Beautiful hidden gems in Madeira that most tourists overlook.
Madeira is a magical small Portuguese island in the North Atlantic, known for its green nature, marine wildlife, rich culture, black-sand beaches, and so much more! Madeira is a wonderful travel destination for adventurers, honeymooners, beach lovers, and families. While its small size means few places remain truly undiscovered, there are still hidden gems that many tourists overlook, offering a more authentic and peaceful experience. Keep reading to uncover the most beautiful hidden gems in Madeira!
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About Madeira
Madeira is a small Portuguese island in the North Atlantic Ocean. It is north of the Canary Islands and southeast of the Azores. The capital of Madeira is the lively city of Funchal.
Madeira is a volcanic island with beautiful mountains, nature, coastlines, and more! Although it’s a small island, there is more than enough to do and see!
Recently, Madeira has won the Best Island of Europe Award. It is the 6th time they have won this incredible award.
Distances in Madeira
And because the island is so tiny, it’s easy to get around and won’t take long. You can drive from north to south in less than an hour and from east to west in less than 1,5 hours.
Even though the distances aren’t that big, the island of Madeira is still diverse in many ways. Every place on the island is different and beautiful.
The weather in Madeira
The weather in Madeira isn’t what you would expect from a tropical island. In summer, temperatures don’t exceed 30 degrees Celsius (86 F.). But in winter it doesn’t get cold either. This island just has good weather all year round (temperature-wise).
In my opinion, the best time to visit the island is in April or May.
Check this site out for the annual weather in Madeira
Madeira travel guide + itinerary
To find more practical information, tips, and a complete 7-day itinerary for Madeira, I recommend reading this post:
Madeira Roadtrip: A Complete Guide on Visiting Madeira + a 7-day Itinerary
Some important notes before you visit Madeira:
- Madeira is a safe travel destination
- I recommend renting a car in Madeira, over going on guided tours. It’ll give you much more freedom, and you’ll be able to visit places that tours skip, like the hidden gems in this post 😉. Rent with Discovercars to get honest prices, the best coverage and a great overall experience.
- Make sure to bring not only summer clothes but also some layers. The weather in Madeira can change by the minute, so be prepared!
- If you want to visit Madeira’s natural gems, bring hiking boots for your comfort and safety.
- In Madeira, they pay in euros. It’s wise to have both cash and a debit card, as some places only allow specific payment methods.
- The first language in Madeira is Portuguese. However, you’ll find that many residents also have a good understanding of English and speaking skills.
Where to stay on Madeira?
Because Madeira is such a small island, that is easy to explore, I highly recommend staying in one accommodation during your time in Madeira. It’s so much more comfortable to have a solid haven, than dragging your stuff back and forth.
Staying in or close to Funchal is the best option, as you’ll be close to both the city and the main roads.
Where I stayed – The Views Oasis
Most romantic – Dreams Madeira Resort Spa & Marina
Luxurious – Hotel Porto Mare
Budget – Zarco Apartments by Mercado Funchal
Family – Stay In Virtudes I
Hidden gems in Madeira
In this hidden gems travel guide, you’ll find five sections:
- Waterfalls
- Viewpoints
- Natural gems
- Beaches
- Unique experiences (cultural, historical, etc)
Please feel free to skip to the parts you want to read in the table of contents below or just read it all (every single hidden gem in this guide is fantastic!)
Hidden gems in Madeira: Stunning waterfalls
Garganta Funda Waterfall
On the beautiful, lesser-visited west coast of Madeira, you’ll find one of the most impressive waterfalls. With no less than 140 meters in height, the Garganta Funa Waterfall is an incredibly remarkable find!
Most waterfalls in Madeira are hidden in forests and along Levada Trails. Garganta Funda is, however, entirely out in the open for everyone to see! It’s a shame that most tourists skip this place or don’t even know about it!
On the bright side, this makes it a most authentic and peaceful experience. You get to see an incredible waterfall without any crowds!
Practical information:
- You can park your car at Parking for Miradouro da Garganta Funda
- The waterfall is only half a kilometer from the parking, making it a short but sweet hike through green fields.
- You’ll find the waterfall at the end of the trail and beautiful views of the sea cliffs.
- It’s a perfect 1-hour stop on a roadtrip.
Cascata de Aguage
Another one of my favorite waterfalls in Madeira is Cascata de Aguage. The funny thing about this waterfall is that it’s super easy to reach, but most tourists don’t know of its existence. This is why I’m not mentioning it in my other blog posts about Madeira; only people looking to explore hidden gems will find this pristine spot!
