Are you looking for a new travel destination for 2023? Madeira Island may be just what you need! Known for its natural beauty and year-round summer weather, Madeira Island is a charming autonomous region of Portugal that offers a wide range of attractions, including hidden gems that many travelers never get to experience. In this article, we will introduce you to the best secret places and attractions on Madeira Island that you must visit in 2023. From the beautiful Madeira Botanical Garden to the steepest cable car in Europe, Achadas da Cruz, we will provide all the practical tips you need to make the most of your visit to this stunning island. So, pack your bags and let’s explore Madeira Island together!
It is a wonderful holiday destination! But its real charm, which made it be considered several times as the best island destination, is mainly in its Secret Places and ttractions in Madeira Island. That said, we’ve decided to confide in you some of them and leave you surrendered by Madeira’s charm and inspired to get to know it.
The Best Places To Visit in Madeira Island are:
- The Botanical Garden
- Achadas da Cruz Cable Car
- Miradouros do Paderão
- Calhau da Lapa
- Pico Ruivo
- Local Restaurants of Madeira Island
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The Botanical Garden
How did the Madeira Botanical Garden come about?
The Madeira Botanical Garden came about through the Reid family’s desire to have their own private park on their quinta – which for those who don’t know, is a rural property with a dwelling or an agricultural plot – seeing the opportunity with the space and fertility of their property.
Thus, in Quinta do Bom Sucesso, dating back to 1881, the Madeira Botanical Garden was created for this purpose. Today, however, it is no longer a private attraction.
The landscape of the Madeira Botanical Gardens
Bearing in mind that landscape goes far beyond just what you can see, but rather what can be perceived by the senses that remind you of a landscape, the Garden is a true spectacle!
The whole visual landscape is fascinating and can be appreciated by walking along the garden’s paths, through the flower-filled walkways, the belvederes or the high points overlooking the plants and the sea in the background. In this respect, the Postcard of the Madeira Botanical Garden is splendid, excellent for photos; on the way to it there is a beautiful wall of flowers adorning the landscape together with other flowers; the card itself is made up of plants in dark green and marsala wine tones, which are pruned and shaped to create figures on the ground.
But the charm of the Garden also lies in the delicious scent of flowers throughout the garden, the pure air that exhales from the place and the visiting birds that accompany it with a beautiful symphony.
The Madeira Botanical Garden goes beyond just the plants. Right at the entrance there is a Natural History Museum. It shows a bit of the island’s history from a geological, fauna and flora perspective with the display of some animals and different types of rocks. There is an app inside the museum where you can check the names of the artefacts shown.
There is still a cable car that connects to Monte Parish, which can be a way to reach the Garden and at the same time enjoy the view beyond the Garden.
When to visit the Madeira Botanical Garden?
The best time to visit the Madeira Botanical Garden is on April 30th where the gates open for free to commemorate the day Rui Vieira, an agronomist engineer who was one of the founders of the Botanical Garden, became the first director of the place and on July 1st, which is the anniversary of the autonomous region of Madeira, which is also free. However, it is still possible to visit at other times for only €6.
How do I get to the Madeira Botanical Gardens?
There are four ways to get to the Madeira Botanical Garden, all with very affordable prices:
- Bus: €1.95
- Uber: about €6.0
- Cable car (one way): €8.25
- Cable car (return): €12.75
Achadas da Cruz Cable Car
Have you heard of the Achadas da Cruz cable car? If you’re planning a trip to Madeira, this is an attraction that should be on your radar. While most visitors head straight to the natural pools of Porto Moniz, this cable car is a hidden gem that’s worth exploring.
The Steepest Cable Car in Europe
The Achadas da Cruz cable car is known for being the steepest in Europe. With a slope of 98% at the beginning and a total height of 451m over 600m, this ride will take your breath away. And the best part? You get to ride it down to the bottom of the cliffs, where you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the coastline.
How to Get There
The cable car is located on the west coast of Madeira and is just a 20-minute drive from Porto Moniz. While the road to get there is smaller, it’s nothing too difficult, and there’s a medium-sized car park available. Keep in mind that you’ll need to have a rental car to access this attraction.
Practical Tips
The Achadas da Cruz cable car is open every day from 8am to 11:30am and from 12:30pm to 7pm. A return ticket costs only 3€, and the travel time is just five minutes. At the top, there’s a cafe and toilets available, so you can relax and enjoy the view before heading back up.
While the natural pools of Porto Moniz are certainly worth a visit, don’t forget to explore the surrounding area. The Achadas da Cruz cable car is just one of many hidden gems waiting to be discovered. So, rent a car, hit the road, and get ready for an adventure. Madeira has so much to offer, and you won’t want to miss a thing.
Miradouro Garganta Funda
Have you ever heard of Garganta Funda? It’s one of Madeira’s best-kept secrets, a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Located on the east coast of the island, it’s about an hour’s drive from Funchal or just 30 minutes from Porto Moniz.
Garganta Funda is a stunning waterfall that drops around 140m from the cliffs of Ponta do Pargo into the Ribeiro River, which then flows into the Atlantic Ocean. The scenery is breathtaking, with the waterfall set against a backdrop of rolling hills and verdant fields.
How to get in Garganta Funda?
To get there, you’ll need to navigate a small road for the last 500m, but it’s worth it. Once you arrive, you’ll find there’s no real car park, just enough space for three cars at the start of the trail. The walk to the waterfall only takes about 10 minutes, but the trail is not well-defined, and you may need to push through some vegetation.
Despite its remote location, Garganta Funda is a peaceful and unspoiled spot. There are no facilities nearby, so make sure you bring everything you need with you. It’s also worth noting that in the summer months, the waterfall can dry up completely, so it’s best to visit during the rainy season.
