Madeira North Coast Itinerary: The Best Places to Visit From West to East

Madeira’s north coast feels completely different to the south: steep green cliffs, small towns and waterfalls in all directions.

After staying on the north coast of Madeira and returning 4+ times for day trips, I’m firmly of the opinion that no trip to Madeira is complete without seeing the north coast.

So, I figured it was about time I created a detailed Madeira north coast itinerary, covering the best places to visit, where to stay and how to plan your route. Let’s get into it!

Disclosure: This post may include affiliate links. If you decide to click through and make a qualifying purchase, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you – thanks for your support.

Firstly, is the North Coast of Madeira Worth Visiting?

I strongly recommend visiting the north coast of Madeira because it has a completely different feel to the south.

It’s quieter, greener and less-developed. The cliffs are steeper, the views more dramatic, and the towns smaller.

Out of all the destinations in Madeira, it’s perfect for a road trip stopping at beaches, natural pools and viewpoints.

If you have time, there are also several stunning hiking trails – more on that later!

Do You Need A Car To Visit The North Coast of Madeira?

The best way to explore Madeira’s north coast is with a rental car.

Public transport exists, but bus routes are limited and services often finish surprisingly early in the day.

Without a car, you’ll struggle to reach many of the north coast’s viewpoints, waterfalls and hiking trails.

To rent a car in Madeira, I like to compare pricing and car types on Discover Cars and Klook – for more tips, visit my guide to renting a car in Madeira.

That being said, the north coast isn’t completely off-limits without a car.

With careful planning, you can visit Porto Moniz and Seixal from Funchal using public transport – I explain how in my guide to Madeira without a car.

For most, though, a guided tour is the easiest alternative.

North Coast Madeira Itinerary: What To Do, From West to East

My north coast Madeira itinerary begins in Porto Moniz, moving from west to east – to beat the crowds – but you can also do the reverse (east to west).

1. Porto Moniz

Best for: Natural pools

Time needed: 1–2 hours

The earlier you can reach Porto Moniz, the better. Its natural pools are very popular, and it’s only small, so parking quickly gets busy after 9am – this is the main car park, but I have also parked here.

I’d begin by spending an hour at the Porto Moniz natural pools, a huge complex where you can swim among the volcanic rocks. It has changing rooms, a restaurant and plenty of space to sunbathe.

Just along from the main pools is a second, free volcanic pool next to the Cachalote restaurant. It’s quieter and generally less crowded.

There’s not much else to do in Porto Moniz, honestly, as it’s so small.

There are restaurants, cafés and a small aquarium, but I much prefer the restaurants near São Vicente – they’re cheaper and don’t cater mostly to tourists – so I’d move on once you’ve enjoyed the natural pools.

The next stop is Seixal, but enroute is Miradouro Ilheus da Ribeira da Janela, a viewpoint that overlooks a dramatic series of rock stacks at sea. There’s parking directly at the miradouro, so it’s quick and easy to visit.

2. Seixal

Best for: Black-sand beach and natural pool

Time needed: 1–2 hours

If you only have time to visit one place on the north coast, I’d make it Seixal.

Not only does it have a natural pool – smaller and wilder feeling than the ones in Porto Moniz – but it also has a beautiful black-sand beach with views down the coast.

The town itself is pretty to walk around, with towering cliffs overhead. There are plenty of guesthouses, plus a surf school down on the beach.

There’s parking near the beach, but it quickly gets full on busy summer days, so you may need to park uphill in the town and walk down.

3. Viewpoints Between Porto Moniz and São Vicente

Next, it’s time to drive to São Vicente. There are several spectacular viewpoints on the route.

They’re quick and easy to visit, just off the main road (pull off, park, take a picture and continue your road trip), and one of the best things to do on the north coast of Madeira:

• Miradouro Ilheus da Ribeira da Janela: Already covered earlier in the itinerary, this viewpoint is between Porto Moniz and Seixal, overlooking sea stacks.
• Véu da Noiva: The most popular viewpoint on the north coast, of a waterfall cascading over the cliffs.
• Miradouro Água d’Alto: Another beautiful waterfall viewpoint.
• Praceta dos Cardais: Lesser-known, in the valley of São Vicente.