The Aguage Waterfall is located in Santana, making it a perfect stop to pair with exploring the town’s iconic A-frame houses.
Practical information:
- Getting to the waterfall only takes about 10 minutes.
- You can park your car by the side of the street here.
- It’s possible to swim below the waterfall and take a natural shower. Please be careful and mindful about swimming here and don’t disturb the nature and wildlife.
Cascata Agua d’Alto
After visiting the Aguage Waterfall, it’s only a short drive to this other undiscovered waterfall: Cascata Ague d’Alto. Located in Faial, this waterfall is relatively easy to reach. You will take a breathtaking hike through wild and untouched nature while enjoying the views of the surrounding area.
I had the best time on this quick hike! The scenic trail and the beautiful waterfall made it a truly memorable experience. I highly recommend making this quick stop on your road trip!
Practical information:
- The hike to the waterfall is only about 15 minutes.
- The trailhead might be tricky to find. Here’s the exact location, make sure to save it on your phone.
- You can park your car by the side of the street, make sure not to block houses and driveways.
- At this waterfall, you can also take a refreshing swim
Cascata dos Anjos
The Cascata dos Anjos, or ‘’Angel’s Waterfall’’ is truly special. Unlike the other waterfalls mentioned in this post, this one doesn’t require a hike. It’s not even in a forest!
No, this unique waterfall is located on a road.
‘’What, like by the side of the road?’’
Nope. It’s literally on the road.
Under this waterfall, you can literally get a nice natural carwash. When coming here, you can park the car on the road, get out, and stand under the waterfall. It’s such a unique place that you don’t want to miss it on your trip to Madeira.
Practical information:
- The waterfall is located in Ponta do Sol
- Unfortunately, the road to the waterfall has been closed down. It’s best to leave your car in town and walk to the waterfall in about 15 minutes.
- Visiting the waterfall during sunrise will give you an amazing experience.
Hidden gems in Madeira: Secret viewpoints
Bica da Cana Viewpoint
Rise above the clouds at this incredible secret viewpoint in Madeira. Bica da Cana is located on the island’s highest peak, allowing you to admire the green valleys and rugged mountains.
Located at 1580 meters, this viewpoint gives you a glimpse into the Sao Vicente valley below. Depending on the time of day, you can get completely different views. Visiting during the day will give you a view of the green valleys, but visiting during sunrise will reward you with a view of the mountains above the clouds, with the orange-tinted sun rising beyond the peaks.
But be careful; you might not always be lucky. When I visited Bica da Cana early in the morning, I only experienced fog and cold temperatures. Unfortunately, I didn’t have the opportunity to try again another day, but usually, I would say the chances of a great sunrise view are 50/50. So make sure to block two days to go up the mountain and maybe even plan a great hike, like this one!
Practical information:
- You can park your car by the road when you get to Bica the Cana
- It’s a small 10-minute walk, a little bit uphill, to the viewpoint
- There’s a leisure area and several trailheads at the viewpoint
Miradouro do Veu da Noiva
Located on an old road connecting Sao Vicente to Seixal, you will find this incredible viewpoint. As one of the most interesting views on the island’s north side, this is truly a must for your Madeira itinerary!
Imagine a deep green cliff, turquoise ocean below, a magical waterfall that falls down the slope into the sea… Doesn’t it sound like a dream? Well, I can assure you, it looks even better!
The iconic Veu da Noiva Viewpoint is the perfect place to admire the island’s stunning sea cliffs and comprehend the vastness of the North Atlantic Ocean. Along with the abundant waterfall and the beautiful white waves, this is one of the most rewarding views in Madeira!
Practical information:
- There’s a parking lot right at the viewpoint.
- It’s one of the easiest and quickest stops on your road trip, so make sure to stop by!
- Visiting this viewpoint for sunrise will give you incredible golden-hour-lit views!
Rocha do Navio
Another magical viewpoint on the north side of Madeira is Rocha de Navio. Like Miradouro do Veu Da Noiva, Rocha do Navio is also a stunning green sea cliff with several waterfalls. You’ll also find the most impressive massive rock in the ocean.
Rocha do Navio is an excellent place for a hike! Where most tourists take the cable car up and down to the town of Faja, there’s also a more adventurous route to take. Check out this short, moderate hike!
Practical information:
- There’s a parking lot at the cable car
- You can hike one way and take the cable car the other or take the cable car up and down.
- If you go hiking, you’ll need suitable footwear for the steep bits.
Ninho da Manta Viewpoint
This unique viewpoint is a great place to start one of the most impressive hikes in Madeira. Often called the ‘’Stairway to Heaven’’, this hike from Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo is truly magical, especially during sunrise!
