What to do in the west of Madeira Island?

Ilha da Madeira

Did you know that Madeira Island is one of Portugal’s most popular tourist destinations?

Well now you do! Madeira Island is considered the pearl of the Atlantic attracting tourists from all over the world. It’s a small Island but with a great number of things to do and see. A destination to visit for its rich history, unique traditions, beautiful landscapes, excellent climate and wine and gastronomy tradition. 

Madeira Island Weather

Madeira Island has an average temperature of 20 °C (68 °F) and is known for its subtropical climate with mild winters and hot summers. The Island’s warm climate makes it an ideal place to relax and enjoy some down time. 

Activities to do in Madeira Island

It is also a great place for outdoor activities such as hiking or biking. There are many hiking trails through the mountains and there are even some caves to explore for the more adventurous. There are great trails in Madeira Island offering views of both the ocean, forests and endemic species. There are easy walks that anyone can do and more challenging walks for the sports enthusiast.

If you prefer something more relaxing, there are several beaches around Madeira Island where you can simply sunbathe and enjoy the ocean breeze. And if none of these appeal to you, there are plenty of other options: horse riding, paragliding, canyoning, climbing, golf, go-karting, jeep tours, sea snorkelling and more. 

Gastronomy in Madeira Island 

The gastronomic diversity, bolo do caco, corn, espetada, poncha and its incredible wines are some of the reasons for pride of the local population. The local wines are excellent and are produced from grapes grown at high altitude, which gives it an exceptional quality. Madeira wine is one of the most popular drinks in Europe due to its sweet and dry flavour.

The people and places to visit in the west of Madeira Island

People living on Madeira Island are friendly and welcoming; always willing to help newcomers find places of interest to visit. If you are staying in the west of the Island, here are some must-see places and tourist attractions to visit: 

– Câmara de Lobos. Points of interest: Fajã dos Padres, Miradouro do Cabo Girão.

– Ribeira Brava. Points of Interest: São Bento Church, São Bento Fortress, Madeira Ethnographic Museum.

– Paul da Serra. Point of interest: At 1,500 metres above sea level, it is known for being the largest and most extensive plateau in Madeira with beautiful scenery of the western part of the island. It is the starting point for many hiking trails that connect it to different parts of the island through the Laurissilva forest.

– Ponta do Sol. Tourist attractions: Ponta do Sol beach, Levada do Moinho.

– Madalena do Mar. Tourist attractions: Madalena do Mar beach, restaurants with fresh fish.

– Encumeada. Tourist attractions: Miradouro da Encumeada.

– Jardim do Mar. Points of interest: beach and maritime promenade.

– Paul do Mar. Tourist attractions: Royal road of Paul do Mar.

– Ponta do Pargo. Tourist attractions: Achadas da Cruz Cable Car, Garganta Funda viewpoint, Ponta do Pargo Lighthouse, Tea House.

– Calheta. Tourist attractions: Calheta beach, Calheta ironworks, Calheta Recreio harbour, MUDAS – Madeira Contemporary Art Museum, Rabaçal – Levada do Risco, Levada das 25 Fontes and Levada do Alecrim.

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