The best of SouthWest - open top roof 4x4 experience

Draped across green hills that tumble into the Atlantic, Campanário feels like a secret balcony over Madeira’s south coast. Whitewashed houses cling to terraced slopes, church towers rise above red roofs, and every turn in the road opens onto another sweeping panorama of sea and mountains. In just a few minutes, you glimpse the island at its most authentic: quiet lanes, orchards, and the sound of village life carried on the wind.

Nestled in a deep, dramatic valley, Ribeira Brava is where river, mountains, and ocean meet. Its seafront promenade is perfect for a short stroll, framed by palm trees and gentle waves. In the heart of town, the church and small cafés invite you to pause, sip a coffee, and watch local life unfold. This is the “best of” small‑town Madeira: relaxed, welcoming, and bathed in soft Atlantic light.

Often called one of the sunniest corners of Madeira, Ponta do Sol is a postcard come to life. The village is squeezed between sheer cliffs and a tranquil bay, with pastel‑colored houses and a graceful bridge framing the scene. Even driving through, you feel the charm: the glint of sunlight on the water, the curve of the pebble beach, and the sense of a place suspended between mountain and sea.

This intimate beach, cradled by towering cliffs, offers a cinematic view of the Atlantic. The pebbles, polished by the waves, shimmer under the sun, while the sound of surf echoes off the rocks. It is one of the best spots to feel Madeira’s wild coastline up close—simple, raw, and beautiful—especially at sunset, when the sky turns gold and the sea glows.

As you drive across Madeira, you experience the island’s greatest magic: constant change. In a short distance, landscapes shift from coastal villages to terraced hills, deep ravines, and mist‑touched peaks. This “in‑between” stretch is where you see the real Madeira—the patchwork of vineyards, banana plantations, laurel forest, and highland pasture that makes the island unlike anywhere else on earth.

The levadas around Paul da Serra and Rabaçal are among Madeira’s legendary treasures. Here, narrow water channels trace the mountainsides through lush green valleys and ancient laurel forest. Even a brief glimpse at the trailheads reveals moss‑covered trees, waterfalls in the distance, and pure, cool air. It is the essence of Madeira hiking: peaceful, enchanted, and deeply connected to nature.

At Paul da Serra, Madeira suddenly opens up. Instead of steep valleys, you find a windswept plateau stretching to the horizon. The air is cooler, the views wider, and on clear days you can see mountain ridges rolling down to the sea. This is one of the island’s best vantage points for feeling its scale and drama—a high, almost otherworldly landscape above the clouds.

True to its name—“Pleasures”—Prazeres is a calm, beautifully kept village with sweeping views over the southwest coast. Flower‑lined streets, a charming church square, and traditional houses create an atmosphere of timeless rural Madeira. From its viewpoints, the ocean seems to go on forever. It’s one of the best places to feel the slow, gentle rhythm of island life.

This educational farm is a small world of Madeiran countryside in one place. You can meet farm animals, wander among herbs, orchards, and gardens, and discover local produce and traditions. It’s the best of rural Madeira in miniature: family‑friendly, hands‑on, and full of simple delights like the smell of fresh earth, the sound of animals, and the taste of homegrown products.

Perched high above the ocean on steep terraces, Fajã da Ovelha looks like a village that defies gravity. Houses cling to the hillsides, surrounded by fields carved into the slopes, with a vast expanse of blue sea below. From the road, you get some of the best views of Madeira’s cliffside agriculture and the heroic way people have shaped the land over centuries.

At Paul do Mar, cliffs rise straight from the ocean, framing a narrow strip of village between mountain and sea. The seafront is lined with fishermen’s houses, small bars, and the Atlantic crashing just meters away. It is one of the best places to feel the island’s raw coastal energy: surfers riding the waves, fishing boats returning home, and sunsets that set the entire horizon on fire.

“Garden of the Sea” lives up to its name. This tiny village is a maze of stone lanes, flowers spilling from balconies, and old houses facing the ocean. The sea wall offers uninterrupted views of powerful Atlantic swells rolling in, a favorite spot for surfers and photographers. Here you experience the best blend of Madeiran charm and untamed ocean—a place both tranquil and dramatic.

Calheta brings together the comforts of a modern seaside resort with the beauty of Madeira’s south coast. Its marina, golden‑sand beach, and waterfront cafés offer a perfect break to relax, swim, or enjoy a meal by the water. This is one of the best spots to slow down: watch boats drift in and out, feel the sun on your face, and savor the island at an easy pace.

Madalena do Mar stretches along the shore below towering cliffs, surrounded by endless banana plantations that paint the landscape green. From the coastal road, you see terraced fields stepping down toward the ocean and hear the waves rolling over the stones. It showcases the best of Madeira’s farming coast—intimate, fertile, and shaped by the sea.

Ponta do Sol's main harbour, although small, was a crucial commercial gateway to the western part of the island

Cascata dos Anjos, which translates to "Waterfall of the Angels," is a picturesque waterfall located near Ponta do Pargo. This natural wonder cascades over rugged cliffs, creating a mesmerizing sight for those who venture to visit it. The surrounding scenery is lush and verdant, adding to the allure of the waterfall and making it a favorite spot for nature enthusiasts and hikers.

The Ponta do Pargo Lighthouse is a prominent feature of the headland. Perched on the cliffs, this historic lighthouse has been guiding ships along the coast for many years. In addition to its functional significance, the lighthouse provides visitors with panoramic views of the surrounding coastline and ocean, making it a must-see attraction for tourists exploring the region.

Ponta do Pargo is a stunning headland located on the western tip of Madeira Island in Portugal. Known for its dramatic cliffs and breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, it is a popular destination for visitors seeking natural beauty and tranquility. The area is characterized by rugged coastal landscapes and offers an ideal vantage point for watching the sunset over the ocean.