The Best Day Trips from Funchal: Discover Madeira Beyond the City
Madeira Island's capital city, Funchal, is an excellent base for accommodations, offering access to the best restaurants and activities to enjoy in your leisure time. Still, the island's magic truly lies beyond city limits. From volcanic cliffs to laurel forests and seaside villages, here are the top day trips that showcase Madeira's dramatic beauty and rich culture.
Porto Moniz & Seixal – Natural Volcanic Pools
Why go: Carved by ancient lava flows and filled by the ocean's tides, these unique natural pools offer an unforgettable swim with front-row views of crashing waves. The journey to Porto Moniz and Seixal takes you through the heart of Madeira, revealing lush forests, mountain peaks, and charming inland villages along the way. Porto Moniz's pools are more developed, with changing facilities and lifeguards, while Seixal's are quieter and more rugged, perfect for those seeking a more secluded experience.
Time: ~1h25m drive to Porto Moniz from Funchal; Seixal is ~10 minutes east.
Tip: Bring swimwear, water shoes for the rocky surfaces, and a towel. After your dip, enjoy lunch at a seaside restaurant, grilled limpets or octopus are local favorites.
Cabo Girão – Edge-of-the-World Skywalk
Why go: Stand on Europe's highest sea cliff, 580 m above the Atlantic, with a glass-floored skywalk beneath your feet. It's a pulse-quickening experience with sweeping coastal views. On clear days, you can see as far as Funchal and the distant Desertas Islands.
Time: ~25 min west of Funchal.
Tip: Arrive early or late in the day for fewer crowds. Nearby cafés serve up traditional honey cake (bolo de mel) and local poncha drink.
Curral das Freiras – "Nuns' Valley"
Why go: Tucked deep in the mountains, this dramatic valley was once a refuge for nuns fleeing pirate raids. Today, it's a tranquil village known for its chestnut products, including cakes, liqueurs, and soups. The setting, ringed by towering peaks, is breathtaking.
Time: ~30 minutes from Funchal.
Tip: Stop at the Eira do Serrado viewpoint for one of Madeira's most iconic panoramas. Then descend into the valley to explore the village, visit the tiny church, and sample chestnut delights in a local café.
Pico do Arieiro & Pico Ruivo – Mountain Epic
Why go: At 1,818 m, Pico do Arieiro is Madeira's third-highest peak, and you can drive almost to the summit. From there, a jaw-dropping ridge trail leads hikers to Pico Ruivo, the island's highest point (1,862 m). The route is challenging but is rewarded with clouds below your feet and views that stretch to the horizon. You may also do a partial hike from Pico do Arieiro to visit the Instagram-famous “Stairway to Heaven.”
Time: ~40–60 minutes by car north of Funchal.
Tip: Mountain weather changes quickly and can get cold and windy, despite warm temperatures in town closer to the ocean. We recommend you check conditions before you depart. Wear layers, bring snacks, and carry a flashlight or headlamp if you plan to tackle longer trails.
Ponta de São Lourenço – Rugged Coastal Hike
Why go: This easternmost point of Madeira offers a stark contrast to the rest of the island. Referred to as “the dragon’s trail hike”, instead of lush greenery, you'll find wind-swept cliffs, reddish earth, and turquoise sea. The 7 km out-and-back hike ends at a secluded café and swimming cove.
Time: ~30 minutes east of Funchal.
Tip: This area is hot and exposed, virtually no cover as you hike. Pack sunblock, water, and a hat. Bring swimwear if you plan to cool off in the water at the trail's end.
Santana – Thatched Heritage & Culture
Why go: Santana is famous for its storybook houses, triangular A-Framed structures with bright-painted red doors and thick thatched roofs. But beyond the postcard-perfect homes, you'll find a strong sense of Madeiran heritage, traditional farming, and access to epic levada walks.
Time: ~1 hour by car north east of Funchal.
Tip: Visit the Madeira Theme Park for cultural exhibits and crafts. Then head into nature with a nearby hike, such as Levada Caldeirão Verde, which features waterfalls and tunnels.
Ribeiro Frio & Laurisilva Forest – Lush Highlands
Why go: This fabulous mountain retreat offers peaceful forest paths, a government-run trout hatchery, and access to Madeira's famed levadas (irrigation channels turned hiking trails). The surrounding Laurisilva Forest is a UNESCO World Heritage site teeming with birdlife.
Time: ~25 minutes north of Funchal.
Tip: Try the Vereda dos Balcões trail (easy 1.5 km round trip) for sweeping valley views and frequent bird sightings, including the Madeira firecrest. Perfect for nature lovers of all ages.
Fanal Forest – Enchanted Laurelwood
Why go: Fanal is one of the most photogenic places in Madeira. Here, ancient laurel trees twist and bend through mist and light, creating a dreamlike, fairytale atmosphere. Ideal for photographers, picnickers, and those seeking serenity.
Time: ~1 hour drive northwest of Funchal enroute to Porto Moniz.
Tip: Conditions change quickly, pack layers, even in summer. Short trails crisscross the area, and the eerie, fog-draped silence is part of the magic.
Whale & Dolphin Adventure – Atlantic Wildlife
Why go: Madeira's nutrient-rich waters attract over 20 species of dolphins and whales year-round. Catamarans and speedboats depart from Funchal, often accompanied by marine biologists. Sighting rates are high!
Time: departing from Funchal Marina, most trips last 2.5-3 hours.
Tip: Morning tours often have calmer seas. Dress in layers, bring a camera, and consider motion sickness pills if needed. Some tours offer snorkeling or swimming stops in summer.
Planning Tips
Car vs Tour
- Car rental offers freedom and flexibility, especially for mountain and remote routes.
- Guided tours are a good option if you prefer expert commentary, worry-free navigation, and organized logistics, especially helpful in areas with limited signage or parking.
What to Bring
- Layers for changing altitudes and weather
- Comfortable hiking shoes or trail runners
- Swimwear and a towel
- Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, and SPF
- Snacks, a refillable water bottle, and a light rain jacket
Madeira packs an incredible range of landscapes and adventures into a compact island, just a short trip from Funchal. Whether you're chasing adrenaline, stunning scenery, or quiet moments in charming villages, there's a day trip to match your mood - and Quest Travel Adventures can help you experience it all. Our most popular custom itineraries, including Taste of Madeira, Madeira Luxury Getaway, Madeira Discovery, and Madeira New Year’s Eve Discovery from Boston, are designed to showcase the very best of the island.
