Things to do in Porto da Cruz

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

A coastal village with houses, a winding road, and a mountainous backdrop.
A rugged cliff with green vegetation and turquoise waters.
A coastal landscape with green vegetation, daisies, and a rocky outcrop in the sea.
A rocky coastline with a large cliff and a beach.
A rugged coastline with a large cliff and turbulent sea waves.

Porto da Cruz Attractions

There are opportunities for fun all around Porto da Cruz. From awesome activities to impressive tourist attractions, this charming city packs a sightseeing punch. Ready to begin arranging your travel itinerary?

Find out what makes Porto da Cruz tick with some of the very best tours & day trips. Check out our top {893 fun activities in Porto da Cruz fun activities in Porto da Cruz}, and book with confidence knowing that we offer free cancellation and no added fees.

Things to do

City Sightseeing Funchal Madeira Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

City Sightseeing Funchal Madeira Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour + Bookable Extras

$30
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
City Sightseeing Funchal Madeira Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour + Bookable Extras
Picture 26 for Activity Madeira: Skywalk, Porto Moniz, Seixal, and Fanal Jeep Tour

Madeira: Skywalk, Porto Moniz, Seixal, and Fanal 4WD Tour

$78
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Madeira: Skywalk, Porto Moniz, Seixal, and Fanal 4WD Tour
From Funchal: Nuns Valley, Monte and Sleigh Ride Tour

From Funchal: Nuns Valley, Monte and Sleigh Ride Tour

$50
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
From Funchal: Nuns Valley, Monte and Sleigh Ride Tour
Madeira Sunset at Pico do Arieiro and PR1 Stairway To Heaven

Madeira Sunset at Pico do Arieiro and PR1 Stairway To Heaven

$38
per adult
Madeira Sunset at Pico do Arieiro and PR1 Stairway To Heaven
Picture 8 for Activity Madeira: Pico do Arieiro Sunset and Optional Dinner & Drinks

Madeira: Pico Arieiro Sunset with Stairway to Heaven Option

$51
per adult
Madeira: Pico Arieiro Sunset with Stairway to Heaven Option
Caldeirão Verde Levadas Walk in Madeira

Caldeirão Verde Levadas Walk in Madeira

$55
per adult
Caldeirão Verde Levadas Walk in Madeira
Madeira Walks - Rabaçal and the 25 Fountains

Madeira Walks - Rabaçal and the 25 Fountains

$55
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Madeira Walks - Rabaçal and the 25 Fountains
Madeira East Island Tour with Rum Tasting

Madeira East Island Tour with Rum Tasting

$45
per adult
Madeira East Island Tour with Rum Tasting
Funchal: RIB Whale Watching Cruise and Optional Dolphin Swim

Funchal: RIB Whale Watching Cruise and Optional Dolphin Swim

$61
per adult
Funchal: RIB Whale Watching Cruise and Optional Dolphin Swim
See all activities in Porto da Cruz

Porto da Cruz must see attractions

1. Porto Moniz Natural Pools

The Porto Moniz Natural Pools are one of the city’s most popular attractions. Formed by volcanic lava, these tranquil pools are sheltered from the strong current of the Atlantic by black basalt rocks. Swim, sunbathe or snorkel at the pools, which are complete with changing rooms, lockers and lifeguard services. There’s also a children’s pool and play area, making the pools an excellent spot for a family excursion.
Learn more
A rocky coastline with a prominent hill and a small statue on top.

2. Praca do Municipio

Funchal’s Town Square is a bustling hub of activity, lined with beautiful checkered cobblestones and bordered by grand whitewashed buildings. In addition to being a lovely civic center, the square is an ideal starting point for visiting several attractions, including the Sacred Art Museum, City Hall and the former Jesuit College.
Learn more
A street with pedestrians, a taxi, and a building with a sign that reads "TATOO".

