Madeira is an Incredible Destination For a Sober Trip
When I travel, I have a habit of revisiting places I’ve thoroughly enjoyed in previous explorations. I don’t know if it’s the comfort of familiarity or the feeling that I want to dig deeper into a place that’s already won my heart. That said, I always try to incorporate a few new destinations in each trip. Having been to Portugal many times, I still felt like I hadn’t had my fill of the country I’d grown to love. So, in choosing a new spot to discover, I figured I’d pay the Portuguese island of Madeira a visit. I sure wasn’t disappointed.
Located in the Atlantic Ocean, Madeira is just over 500 kilometers off the west coast of Africa. It’s easily accessible by a short two-hour flight from Lisbon. Once you land, you’ll feel like you’ve arrived in another world, filled with lush green peaks, dramatic coastal cliffs, and vibrant villages.
I especially recommend Madeira – and Funchal in particular – as a great sober travel destination. The island doesn’t have a heavy party vibe, which can be difficult for people trying to maintain sobriety. Instead, you’ll find endless outdoor adventures, peaceful cafes, cozy towns, and some of the most jaw-dropping scenery in Europe. Here are five of my most charming memories from my time in Madeira.
1. Funchal: A Capital Full of Quiet Charm
Having traveled to many cities over the years, I find myself quickly becoming “big citied out,” for lack of a better term. Yet Funchal, despite being Madeira’s capital and largest city, didn’t give me that overwhelmed feeling. There is a unique charm to Funchal that reveals itself while exploring its narrow streets, colorful murals, and historic architecture.
The city is compact enough that you can explore on foot. I spent hours wandering the cobblestone alleys, ducking into corner bakeries, admiring the vibrant street art, and discovering little parks tucked between buildings. The Mercado dos Lavradores, or Farmers’ Market, was a sensory explosion of color and smells; fresh fruits, island spices, handmade goods. I could’ve spent the entire morning there sipping coffee and watching the world go by.
Speaking of coffee, I had a surprisingly heartwarming moment with a local restaurant owner. After ordering a croissant and espresso, I later added lunch to my order. When the bill came, it was shockingly low. I asked the gentleman if he’d forgotten to charge for something, and he just smiled and said, “it’s all there.” That encounter, and the general affordability of Madeira, stuck with me. Meals were never overpriced, coffee was the cheapest I’d ever had, and accommodation was a bargain.
Even the nightlife in Funchal was gentle. There were cozy cafes and quiet restaurants open into the evening, but nothing felt loud or chaotic. It made it easy to enjoy the night without any pressure to drink. It’s the kind of city where you feel at ease simply being present, sober, and grateful.
2. Levada das 25 Fontes: Hiking Through a Fairytale
Madeira is a hikers paradise! One of my most memorable days in Madeira was spent hiking the Levada das 25 Fontes. This was actually one of the first guided day trips I’ve signed up for that wasn’t a pub crawl or booze cruise. At first, I wasn’t too sure what I was getting into, but this 11-kilometer trek turned out to be one of the best experiences of my sober travels.
The trail follows one of Madeira’s many “levadas,” an intricate network of irrigation channels that snake through the mountains. These levadas are unique to the island and offer some of the most scenic hiking in Europe. The 25 Fontes route, in particular, winds through thick forests, moss-covered rocks, gushing waterfalls, and panoramic valley views that felt straight out of Jurassic Park.
Every turn in the path brought a new surprise. Small waterfalls dripped onto the trail. Tiny birds flitted through the trees. And when we finally reached the “25 Springs” at the end of the route – a cluster of waterfalls trickling into a serene pool – it felt like we’d stumbled upon a secret world.
The hike wasn’t overly strenuous, and our guide made sure we all moved at a comfortable pace. I was proud of myself for doing something active, connected to nature, and free from the influence of alcohol. In many ways, this hike captured what made Madeira so special to me. It was peaceful, invigorating, and soul-refreshing.
3. Porto Moniz: Swimming in Lava Pools
On the northwestern tip of Madeira, Porto Moniz rises up from the sea in a jumble of white houses, stone pathways, and dramatic cliffs. It’s best known for its volcanic lava pools, natural rock formations filled with seawater that serve as stunning (and safe) swimming spots.
I visited Porto Moniz as part of a west coast tour, and though we only stayed for an hour, I instantly understood its appeal. The lava pools shimmered in the sunlight, drawing both locals and tourists who wanted to dip into the clear water. I didn’t swim myself, but I sat on the edge watching children splash, families laugh, and waves crash against the rocks in the distance.
The vibe here was slow and relaxed. It’s the kind of place you stop to reset, with no rush or pressure, just sunshine and sea breeze. Though I probably wouldn’t spend an entire vacation there, Porto Moniz was a beautiful chapter in my Madeira story. Sometimes the short stops leave the deepest impressions.
4. Dolphin and Whale Watching: A New Perspective
Before my trip, I booked both the Levada hike and a dolphin-watching tour. The catamaran left from the harbor in Funchal, and it was a perfect afternoon for sailing. Our group of about 30 people had plenty of space to spread out on deck, and the crew was friendly and knowledgeable.
Though we didn’t see any dolphins that day, we did catch sight of two sperm whales in the distance, massive and graceful creatures surfacing briefly before diving into the deep blue. But even without an abundance of wildlife, the trip was worth it for the view of Madeira alone. Seeing the island from the ocean was unforgettable. Funchal rose from the coastline into the green hills above, shrouded in soft clouds. It looked like a painting.
The boat did have alcohol onboard, but there were also plenty of non-alcoholic options, which I appreciated. I enjoyed a cold sparkling water while soaking up the sun and thinking about how far I’d come—not just geographically, but emotionally. Experiences like this remind me how rich and meaningful sober travel can be.
5. São Vicente: A Town Between the Mountains
Just down the road from Porto Moniz is the charming village of São Vicente. Tucked between steep mountains and bursting with greenery, São Vicente had a completely different feel than Moniz. The air was cooler, the pace slower, and the scenery even more dramatic.
I spent my brief time here wandering the streets, enjoying a sweet ice cream, and gazing up at the cliffs that surrounded the village. São Vicente also has lava caves and volcanic tunnels you can tour, though I opted to just roam and take in the atmosphere.
What struck me most was how natural everything felt. No tall buildings, sprawling hotels or modern chain stores. Just a historic small town charm that really captured my heart. It was humbling and beautiful.
The return drive to Funchal was another highlight, weaving along cliffside roads with ocean views on one side and mountain walls on the other. Even the roads in Madeira are scenic adventures.
Why Madeira is Worth the Trip
Looking back, I absolutely loved my time in Madeira. It was a nature lover’s paradise while still offering urban comforts. You could hike through waterfalls in the morning, sip a coffee in a quiet plaza at noon, and watch whales in the afternoon, all without ever feeling rushed.
The locals were welcoming and kind. The food was simple, delicious, and affordable. Most of all, Madeira gave me the space to enjoy travel without the noise of nightlife or the pressure of drinking. That, in itself, is a rare gift.
While I feel that I got a healthy taste of the island, I definitely didn’t see all it has to offer. There’s so much more to explore: the eastern side of the island, more levada trails and countless hidden villages I’ve yet to discover.
I wish I remembered the names of the tour guides and companies who helped make this trip so meaningful. If I did, I’d send them thanks and recommend them to others. All I can really say is that if you’re looking for a peaceful, affordable, and unforgettable sober travel experience, you should give Madeira serious consideration.
Let Madeira be a part of your sober travel story. Let yourself live!