Aveiro is one of the cities I visited between Lisbon and Porto in my 8 day trip around Portugal. Aveiro is a very beautiful city with enough things to do for a full day. I stayed in Aveiro for one day and two nights but one day and one night would have worked as well. You can also visit it as a day trip from Porto via a tour like this one here. See all things to do, where to stay and how to get to and around Aveiro in this post.
Aveiro Travel Guide: The Best Things To Do In Aveiro
Visit the cute striped sea side houses at Costa Nova
Ok, I’ll admit that this was the reason I visited Aveiro. And it was Instagram heaven as I expected. These striped houses by the beach make the freshest photos ever. An important thing to note is that Costa Nova is not in Aveiro but getting to it is very easy either by car or local bus.
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.
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:
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
