Back home North West and West Coast Book one day REQUEST A QUOTE BOOKING ONLINE OFFERS Best price guarantee Secure payment Flexible cancellation Itinerary & Hikes What to bring? Weather Restaurants 9 Places 8 hours Near Porto Moniz, where Madeira's north meets west, there's a spot that feels like nature's private viewing deck, particularly known for its stunning sunsets. Find Miradouro Ponta da Ladeira on Google Maps, park and follow your sense of adventure down a short dirt track. Let's be honest - it's not fancy, but that's what makes it so special: fewer tourists, no selfie-snapping crowds. While the rest of Madeira plays peek-a-boo with clouds, this north-western corner often stays surprisingly clear. Itinerary & Hikes On Madeira 's west coast, between Ponta do Pargo and Paul do Mar, lies Garganta Funda waterfall. This 140-meter waterfall drops straight down the cliff into the Atlantic ocean. Where land surrenders to sea, at Madeira's westernmost point, stands the Ponta do Pargo lighthouse. At 290 meters above the Atlantic and visible from 50 meters this 1922 lighthouse is one the highest lighthouses of the world and the highest of Portugal. Heading towards the south-west coast of the island, your next stop will be Jardim do Mar or 'Garden of the Sea', a small and secluded village of around 300 inhabitants. It is full of life and colour, with wild flowers covering the hills and narrow cobbled streets with charming little houses and gardens. The village is car free, making it an ideal destination for those wanting to take a peaceful stroll while admiring the breathtaking views and exploring the local shops, cafes and traditional houses in a tranquil atmosphere. The bay is popular with surfers due to the larger waves that roll in from the Atlantic, especially when compared to the southern beaches of the island. The numerous waves that break on the pebble beach make it an excellent wave spot, one of the best in Europe. Please note that this also makes it quite dangerous to go swimming in the water. When you're ready, we'll make our way back, leaving you plenty of time to ask questions, take photos and make the most of this private experience. Madalena do Mar is a picturesque village on the southwest coast of Madeira, renowned for its tranquil atmosphere and mild, sunny climate, ideal for banana growing. Explore Madeira's enchanting Banana Route - a vibrant journey through lush, terraced banana plantations that plunge into the Atlantic Ocean. It takes you along concrete paths, small levadas and a few steps through banana plantations where you can often see locals at work. If you're looking for a real Madeiran tasca (local tavern) experience, A venda do Andre is where the locals gather in Campanário. Off the beaten track, this simple place is known for its home-style cooking and authentic atmosphere. This unassuming place is popular with the locals and offers a real slice of village life. It's an authentic example of the old traditional tasca - the term refers to a small, informal tavern or pub. Tucked away beneath Madeira's towering southern cliffs lies a hidden slice of paradise - Fajã dos Padres is only accessible by cable car (250m drop). The cable car descent is an experience in itself - watching the cliff face glide past while fishing boats dot the Atlantic below. This fajã (flat land at the base of the cliff) is a story of human determination meeting the power of nature - where volcanic soil and a unique microclimate create the perfect conditions for rare crops. You 'll be able to walk in the garden among avocados, bananas and mangoes and also enjoy the beachfront restaurant which is very good. Between the organic gardens and the Atlantic, a quiet black pebble beach stretches along the coast, perfect for a dip in the crystal clear waters. The restaurant's menu changes depending on what's grown on the organic farm above. You'll need to book in advance, especially for lunch, and the cable car ticket (€12) is separate from the cost of the restaurant. Best to call them directly to check times and availability. Your last stop for the day is the Cabo Girão Sky-walk, the second highest cliff in Europe. Opened in 2012, many say it is similar to the one in America's Grand Canyon. Both are made of transparent glass and offer breathtaking views. BOOK now 01 Viewpoint Ponta da Ladeira 02 Viewpoint Boa Morte 03 Viewpoint da Garganta Funda Impressive waterfall especially in the winter time when the debit is higher 04 Jardim do Mar An idyllic and charming fishermen village 05 Madalena do Mar & Banna Route A vibrant journey through lush, terraced banana plantations that plunge into the Atlantic. It leads along concrete paths, small levadas and a few stairs through banana plantations where you can often see locals at work. 06 Venda do Andre Afternoon snack 07 Paul do Mar 08 Fajã dos Padres 09 Cabo Girão The highest sky-walk on a cliff in Europe Your must-have packing list A lightweight rain jacket: Madeira's microclimates can change from sunny to rainy in an instant. It's much better to have a raincoat and not need it than to get soaked and wish you had! Head torch: Perfect for those levada tunnels where your phone's