Must- sees in Madeira
Madeira - the Hawaii of Europe - offers breathtaking views of green mountains, steep cliffs and waterfalls. But if you only have a limited amount of time, it's hard to decide what to do and what to skip. These must-sees cover almost all parts of the islands and their different panoramas.
Take the ER101 from Faial to Porto Moniz
The ER101 is the old coastal road with the most amazing views. Unlike the new highways, which go through tunnels and get you where you want to go faster, the old route is very adventurous, so have a driver who's up for a bit of driving fun. We took the ER101 from Faial to Porto Moniz whenever possible (sometimes the old route is blocked or no longer working - in that case just take the new one through the tunnel) and were just amazed by the constantly changing beautiful views of mountains, sea and cliffs.
Climb down Rocha do Navio
This was the craziest and most beautiful thing we did in Madeira. On the steep cliffs next to the beach, farmers grow vegetables, which they send up with the cable car, which goes all the way up, but is exclusively for the farmers (you can go once or twice a day as a tourist). But don't take the cable car, walk down the very narrow path (levada) and enjoy the breathtaking panorama that unfolds before you. On the way down you will pass waterfalls and once down you can walk through the small farming village with its beautiful old colorful houses and water system to the beach. You can either walk back up (takes about 1 hour each way) or wait for your turn on the cable car. If you don't have much time, but don't want to miss the hiking experience, do this little tour - it combines the panorama of waterfalls, green cliffs and the sea.
https://goo.gl/maps/7gNzfQXkfrAh8dVC8
Swim on the black beach in Seixal
Madeira doesn't have many beaches. But it can get really hot there. The small beach in Seixal with its black sand and the view of the green cliffs stayed in my mind. Lying there and admiring the panorama feels very special. If you are thirsty or hungry, go to the Club Naval right next to the beach and try a swim in the natural pools surrounding the club's terrace.
https://goo.gl/maps/tKCz2fxBq2rYwBXp7
Drive through the waterfall of Anjos
The ER101 goes all around the island. A really nice tour is from Madalena do Mar to Funchal. You pass through Ponta do Sol, a super cute little village with an excellent restaurant on the cliffs, and Camara de Lobos, Churchill's hideaway.
But the real treat on the way is just before Ponta do Sol, where the ER101 takes you through the Anjos waterfall - a real treat!
https://goo.gl/maps/tKCz2fxBq2rYwBXp7
Drive the "most beautiful highway" in Madeira
The ER110 connects the interior of Madeira and is probably the highest highway on the island. Therefore, it offers breathtaking panoramic views of the landscape and mountain peaks, such as Paul da Serra. At least that is what everyone says, unfortunately when we did it, it was super cloudy and foggy and we could only guess at the spectacular panorama.
https://goo.gl/maps/c96KPRRx1316io9WA
