Exploring Madeira, Portugal: A Hiker’s Paradise

ByJade

Madeira is a gorgeous island off the coast of Africa and is a territory of Portugal. Enjoy the most stunning waterfalls, challenging hikes, delicious Portuguese cuisine, and luxury resorts at your finger tips. Here is your ultimate guide to your next trip to Madeira.

Best Time to Visit

It is essential to choose the best time of year to optimize your satisfaction of your trip to Madeira island. This wonderful destination has spring like temperatures year round, however the best season to visit is their summer months (End of May to August). The temperature range from 62-74 degrees Fahrenheit.

What to Pack

  • Waterproof rain jacket with a hood
  • Thick leggings
  • Hiking boots with deep lugs
  • Shorts
  • Headlamp
  • Long sleeves
  • Bath suit

where to Stay

Savoy Saccharum

We genuinely loved our accommodation, Savoy Saccharum. This beautiful resort has ocean front suites, premium breakfast buffet, luxury spa with incredible amenities and delicate massage treatments, infinity pool, and more.

1. Hike Pico Areiro

This infamous hike is world renowned and will be one of the most memorable hikes you will ever experience.

What to know before you go:

  • Intensity: Hard
  • Length: Approx. 6.2 miles
  • Duration: Approx 4-6 hours depending on pace
  • Check Weather For Rain
  • Park at the TOP of the mountain – NOT the bottom

You can use google maps to head over to Pico Areiro start point. Be sure to park at the top of the mountain – typically there are plenty of open spaces. Do not park at the bottom of the mountain, because the roads leading up are very narrow/no side walk. Also, typically if you go to for sunrise- there will be fog. So please drive slow and be cautious of other pedestrians.

You can either hike to Pico Ruivo or come to just take photos (this is a popular option). If you are wanting adventure and insanely beautiful pictures, hike before sunrise with your head lamp. However, if you do not want to deal with the extremely cold wind chill of the morning weather, you can opt for the afternoon and experience much warmer weather.

2. Porto Moniz Natural Lava Pools

One of the most beautiful pools in the world HAS to be on your itinerary for Madeira island. This pool is located about 50 minutes from downtown Funchal and is best visited by rental car. I recommend going in the morning or evening to beat the crowds; this is a popular destination for vacation goers in the summer time.

Porto Moniz is such a unique place to visit and was a highlight of stay here in Madeira. We spent about 1-2 hours here, and definitely would return in the future. Here are some things to consider:

  • Opening hours: 9am-7pm
  • The pool water is around 68 degrees Fahrenheit (expect a crisp swim).
  • There are lockers available to store your belongings
  • A diving board to jump into the sea
  • Best time to visit in May-August
  • Can be windy- do not expect tropical like sun bathing

There are not many lounging chairs, so if you do not plan on swimming- you will likely be sitting on the ground. If you get hungry, there is a restaurant selling simple meals and ice cream inside. Once you cross the street, there are multiple restaurants that offer Portuguese cuisine and sell their famous drink “poncha”. Definitely try it!

We also flew our drone here which was so beautiful, however be careful if you are not flying in the morning – when there are no people. The winds here are powerful and can be problematic when landing (people and possibly losing your drone to the sea).

Next head over to a nearby Natural lava pool. You will likely have the entire pool to yourself, unlike the original Porto Moniz pools. There is parking at the top of the hill, be careful and look out for pedestrians.

Address: ‎⁨Poças das Lemas⁩, ⁨Porto Moniz⁩, ⁨Madeira⁩, ⁨Portugal⁩

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3. Sexial Beach

If you have never been to a black sand beach, make sure you add Seixal Beach to your madeira Itinerary. This beach is 15 minutes from Porto Moniz Natural Lava Pools and would be a great addition to your daily schedule.

Seixal Beach is a popular beach in Madeira during the summer time, so to avoid crowds- travel in the morning. Again, the only way to get here is by rental car- taxis are not a popular option on this island.

This beautiful beach is surrounded by lush green mountains and provides a relaxing moment of serenity to all who visit. Dedicate 1-2 hours of time to visit here, bring a beach towel, pack a lunch, and enjoy the gorgeous views.

  • Parking is available, but limited
  • Black sand beach
  • Popular
  • 45 minutes from Funchal area

There is a little waterfall at this beach, which I highly recommend you walk over and grab a picture! All the waterfalls in Madeira are very cold, so be prepared and have fun at Seixal Beach.

4. Cascata dos Anjos – “Waterfall of the angels”

This waterfall is famous in Madeira and is a MUST see before you leave to go back home. On google maps it will probably tell you the road is closed, and technically it is. Travelers drive down the tunnel road anyway and you decide to go at your own discretion. There are small falling rocks here (and all over Madeira) so when driving just be careful. We did not have any issues and we have not seen any other travelers complain about being harmed.

The most popular time to go is sunset, so arrive a little early to be able to get a parking spot on the side to park. Also, be careful for passing cars- many people will come during summer months and it should be less frequent in other seasons of the year.

Address: Caminho das Fontes 15, 9360-355 Ponta do Sol, Portugal

Be sure to walk under the waterfall and get a video. How special is it to walk under a waterfall in Madeira at sunset? If you have a drone, this would be the perfect capture (of course safely and responsibly. Do not land on the road – take off and land in your hand if you are experienced.