Top 5 things to see and do in Madeira

If you like breathtaking natural landscapes, Madeira is the ideal place for your next holiday. Discover our top things to see and do in Madeira.

Book a flight

From

Madeira is the ideal destination for combining hiking, sunbathing and amazing views!

There are direct flights from Lyon to Funchal, Madeira's capital.

If, for you, a holiday means rest, swimming and hiking in wild landscapes, Madeira is the place to be. This Portuguese volcanic archipelago is known as the flower island due to its lush and colourful vegetation. Here, you can stroll among tropical forests, impressive mountains, idyllic beaches and picturesque villages.

Discover below our guide dedicated to the top 5 places to visit in Madeira, Portugal.

1. Funchal, a colourful and tropical capital

Madeira's capital city, Funchal is best visited on foot and is full of magnificent streets and buildings. In the old town, you can discover numerous examples of street art and beautiful churches.

The cable car takes you to the top of the city where you can enjoy the botanical garden and its 2000 plant varieties! On the way back down, you can visit the Farmers' Market full of exotic fruits and walk to the pretty port where you can wander along the promenade. Funchal is just 3 hours and 30 mins by a direct flight operated by Transavia. Fly there now for an unforgettable stay!

Flight Lyon Funchal

2. Pico Ruivo and its breathtaking views

Located at an altitude of 1862 metres, Pico Ruivo is the highest peak in Madeira. You can reach it on foot by following a marked path. There are two possible routes: the most accessible takes 2 hours and the alternative takes 4 to 6 hours.

Once at the summit, you can enjoy an incredible view of the surrounding summits and the island of Madeira. From Funchal, it is a one-hour drive to the hike's starting point.

3. Camara de Lobos, a charming fishing village

A small fishing village, Camara de Lobos is located on Madeira's south coast. It is one of the island's most beautiful villages. You can visit the Salão Ideal viewpoint to enjoy a beautiful view of Camara de Lobos and its magnificent coloured fishing boats.

Here, take a moment to try poncha, Madeira's local specialty based on brandy and sugar cane. Camara de Lobos is just a ten-minute drive from Funchal. It is an ideal stopover on the way to Formosa beach for example.

4. Porto Moniz and its natural pools

Fancy swimming in natural pools with crystal clear waters? You can in Porto Moniz, a small town in the northwest of the island. These pools formed by volcanic lava naturally let sea water in and you can swim while remaining mindful of the waves.

Just a one-hour drive from Funchal, Porto Moniz is a must-see in Madeira. If you've ever dreamt of immersing yourself in crystal clear waters, book your direct flight to Funchal from Lyon now!

5. Machico and its pebble and fine sand beaches

A visit to Madeira would not be complete without a visit to the town of Machico, the island's second-largest town. It is lively and there are many activities to enjoy during your holidays and you can relax on one of its two beaches.

If you like diving, you can enjoy this activity thanks to the Machico marine reserve. Your next dream holiday is just a 3.5-hour flight from Lyon Airport.

So, are you ready to discover the flower island?

What if you discover more about Portugal?

Portugal is full of breathtaking landscapes. Fly to Faro in the beautiful Algarve region, Lisbon for its many colorful streets or Porto and its many Portuguese specialties.

Thanks to numerous airlines, fly directly from Lyon Airport in just a few hours.

Flight Lyon Portugal