3. Madeira Botanical Garden

Enjoy the rich collection of more than 2,000 plants at the Madeira Botanical Garden. Set on a hillside overlooking Funchal, this beautifully landscaped garden offers dramatic views of the mountains to the north and the ocean to the south.
Learn more
A botanical garden with colorful flower beds, a palm tree, and a cityscape in the background.

4. Ponta Do Sol Beach

Ponta do Sol Beach is a pleasant pebble beach surrounded by rugged cliffs and lined with charming cafés. Known for being one of the sunniest places in Madeira, the beach is a wonderful spot to relax and bask in the warm sun and go for a dip in the calm coastal waters.
Learn more
A beach with people sunbathing, colorful buildings, and palm trees.

5. Pico do Ariero

Pico do Arieiro offers some of the most stunning views in Madeira. Towering 5,965 feet (1,818 meters) in the air, the mountain’s craggy rocks are frequently veiled with clouds. On a clear day, view Porto Santo in the distance. Pico do Arieiro is linked to the island’s highest peak, Pico Ruivo, by a challenging but rewarding hiking trail.
Learn more
A mountain hiking trail signpost with directions to Pico Ruivo (E) 7.0 km and Pico Ruivo (O) 5.6 km.

Recommended things to do in Porto da Cruz

Number of things to do
893
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Madeira: A Self-Guided Island Journey: $5
Top 5 things to do
Under $25
With kids

What to do in Porto da Cruz

Free Things to Do in Porto da Cruz

A trip to Porto da Cruz need not break the bank. You won't have to spend a penny if you check out:

Faial Beach - Bounce rocks across the water, catch a sunset or simply revel in the views from the foreshore.

Things to Do in Porto da Cruz with Kids

There's fun for the entire family wherever you roam in Porto da Cruz. Here are a few family friendly experiences you can try together that are sure to make your trip memorable:

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Porto da Cruz? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Porto da Cruz

A pebble beach with people sunbathing and swimming, a white building with a red roof, and a rocky coastline with houses on a hillside in the background.

Santa Cruz

A densely packed urban area with a mix of colorful buildings, including a prominent white church with a bell tower.

Funchal

A pebbled beach with people sunbathing, a mountain in the background, and a building with a red roof.

Machico

A traditional thatched-roof house with a red door, blue shutters, and a white facade.

Santana

A waterfall, a pond, a small house, and lush greenery.

Monte

A stone pathway leading to a circular water feature surrounded by greenery and a fence.

Ribeiro Frio

A coastal landscape with a prominent mountain, a clear blue sea, and a small village.

Faial

A stone pathway leading to a circular water feature surrounded by greenery and a fence.

São Roque do Faial

Frequently asked questions

Is Porto da Cruz worth visiting?
One of the most common things to do in Porto da Cruz is explore Machico Beach. Tick this top attraction off your itinerary, then experience more of this area's views and walking trails.
How do I spend a day in Porto da Cruz?
Once you've visited key attractions like Machico Beach and Faial Beach, spend some time exploring the food and retail options in Porto da Cruz.
What is the top tourist attraction in Porto da Cruz?
Machico Beach is one of the top tourist attractions in Porto da Cruz and deserves a place on every must-do list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Porto da Cruz?
Three days is enough for a short trip to Porto da Cruz — you'll hit the main spots and get a feel for the vibe of the place. But if you really want to experience it all, hang around for at least seven to ten days to check out some nearby highlights too.
What are some activities to do in Porto da Cruz with kids?
Whether you're traveling with young explorers or adventure-seeking teens, an itinerary filled with fun activities takes your trip to the next level. Check out our recommendations for what to do in Porto da Cruz with kids.

What to do in Porto da Cruz for adults?
Whether you're an avid foodie, culture enthusiast or outdoor adventurer, there's no shortage of things to do in Porto da Cruz for adults.
Are there free things to do in Porto da Cruz?
One of the best ways to discover free things to do in Porto da Cruz is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider recommendations on cool neighborhoods, parks and other attractions you can enjoy without reaching into your pocket. Machico Beach is one place that doesn't charge an entrance fee.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia