10 Best Things to Do This Summer on Madeira Island

Cabo Girao or Cape Girao is a clifftop viewpoint and must-see spot for visitors to Madeira Island. At 589 metres above sea level, the observatory is just 8 minutes out of the Camara De Lobos. It’s best known for its transparent glass skywalk that was opened in 2012 – this isn't for the faint-hearted, especially if you have a fear of heights.

While Cabo Girao is usually free to visit, admission fees may be required during peak holiday seasons. You'll find an onsite café and several souvenir shops. It’s best to visit earlier in the day or late evening if you’re looking to avoid the tourist crowds. 

Pico Ruivo is Madeira Island’s highest peak, reaching 1,862 metres tall at the summit. The hike to the top can be strenuous even for seasoned hikers, but you’ll be able to see a panoramic view of the island from coast to coast when you reach the top. This makes the mountain even more attractive to adrenaline seekers, especially if you’d like to enjoy an unforgettable sunrise view.

There are 2 ways to reach the top of Pico Ruivo, with the Pico do Arieriro hike being the longer and more challenging route. On the flip side, you may explore the trail from Achada do Teixeira, which brings you to the top of Pico Ruiva on an easier hike.

The Madeira Botanical Garden is a public attraction in Funchal that dates back to 1960. Covering over 3.5 ha, this lush garden is where you can explore over 2,500 exotic plant species. The flowers are meticulously arranged in a colourful mosaic, allowing you to explore the beauty of flora from continents worldwide.

You can purchase entrance tickets by the gates of the botanical garden Children below 6 can enter for free. You can opt for discounted bundle tickets, which include entry to the Madeira Botanical Garden and a ride on either the Botanical Garden Cable Car or the Madeira Cable Car.

Monte Palace Madeira is a tropical garden 10 minutes away from the city centre of Funchal. Featuring over 7 ha of lush greenery, you'll see a variety of exotic plants from all over the world here. On sunny days, you may even bump into a handful of peacocks and chickens that roam free around the garden or see swans and ducks waddling through the central lake.

One of the must-see attractions of Monte Palace Madeira is the Oriental Gardens, which features Chinese and Japanese inspired architecture. From Buddhist sculptures to iconic Japanese zen bridges, it’s a nice spot during summer on Maderia to relax and unwind to the serene sounds of the waterfalls.

Praia Formosa is Madeira Island’s busiest beach spot, making it no surprise that celebrities as varied as Cristiano Ronaldo and Christopher Columbus once owned houses here. It's just 10 minutes away from the Funchal city centre, consisting of 3 small and sandy beaches for all your summer vacation needs. It's one of the most popular places to hang out during the summer on Maderia Island.  

Featuring calm and clean waters, Praia Formosa is no stranger to anyone looking for a dip in the sea. Once night falls, clubs and pubs that line the beach come alive, opening their doors to partygoers who want to dance until the wee hours of the morning.

The Sea Week Festival is an annual celebration in Porto Moniz. Lasting a full week from late July to early August, locals and guests can expect an array of sea games, boat rides, and canoe races during the celebration. After sunset, the village is transformed into a carnival-like area with live music and dances that last all night.

While you’re enjoying the Sea Week Festival, don’t forget to sample a wide selection of local snacks and dishes sold at numerous pop-up stalls. The festival is often regarded as the most unmissable events of the year. It’s definitely a highlight in Porto Moniz’s summer calendar.

The Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools is a public pool area formed by the volcanic lava of Madeira Island. Recognised as the highlight of the Porto Moniz village, the pools are filled with saltwater from the volcanic rocks which will then flow back into the ocean.

The Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools offer a panoramic view of the North Atlantic Ocean. You’ll get to marvel at the crashing waves that ride as high as 10 metres over the outer wall from the pool complex. The complex has a children’s play area on the side, great for families with young children. In summer, a pop-up snack bar is available for guests who may feel peckish after their swim.

Seixal Beach is a small beach on the northern coast of Madeira Island. The highlight of the beach is its soft sand, which is naturally black due to the erosion of volcanic rocks. The waters here are calm and pristine, making it a favourite for anyone looking to swim or surf.

Do note that there are no lifeguards on Sexial Beach. However. It’s a beautiful spot to visit at sunrise and you may even spot couples popping the question as the sun comes up. While it isn’t as popular as other spots on the island, such as Praia Formosa beach, it still sees many beach lovers and families visiting the spot in summer on Maderia Island.

Mercado dos Lavradores or the Farmers’ Market is a produce market in Funchal. It hosts local vendors selling a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, and fishes within a 2-storey building. Opened in 1940, this market is the 2^nd largest open-air market in the city.

Here, you can expect a medley of sights, sounds, and even local cuisines as the vendors work their best to welcome visitors almost daily. Prices may occasionally run steep at the market, but you’ll be able to sample various exotic fruits that are only available on the island.

Zona Velha is a historic area of the Funchal city that's one of the best cultural places to visit during summer in Maderia. Also called the Old Town, the area is lined with cobblestone streets and buildings dating back to the 15^th century. You’ll be spoilt by the variety of cafes, bars, and restaurants that serve up local Portuguese gastronomies at affordable prices.

After you’ve filled your bellies, take a stroll down the streets and see the painted doors of Zona Velha. This public art program, also known as the Arte de Portas Abertas, first started in 2011. It displays over 200 art pieces from guest artists from all over the world.