In summer, the waterfalls may be dry, so factor that in!

4. Stop For Lunch at Churrascaria Brasa Viva

For lunch, I’d stop at Churrascaria Brasa Viva in São Vicente.

It’s a no-frills local restaurant with the most delicious grilled meats. My go-to order is espetada and chicken with potatoes.

They’re cooked over a traditional fire grill. Delicious, and the atmosphere is perfect!

5. São Vicente

Best for: Valley views

Time needed: Under 1 hour

The valley of São Vicente is one of the most underrated places to visit on north coast Madeira.

It has a small-town, rural feel, as it’s not as touristy as Porto Moniz and Seixal.

There’s a short strip of hotels and restaurants along the oceanfront, but my favourite area is within the valley. I suggest driving through and stopping off at Capelinha de Nossa Senhora de Fátima for valley views.

When I stayed at Granny’s Farm in São Vicente, I visited several of the cafés.

Café Ginjas and Padaria e Confeitaria Donna are my favourites.

But for poncha (Madeira’s traditional drink), go to Poncha De São Vicente.

If you have time, there’s also a levada walk in São Vicente taking 2–3 hours: Levada Fajã do Rodrigues (PR16). It’s a classified trail, so you’ll need to make an advance booking via SIMplifica.

6. Boaventura and Arco de São Jorge (Lesser-Known Destinations)

Best for: Hikes and avoiding the crowds

Time needed: 1–3 hours

Boaventura and Arco de São Jorge are my favourite recommendations on this north coast Madeira itinerary.

Why? They’re where you can really start to get off the beaten track.

My favourite thing to do in this area is the Caminho Real hike to the São Cristóvão Viewpoint, which I’ve done twice.

It begins from the Restaurante O Arco (park on the road nearby).

The trail is just over 4 kilometres long, beginning on a wide, cobbled trail with epic views of the coastline.

It then snakes down a hill to a gorgeous halfway point with a coffee shop and views back up the slope.

You’ll need to hike back the same way (this is the toughest part, as it’s uphill). In all, it should take about 1.5–2 hours.

If you’re not keen on hiking, I’d stop at Cabo Aéreo Café Restaurant instead.

It has similar views, but is located just a bit further along in Sao Jorge.

I feature the café in my list of the best cafés in Madeira, it’s just that good.

7. Santana

Your final stop before heading back to your hotel is Santana.

This is where you can see the traditional Madeiran houses, small triangular cottages with thatched roofs painted in bright red, blue and white.

I’ll be honest, I’ve never actually visited.

The museum is known for being touristy, so I usually find myself drawn to hikes and quieter villages.

However, if it’s your first trip to Madeira, they’re one of the island’s most recognisable landmarks.

You only need about 30–60 minutes here. The museum is typically open daily from 9am to 6pm, although I’d recommend checking opening hours before your visit in case they change.

Best Hikes on the North Coast

My north coast route is easily doable in one day, including the Caminho Real to the São Cristóvão Viewpoint.

However, to do more of the hikes below, I recommend checking out the hotels in São Vicente or Seixal and staying at least 1–2 hikes.

1. Caminho Real to the São Cristóvão Viewpoint

• Distance: 4.3 km
• Elevation gain: 298 m
• Time estimate: 1.5 – 2 hours
• Trail type: Out-and-back
• Booking required? No
• View route map on AllTrails

Located in Arco de São Jorge, this is the hike I recommend in my north coast Madeira itinerary.

It’s not too long, not too short, and the views are just fabulous over the northeast coast.

It’s moderately challenging, with a steep uphill climb on the way back to your car.

However, there’s a coffee shop at the halfway point, so you get a nice rest.

2. Poço das Pulgas

• Distance: 2.4 km
• Elevation gain: 283 m
• Time estimate: Around 2 hours
• Trail type: Out-and-back
• Booking required? No
• View route map on AllTrails

Poço das Pulgas is a north coast hike that I’ve personally done, beginning in Boaventura. It’s not as well known as some of the others, so it’s a great way to escape the crowds.

