Best Adventure Activities in Madeira: Land and Water Thrills

I’m someone who’s always chasing adventure when I travel; I love testing my limits and trying new things. That’s exactly what brought me back to Madeira. I spent three weeks here last year in May and fell in love with the island’s wild beauty. So, this June, I returned for another three weeks, determined to explore even deeper and get my adrenaline fix, and Madeira delivered!

From climbing cliffs solo to throwing myself into waterfalls with my friend Marina, this trip was all about pushing my limits. If you’re craving an active holiday that reconnects you with nature (and yourself), these are the four adventure activities in Madeira I can’t stop thinking about.

Whether you’re into water sports or mountain adventures, there are so many unforgettable activities in Madeira that combine stunning scenery with a hit of adrenaline. Here are four of the best Madeira activities to add to your itinerary.

Exploring Madeira from the water gives you an entirely different perspective, and kayaking along the island’s volcanic coastline was such a fun way to experience it.

I went with my friend Marina, and together we paddled along towering cliffs, past secret coves, and even spotted a tiny waterfall tumbling straight into the sea. We laughed at how badly we synchronised our paddling at first but soon found our rhythm and just enjoyed the views and the sea breeze. We were a small group of just six people in three kayaks, which included our amazing guide who not only shared cool facts about the landscape but also took GoPro shots for us (so no need to worry about bringing your phone on the water!).

We took our time, stopping to snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of the Garajau Partial Nature Reserve, where we were surrounded by a multitude of fish. Just floating there, looking up at the cliffs from the water, made me realise how wild and raw this island really is. If you’re after a relaxed but active experience, kayaking and snorkelling are such a unique way to discover Madeira’s coastline and a reminder that sometimes the best views aren’t on land.

Madeira is one of the top diving destinations in Europe, thanks to its crystal-clear waters (visibility often reaches 30–40 metres), volcanic reefs, and diverse marine life.

I didn’t end up going last year, so this year it was high on my Madeira bucket list. Especially since I was solo at the time, it’s a great way to meet people.

My first dive at Arena Reef was perfect for beginners – calm waters with loads of colourful fish. Including trumpetfish that looked like they’d been sketched straight out of a cartoon. I even had the option to swim through a small tunnel.

But the real highlight was the second dive – a navy shipwreck sitting 25 metres deep, just off Cabo Girão. The Corveta Afonso Cerqueira shipwreck was purposefully sunk, so it’s safe to explore inside – we swam through open corridors, the kitchen, and crew rooms, surrounded by schools of sardines, barracuda, and I even spotted an amberjack on the hunt. I think it’s one of the best dive sites in Europe, and one of the best dives I’ve ever done!

If you’re a certified diver (with your Advanced Open Water), this wreck dive is a must. But even if you’re a beginner, the underwater world in Madeira has so much to offer. If you’re into marine life and looking for unforgettable Madeira activities, diving is a must! Whether you’ve never dived before or you’re an advanced diver, there’s something for you!

Rock climbing isn’t usually the first thing people think of when planning a trip to Madeira – but honestly, it should be. With its volcanic cliffs, ocean views, and quiet crags, this island is an underrated gem for climbers. The scenery alone makes this one of the most unique activities in Madeira.

I’d never climbed outdoors on the island before, and I was curious (and a little nervous) to see what it would be like scaling actual volcanic cliffs right by the ocean.

Once I started, I was hooked! The rock was rough and grippy; it was challenging but exhilarating. Imagine reaching the top of a climb and just sitting there, feet dangling, staring out over endless blue ocean. That was my “wow, I’m really doing this” moment.

We started with easier routes to warm up, gradually working up to a slightly overhanging wall that definitely tested my strength and confidence. But that’s what I love about climbing, it’s as much a mental challenge as a physical one.

Whether you’re a complete beginner, an indoor climber looking to try your first outdoor route or a more experienced adventurer, rock climbing in Madeira is something I’d absolutely recommend. Definitely one of the more underrated activities in Madeira, and a great way to see the coastline from a different angle.

Madeira is considered a top canyoning destination worldwide, especially for beginners and intermediate adventurers. After experiencing it myself, I can absolutely see why. The landscape is wild, lush, and almost prehistoric.

We spent the morning hiking through the forest, abseiling down waterfalls and jumping into crystal-clear plunge pools, surrounded by greenery and flowers. The water is a bit cold, but you’ll be kitted out with a thick wetsuit, so you don't feel it much.

I was joined by my friend Marina. She was pretty nervous about it at the start, but I promised her it would be worth it, and by the end, she couldn’t stop saying how much she loved it! So even if you’re unsure, as you’re scared of heights, this is your sign to give it a go! The guides will be there to help you every step of the way, and you don’t need to do any jumps if you don’t want to!

What I loved most is that every step feels like a mini accomplishment: every jump, every descent, every climb through slippery rocks. By the time we reached the final waterfall, we were soaked, tired, and ridiculously happy.

If you’ve never tried canyoning before, Madeira is the perfect place to give it a go - it’s adventurous but accessible, and you’ll leave with some epic memories. It’s the perfect mix of adrenaline and nature, and easily one of the most epic adventure activities in Madeira!

What I love most about adventure travel is how it connects you, not just to the place, but to yourself. It challenges you, pushes you out of your comfort zone, and shows you exactly what you’re really capable of. There’s something about those moments of fear, excitement, and accomplishment that stays with you long after the trip is over!

There are so many incredible activities in Madeira to try. From scuba diving through a shipwreck to kayaking along the coast, to jumping off waterfalls.

This trip wasn’t just about chasing adrenaline; it was about sharing moments with friends, challenging myself, and seeing a side of the island I hadn’t before. Whether you’re travelling solo, with your partner, or on a girls’ trip like I was, Madeira offers that perfect mix of nature, adventure, and a little bit of magic.

If you’re craving a trip that leaves you feeling alive, challenged, and reconnected with nature – Madeira is calling. So, pack your hiking shoes, your wetsuit (or just your swimsuit), and get ready to experience some of the best adventure activities Europe has to offer. Don’t just see the destination, feel it.