flashlight just won't do. Also a lifesaver if you're hiking at sunrise or sunset. Sunscreen essentials: Don't forget your sunscreen, hat and sunglasses. Even when it's cloudy, Madeira's UV can be sneaky, especially in the summer due to its proximity to Ecuador. Water and snacks: Stay hydrated with plenty of water and your favourite trail snacks. Comfortable walking shoes. Also, bring a plastic bag to pick up any litter you may find along the way. It's a small gesture that gives back to this beautiful place and helps keep the trail unspoiled. Think of it as a way of saying thank you to the great outdoors for all the amazing scenery it shares with us. Weather To stay one step ahead, take advantage of the network of webcams scattered across Madeira. These handy cams give you a real-time peek at the weather conditions island-wide. A quick check before you head out can save you from a potentially wasted trip and help you find the perfect patch of sunshine for your adventure. https://www.netmadeira.com/webcams-madeira https://beyondmadeira.com/live-webcams/ PRO TIP: Always check trail conditions on official sources. My recommended sources are Windy and Mountain-forecast.com Suggestions for dinner To guarantee genuine recommendations, I do not accept commissions. Every place I suggest is based on my own positive personal experience. Sabor a fado restaurant At Travessa das Torres nº10, you'll discover a cosy place that you simply can't miss! Sabor a Fado is a restaurant where heart-warming music meets delicious Madeiran cuisine. This family-run fado house combines the soulful music of traditional Portuguese music with the delicious flavours of local gastronomy. From the moment you walk through the doors, you'll be greeted by the warm smiles of the Sousa family, who will be your perfect hosts for the evening. They don't just serve your table, they create an experience, sharing stories through songs and making you feel like part of their extended family. A Vista Savor the Flavors and Sights of Funchal. If you're looking for a dining experience that captures both the flavour and beauty of Madeira, A Vista in Funchal is the place to be. This restaurant offers tasty dishes paired with killer views that make every meal unforgettable. Overlooking the sparkling Atlantic and the charming rooftops of Funchal, A Vista is a feast for the eyes and the stomach. The menu is a creative blend of traditional Madeiran flavours with a modern twist. Akua Chef Júlio Pereira's Akua restaurant offers a vibrant dining experience that will delight all lovers of seafood and Mediterranean cuisine. At Akua, the culinary magic of the aquatic world takes centre stage, offering a sensory journey from the sea to the table. Each dish is meticulously crafted, showcasing both bold flavours and artistic presentation. Carvão Grill House is a dining experience you don't want to miss. The service is excellent and the food is absolutely incredible. Even if you don't usually finish your meals, you'll want to savour every bite here! The prices are quite reasonable, making it a must visit during your stay in Madeira. You won't be disappointed! We enjoyed the Wagyu beef which is cooked to perfection and bursting with flavour. Every bite was melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Abrigo do Pastor Just 15 kilometres from Funchal, Abrigo do Pastor is a charming spot for food lovers and explorers alike. This cosy, wood-panelled restaurant offers a welcoming retreat where you can enjoy the authentic flavours of the island. From hearty meat dishes to fresh seafood, the menu showcases the best of Madeiran cuisine using fresh, local ingredients. With the peaceful sounds of nature all around you, dining at Abrigo do Pastor is both an escape and a treat. It's the perfect place to enjoy great food, soak up the forest atmosphere and experience the warm hospitality for which Madeira is renowned. Adega do Pomar This charming restaurant embodies the spirit of Madeira, offering a dining experience that's both rustic and refreshingly authentic. Start your culinary journey with a plate of grilled lapas (limpets) or indulge in Bolo do Caco, a garlic bread that's as addictive as it is traditional. For the main event, Mendinha takes the central stage. Mendinha is a stew made from veal ribs slowly cooked the oven for at least 4-5 hours until tender, absorbing a rich blend of local ingredients. These include garlic, onions and a bouquet of fragrant herbs such as bay leaves and oregano, which add layers of aromatic complexity to the dish. A splash of Madeira wine adds a touch of sophistication, giving the sauce a unique hint of sweetness. Mendinha is typically served with rustic accompaniments such as crusty bread or boiled potatoes, which help to soak up the inviting sauce. It's a popular choice for festive occasions and family gatherings. Santo António - Situated in the picturesque hills of the Estreito de Câmara de Lobos, Santo Antonio is a popular culinary destination offering an authentic taste of Madeira. It is particularly famous for its exceptional espetada - many people, both locals and tourists, say it's the best on the island (I also love the espetada at O Polar).
