FANTASTIC MADEIRA HIDDEN GEMS YOU CANNOT MISS

For an island that is extremely popular, it is still possible to find some Madeira hidden gems if you get off the well-trodden tourist routes. While Madeira beaches, Lavada’s and cable cars, are some of the best places to visit, Madeira also has plenty of places to visit where you’ll find fewer tourists.

These hidden gems of Madeira can easily be found if you explore the island more fully, and don’t restrict yourself to visiting the same sights as everyone else.

Ultimately, it is only by exploring yourself, that you come across different viewpoints, local haunts, and discover an authentic Madeira. And if you are lucky to find a special gem, keep it to yourself, or it won’t stay that way for long!

Here are favourite less-crowded Madeira hidden gems for you to enjoy.

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MAP OF MADEIRA’S HIDDEN GEMS

Below is a map to help you locate all the places in this article.

1. MIRADOURO LOMBO DOS PALHEIROS

View across lush valley, mountains and towns

While there are many beautiful Madeira viewpoints to admire during your trip, most are located in popular tourist spots.

Miradouro Lombo dos Palheiros is a hidden gem off the the beaten track, on the north coast of Madeira Island.

The viewpoint is accessed via a narrow road which leads to the cemetery, in the parish of Sao Roque do Faial.

Park at the back of the cemetery and walk round to the viewpoint for a panoramic view over the north coast, and the municipality of Santana.

With the imposing mountains in the background, you can also see the impressive Penha d’Aguia, a 600m high geological formation dividing Santana from Machico. You can also spot:

The parish of Sao Roque do Faial
Orange roofs of the white houses
Lush green surrounding hills

Take a few moments to walk around the small immaculate cemetery.

This miradouro was definitely one of the quiet hidden gems of Madeira. One of those places offering peace, quiet, and grandeur.

Location: Entrada da rue Padre Daniel Nicolau de Sousa

2. PALHEIRO GARDENS

palheiro gardens, one of Madeir hidden gems

Most visitors to Funchal flock via the cable car, to Monte Palace Tropical Gardens, which are one of the top attractions in Madeira.

Palheiro Gardens however, are one of those hidden gems of Madeira definitely worth making time to visit.

A private country villa takes centre stage, surrounded by the carefully planned English garden. The Estate is owned by the wine merchants Blandy family. The landscaped gardens are a delight to stroll around.

Situated about 500m above sea level, the gardens enjoy an enviable setting in the hills, east of Funchal.

Some highlights apart from Hibiscus and Bougainvillea include:

a sunken garden, and rose garden
an impressive collection of Camellias, and skilful topiary
Jacaranda, Spathodeas, and Erythrinas

Within the grounds is a cosy tea house for refreshments, plus a hotel, Casa Velha do Palheiro (Relais & Chateau Member). We actually walked into the hotel, thinking it was the entrance to the tea house 🙂

Location: Take exit no. 13 off ER101, then join ER204. | Bus 36 or 37 from Funchal.

Open: Daily 9am-5pm | Cost: Adult 11 Euros

There are a few parking spaces at the gardens entrance, or continue down the drive to the main car park. Alternatively, it is a 5 minute walk from the pay booth.

Hidden gems so close to Funchal are a rarity, so be sure to put these gardens on your Madeira Itinerary.

3. SUGAR CANE FACTORY

Located in Calheta, Sociedade Dos Engenhos Da Calheta, is one of the island’s last working sugar cane mills.

Most visitors head straight to the beach in Calheta. The golden sand makes it one of the best beaches in Madeira. Instead, tour the factory where the sugar cane spirit used to mix Madeiran Poncha, is produced.

The equipment operates around the clock in April and May, during harvest time. Then, you can watch the trucks unloading, the sugar cane being crushed, and the juice being boiled.

Open year-round, you can wander around on your own. Read about the history of the mill in the small museum. Then head upstairs to view the equipment, before sampling the finished product in the tasting room.

Whether you choose poncha, pure spirit, tea or coffee, a piece of cake is included.

Rarely are hidden gems also one of the best free things to do in Madeira, so be sure to stop by this sugar cane factory.

Location: Av. Dom Manuel | 29 Open: 10am-6.30pm | Drinks: From 0.80 Euros

4. STREET ART IN FUNCHAL OLD TOWN

With so many things to do in Funchal, it can be easy to miss the more obvious sights tucked away in the back streets.

When it comes to hidden gems Funchal has a whole street full of them. Head to Rua de Santa Maria in Funchal Old Town, for an exterior art gallery experience.

Thanks to art project, the area has taken on a new lease of life, all be it a brighter more colourful one.

Old forgotten entrances from deteriorated and abandoned shops have been painted by artists.

Now, these doors in the historic part of Funchal, have been embraced by locals and visitors alike. The best time to photograph the art is early Sunday morning, or before the street cafes and restaurants start opening.

Location: Rua de Santa Maria

5. IGREJA DE SAO JORGE

view inside a church looking towards the alter

When it comes to hidden gems Madeira has a couple of surprises that include places of worship.

Taking centre stage in the village, is Sao Jorge Parish Church, the largest Baroque style church in the region. Built in the 17th-century, the main façade faces north, and the church is composed of a single nave, a lower narrower chancel, and a quadrangular bell tower.

The architectural beauty has many stand-out features, including:

a presbytery with rosewood balusters
18th-century tiled frieze
alterpiece in Joanine gilded woodcarving
portal topped by three apron windows

Location: Sao Jorge, reached via ER101

6. PRAIA IIHEUS RIBEIRA DA JANELA

man sitting on a beach looking at rock formations

Most visitors rushing to the natural pools in Porto Moniz miss one of the best Madeira hidden gems on the north coast.

Madeira secret places are sometimes just out of sight by passers-by. While you can see the sea stacks from the road, you can also get a close-up view from this secret beach.

Park in the car park opposite the power station, and take the staircase which leads through a hole in the cliff. You are afforded the most incredible view of the rock formations with the waves crashing against them.

Part of the protected Madeira Natural Park, the volcanic rock formations were formed by the erosive forces of wind and water over thousands of years.

Walk down onto the tiny beach and clamber over the large rocks and boulders to find a place to sit, and watch the ocean.

Location: 3km from Porto Moniz via ER101 & ER209 | Facilities: Public toilets

7. ROTA DA BANANA

When it comes to unique things to do in Madeira you can’t get much better than walking through a banana plantation.

On Madeira you can hike along some pretty incredible trails such as Levada Do Caldeirao Verde, and Vereda Da Ponta De Sao Lourenco.

However, for a fun and easy walk, head to the coastal village of Madalena do Mar to join a circular route through dense banana plantations.

The trail is accessed from several different points so you can complete part of the walk if pushed for time.

For more unusual things to do in Madeira, you can’t beat following the irrigation system, surrounded by huge bunches of local fruit.

1.9km loop trail | Time: About an hour

We hope this article has inspired you to explore the less beaten track and find some of Madeira hidden gems on your trip. If you have any questions, please leave a comment below.

FANTASTIC MADEIRA HIDDEN GEMS YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS