it is different every night," she said, wearing her free-flowing blue dress. "It is a challenge for me to come up with stuff that is brand-new and just try to make every single night different."

As she played a couple chords of the new track, the crowd at the Johan Cruijff Arena anticipated "imgonnagetyouback."

Start the day smarter. Get all the news you need in your inbox each morning.

"You guys are singing so loudly," Swift said before diving into "Dress" from "Reputation." The crowd belted, "Say my name and everything just stops."

When Swift wrapped the guitar mashup, she sat down at her piano.

"I played that one because it mentions bikes and man do you love bikes in Amsterdam," she said of the "Tortured Poets" tune to the Amsterdam crowd. "It's a beautiful thing, you just see a bike rack with 3,000 bikes on it. It's one of the coolest thing about this place other than obviously you guys."

She then blended "You Are in Love" from "1989 (Taylor's Version)" with "Cowboy Like Me" from "Folkore." Swift has one more Eras Tour show in the Netherlands' capital before heading to Zürich, Switzerland.

Earlier in the night, Swift asked stadium workers  three times to help fans during her 10-minute performance of "All Too Well."

As she was wrapping her "Red" era, Swift sang "I'd like to be my old self again, but I'm still trying to find it." Her eyes became fixated on the floor section to the right side of the stage (audience perspective). She continued singing her next two lines before stopping, saying, "They need some help over there where they are shinning their lights."

Don't miss any Taylor Swift news; sign up for the  free, weekly newsletter This Swift Beat.  

Follow Taylor Swift reporter Bryan West on  Instagram ,  TikTok  and  X as @BryanWestTV .

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Taylor Swift plays never-before-heard 'Tortured Poets' track in Amsterdam

• Cast & crew

Despite the risk and prejudices, a very successful CEO begins an illicit affair with her much younger intern. Despite the risk and prejudices, a very successful CEO begins an illicit affair with her much younger intern. Despite the risk and prejudices, a very successful CEO begins an illicit affair with her much younger intern.

• Halina Reijn
• Nicole Kidman
• Harris Dickinson
• Antonio Banderas

• Intern Rose

• Uber Driver

• All cast & crew
• Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

More like this

• December 20, 2024 (United States)
• United States
• New York City, New York, USA (street scenes)
• Man Up Film
• See more company credits at IMDbPro

Technical specs

Related news, contribute to this page.

• See more gaps
• Learn more about contributing

More to explore

Recently viewed.

CLASSIC TOURS

PRIVATE TOURS

CANYONING AND CLIMBING

MOUNTAIN BIKING

CRUISE SHIP ARRIVALS

UNIQUE TOURS

The Madeira archipelago Butterfly and Moth fauna consists of 331 species and subspecies, of which 81 are endemic to the archipelago. Given Madeira’s proximity to Africa, it is possible to observe many migratory butterfly and moth species, such as the Diadem and the African Migrant.

During the tour you will have the opportunity to actively contribute to butterfly, moth and dragonflies conservation by gathering ecological data for Madeira Butterfly & Moth Monitoring Scheme. 5% of tours income will be donated to several international butterfly conservation organizations (Butterfly conservation Europe, Butterfly Conservation, De Vlinderstichting) and to the Madeira Butterfly & Moth Monitoring Scheme.

Days: Saturdays

Tour: Half Day - 09:00 - 12:30

Pick up: Included from Hotels in Funchal

Best time of the year: spring and summer.

Price:  35 Euros p.p

Payment: Deposit required

Ask for more information or book here

Watch Madeira's exclusive and rare bat species like the Madeiran leisler’s bat and Madeira Pipistrelles and learn their ecological and morphological specificities, while they use echolocation to hunt for their prey. You can also become a bat scientist and contribute to the conservation of these fascinating flying mammals by participating voluntarily on the Madeira Island Bat Conservation & Monitoring Scheme.

Location: Central Mountains and farmland areas around Funchal.

Days: Thursdays

Start Time: (April to September 21:00 to 23:00), (October to March 19:30 to 22:00)

Included: Ultrasound detectors, pickup, drop off and naturalist guide

A unique bird tour where the Madeiran Firecrest, the laurel long toe pigeon,  Madeiran Chaffinch and several other endemic birds, can be observed. An opportunity to record your bird observations for the Portuguese bird conservation society - SPEA.

Days: Tuesdays

Start Time: 08h30 - 12h30

Included: Observation equipment, naturalist guide, pickup and drop off.

BACK TO TOP

2017 © Secret Madeira Tours & Walks

Developed by madeira web design.