Funchal, the capital city, has historic architecture like the gothic-style Se Cathedral and the 16th-century fortress Palácio de São Lourenço. The Funchal market sells fresh produce, handicrafts, and local delicacies. The Municipal Garden, with its exotic plants, is a peaceful oasis. Madeira is known for its traditional folk music, often played at local festivals. The popular Madeira Flower Festival takes place each spring, featuring colorful flower displays and a grand parade with locals in traditional costumes.
Visit Santana to see charming villages with unique thatched-roof houses painted in bright colors, surrounded by gardens filled with flowers and fruit trees. The Madeira Theme Park in Santana offers interactive exhibits where you can learn about the island's history and culture.
The island offers numerous excellent adventures. Visitors can enjoy beautiful natural scenery up close by taking the popular Levada Hikes. For awe-inspiring views of the surrounding landscapes, head to Pico do Arieiro, the third-highest peak on the island. The island has a number of stunning beaches that are definitely worth a visit. Porto Santo Beach is one of the most exceptional beaches in the archipelago, while Seixal Beach offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. Make sure to check out Praia do Porto Moniz, which is a natural swimming pool consisting of several rock pools filled with seawater, for an adrenaline rush, try canyoning, mountain biking, surfing, paragliding, or coasteering. Paragliding provides a bird's-eye view of the island's natural beauty, while coasteering offers a thrilling way to explore Madeira's rugged coastline through rock climbing, cliff jumping, and swimming.