The trail in Garganta Funda
The trail is short and easy, and you’ll have plenty of time to take in the tranquil surroundings. You’ll see abandoned “palheiros,” traditional Madeiran houses made of stone, and recent reconstructions of others. The area is sparsely populated, and you’ll get a sense of what life is like in the highlands of Calheta.
As you approach the waterfall, you’ll hear the sound of rushing water getting louder and louder until you finally reach the base of the falls. Take your time to savor the moment, and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Ponta do Pargo lighthouse on the left and the Lombada Velha fajã on the right.
Garganta Funda is a true natural wonder, and it’s not surprising that it’s becoming more popular with tourists. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit this hidden gem and experience the beauty of Madeira in all its glory.
Miradouros do Paredão
If you’re seeking breathtaking views without the crowds, the two viewpoints of Paredão on Madeira Island are a must-visit. Located between the popular tourist spots of Curral das Freiras and Pico do Areeiro, these viewpoints offer a quieter and possibly even more spectacular alternative to the heavily frequented Eira do Serrado viewpoint.
At Eira do Serrado, you’ll find yourself surrounded by loud tour groups arriving in big buses. In contrast, Miradouros do Paredão boasts a small parking lot with only one or two cars. From there, it’s just a short walk to the viewpoint overlooking the stunning Nun’s Valley. If you take the path to the left, you’ll soon arrive at the viewpoint facing the Southern coast of Madeira.
As for the view towards the Southern coast, I can’t describe it to you as the mountain was shrouded in clouds during our visit. However, the feeling of walking above the clouds was simply indescribable!
The first section of the scenic road leading to Paredão is incredibly steep, which probably keeps the big buses away, forcing them to take a detour to Pico do Areeiro. But don’t miss out on this incredibly beautiful road, which is one of the highlights of Madeira Island.
Step-by-step guide to visiting Paredão:
- Drive along the scenic road without a number, located between Curral das Freiras and Pico do Areeiro.
- Look for the small parking lot at Miradouros do Paredão, where you can park your car.
- Take a short walk to the viewpoint overlooking the Nun’s Valley.
- If you want to see the Southern coast, take the path to the left.
- Enjoy the stunning views without the crowds and take in the breathtaking scenery!
Don’t miss the opportunity to discover the incredible views at Paredão on Madeira Island. Whether you’re an experienced traveler or a casual tourist, this spot is sure to take your breath away.
Calhau da Lapa
While the island is filled with beautiful beaches, some of its best-kept secrets require a bit of effort to reach. That’s certainly the case with Calhau da Lapa, a hidden gem that’s only accessible on foot or by boat.
Calhau da Lapa is a unique beach that’s situated at the bottom of volcanic cliffs. The walk down to the beach takes you through a beautiful waterfall and the views from the bottom are absolutely breathtaking. But what really sets this beach apart are the colorful cliff-side cave-houses, which are actually used by local fishermen.
Location and Accessibility
Calhau da Lapa is located on the south coast of Madeira, just a 20-minute drive west of Funchal. While the beach is free to access, it can be a bit challenging to get there. The only way to reach Calhau da Lapa is by walking down a path that has 700 steep stairs. But once you reach the bottom, you’ll find yourself in a secluded and serene environment that’s well worth the effort.
Practical Tips for Visiting
It’s important to keep in mind that once you’ve enjoyed the beach, you’ll need to climb back up those 700 stairs to get back to the top. So make sure to bring plenty of water and wear comfortable shoes. Additionally, it’s highly recommended that you bring your swimsuit, as the water here is considered some of the clearest in Madeira.
Calhau da Lapa is a true hidden gem that’s well worth the effort to reach. If you’re looking for a unique and secluded spot to enjoy the natural beauty of Madeira, this beach is definitely worth checking out. Just remember to bring your swimsuit and prepare yourself for a bit of a workout!
Pico Ruivo: The Highest Peak in Madeira Island
Standing tall at 1,862 meters above sea level, Pico Ruivo is the highest peak in Madeira Island and the third highest peak in Portugal. This iconic location offers breathtaking views and a unique sense of serenity that can only be experienced through careful contemplation.
several places, including the picturesque village of Curral das Freiras, surrounded by lush green hills, the Câmara de Lobos municipality, various sites in Santana, and the impressive depth of the Ribeira Grande and São Jorge valleys. On days with excellent visibility, you can even see the Porto Santo Island and the Deserted Islands group from the summit.
Pico Ruivo’s flora mainly consists of mountain heathlands. However, it is the monumental rock formations that dominate the landscape and often tower above the clouds. The area is also home to several bird species, including the Madeiran Firecrest (Regulus ignicapus madeirensis), the chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs), and the common linnet (Linaria cannabina).
You can access Pico Ruivo on foot via the Vereda do Pico Ruivo (PR 1.2) trail, which takes around 45 minutes to complete, or from Pico Areeiro by taking the PR 1.1 trail.
How to get at Pico Ruivo?
To reach Pico Ruivo, there are only two access points: Achada do Teixeira in Santana and Pico do Arieiro. Three different trails connect to various points on the island, such as Pico do Arieiro, the village of Ilha, and Encumeada, all of which are picturesque spots. If you arrive early, before the clouds roll in, Pico Ruivo is the perfect place to capture stunning sunrise and sunset views from the closest point to the sky.
Pico Ruivo is a must-see location for nature enthusiasts and hikers visiting Madeira Island. Its awe-inspiring scenery, unique flora and fauna, and peaceful atmosphere make it an unforgettable destination for anyone seeking a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