But you’re not here to hear about the hike (which you should do if you’re able, check out the hike here!). No, you’re here to hear about the viewpoint. I cannot say this viewpoint is as hidden as the others, but it’s definitely worth checking out!
Ninho da Manta Viewpoint is located only a few minutes from the PR1 Vereda do Areeiro trailhead, making it a very accessible viewpoint to visit. Once there, you’ll be rewarded with views you’ll never forget. Up in the clouds, looking down into the green valley, and admiring the jagged peaks around you, this viewpoint is a must!
Practical information:
- Ninho da Manta is located by Pico do Areeiro. You can park your car here.
- Use PR1 Verede do Areeiro trailhead to get to the viewpoint in only a few minutes.
- This is also one of the most beautiful hikes on the island, best to do during sunrise
- Beware of foggy weather on the mountain
Miradouros do Paredão
One of the most hidden viewpoints in Madeira is set at an altitude of 1500 m. Easy to visit on your journey from Eira do Serrado to Pico do Areeiro, Miradouros do Paredão will make for an impressive experience.
Not only will this viewpoint give you incredible mountain views, but it’s also one of the best places in Madeira to watch the sun rise above the cloud-covered peaks. It’s an experience unique to this island, that I highly recommend to check out!
Practical information:
- This viewpoint is only reachable by car and it’s easy to park by the side of the road.
- It gets foggy in this part of the island, so make sure to check the weather before visiting.
- This viewpoint is also accessible for people with reduced mobility.
Miradouro da Raposeira (Special Sunset Spot)
The Raposeira viewpoint may be the best spot in Madeira for a sunset view over the ocean. Even though this viewpoint is located on the south side of the island, it gives you a great view of the ocean in the west; where the sun will disappear beyond the horizon.
I’m so sad that I didn’t know about this place during my trip to Madeira, I would have loved to watch the sunset from here! Anyhow, you get to enjoy it, so make sure to do it the right way; take some beer, Poncha, or any drink of choice, with you and simply enjoy a cold sip in the golden sunrays. Take a warm sweater with you too, it will get a lot more chilly once the sun is gone!
Practical information:
- This viewpoint is easily accessible by car and there’s a parking lot located by the side of the road.
- From the parking lot, follow the clear signs down the (possibly) muddy trail, to get to the viewpoint in just a few minutes.
- Make sure to have some solid footwear (sneakers may be sturdy good enough)
Road ER228 & Miradouro da Terra Grande
So why only visit certain viewpoints when there is an entire road that is scenic in every way possible! I mean, most roads will give you incredible views, but ER228 is truly exceptional.
Easily accessible from the town of Sao Vicente, this road is a must for adventurers! With stunning views all around and a place to stop at Miradouro da Terra Grande, you’ll have the experience of a lifetime!
Looking into one of the greenest valleys on the island, ER228 and Miradouro da Terra Grande is another viewpoint you must see!
Practical information:
- Visit not only the viewpoint itself, but also make sure to enjoy the drive to it
- The easiest way to get to road ER228, is by putting Tendinha Da Poncha into your navigation. This is a small local café that is at the beginning of the ER 228 road (from Sao Vicente), and you can have a quick break to prepare for the awesome views awaiting you!
- There are a few parking spaces at the viewpoint. As this is a very hidden place on the island, you have good chances of having a parking spot available for you.
Miradouro do Cortado
We’ve covered many viewpoints in the south and middle of the island now, so it’s time for something else. Miradouro do Cortado is an impressive viewpoint on the northeastern side of Madeira, giving you fresh views of the less-visited side of the island.
Located in between Santana and Faial, this viewpoint is an easy rest stop on your road trip. With beautiful views of the green valleys, towering sea cliffs and the picturesque towns, Miradouro do Cortado is simply magical.
Practical information:
- When you get to the viewpoint, there are 2 small parking lots on either side of the road where you can park your car
- Come early to be sure of a parking spot to check out this incredible place
Hidden gems in Madeira: Natural gems
Chão das Feiteiras
No impressive waterfalls or viewpoints this time… No, what you’ll find here might not feel like much, but this trail has left me speechless.
Imagine walking into a forest. A deep green forest that is so quiet, you can hear water dropping from the leaves. And the freshness in the air… It feels like you can finally breathe again. And suddenly you hear a nice soft whistle from a lonely bird. And then you hear water rushing through the Levada next to you, on its way to care for a local farmers’ produce.
That is what this Levada hike feels like.
Levada’s are Madeira’s natural irrigation system and there are hikes made around them. Read more about Levada’s in this post.
