We love Madeira for its challenging hikes, adrenaline-filled activities, and epic mountain roads, but what we didn’t expect was how easy it was to slow down and unwind. Because of the island’s location, there’s a consistently good year-round climate for doing relaxing activities in nature, whether you want to start your day with yoga facing the ocean, float in tranquil natural pools, or join a wellness retreat in Madeira. Here’s how the natural environment encouraged us to travel slow in Madeira, as we focused on enjoying island living at our own pace.
Morning Sound Bath and Yoga
One of our favorite days of wellness in Madeira was at Reis Magos Beach, located on the east of the island. We arrived early to begin our morning of yoga in Madeira, rolling out our mats for a peaceful class led by Emilie Mangoni.
Honestly, we couldn’t have imagined a more spectacular backdrop with the volcanic cliffs behind us, as we faced the shimmering Atlantic. This was exactly how we imagined a mindfulness holiday in Madeira, letting our minds go blank to the soundtrack of waves as we moved between yoga flows.
This particular yoga class in Madeira was split into two parts:
Yoga & Breathwork: We began with gentle stretches and breathing exercises, moving our bodies in sync with the soothing sounds of the ocean. There was no pressure to do any positions; Emilie just guided us to tune in with our bodies and to stay present in the moment.
Sound Bath Meditation: This was our favorite part, and a true representation of wellness in Madeira! After the class, we snuggled up in warm blankets and closed our eyes, ready for Emilie to play a series of calming instruments. All we could hear was the vibrations of the instruments and the rolling waves, which were so soothing. In fact, we both almost fell asleep, drifting into the most relaxed dream state.
For us, this morning was the perfect example of why slow travel in Madeira is so wonderful. It’s not only about challenging yourself with hikes and outdoor activities like coasteering, it’s about giving yourself time to disconnect from everyday life and reconnect with nature. Driving away from Reis Magos, we felt lighter, calmer, and more mindful of our island surroundings.
Discovering a Hidden Natural Basin in Madeira: Poço dos Chefes
After reconnecting with the ocean through yoga, we wanted to explore Madeira’s calmer side inland, where rivers and mountain valleys create hidden sanctuaries for slow travellers.
So, we visited Poço dos Chefes, a peaceful natural basin that’s surrounded by towering boulders and mountain peaks. The water is beautifully clear and refreshing, as it’s fed by the icy mountain stream of Ribeira dos Socorridos. Depending on the season, the pool might be full or dry. However, when we visited (late May), we were lucky that there was plenty of water for a cold but refreshing swim.
Our recommendation is to arrive in the morning, when we had it entirely to ourselves! We quietly floated under the mountains, with the warm sun beaming down on us, and nothing but the sounds of nature. If you’re looking to experience wellness in Madeira, look no further than this lush natural oasis, mostly only known by locals.
How to get there: It’s easiest to reach Poço dos Chefes by car, which is just 10 minutes from Curral das Freiras (Nuns Valley). Enjoy a perfect morning of slow travel in Madeira, driving along beautiful mountain roads before reaching the valley. As you get closer to the village, you’ll see a small bridge and a sign for Poço dos Chefes; park here along the roadside. From here, follow the stairs down to the river, and 3 minutes later, you’ll reach these beautiful natural pools in Madeira.
Cooling Off in Saltwater Pools by the Ocean
From the cool embrace of mountain waters, we returned to the coast to rediscover another way Madeira invites you to slow down: If you’re looking to experience saltwater natural pools in Madeira, there are plenty to choose from dotted along the island’s rugged coastline. A couple of our favorites we visited are:
Doca do Cavacas (or Poças do Gomes) is a convenient saltwater pool to visit, as it’s close to Funchal, where most people choose to stay on their trip. The ocean fills these natural lava pools, so you can swim in sparkling turquoise seawater while waves crash close by.
We arrived late in the afternoon, when there were fewer people, making it extra peaceful. Better still, we got to enjoy the sky turn a beautiful color during golden hour, as we soaked up the views of Praia Formosa and the imposing cliffs of Cabo Girão in the distance.
For a true off-the-beaten-path wellness experience in Madeira, head to the remote northwestern coastline to the town of Porto Moniz. Here you’ll find the Cachalote Natural swimming pools, which were probably our favorite on the island. We plunged into the pools, fed by the waves of the Atlantic Ocean, and enjoyed snorkeling among colorful fish and crabs.
Although these pools have been altered to make access easier, with steps down into the water and designated changing areas, the volcanic rock surrounds still make it feel super wild. We enjoyed how the designated sunbathing area made relaxing by the pool so effortless. — Madeira style! Best of all, the pools are free to visit, so you can enjoy wellness in Madeira on a budget!
Why Slow Travel in Madeira?
While we always thought of Madeira as an action and adrenaline destination, it’s so much more than that! As you move through the dramatic landscapes and serene hidden spots, you’ll also see how easy it is to enjoy a mindfulness holiday in Madeira, with its perfect mix of adventure and relaxation.
We loved the beauty of slow travel in Madeira, allowing the island to set the pace, as we discovered incredible nature that’s woven into every activity: do yoga against the sounds of the ocean, float along mountain rivers, and soak up sunset views from relaxing coastal pools. For us, spending time in all these incredible, untouched landscapes felt like the ultimate wellness retreat in Madeira.
