I’ll be honest — Madeira wasn’t at the top of my travel wish list. I’d heard vague things about it being a retirement destination for sun-seekers, and I wasn’t entirely sure it was for me. Six days later, I was already researching flights back. There are so many incredible things to do in Madeira that a week barely scratches the surface — from lush levada walks through misty mountains to whale watching off the Atlantic coast, this island genuinely has it all. Known as the “island of eternal spring,” Madeira sits in the North Atlantic as a Portuguese territory that’s geographically closer to Africa than Europe — and that subtropical climate means it’s gorgeous year-round.

Whether you’re a keen hiker, a foodie, a wildlife lover, or simply someone who wants beauty without the crowds, Madeira will deliver. Here’s my honest guide to everything you need to know.

VISITING MADEIRA: THE ESSENTIALS

Getting There / Madeira (Funchal Airport, FNC) is about a four-hour direct flight from London — easyJet, Jet2, and TAP Air Portugal all fly direct from the UK, and it’s also well-connected from other European cities. Book a private airport transfer with WelcomePickups for a fixed-price, meet-and-greet arrival — Funchal Airport is about 25 minutes from the city centre. Search for flights on Skyscanner.

Car Rental / A car is essential in Madeira as the levada trailheads, Fanal Forest, Porto Moniz, the north coast road, and the mountain viewpoints simply aren’t accessible without one. Compare rates on DiscoverCars and book well in advance, especially in summer.

Tours / Madeira is brilliant for guided experiences, especially if you’re not driving. The ones worth pre-booking:
Funchal Stories & Secrets Walking Tour
Pico Arieiro to Pico Ruivo Hike
Dolphin & Whale Watching
Best of the West Tour: Porto Moniz lava pools and the west coast
Best of the East Tour: Pico Arieiro, Santana, Ponta de São Lourenço

Stay / Funchal is the right base for a first trip. My personal pick: Hotel Quinta Belo São Tiago — a beautiful quinta set in tropical gardens with a heated pool, spa, and great breakfast, walking distance from the Old Town. Or search by area:

Old Town (Zona Velha) hotels — best for atmosphere, restaurants, and nightlife
Lido area hotels — best for families and seafront access

Connect / You’ll definitely want mobile data in Madeira for maps and restaurant bookings. I always recommend using an eSIM — no physical SIM card needed. I use Sim Local, and you can get 5% off with the code TRAVELWITHPAU. Grab one here.

Get Insured / Don’t skip this, especially if you’re hiking. Madeira’s mountain trails can be challenging and evacuation isn’t cheap. World Nomads covers adventure activities including levada walks and mountain hiking.

Things to Do in Madeira

Levada Walks

If there’s one thing Madeira is truly famous for, it’s the levadas. These are ancient irrigation channels — mini water canals, really — built from the 16th century onwards to carry water from the rainy northern mountains down to the sunnier, drier agricultural south. What makes them special for visitors is that they come with narrow footpaths running alongside them, winding through forests, along cliffsides, and through tunnels. In total, there are around 2,500 kilometres of levadas on the island, so you could genuinely spend a month here and not walk the same path twice.

The views are extraordinary. These aren’t challenging mountain scrambles — levada walks are generally flat (the water has to flow, after all), which makes them accessible to most fitness levels. I’d highly recommend booking a guided walk, both for safety on the more remote trails and to learn about the incredible ecosystem around you from someone who actually knows it.

My top levada recommendations:

• Serra da Água — a scenic valley walk along one of Madeira’s longest levadas, with views stretching down to the south coast and through some of the island’s most beautiful inland landscapes. Book here.
• Rabaçal and the 25 Fountains — one of the most iconic levada walks on the island, heading into the Rabaçal nature reserve through ancient laurel forest to a stunning cascade. Deservedly famous. Book here
• Caldeirão Verde — moody, atmospheric, and one of the best on the island. The trail passes through four tunnels carved into the rock before ending at a dramatic waterfall dropping into an emerald lagoon. Book here
• Levada do Norte — an easy, accessible walk in the south of the island with fantastic views of Câmara de Lobos and the coastline. A good option if you want the levada experience without a challenging trail. Book here

Welcome to Porto, a city that continues to captivate me with its unique charm and character. With each visit, I uncover new layers of this vibrant Portuguese gem, and I’m excited to share my insights and experiences with you. Nestled along the banks of the Douro River, Porto stands as a testament to the country’s rich history, artistic heritage, and culinary delights.

Porto has a distinct personality that sets it apart from other cities in Portugal. Its labyrinthine streets reveal a mix of architectural styles, from medieval structures to colorful tiled facades. The city exudes an air of nostalgia, as if it’s still painted with the stories of its past. As you explore Porto, you’ll encounter countless opportunities to immerse yourself in its unique atmosphere and uncover hidden gems.

From the iconic Dom Luis I Bridge that spans the river to the magnificent Porto Cathedral perched atop the city’s highest point, Porto’s landmarks offer glimpses into its rich heritage. The bustling Ribeira district along the waterfront entices visitors with its charming streets, riverside cafes, and picturesque views. And when it comes to gastronomy, Porto leaves no taste bud unsatisfied, with its array of traditional dishes, vibrant markets, and world-renowned port wine cellars.

BEST THINGS TO DO IN PORTO

Start with a walking tour

As soon as you arrive in Porto, join a walking tour to gain insight into the city’s offerings, history, and receive valuable tips from local tour guides. It’s a great way to organise your itinerary and have your questions answered. Book it here.

If you are reading this you’ve decided to visit Coimbra. Or maybe you are wondering if you should. I visited Coimbra as a day trip during my trip to Portugal, as a stop between Lisbon and Aveiro.

Coimbra is a very interesting and history rich city. It used to be a Roman settlement and some structures of that time remain. It also used to be the capital of Portugal, and is the land of Inês de Castro and King Pedro, two major historical figures of Portuguese history. Also, Coimbra houses one of the oldest universities in the world: Coimbra University.

Would I recommend you visit? Honestly, I had lots of trouble finding the answer to this question before my trip so this is my verdict, having ended up visiting it. I think Coimbra is definitely worth a day or half day stop if you are doing a road trip but wouldn’t recommend you go out of your way to visit it, specially if your visit to Portugal is short (a week).

Now I’ll walk you through everything there is to do in Coimbra, where to stay and how to get there and around.

Things to do in Coimbra