One thing I didn’t expect about Madeira is just how different each part of the island feels. Within a short drive, the landscape, and even the weather, can completely change. It’s an island of contrasts, and that’s exactly what makes it so special.
In general, the south coast of Madeira tends to be sunnier and more settled, which is why many travellers choose to base themselves near Funchal. It’s also where you’ll find some of the best things to do in Madeira, from swimming in natural volcanic pools to exploring the coastline by boat, or even discovering the island by sidecar.
If you’re planning your trip, here are the top things to do in South Madeira to help you make the most of your time.
1. Stroll Through Câmara de Lobos
Just a short drive from Funchal, the picturesque fishing village of Câmara de Lobos is such a hidden gem in Madeira. Famous for its colourful boats and traditional atmosphere, it’s a wonderful place to wander, soak up local life, enjoy beautiful harbour views and take photos!
Plus, there are a lot of amazing dining options here, from traditional restaurants with plenty of fish dishes to amazing pizzerias. It’s the perfect stop after exploring the harbour.
2. Visit Miradouro do Cristo Rei & Praia do Garajau
For some of the most breathtaking coastal views in South Madeira, head to Miradouro do Cristo Rei. Perched high above the Atlantic, this iconic viewpoint is home to a striking statue of Jesus Christ, which interestingly, actually predates the famous one in Rio.
From the top, you’ll get sweeping views of the rugged coastline. There’s also a beautiful staircase that leads down towards the ocean, making it an amazing photo spot on the island, especially if you catch it in that soft early morning or golden evening light.
At the bottom, you’ll find Praia do Garajau, a peaceful pebble beach that feels surprisingly tucked away. You can either walk or take the cable car down. Once you’re there, it feels almost like a hidden escape, quieter than many other spots on the island, with crystal-clear water and even a small café by the beach. It’s one of the best swimming spots in Madeira.
3. Explore the Vibrant City of Funchal
No trip to Madeira is complete without spending some time in Funchal, the island’s lively capital on the south coast. While many travellers use it as a base to explore South Madeira, it’s absolutely worth exploring in its own right.
Spend some time wandering through the Old Town (Zona Velha), where colourful streets are filled with small restaurants and wine bars, or stop by the Mercado dos Lavradores to get a feel for local life (and try some of Madeira’s tropical fruit), or visit one of the many museums.
If you’re planning your time here, I’ve shared a full guide on how to spend one day in Funchal.
4. Swim at Doca do Cavacas Natural Pools
For a unique swimming experience, one of the top things to do in South Madeira is to head to the Piscinas Naturais da Doca do Cavacas. These volcanic rock pools are among the best places to swim in Madeira, offering crystal-clear waters and stunning views of the Atlantic. The perfect place to relax in the sun and cool off in sheltered waters.
If you go the hour before sunset you can enjoy half price entrance!
5. Visit Ponta do Sol & Try Traditional Poncha
One of the prettiest towns to visit in South Madeira is Ponta do Sol, a laid-back coastal town known for its sunny weather, colourful buildings, and relaxed atmosphere. In recent years, it’s also become popular with digital nomads, giving the town a creative, international feel while still keeping its authentic Madeiran charm.
With its small pebble beach, oceanfront cafés, and beautiful setting between the cliffs and sea, it’s the kind of place that makes you want to grab an ice cream, slow down for a few hours and just enjoy the atmosphere.
It’s also a great place to try poncha, Madeira’s famous traditional drink made with aguardente, honey, and citrus. Sitting by the ocean with a poncha in hand as the sun starts to go down feels like a pretty perfect Madeira moment, just be warned, it’s stronger than it tastes!
6. Scuba Dive the Shipwreck
Scuba diving is easily one of the best things to do in South Madeira. The island’s volcanic origin creates incredible underwater landscapes, with clear water, dramatic rock formations, and a surprising amount of marine life.
One of the highlights on the south coast is diving the Corveta General Pereira D’Eça, an intentionally sunk naval ship. Over time, it’s turned into an artificial reef, now surrounded by schools of fish, moray eels, and other marine species.
This dive is only possible for advanced divers, as it sits at a deeper depth and conditions can vary. But if you’re qualified, it’s such a special experience, exploring a shipwreck in the middle of the Atlantic is something you don’t forget.
7. Watch the Sunset at Miradouro do Rancho
End your day at Miradouro do Rancho, one of the most breathtaking sunset spots in South Madeira. Perched high above the coastline, this viewpoint feels incredibly peaceful, with sweeping views over the Atlantic and dramatic cliffs stretching out below you.
One of the things that makes it so special is the glass-fronted viewpoint, which lets you look straight out (and down) over the rugged coastline. There’s also a small café right there, so you can grab a drink and take your time, rather than rushing off to the next spot.
As the sun sets, it slowly disappears behind the cliffs, casting warm golden light across the ocean. It’s quieter than many other viewpoints on the island, which makes it feel even more special.
8. Sunset Boat Tour in Calheta
One of the most memorable things to do in South Madeira is heading out on a sunset boat tour from Calheta. Seeing the island from the water gives you a completely different perspective - the cliffs feel even more dramatic, and the coastline just stretches endlessly along the horizon.
I did this as a private tour with my friend Marina, and it ended up being one of the highlights of my trip. It was such a nice way to slow down for a few hours, just out on the ocean with calm water, good music, and a glass of bubbly in hand.
We even got the chance to drive the boat for a bit, which made it feel even more special.
If you’re looking for a more relaxed but still unforgettable experience, this is definitely one of the best things to do in Madeira’s south coast. If you’re lucky, you might even spot dolphins or whales along the way.
9. Take a Sidecar Tour Around Funchal
If you’re looking for something a bit different, taking a sidecar tour around Funchal is such a fun and unique way to explore South Madeira. It’s one of those experiences that feels a bit unexpected, but ends up being a real highlight.
You ride in a vintage-style sidecar attached to a motorbike, cruising through the streets and up to scenic viewpoints around the city.
What I loved most is that it’s not just about the ride, you’re given headsets inside your helmets, so your guide can talk to you throughout, sharing stories, history, and local insights as you go. It makes the whole experience feel much more personal and immersive.
Our guide was also amazing at stopping at the best viewpoints and helping us get photos (which is always appreciated). We took turns sitting in the sidecar and on the back of the bike, so you get to experience both perspectives.
It’s such a fun way to see the island from a different angle, especially if you’re short on time but still want to cover a few key attractions near Funchal in a memorable way.
Final Thoughts: Discover the Best of South Madeira
From charming fishing villages and natural pools to scenic viewpoints and unforgettable sunsets, the south coast of Madeira offers some of the island’s most memorable experiences. Whether you’re looking to relax, explore, or dive a little deeper into the local culture, these are some of the very best things to do in Madeira.
The south of the island tends to have better, more stable weather, which is another reason many travellers choose to stay near Funchal. That said, Madeira’s microclimates mean the weather can change quickly, so having a mix of things to do in South Madeira planned is really helpful if you need to stay flexible and adjust your plans.