This amazing Levada hike through the UNESCO Laurissilva Forest of central Madeira will blow you mind while soothing your soul.
Practical information:
- The hike distance is 7,5 km and it’ll take you about 2-3 hours to complete.
- Read this detailed guide for the exact hike guidelines.
Hidden gems in Madeira: Undiscovered beaches
Calhau da Lapa
If you’re looking for some of the best hidden beaches in Madeira, Calhau da Lapa should be at the top of your list!
With a remote pebbly beach, a waterfall, interesting caves, and some of the clearest water on the island, Calhau da Lapa is a magical place. It’s one of the best places in Madeira to swim in the ocean!
Practical information:
- This beach is a bit hard to reach and can only be done by boat or by foot. To get to the beach by foot, park at the trailhead, Vereda do Paço, on Estrada da Lapa and the walk for approximately 30 minutes over the cliffs.
- The path to Calhau da Lapa is extremely steep. It’s around 1 kilometer down steep slopes and about 700 steps.
- Make sure to wear some proper footwear
- I wouldn’t recommend this walk with young children.
Maiata Beach
Are you into watersports? Then this is your sign to visit Maiata Beach.
As one of the only watersports hotspots on the island, Maiata Beach is amazing for surfing! With excellent waves all year round, this place attracts surfers of all levels. So yes, this beach is hidden from tourists, but you’ll find a great community of surfers there!
With several surfschools and rentals nearby, this place is perfect for people who don’t have their own equipment with them. The beach is a mix of black sand and pebbles, making it quite comfortable for surfing.
But don’t worry, if you’re not a surfer, there’s a small part of the beach where you can swim safely and it’s also just a lot of fun to watch the surfers catch some waves!
Practical information:
- Maiata Beach is easy to reach and you can park your car along the road leading to the beach.
- The best surf schools are Salty and Calhau
- Even in windy weather, this beach is very often protected from the wind.
Seixal Sand Beach & Natural Pools
Have you ever stepped into a postcard? No?
Well, I can guarantee you that this will sure feel like stepping into a postcard!
Seixal beach, complimented with some mirror-like natural pools, is one of the best places to relax in Madeira. With a black sand beach bathed by the Atlantic Ocean and green mountains in the background, you’ll get some of the most impressive beach views here!
Actually this place is not the most hidden beach in Madeira. With good access and great facilities, like a showers, a bar, kayak rentals, and more, you’ll be sharing this beach with several people.
Still it is possible to avoid the tourists here, by visiting this beach early in the morning. Want to take some pictures without any people in it? Then you better come early!
And the same goes for the beautiful natural pools! The Seixal natural pools are incredible, especially during sunrise. Make sure to add this to your itinerary too!
Practical information:
- The beach is on the east side of Seixal town and the natural pools are on the west side.
- It’s easiest to park your car anywhere in Seixal and walk to both places.
Praia da Ribeira da Janela
A beach that is just a tad different, is Praia da Ribeira da Janela.
Different how, you may ask?
Well, this beach is made out of pebbles. But not the tiny ones, no, these pebbles are huge! And this is not the only significance you’ll find, what’ll also catch your gaze is the impressive raw beauty of the volcanic sea stacks. Enormous rocks rising out of the deep blue ocean…
Praia da Ribeira da Janela is definitely a must-see if you ask me 😉
Practical information:
- The beach is only reachable by car, here’s how: Whether you’re coming from Seixal or Porto Moniz, you’ll arrive via the ER101 panoramic road that circles the island. You then branch off onto a winding road to Ribeira da Janela.
- At the end of this road, you’ll find a large parking lot, where you can park your car.
- From the parking lot you can access the beach, but also a staircase on a rock, that’ll get you through a tunnel and to amazing views!
Hidden gems in Madeira: Unique experiences
Achadas da Cruz Cable Car
If you’re looking for extremely remote locations on Madeira, this is the best that you’ll get! The Achadas da Cruz Cable Car will get you to the unique place of Fajã da Quebrada Nova. Isolated by the surrounding mountains and the sea, the only place to get here is by cable car.
Not only is this cable car was mainly built for the residents of Fajã da Quebrada Nova, and the farmers with their produce, but now it’s also usable for tourists. Still, this place is quite undiscovered and you won’t find big crowds here.
For some of the most wild and raw seacliff views, this place is truly a must!
Practical information:
- The cable car costs €5 euros for a round trip (in 2025)
- This is one of the steepest cable cars in the world!
- Make sure to check the opening times on google, before visiting.
Banana Route in Madalena do Mar
One of the most surprising activities I did in Madeira was going to a banana plantation. I had no idea the island produced bananas! Which is not so strange, as Madeira doesn’t import or export any bananas. They only produce enough bananas for the island itself.