Most of this hike is through the forest, with some small but easy-enough scrambles required. What I don’t like much is that you don’t get much sun… however, wild swimming in empty waterfalls makes up for it.

Don’t be fooled – the water is icy, even at the peak of summer!

3. Levada dos Tornos From Lombo do Urzal

• Distance: 5 km
• Elevation gain: 345 m
• Time estimate: 2 – 3 hours
• Trail type: Out-and-back
• Booking required? No
• View route map on AllTrails

Levada dos Tornos From Lombo do Urzal is another quiet hike from a small village near Boaventura. You’re really off the beaten track here, in a small rural valley with minimal houses before heading uphill into the forest.

Once in the forest, you’ll follow the levada past trickling streams and eventually get open views of tall green peaks. My breath was taken away at one point!

It’s a nice option if you’re looking for a half-day hike where you get a variety of scenery. I did it with a group of friends, and it took us about 4 hours with extended breaks.

4. Levada do Caldeirão Verde (PR9)

• Distance: 13.7 km
• Elevation gain: 1,423 m
• Time estimate: 7.5–8.5 hours
• Trail type: Out-and-back
• Booking required? Yes
• View route map on AllTrails

Levada do Caldeirão Verde is one of the most popular hikes on the north coast of Madeira, located in Santana. It’s an iconic Madeira hike, and I have several friends who have done it and raved about the magnificent waterfall.

It’s a challenging hike that’ll require a full day, which is why I don’t recommend it on a one-day north coast itinerary.

There’s over 1,423 metres of elevation gain on this hike, which is no small feat. Make sure to book the hike in advance, check for trail closures, and start early, with plenty of food and water.

For more of the best hikes in Madeira, check out my dedicated guide with 22+ hikes I’ve personally done.

Where to Stay on the North Coast of Madeira

If you want to take your time seeing the beaches or doing some hiking on the north coast, you might want to stay 2–3 days.

I’d choose Seixal for the beach and natural pools or São Vicente for its central location and wider choice of accommodation.

I’ve personally stayed at Granny’s Farm in São Vicente and loved it as a base; you’re right in the middle of everything.

Compared to Funchal, the north coast is far less developed. You’ll sacrifice some convenience, restaurants and bars, but gain waterfalls, mountain views and a much slower pace of life.

Check out my full guide to where to stay on the north coast of Madeira for more hotel and area recommendations.

Best Things To Do on the North Coast

• Natural pools: There are three of the best natural pools in Madeira, spread between Porto Moniz and Seixal
• Beaches: Seixal Beach is a highlight, with its black-sand and waterfalls.
• Waterfalls and viewpoints: There are many incredible viewpoints (miradouros) off the VE2 between Porto Moniz and São Vicente.
• Hiking trails: The north coast has levada, waterfall and coastal hikes. The most iconic hike is Levada do Caldeirão Verde (PR9), but I like to recommend Caminho Real to the São Cristóvão Viewpoint.
• Traditional Madeiran houses: You can see these at the small museum in Santana.

Essential Tips for Visiting the North Coast

• Expect different weather. The north coast is generally cooler, greener and wetter than the south coast. It’s not unusual to leave Funchal in sunshine and arrive on the north coast in cloud or rain.
• Take care on the roads. Most roads are in excellent condition, but rural areas have steep, winding roads. Drive slowly and allow extra time for stops.
• Arrive early for parking. Popular places such as Porto Moniz, Seixal and Véu da Noiva can become busy by late morning, especially during summer.
• Start your road trip early. The best light for photography is usually in the morning, and you’ll have a better chance of enjoying the beaches, natural pools and viewpoints before the crowds arrive.
• Respect the ocean. Always check sea conditions before swimming. Even when the water looks calm, waves and currents can be powerful along Madeira’s coastline.

FAQs

---

I hope this north coast Madeira guide has helped you! Let me know what you get up to on your trip.