Explore Madeira
PR1 Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo Hike
This was Maria and my first hike in Madeira — and it’s easily the most iconic (and dangerous) hike on the island. The trail starts at Pico do Areeiro (1,810 m) and leads to Pico Ruivo (1,862 m), offering some of the most breathtaking views you’ll ever see. That beauty comes at a cost this is a long, physically demanding hike with steep climbs, narrow paths, and exposure. We started at 5:00 am and completed the round trip in just over 7 hours. Bring plenty of water, snacks, and proper hiking shoes — standard tennis shoes are not recommended. You can shorten the day by hiking one way to Pico Ruivo and taking a BOLT back to your accommodation. The trail was closed due to the 2024 wildfires and is reopening in April, just in time for our wedding. This hike is NOT to be done alone and is only recommended for experienced hikers prepared for changing weather and challenging conditions.
PR8 Ponta de São Lourenço Hike
Maria and I loved this hike. PR8 is a moderate trail with nonstop, breathtaking views along Madeira’s eastern coastline. The full hike is about 3 hours round trip, making it a great option if you want something scenic without committing to a full-day adventure. This trail is very exposed, so we recommend going earlier in the day and bringing sun protection and water. At the far end of the trail, there’s a small restaurant where you can stop for a snack or drink — we highly recommend a local dark Coral beer with lemon, a pastel de nata, or both. If you’re feeling extra relaxed afterward, you can pay a small fee for a boat ride back to the parking area instead of hiking back.
Jeep Safari Tour
We recommend spending May 27th enjoying a safari ride (Get Your Guide, Trip Advisor, Viator) through the west side of the island. Most safari rides are in Jeeps or Land Rovers and can hold up to 5 passengers generally. Book in advance if for group rides! (The Big Adventure Madeira is a reputable company) Tours start around 9am and will pick you up from your hotel. Tour will drop you back off 5:30-7pm.
Madeira Wine and Rum Tastings
Madeira is world-famous for its wine and rum, with grapes, bananas, and sugar cane among the island’s biggest exports. Madeira wine is one of the most sought-after wines in the world, and there are countless places across the island to enjoy tastings or guided wine tours. If you’re looking for options, GetYourGuide has a wide variety to choose from. The photo above is Andrew with his grandfather. On his mother’s side, Andrew’s grandparents grew grapes for wine production, making this part of Madeira’s culture especially meaningful to our family. Andrew’s grandmother will be joining us at the wedding, and while his grandfather is no longer with us, he will be with us in spirit on our wedding day. Rum is just as important here — one of Maria and Andrew’s favorite drinks is Poncha, made with Madeira rum, citrus, and honey. We’ll be serving it at our wedding. Just a heads-up: it’s delicious and strong… there’s a fine line between fun and forgetting the rest of the day. 😄
Seaborn Catamaran Tour
We recommend setting aside a day for a catamaran cruise along Madeira’s coastline. Seaborn offers relaxed half-day and full-day sailings with plenty of time to enjoy the water, coastal views, and (if conditions allow) swimming or snorkeling. Cruises typically depart from Funchal Marina and last 3–4 hours. Drinks and light snacks are often included, and hotel pickup may be available depending on the tour. Book in advance, especially for larger groups or preferred time slots.
Cable Car & Botanical Garden
We recommend taking the cable car from Old Town Funchal up to the Botanical Garden. The ride offers great views of the city and coastline and takes about 15 minutes. The garden is easy to explore at your own pace, with walking paths, diverse plants, and scenic overlooks. Plan for 2–3 hours total and enjoy lunch nearby after your visit. If you’re traveling between cable cars (Teleféricos), we highly recommend the traditional wicker toboggan ride — it’s one of Madeira’s most iconic experiences.
Toboggan Rides
If you’re coming up via the cable car or finishing at the Botanical Gardens, the Monte toboggan ride is an iconic Madeira experience and well worth doing. The traditional wicker sleds take you downhill through the streets of Monte and drop you off lower on the mountain. From there, we recommend hailing a taxi or using the ride-share app BOLT to get around the island. We do not recommend Uber, as it doesn't work on the island.