Madeira is a small Portuguese island lost in the Atlantic, famous for its dramatic cliffs, steep mountains and lush vegetation which, during the rainy season, turns into a vibrant jungle. Even landing at its iconic airport — with a runway stretching out over the ocean — already tells you that this will not be an ordinary journey.
The island is known for its waterfalls (some of them even flow onto the road), narrow trails hidden in clouds, ancient laurel trees wrapped in mist and the levada paths that lead through green valleys, tunnels and rocky ledges. It is also a land of constant weather changes — one moment it can surprise you with strong winds and heavy rain, and shortly after reveal blue skies and several rainbows at once.
Below you will find the most beautiful and characteristic places in Madeira — landscapes that create its wild, mysterious face.
Ponta de São Lourenço – the raw edge of the island
The peninsula on the eastern tip of Madeira is a completely different world from the green interior. Colourful volcanic rocks, strong winds and the open ocean create a landscape that feels more desert-like than tropical. It is a perfect place for a hike with endless views of the Atlantic.
Visiting in December, with windy and rainy weather, I saw rainbows several times a day. It felt like a land of rainbows 🙂
Santana – fairy-tale traditional houses
In the northern part of the island lies Santana, with its characteristic triangular houses with colourful facades and thatched roofs. It is one of the most recognisable symbols of Madeira.
Achada do Teixeira – Pico Ruivo (1,861 m)
The trail leading to the highest peak of Madeira offers some of the most beautiful panoramas on the island. The route runs above the clouds, along rocky ridges and open spaces where the mountains look like waves frozen in stone.
PR1 Pico do Arieiro – Pico Ruivo – hiking in the clouds
This is Madeira’s iconic trail, running along mountain ridges, through tunnels and stairways carved into the rock. You often walk literally in the clouds, which gives the route an almost mystical character.
Levada 25 Fontes – waterfalls and lush greenery
Levada 25 Fontes leads to cascades pouring down rocky walls into a green valley. During the rainy season the waterfalls are spectacular and the whole area feels like a tropical garden.
There are many impressive waterfalls on the island — everything is green and vibrant:
On the northern coast of the island there is beautifully located hotel Aqua Natura Bay:
Seixal – black sand and natural pools
On the northern coast of Madeira lies Seixal — a place with a black volcanic beach and natural pools. The open ocean here can be very wild, which makes this one of the few places on the island where you can enter the water more safely.
Fanal Forest – the misty laurel woods
Fanal Forest is a true Instagram legend — ancient laurel trees wrapped in thick fog create scenery straight out of a fairy tale. Silence, moisture and monumental trunks make it one of the most magical places on the entire island.
On the road to a viewpoint near Santa Cruz there is an old bridge that looks like something from the jungle:
Ponta do Pargo – a lighthouse at the end of the world
On the western edge of Madeira stands the Ponta do Pargo lighthouse, perched above cliffs plunging straight into the ocean. It is one of the best places for sunset — if the weather allows.
Levada Nova – among waterfalls and banana trees
Levada Nova follows old irrigation channels with views over valleys and waterfalls. The trail also passes through areas covered with banana trees, which gives it an exotic feel.
The northern coast
Cascata dos Anjos – the waterfall falling onto the road
Cascata dos Anjos is an extraordinary waterfall that drops directly onto the asphalt road. Tourists drive or walk under the cascade of water — one of the most unusual places on Madeira.
The mystical atmosphere of the island
In summary
Madeira is an island of contrasts — on one hand raw cliffs, wind and rain, on the other lush greenery, waterfalls and fairy-tale forests. It is a place where nature plays the leading role and the landscape changes every few kilometres.
Above the clouds, on the terrace at Pico do Arieiro:
Malvina Dunder 
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