Ladies and gentlemen, buckle up for the ride of your lives, because we’re about to visit a place so high up, even your fear of heights might need a vacation! Welcome to Cabo Girão! At a staggering 580 meters tall — that's taller than your excuses to avoid exercise — this is the highest promontory in Europe. But don't worry, it’s not just famous for being tall, because height is only impressive to a point (literally). No, Cabo Girão is also celebrated for its glass-floored skywalk that lets you experience what it's like to float in mid-air, or at least how it feels when your knees suddenly stop cooperating!
The skywalk is where you'll see people pretending to be brave for the perfect selfie, while secretly regretting that third coffee earlier. Trust me, your heart will be doing its own BASE jump as you step onto that see-through platform. But hey, it’s Instagram gold — hashtag "screaming on the inside!"
From this vertigo-inducing spot, you’ll be rewarded with views of Câmara de Lobos and Funchal, two towns that seem almost cozy from up here, like tiny toy villages in a real-life snow globe (minus the snow, obviously). These urban jewels are nestled in a natural amphitheater, surrounded by green mountains so lush they’ll make your house plants feel inadequate.
And if you look way down, you might spot the fajãs of Rancho and Cabo Girão — little patches of farmland clinging to the cliff’s edge like they didn’t get the memo about gravity. Farmers down there are truly living on the edge, quite literally. From up here, they look like the bravest gardeners in history.
Cabo Girão is also a playground for thrill-seekers. If walking on a glass floor wasn’t enough to make you question your life choices, you can try paragliding or BASE jumping. In fact, the legendary Portuguese skydiver Mário Pardo once rode a motorbike off this cliff — because apparently, jumping wasn’t exciting enough without a vehicle involved. Talk about overachieving.
And if all this adrenaline is making you think you need to start praying, don’t worry — you’re in luck! Just a stone’s throw away (please don’t throw actual stones from this height) is the chapel of Nossa Senhora de Fátima, a major pilgrimage site built in 1951. So, you know, you can literally say your prayers before taking on the skywalk. Divine intervention, anyone?
With views, thrills, and a dash of spirituality, Cabo Girão is practically begging for your visit — just don’t forget to hold on to your hats…and your nerves!
Let me tell you about a legend named Jacintinho. Back in 1951, this cool dude opened a tiny shop in Porta Nova. Fast forward 70 years, and it’s now one of the most authentic Poncha spots on Madeira.
The place? Cozy, to say the least. Originally a store that sold all sorts of bits and bobs, it’s still got those old-school vibes with the original décor intact. But let’s talk Poncha – the star of the show. Their specialty? Pitanga Poncha. Here’s the twist: it’s made with vodka, not aguardente. Why? Because any Poncha made without citrus fruit has to use vodka. Bet you didn’t know that – now you can wow your friends with useless trivia!
And trust us, the Poncha is divine. Jacintinho’s legacy lives on with his name and crest proudly displayed at the entrance. Thanks, Jacintinho, for this Poncha paradise. We’re giving it a top-notch rating: 7 out of 7 Ponchas!
Hot tip: the place gets packed around 5 PM, so come early if you want a chill vibe. And bonus – there’s a killer viewpoint right next door.
Miradouro da Terra Grande is a Viewpoint that is very easy to reach by any car and it gives you a spectacular view towards Ribeiro Brava in the far end of the valley. This spot reminds many people of Hawaii, because of its impressive mountains and lush green all around
We particularly like this viewpoint because on a clear day you are trully amazed by nature and therefore you have to check it out during your visit to Madeira.
Welcome to the Nossa Senhora de Fátima Chapel, where you’ll not only get a slice of spiritual history but also a free leg workout with 175 steps to the top! Located on the north coast of Madeira in São Vicente, this unique chapel looks like someone decided to make a tower-shaped tribute to faith, with a spire pointing straight to the sky. Spoiler alert: it’s a lot of steps, so bring your best hiking spirit (and maybe a snack).
As you huff and puff your way up, just know that the views are totally worth it. At the top, you’re greeted with a scene straight out of a postcard: on one side, towering green mountains that look like they could be home to mythical creatures, and on the other, the endless blue of the Atlantic Ocean. And below, the charming little houses of São Vicente’s parish look like they’ve been sprinkled across the hills with a paintbrush.
This chapel is a little piece of São Vicente’s soul, recently polished up in a requalification project, complete with a restored bell that’ll probably chime in just as you catch your breath. It’s a place where history, culture, and cardio come together. So, if you’re up for a workout with a side of inspiration, the Nossa Senhora de Fátima Chapel has got you covered!
