Back home Scenic Road-Trip Through Center of The Island Book one day REQUEST A QUOTE BOOKING ONLINE OFFERS Best price guarantee Secure payment Flexible cancellation Itinerary & Hikes What to bring? Weather Restaurants 12 Places 8 hours Exploring the east coast through a road trip through the central parts It's easy to lose yourself in the wonders of eastern Madeira - head inland and you'll arrive at a maze of rural roads that wind from one stunning valley to the next, with breathtaking views at every turn. Despite the rugged terrain, this part of the island is dotted with charming villages and hamlets that give a sense of scale to the vast landscapes and are perfect spots for a leisurely tour day of the north east side of Madeira. Itinerary & Hikes From both a symbolic and dimensional point of view, the Shrine of Nossa Senhora da Paz is the grandest monument on the Island of Madeira. Resulting from a promise made by the Madeirans, it was inaugurated on 14 August, the Day of Nossa Senhora do Monte. Located in Terreiro da Luta, in the parish of Monte, this artwork, which bears the signature of architect Emanuel Ribeiro, is dedicated to Nossa Senhora da Paz. This story of devotion takes us back to 1917; that year, during World War I, the city of Funchal was bombed twice by German submarines. Ribeiro Frio has an area where the indigenous Laurissilva forest presents itself with green splendour. Enjoy the privileged contact with Madeira's fauna and flora. This location also houses the Ribeiro Frio Aquaculture Station, whose rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) farms aim to replenish the island's waterways. While visiting this forest park, you can enjoy several hiking trails that begin here, such as PR 10 Levada do Furado or PR 11 Vereda dos Balcões. Levada dos Balcões, a 3 km out and back mini trail. This short and flat walk leads to a stunning viewpoint overlooking the lush valley of Ribeiro Frio and the surrounding mountains, making it an excellent choice for families and casual walkers. The highlight of the walk is this impressive viewing platform at the end, which towers high above the valley. You'll have the chance to see several species of birds, including the endemic Madeiran Firecrest. BOOK now 01 Viewpoint Terreiro da Luta 02 Sanctuary of Our Lady of Peace 03 Ribeiro Frio 04 Levada dos Balcões 05 Viewpoint Guindaste It’s an amazing place that offers some mesmerizing views of the ocean and the massive cliffs along Madeira’s northeastern coast. 06 Town of Porto da Cruz We can visit Engenhos do Norte, one of the few surviving rum distilleries of the island and the only one still driven by steam. 07 A Pipa This restaurant is a delightful spot for those seeking authentic Madeiran cuisine. This family-run restaurant focuses on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Seafood lovers will be delighted with dishes such as lapas (limpets) served sizzling with garlic and butter, and perfectly grilled fish dishes. 08 Viewpoint Portela 09 Viewpoint Ponta do Rosto View of Ponta de São Lourenço dragon tail 10 Viewpoint Pico do Facho 11 Machico A medieval town with the second-largest population after Funchal. 12 Viewpoint do Cristo Rei The 1st statue of Jesus Christ, before Brasil and Lisbon 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).
