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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!

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4 Madeira Natural Pools (and 6 coastal alternatives)

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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.

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