Tucked away at 450 meters above sea level in São Vicente, Quinta do Barbusano is not just a winery—it’s a spiritual experience (with better snacks). Sheltered by ancient Laurissilva forests and kissed by Atlantic breezes, this vineyard delivers way more than wine—it delivers liquid poetry.
These wines don’t just sit in a glass looking pretty. They explode with color, seduce with aroma, and dance across your tongue like they just won “So You Think You Can Sip.” Fresh, bold, and downright heavenly—Barbusano wines are the proud children of volcanoes, sunshine, and sea-sprayed dreams.
Barbusano offers guided tours through its impressive terraced vineyards, where you'll learn why grapes here grow with attitude. Then comes the good stuff: tastings of red, white, and rosé table wines, paired with a traditional Madeiran lunch that'll make your grandmother jealous—think: juicy espetadas grilled on bay laurel sticks, boiled potatoes, fresh salad, and bolo do caco with garlic butter. Hungry yet?
Visit during harvest season and you can literally stomp grapes in a traditional wine press. Yes, that’s a thing. Yes, it’s awesome.
Barbusano isn’t just a name—it’s a tree, an ancient Laurissilva species that dominates this part of Madeira and gives this place its soul. Inspired by this “living fossil,” founder António Oliveira planted a dozen grape varieties including Verdelho, Tinta Negra, Arnsburger, and Touriga Nacional, all nestled into the volcanic soil like a precious wine-growing quilt.
To shield the grapes from salty winds and foggy mornings, he built natural hedges from heather brooms (yes, you read that right). Every vine is hugged by a handcrafted system of poles and stone walls, creating a green masterpiece that defies gravity and erosion.
While 90% of Madeira Island is busy making fortified wine, António Oliveira had other plans. Like a sailor rowing against the tide, he dreamed of table wines with altitude, elegance, and backbone. He bought small plots, planted vines with love (and probably some back pain), and by 2018 had the largest DOP-certified table wine production in the archipelago.
But did he stop? Of course not. This legend now plans to revive the nearly extinct Caracol grape variety on Porto Santo—the golden island of Madeira. Give this man a cape and a corkscrew, already.
The Church of São Vicente: A Holy Stage for Art, History, and One Heck of a Party
Step aside, basic churches! The Igreja Matriz de São Vicente isn’t just a place of worship—it’s 600 years of divine design, dramatic ceilings, and pipe organ realness.
It all started in the 15th century with a humble chapel in honor of Saint Vincent. Fast-forward a couple of centuries and—boom!—by the late 1600s, a brand new parish church took center stage in the village. Today, it still stands proud with a triangular façade, faux-stone corners, and a bell tower that’s been waking up sleepy pigeons for generations.
Inside? Oh honey, it’s a feast. This church pulls out all the artistic stops: painted ceilings, golden woodwork, tiled wonders, and a 19th-century pipe organ that looks like it could break into a hymn at any moment. The vibe is something critics call the “Total Art of the Horror Vacui”—which basically means “no empty space shall remain un-dramatic.”
Best part? Every August, this quiet spiritual haven transforms into party central with one of Madeira’s liveliest festivals. Faith, fun, and food trucks—it’s all happening here in the second half of August.
Nature's VIP Lounge on Madeira's North Shore
Tucked between dramatic cliffs and jungle-green mountains, Seixal Beach is proof that Mother Nature has a flair for the theatrical. The sand? Jet black. The water? Deep blue and always in the mood to dance. The backdrop? A Jurassic Park film set, minus the dinosaurs (and plus some chill beach vibes).
This isn’t your typical tropical beach. It's raw, wild, and totally photogenic. Perfect for adventurers, ocean lovers, and anyone looking to show off on Instagram without a filter.
Want to do more than just gaze lovingly at the horizon? You’ve got options. Grab a kayak, ride some waves, or channel your inner paddleboard pro. And yes, there's a beach bar—because hydration matters (especially when it comes in a coconut).
And here's the kicker: Seixal Beach is the perfect jumping-off point for nearby gems like Porto Moniz or those epic hiking trails through Madeira’s ancient laurel forest. Nature therapy? 100% guaranteed.
