What to Do in Madeira if You’re Tired of Hiking
A few years ago, some American friends came to Madeira full of energy and very big hiking plans. On their second day, since it wasn’t foggy, we decided to take them up to Fanal and Paul da Serra. Nothing too hard by Madeira standards.
Yet, the next day they were feeling tired. And that’s honestly more than a lot of people manage. I’ve met tourists who were tired after a single dau of walking up and down in Funchal.
If the same has happened to you, don’t panic. There’s more to do in Madeira besides hiking or visiting levadas. You can still enjoy the island! Here’s what to do in Madeira when you’re tired.
Best things to do in Madeira When you’re tired of Hiking
You don’t need to hike every day to enjoy the island. Besides, you’re on holidays! I know the FOMO can be gruelling, but it’s better to listen to your body, stop, and rest. There’s more Madeira beyond levada walks.
Here are some of the best things you can do in Madeira when you’re tired of hiking:
Try Dolphin and whale watching in Madeira
If the ocean is calm, dolphin and whale watching is one of the best activities you can engage in. You only have to show up at Funchal’s Marina, get on a boat, sit and enjoy the views. Very relaxing, and not much effort or movement at all.
For those of you who don’t love high waters, you can try to dive and snorkel at Garajau, which is a Nature Reserve. Of course, this requires a little more energy that hopping on a boat to see the dolphins. But it’s equally rewarding!
Have a Spa Day and Afternoon Tea in Funchal
When you’re really tired, there’s nothing quite like a spa day to get your groove back. A lot of hotels in Funchal allow non-guests to book a spa day, and you can also have a massage. In fact, this is also a great plan for a rainy day in Madeira.
In the same slow, relaxing day vein, you can have afternoon tea at several of the city’s cafés. Afternoon tea at Reid’s is a classic option, but there’s also Loja do Chá downtown, Choux in front of the Municipal Gardens, or Monte Tea House in Monte.
Head for a picnic in the Mountains
Madeira has accessible parks and picnic areas all across the island. This means that, as long as you’re not too tired to drive, you can still smell the forest and enjoy the views – without any hiking or effort.
Just pick up some bolo do caco, fruit, pastries, maybe some cheese, and drive up. Eat slowly and take it all in, as locals do. If you need help, here are a few picnic areas where you can find tables, benches, and even bathrooms.
Swim at Madeira’s Lava Pools or Beaches
I’m not suggesting swimming laps or diving. Just being the water, relaxing and floating, will be enough to help you recover from your hikes. Plus, the cold water is beneficial to muscle recovery.
The Porto Moniz natural lava pools are one of the most scenic spots for a swim. If you prefer something quieter, try the Seixal natural pools. Finally, if you’re tired of moving and driving around, try Doca do Cavacas in Funchal.
As for beaches, I recommend Barreirinha in Funchal, Prainha in Caniçal, Ponta do Sol and many others around the island. If you want more ideas, check out my list of the best beaches in Madeira.
Take a Cable car to Otherwise Unaccessible Areas
Some of Madeira’s most interesting spots are places locals also don’t walk to. There are several places on the island that are only accessible by cable car or boat, so it’s perfect for tired hikers.
The cable car to Achadas da Cruz is dramatic, breathtaking two minute thrill ride. But, once you’re down, it’s flat and peaceful. You feel like nothing bad could happen in this world.
Then there’s the cable car to Fajã dos Padres. That’s another favourite with gardens, vineyards, and a restaurant serving food grown right there. You’ll spend a tranquil day by the sea without hiking.
Taste Typical Madeiran Food
From Michelin-starred restaurants to very honest, family-run establishments, it’s hard to leave Madeira hungry. Which is why I’m suggesting you take the time to properly sit down and enjoy a meal.
If you’re an omnivore, have some grilled espada with potatoes and veggies (ditch the espada with banana and the passion fruit). Or you could try some milho frito, which is the world’s 8th wonder.
Besides espada (swordfish), there’s also atum com molho vilão: that’s tuna with an onion and garlic-forward sauce. Lapas, although they’re forbidden this year. And octopus, especially if you’re staying in Porto Santo.
In terms of meat, you have the ever-present skewers with laurel, as well as the picado with fries (meat pieces in sauce, meant to be a shareable dish). Not to mention sopa de trigo, pão de casa, bolo do caco, tremoços and, of course, Brisa Maracujá.
Visit Cabo Girão Viewpoint and Câmara de Lobos
Cabo Girão is the most famous viewpoint on the island, and it’s very easy to reach. If you’re staying in Funchal, it’s only a short ride away. I’d pair it with a visit to Câmara de Lobos, where you can sit down for a drink.
Take a pottery Workshop (and Make a Souvenir)
If you want to do something creative to relax, there are pottery workshops in Funchal’s old town. Plus, you can take your piece home, which makes for a pretty unique souvenir.
Learn How to make bolo de mel
Bolo de mel isn’t honey cake. Even though we call it “mel de cana” (mel being the Portuguese word for honey), it’s really sugar cane syrup, similar to molasses. Paired with spices, it has a deep, caramilised flavour.
This is genuinely traditional and unique to Madeira – unlike, say pastéis de nata, which hail from Lisbon. So, instead of taking a pastel de nata workshop, try to learn how to make bolo de mel.
Sail on the Santa Maria de Colombo
This replica of Columbus’ ship takes you on a trip to the past. Like the dolphin and whale watching boat, it departs every day from Funchal’s pier, unless the ocean is choppy and the weather doesn’t allow it.
If you want to see Madeira from another perspective – and the island does look different from the sea – and imagine what the sailors saw when they approached it for the first time. If this sounds like something you’d like to hop on, here are the tickets.
Holidays are meant to be a relaxing time. Even if you came to Madeira to see the beautiful scenery, there’s no need to run around for a whole week. Some of the best days here start when you stop trying so hard.
If you’re tired of hiking, take the time to appreciate the whole experience. A good meal, a cold glass of Brisa, a nice viewpoint, a picnic in the mountains, a day at the beach… that’s Madeira!
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