Best Picnic Areas in Madeira
Madeira is sunny all year around. Yet, rain showers and wind mean that hiking is not always on the cards. The weather can easily turn halfway through the day. Sometimes, the mountains are covered in fog. Other times, trails are closed due to landslides.
But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the mountains or the lush greenery. One of the best alternatives is heading to one of the many picnic areas in Madeira, where you can enjoy nature without committing to a long hike. With that in mind, here are the best picnic areas in Madeira, from forest parks to mountain plateaus.
Picnicking, Madeiran-style
If there’s one thing Madeirans know how to do, it’s eat well outdoors. They’ll grab meat, laurel sticks and charcoal to make a skewer. In their mind, anything worth eating, is worth grilling. (That’s how I always end up with peppers and zucchini, even at the most carnivore gatherings.)
So, when I say picnic areas, I don’t mean a sad table with no shade where you’ll have to improvise a seat. These places have tables, water, stone barbecues, bins, and even bathrooms. In Portuguese, just look for “parque de merendas” or “área de lazer”.
Of course, you don’t need to engage in the whole barbecue setup. You can have a great time enjoying the simple things in life: fresh bread, bolo do caco, fruit, olives, seasoned lupins, pickles, pastries, maybe a roast chicken or some falafel, hot cocoa. Then, drive up to a picnic area, sit down, eat slowly, look around, and leave when the clouds roll in.
The best picnic areas in Madeira
There are good picnic areas across Madeira. So you don’t have to overthink it. You can improvise according to where you are at the moment.
Chão dos Louros, São Vicente
A local favourite near São Vicente, at the heart of the Laurissilva forest. Here you’ll appreciate (and smell) the laurel trees, the til, the lily of the valley, and Madeira mahogany trees. The leisure area has tables, benches, fountains, fireplaces, and a bathroom. All in all, this is a reliable picnic area all year-round.
Chão das Feiteiras, Machico
Another favourite picnic area in Madeira is Chão das Feiteiras, one of the few plateaus on the island. It’s surrounded by cedars and, besides the picnic area, you can also picnic there. Still, full disclosure, there’s a winding uphill road to get there. So, you need to be comfortable driving and check the weather beforehand.
Montado do Pereiro, Santa Cruz
Madeira is a small island where you can go everywhere in less than an hour. However, it’s very easy to feel in a super remote place as well – away from the city, the cars, and even phone reception. One such place is Montado do Pereiro. Apart from the picnic area, there’s also a camping area, soccer fields and a mini-golf court.
Parque das Queimadas, Santana
Parque das Queimadas is one of the prettiest spots on the island. You’re right in the middle of the misty forest, surrounded by centuries-old trees and several walking paths – including an accessible trail. The only downside is the very narrow, single-track road you need to take to go there. This is only for experienced drivers, folks!
Ribeiro Frio, Santana
Easy to reach but very popular, especially on weekends. However, this is a good option if you’re going to Balcões, one of the shorter and safest levadas on the island, or going to Levada do Furado (a hiking path from Ribeiro Frio to Portela). It may take a while to find a place to park, but you can stay on the area of a while.
Bica da Cana, Ponta do Sol
While everyone goes to Pico do Areeiro to see the sunrise, Bica da Cana remains a hidden gem. Perfect to watch the sunrise, the sunset or have a picnic. Thanks to the open views, you’ll feel like that you’re up there in the mountains without having to hike. Now, it does run a little on the cooler side, so pack a sweater.
Fanal Forest, Porto Moniz
If Madeira had a mood, Fanal would be it. Ancient laurel trees, open meadows, and fog that comes and goes whenever it feels like it. Although it doesn’t have the charm it once did – some of the trees were fenced off recently – it’s still one of the most magical places in the world where you could have a picnic.
Lamaceiros, porto Moniz
The picnic area in Lamaceiros, Porto Moniz, has three covered barbecue areas, tables, benches, water, accessible bathrooms and, of course, stunning views. So, if you’re on the North Coast, it’s a perfect place to stop. Remember: visiting Madeira is about the experience, not following a checklist.
Parque de merendas do Galeão, Funchal
If you don’t want to leave the city, you may want to check Parque de Merendas do Galeão in Funchal. There’s a grill, tables, and a view over the bay.
Picnic areas are one of the best ways to enjoy nature in Madeira – no matter the time of the year. Whether you’re grilling espetadas like a local or quietly unwrapping bread and cheese, this is how many Madeirans spend their days off: unhurried, outdoors, surrounded by green and eating good food. Sometimes, that’s better than any hike. And that’s Madeira!