This is a sponsored post for the Madeira Promotion Association.
For a relatively small island, Madeira offers a huge amount to see – and from a cruise passenger’s point of view, that’s great news. Whether you’ve only got a few hours in port or a full day to explore, the island’s best views, gardens and excursions are all within easy reach of Funchal’s harbour.
This is an island made for exploring. The landscapes change fast: one minute you’re looking over the city’s red rooftops, the next you’re standing on a glass platform hundreds of metres above the ocean, or wandering through a garden filled with tropical flowers.
Wherever you go, the views are big and the journeys short, which makes Madeira a dream stop for anyone arriving by ship.
Viewpoints You’ll Never Forget
Madeira’s scenery is nothing short of spectacular, and you don’t need to travel far from the port to see it.
Start with Pico dos Barcelos, an easy drive from Funchal. From here you get a sweeping view over the bay, the city and the cruise ships below – it’s a great way to get your bearings.
If you want something a little more dramatic, head for Cabo Girão, one of Europe’s highest sea cliffs. The glass-floored skywalk isn’t for the faint-hearted, but the views are unforgettable: sheer cliffs plunging into the Atlantic, with terraced vineyards clinging to the slopes below.
For mountain scenery, Eira do Serrado is hard to beat.
From this lookout point you can see deep into the valley of Curral das Freiras – known as Nun’s Valley – surrounded by jagged peaks. It feels a world away from the coast, yet it’s only a short drive from Funchal.
Excursions to See the Best of Madeira
There’s no shortage of ways to spend a day ashore here. You can go for the big, sweeping views, or focus on food, gardens and culture – it all depends on your pace and interests.
A classic option is the Monte and Botanical Gardens excursion. Take the cable car from near the port up to Monte for panoramic views, stroll through the tropical gardens and, if you’re feeling adventurous, hop into one of the traditional wicker toboggans for the ride back down. It’s touristy, yes, but it’s also enormous fun.
If you’d rather stay closer to sea level, a half-day tour to Câmara de Lobos makes a great outing. This fishing village, once painted by Winston Churchill, is full of character – colourful boats in the harbour, small cafés serving fresh fish and poncha, Madeira’s signature rum and citrus drink.
For a taste of the island’s wilder side, head inland. Ribeiro Frio offers lush forest trails and scenic levada walks – gentle hiking routes that follow the island’s old irrigation channels through greenery and waterfalls. A little further on, the traditional village of Santana is famous for its thatched A-frame houses and views down to the coast.
And if your cruise calls overnight or includes a longer stay, consider a day trip to Porto Santo, Madeira’s smaller sister island. It’s about two and a half hours away by ferry and known for its golden nine-kilometre beach – a complete contrast to Madeira’s cliffs and gardens.
For a Relaxed Day Close to Port
Not every cruise passenger wants to dash off on an all-day tour, and Funchal caters perfectly for that too.
The old town, or Zona Velha, is right beside the harbour, with cobbled lanes, painted doors and plenty of spots for coffee and cake.
The Mercado dos Lavradores is a colourful mix of fruit, flowers and fresh fish, while the CR7 Museum down by the marina is a must for football fans.
If you’re in the mood to unwind, stroll along the promenade, stop for a glass of Madeira wine and watch the tenders and small boats come and go. It’s one of the easiest and most pleasant ports in the Atlantic for just wandering and soaking up the atmosphere.
Choosing the Right Excursion for You
If you’re on a tight schedule, a two- or three-hour sightseeing tour will still show you plenty. Most ships offer half-day options covering the key viewpoints or the cable car and gardens.
For a bit more freedom, local taxis and private guides can tailor a route for you on the spot – it’s very straightforward, and most drivers know exactly what cruise passengers want to see.
Madeira’s roads are good, and distances are short, so you can pack a lot into your visit without feeling rushed. Just allow a bit of time to get back to the ship – not because it’s far, but because you’ll almost certainly want to linger somewhere along the way.
Final Word
Exploring Madeira on a cruise is all about variety. You can spend the morning in the mountains and the afternoon by the sea, or fit a handful of incredible viewpoints into just a few hours ashore.
However you choose to explore it – by cable car, coach, taxi or on foot – you’ll find that the island is wonderfully easy to navigate and endlessly photogenic. Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, Madeira always manages to surprise you with another view, another garden, or another reason to come back.
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Madeira is probably the worlds best Port has it all, in the world 😁