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What’s on MadeiraWHAT’S ON MADEIRAIndependent planning notes for Madeira
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The Levada do Caldeirão Verde path along the rock faceHiking & LevadasPR 9 Levada do Caldeirão Verde: tunnels, ferns, waterfallThe island's most striking levada, and the one with the most tunnels. From the Queimadas forest park above Santana the path follows an 18th-century channel straight through the laurel forest — along dripping rock walls, through four unlit galleries, into a rock basin with a waterfall falling into it.8. September 2026A levada channel and its footpath through laurel forestHiking & LevadasLevada walks on MadeiraDepending on how you count, 2,400 to 3,100 kilometres of water channels run through the island. Only a fraction is walkable, and that fraction is why most people come.8. September 2026The nine-kilometre sand beach on Porto SantoCoast & OceanPorto Santo9 kilometres of sand, 2.5 hours by ferry from Funchal: the second island is flat, dry and runs by different rules.8. September 2026A highland ridge with a closed layer of cloud below itHiking & LevadasThe highlands: Pico do Arieiro, Pico Ruivo, Paul da SerraPico do Arieiro, Pico Ruivo, Paul da Serra, Rabaçal: the roof of Madeira at 1,862 metres — 50 minutes and 10 to 15 degrees from Funchal.8. September 2026The treeless Ponta de São Lourenço peninsula and its cliffsHiking & LevadasThe east: Machico, Caniçal, Ponta de São LourençoMachico, Caniçal, Ponta de São Lourenço: 30 minutes from Funchal, the driest corner of the island and its only treeless hike.8. September 2026The lava pools at Porto Moniz under an overcast skyNature & ViewsThe north: Porto Moniz, Seixal, São Vicente, SantanaPorto Moniz, Seixal, São Vicente, Santana: 70 minutes from Funchal, natural lava pools and the wet side of the island.8. September 2026The west coast at Jardim do Mar below a sheer rock faceCoast & OceanThe west: Ponta do Sol, Calheta, Paul do MarPonta do Sol, Calheta, Jardim do Mar: the driest stretch of the island, 35 to 60 minutes from Funchal, with an imported sand beach.8. September 2026The view from Cabo Girão along the south coast, 580 metres above the AtlanticCoast & OceanThe south: Câmara de Lobos to Ribeira BravaCâmara de Lobos, Cabo Girão, Ribeira Brava: the most liveable strip of the island — with a 580-metre cliff and a glass skywalk.8. September 2026Funchal from above: the bay, the harbour mole and the city on the slopePracticalFunchal and around: your base on the islandThe base for everything else: 105,000 residents, every main road starts here, and no region on the island is more than 70 minutes away.8. September 2026