O Cachalote – Dining on Rocks, Waves & World Records
Perched dramatically on the volcanic cliffs of Porto Moniz – aka Madeira’s “must-visit” village – O Cachalote has been serving up flavour bombs since 1969. Built right on lava rocks and hugged by the Atlantic, it’s got views that make you forget Wi-Fi exists.
But let’s talk about the real reason you’re here:
🍚 Limpet rice – record-holding since 2011 (yes, Guinness Book level stuff)
🍲 Fish soup – comforting, salty and probably better than grandma’s
🐠 Parrotfish fillet with prawn sauce – fancy, fun, and full of flavour
🍌 Black scabbard fish with banana – a Madeira classic with tropical flair
🥩 Steak with pepper sauce – because sometimes, you just need steak
🍮 Homemade pudding – sweet enough to start a relationship
💛 Or go wild with the passion fruit pudding – dangerously addictive
Feeling fancy? Enjoy your meal on the open-air terrace where the soundtrack is wave symphony, courtesy of the Atlantic.
Hosting a wedding? A birthday? A “we survived 2025” party? With 650 seats, O Cachalote is also a top spot for banquets, buffets or à la carte events – all with professional service and a pinch of ocean magic.
Also there is a small but very interesting Whale Hunting Museum inside of the Restaurant.
Porto Moniz’s natural pools are lava-tastically cool! Swim in volcanic rock formations, soak in ocean views, and enjoy family-friendly amenities. Fun, comfort, and nature in one splashy package!
Ever swam in a postcard? That’s basically what the Natural Pools of Porto Moniz feel like! These volcanic beauties on Madeira's north coast are a bucket-list must. Sculpted by millennia of lava meets ocean, they’re a salty, sparkling masterpiece where nature and luxury collide.
Constantly refreshed by the Atlantic’s embrace, the water’s so clean it practically whispers “Come on in!” With 3,800 m² of swimming area, including a kids’ pool and an epic 3,210 m² sun deck, there’s room for everyone. Whether you're an adventurer or a lounger, this spot has got you covered—literally, if you grab a parasol.
And let’s not forget the amenities: playgrounds, bars, changing rooms, first-aid stations, and even accessibility features! Plus, the views? Oh, just endless ocean vibes and jaw-dropping rock formations. Spoiler alert: you won’t want to leave.
Warning: This viewpoint may cause spontaneous gasps, accidental poetry, and the urge to move to Madeira. Side effects include phone battery panic.
Welcome to Miradouro da Santinha in Porto Moniz—a place where Mother Nature shows off like it’s her runway debut. Up here, you’re not just looking at a view—you’re soaking in layers of ocean blues, terraced green hills that look hand-stitched, and the charming village of Porto Moniz far below, hugging the coast like it owns the place.
From the winding cliffside road to the dramatic Atlantic backdrop, this spot is chef’s kiss perfection for photos, deep thoughts, or just pretending you're in a drone commercial. And yes, there’s parking—so no excuses.
If you only stop once in Porto Moniz, make it here. Your camera will thank you, and so will your soul.
Nestled in the misty heights of Madeira’s Laurissilva forest lies Fanal Forest, a place that seems plucked straight out of a fantasy novel. With gnarled, moss-covered trees and an ever-present shroud of fog, this UNESCO World Heritage site is not only a haven for nature lovers but also a place where time itself feels like it’s taken a nap. Ready for a journey through history, natural beauty, and some lighthearted musings? Let’s dive into why Fanal Forest deserves a spot on every traveler’s Madeira itinerary.
Fanal Forest isn’t just beautiful; it’s ancient—think older-than-your-grandma’s-grandma ancient. This patch of the Laurissilva forest dates back to the Tertiary period (yes, we’re talking millions of years ago). It’s a relic of the type of forest that once blanketed much of southern Europe before Ice Age glaciers decided to redecorate.
In Madeira, however, these prehistoric woods found a sanctuary. Thanks to the island’s mild climate and isolation, Fanal Forest is one of the last surviving examples of Laurissilva. The Portuguese, upon "discovering" Madeira in 1419, marveled at the dense forests that dominated the landscape. But let’s be honest: they probably weren’t thinking, “Wow, what a lovely ecological treasure.” They were more interested in chopping down trees to clear land for sugarcane.
Thankfully, Fanal escaped widespread deforestation, and today, it’s protected under Madeira’s natural park system. It’s like nature’s way of saying, “You can have your sugarcane, but I’m keeping this little piece of magic for myself.”
If you’ve ever watched a Studio Ghibli film and thought, “I wish I could wander through one of those magical forests,” Fanal might be the closest you’ll get without animators on hand. The star of the show here is the Til (Ocotea foetens) tree, a type of laurel tree that looks like it was designed by a whimsical artist on a caffeine high.
These trees aren’t just old—they’re ancient. Some are believed to be over 500 years old, their twisted branches adorned with layers of moss and lichen that seem to glow in the mist. Walking among them, you half-expect a friendly forest spirit to pop out and say hello (don’t worry, they won’t ask for your Wi-Fi password).
The mist that frequently blankets the area adds to its eerie charm. This isn’t the kind of fog that makes you want to stay indoors; it’s the kind that makes you want to wander deeper, camera in hand, wondering if you’ll accidentally stumble into another dimension. (Spoiler: you won’t, but your Instagram feed will look like you did.)
Fanal Forest isn’t just a pretty face; it’s also a fantastic playground for hikers, photographers, and anyone who enjoys yelling “Wow!” every five minutes.
The PR13 Vereda do Fanal trail is one of the most popular ways to explore the area. It’s a moderate hike that takes you through lush green landscapes, offering stunning views of the surrounding valleys (when the fog lifts, that is). For those who prefer a more leisurely experience, the forest has plenty of open areas perfect for picnics or just lying on the grass and pretending you’re in a Tolkien novel.
And let’s not forget the cows. Yes, cows. These free-roaming bovine residents of Fanal Forest are like the unofficial mascots of the area. They’ll casually wander into your photos, chew some grass, and maybe even give you a judgy look if your hiking outfit isn’t up to their standards.
Beyond its obvious appeal to photographers and hikers, Fanal Forest plays a critical role in Madeira’s ecosystem. The Laurissilva forest acts as a natural water reservoir, with its dense foliage capturing moisture from the air (thank you, mist!). This water then seeps into underground aquifers, feeding Madeira’s famous levadas—a network of irrigation channels that are the island’s lifeblood.
In other words, Fanal isn’t just pretty; it’s also practical. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of forests—except instead of corkscrews and scissors, it’s got biodiversity and water conservation.
Speaking of biodiversity, the forest is home to an impressive array of plants and animals, some of which are endemic to Madeira. Birdwatchers, keep your binoculars handy—you might spot a Madeiran firecrest or a laurel pigeon, both of which are about as rare as finding a parking spot in Funchal.
If all this has you itching to visit Fanal Forest, here are some tips to make the most of your trip:
In a world that often feels like it’s moving too fast, Fanal Forest is a reminder that slowing down can be beautiful. It’s a place where history, nature, and a touch of magic come together to create an experience that’s as humbling as it is awe-inspiring.
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker, a photography enthusiast, or someone who just really likes trees (no judgment), Fanal Forest has something for everyone. And if you’re lucky enough to visit on a misty day, you’ll understand why so many people leave feeling like they’ve just visited the set of their favorite fantasy film.
So, pack your boots, grab your camera, and get ready to lose yourself (figuratively, we hope) in one of Madeira’s most enchanting landscapes. Just watch out for the cows—they have a habit of stealing the spotlight.
Barbecue Spot -> https://www.madeiraislandmap.com/content-hub/barbecue-fanal
Camping Spot -> https://www.madeiraislandmap.com/content-hub/campside-fanal
Hike PR 13 towards Fanal -> Coming Soon
The north coast of Madeira is a masterpiece of towering mountains, lush green slopes, and the endless blue of the Atlantic. And the Miradouro da Ribeira da Janela, sitting proudly at the top of Eira da Achada, is one of the best places to take it all in. From here, you get a stunning view over Seixal, São Vicente, and Ponta Delgada, with the dramatic rocky coastline adding that extra wow factor.
But this isn’t just any viewpoint—it comes with all the essentials for a great visit. Since its inauguration in 2009, it has restrooms, a playground, picnic areas, and parking, making it a comfortable stop whether you’re snapping photos or simply soaking in the scenery.
A short distance away, down at the mouth of Ribeira da Janela, the ocean reveals one of its secrets: massive rock formations rising from the waves. One of them has a natural opening at the top that looks exactly like a window—hence the name Ribeira da Janela. It’s nature’s way of getting creative with the landscape!
MADEIRA · EXPLORE AT YOUR OWN PACE
Stops connected in itinerary order. Lines show the sequence, not walking directions.
Follow the stops in order and enjoy the journey at your own pace.
Select a numbered marker, then choose “View stop details”.
