What’s on MadeiraWHAT’S ON MADEIRAIndependent planning notes for Madeira
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The 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.A highland ridge with a closed layer of cloud below itHiking & LevadasThe HighlandsPico 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.The treeless Ponta de São Lourenço peninsula and its cliffsHiking & LevadasThe EastMachico, Caniçal, Ponta de São Lourenço: 30 minutes from Funchal, the driest corner of the island and its only treeless hike.The lava pools at Porto Moniz under an overcast skyNature & ViewsThe NorthPorto Moniz, Seixal, São Vicente, Santana: 70 minutes from Funchal, natural lava pools and the wet side of the island.The west coast at Jardim do Mar below a sheer rock faceCoast & OceanThe WestPonta do Sol, Calheta, Jardim do Mar: the driest stretch of the island, 35 to 60 minutes from Funchal, with an imported sand beach.The view from Cabo Girão along the south coast, 580 metres above the AtlanticCoast & OceanThe SouthCâmara de Lobos, Cabo Girão, Ribeira Brava: the most liveable strip of the island — with the highest sea cliff in Europe at 580 metres.Funchal from above: the bay, the harbour mole and the city on the slopePracticalFunchalThe base for everything else: 105,000 residents, every main road starts here, and no region on the island is more than 70 minutes away.