The tiny bananas that they produce are sweet and super tasty. And the fun thing is, some banana plantations are open to visit and are often free entry. On your way through the banana plantation you can buy a banana for 50 cents, to also taste what they are like, straight off the plant.
Madalena do Mar is one of the best places to explore these unique plantations. There are 3 paths to follow, but I recommend doing one of these two: RB2 Vereda do Nateiro (my favorite) and/or RB3 Vereda da Vargem.
Practical information:
- You can visit these plantations free of charge.
- Please be respectful, keep the place clean, and don’t pick bananas from the plants.
- The routes are short and easy, making it perfect for families and elderly people.
Túnel in Poças do Gomes
Located in the capital city, Funchal, Túnel in Poças do Gomes is an incredible hidden gem. Located by the natural pools of Doca do Cavacas, you will find a 100-meter-long cave tunnel that leads to yet another remarkable beach; Praia Formosa.
While exploring the cave, you will find incredible windows, that frame breathtaking ocean views. I love how this cave connects the natural pools to a hidden beach, while the tunnel is an entire experience on its own. This is seriously a must visit!
Practical information:
- Good footwear is recommended
- The tunnel is accessible from either side. The entrance on both sides is at the end of a promenade.
- Walk the tunnel with caution; the floors might be wet.
Sugar Cane Factory in Calheta
When visiting the island of Madeira, you’ll quickly find that the island has its own signature drink, Poncha; a mix of sugarcane rum, honey, and orange or lemon juice. It is a strong but sweet drink that you must try sometime during your trip.
And to try this in the purest way, is by visiting the sugar cane factory in Calheta. This is where the rum is produced from local sugarcanes. And that fresh rum is then sold on its own and mixed into delicious Poncha.
You can visit this factory free of charge. In addition to the factory, you’ll find a museum, bar and a shop. This bar is great for tasting some fresh Poncha, I highly recommend this!
Practical information:
- The factory and museum can be visited free of charge.
- A tasting will cost you between €1,- and €6,- euros.
- There is a small parking at the factory.
Funchal Street Art
Like many other European capitals, Funchal is another amazing city that features street art! Around many corners and hidden alleys, you’ll find some of the most incredible paintings!
You’ll find many of the artworks just by exploring the old town. But it’s also a lot of fun to step out of the old town, in search of the amazing artworks. Make sure to read this post to learn exactly where to find the impressive Funchal street art!
Practical information:
- Funchal is most easily explored on foot
- The street art is scattered all over the city
- Chasing street art is best combined with a self-guided city tour
Caniçal
On the far east of Madeira, you’ll find a small village that goes by the name Caniçal. With no more than 4000 inhabitants, this village is so small, it often gets overlooked by tourists.
Still, Caniçal is worth a visit! With the impressive whale museum, a picturesque waterfront, views of the nearby Ponta de Sao Louranço cliffs, and so much more, Caniçal will be a most interesting stop on your road trip!
Some local hotspots are the whale museum (with life-sized models!), the beautiful harbor, and the picturesque beaches around.
Practical information:
- Read this guide about things to do in Caniçal
- Caniçal is only reachable by car.
- The best place to park your car is this one
- From that parking it’s only a 10-minute walk to the old town.
Ruinas de São Jorge
One of the most impressive historical sights in Madeira is Ruinas de São Jorge.
The sugar cane culture in Madeira dates back to the 15th century, when Madeira quickly became a major supplier of sugar for all of Europe! The Ruinas de São Jorge will take you back in time, to learn more about the history of the sugar cane culture in Madeira.
The centre of the ruins used to be old sugar cane mills that were built in the early days of the island’s settlement. I highly recommend visiting these hidden ruins and learning more about this particular history of Madeira!
Practical information:
- You need a car to get to the ruins and there’s parking straight to the venue
- Make sure to also explore the pebbly beach next to the ruins
- Please don’t climb anything, let’s leave these ruined in their beautiful, well-preserved state.
Final thoughts about these hidden gems in Madeira
I hope you enjoyed reading about these incredible hidden gems in Madeira! Make sure to add a handful of these gems to your itinerary, for a truly authentic trip to the island.
Which hidden gem are you most eager to visit? Let me know in the comments below!
Related posts
- Madeira Roadtrip: A Complete Guide on Visiting Madeira + a 7-day Itinerary
- Visiting Funchal: Unique Things To Do in This Lovely City
- 18 Surprising Hidden Gems in Tenerife That’ll Leave You Speechless!
The 24 Most Authentic Hidden Gems in Madeira in 2025!
