Sunset Drive on Madeira’s South Coast 🇵🇹 | 4K HDR Scenic Tour

Sunset Drive on Madeira’s South Coast 🇵🇹 | 4K HDR Scenic Tour

Discovering the South Coast of Madeira Island:

A Paradise of Sun, Sea and Flavors! Hey, what a great idea to explore the south coast of Madeira! This area is the sunny heart of the island, with warmer waters, charming villages and a relaxed vibe that blends wild nature with touches of luxury. From Funchal to Ponta do Sol, passing through Câmara de Lobos and Caniço, there are pebble beaches, breathtaking viewpoints, easy trails and restaurants serving the best black scabbardfish and poncha. I've prepared a guided text as a one-day (or more) itinerary, with tips on places, tours and where to eat. Let's go?

Start in Funchal:

The Vibrant Capital and Urban Beaches Funchal is the perfect starting point, with its lively waterfront and views of the Atlantic. Start your day with a stroll along Praia Formosa, the largest beach on the south coast – a stretch of black volcanic sand and pebbles, ideal for a refreshing swim or a morning stretch. Nearby, the natural pools of Doca do Cavacas are a must-see: pools carved into the rock with crystal-clear waters, perfect for snorkeling (entrance around €1.50). From there, take the cable car to Monte (15 minutes, €16 return) and slide down on a wicker toboggan – a traditional Madeiran pastime! Tip for a day trip: Rent an electric bike on the waterfront to cycle to the Botanical Garden (entrance €6), with panoramic views of the bay. Where to eat: In the center, try the famous grilled limpets (mollusks with garlic butter) at Restaurante Santa Maria or Chez Vicente, accompanied by bolo do caco (typical bread) and a refreshing poncha. For a light lunch, the Mercado dos Lavradores has stalls with exotic fruits and fresh snacks.

Câmara de Lobos: The Fishing Village and the Swordfish

15 km from Funchal, drive (or take bus 1, 20 minutes) to Câmara de Lobos, the village painted by Winston Churchill. The colorful houses and fishing boats create an idyllic setting. Walk along the bay and climb to the Mirante da Fazenda Grande viewpoint for epic photos. Here, Cabo Girão is the highlight: the second highest viewpoint in Europe (580m high), with a glass platform (Skywalk, €2) that can be dizzying – but what a view of the sea and banana plantations! Sightseeing tip: Take a boat tour to spot dolphins (around €30, 1 hour) or a light hike through Fajã dos Padres, accessible by cable car (€10), with a secluded beach and organic garden. Where to eat: This is a paradise for black scabbardfish (swordfish with banana). At Restaurante Fajã dos Padres, descend the cape and savor fresh dishes overlooking the ocean. Or try the seafood cataplana at A Bica in Funchal, but with a local flavor.

Ponta do Sol

: Ending the Day with an Epic Sunset West of Funchal, Ponta do Sol is the sunny jewel of the coast – nicknamed so because it has more than 300 days of sunshine a year! The pebble beach is small but charming, surrounded by cliffs. Climb to the Ponta do Sol pier for an unforgettable sunset, with colorful houses reflecting in the sea. Excursion tip: Visit the Cascata dos Anjos waterfall, which flows into the Atlantic, or surf at Praia da Ribeira das Galinhas (nearby, in Paúl do Mar). Where to eat: Maktub is the spot for sunset drinks and snacks like grilled fish. Try the local Madeira wine – perfect for toasting the day.