Top Quinta Grande Day Trips: Explore Madeira’s Wonders

So, you are thinking of checking out Quinta Grande and want some ideas for stuff to do nearby? Well, Madeira’s Quinta Grande is almost like this hidden jewel, yet near a bunch of really amazing spots perfect for day trips. That area offers some very cool opportunities to soak in this combination of really pretty landscapes and cool island culture. Actually, get ready for some seriously unforgettable exploring!

1. Cabo Girão: Views That’ll Knock Your Socks Off

First off, is that you absolutely have to see Cabo Girão. It’s pretty near Quinta Grande, too. That’s one of the highest sea cliffs anywhere! And seriously, the views? Just wow. They stretch out forever. They’ve got this glass platform that you can step onto that is just totally something else—feels like you are walking on air. The landscape down below of the ocean is just magical.

There’s just a very cool bit of historical info here, too. It has had this very special spot in Madeira’s culture for ages, yet I always kind of find it so amazing how people in the past just felt about these types of spots before glass platforms or guardrails were even a consideration! It’s just incredible to be at this really important point that’s tied to Madeira’s past, but hey, there are amazing, gorgeous views, too!

2. Câmara de Lobos: Charm, Fishing Boats, and Winston Churchill

You really should pop over to Câmara de Lobos, which is a really pretty harbor village only a short drive away. Actually, that place is just so, so full of life! Like your classic, painted fishing boats bobbing in the harbor? So very cute, it’s almost something out of a movie set. Yet it’s a pretty good spot to relax at this tiny café to have a drink that, according to local legend, was once beloved by Winston Churchill! This man really loved that particular spot!

And now that it’s on that particular Winston Churchill guy, back then, Câmara de Lobos became really known thanks to him. This artist also spent his time capturing the bay on his canvases back then! Actually, in some respects, you could wander around and almost see what drew Churchill to it, still. Very quiet and calming, yet that scenery hasn’t seriously changed. Just mind blowing! That is all.

3. Funchal: Madeira’s Heartbeat

A bit farther out from Quinta Grande yet absolutely worth the trip, you have Funchal, which is almost Madeira’s capital. Funchal’s pretty energetic, you know? It has botanical gardens loaded with crazy-beautiful plants. Also the Mercado dos Lavradores where you see and smell and basically just totally take in all the local life. And it just might be great for anybody into historical things; the São Tiago Fort has fantastic stories linked to its walls, for sure!

You know, the botanical gardens really make this place special, too it’s almost crazy. Because there you have plant species from nearly everywhere that grow here, as well as other plant varieties that I didn’t even know existed. Yet, as a matter of fact, what always surprises me is just how easily everything seems to grow there. I find that aspect of the spot absolutely stunning!

4. Ribeira Brava: Black Sand Beach and Local Flavors

So, what about checking out Ribeira Brava? Just west of Quinta Grande, is that this town has a special character that’s just calling out to be explored! Yet the black sand coastline—completely volcanic—really sets that location apart. The local spots for eating are where you really want to be; actually, here you will grab flavors of Madeira. They have got some incredibly delightful foods. In some respects, a trip along its coast at sunset is seriously memorable—the landscape? Breathtaking.

As a matter of fact, Ribeira Brava is more than that to me. Like your average traveler comes by, and it looks, initially, like just another town. However, the local food makes this stop particularly unforgettable for sure. Actually, at some of the quieter spots along its rocky shore, I’ve taken lots of great shots; I find the dramatic scene is really inspiring!

5. Ponta do Sol: Madeira’s Sunniest Spot

To round things off, you definitely don’t want to miss Ponta do Sol, pretty close to Quinta Grande and, as the name implies, it tends to be where the sun’s always shining, usually. Just that the atmosphere here? Pretty relaxed and sunny, clearly! There are good spots for hanging out by the sea; and is that for someone who loves the sun, you really should check out this cozy place! Actually, it can be really charming; and there are cultural activities sometimes in the middle of this area to give you some taste of Madeira’s heritage.

Besides just relaxing in the sunlight, that one little detail regarding Ponta do Sol which always kind of sticks out is what a great location this happens to be for photoshoots. Yet I once visited this particular place really early, as I was hoping to catch the beginning of this local event. Still, what got me was how this very quiet space suddenly gets this incredibly welcoming feel the moment more people begin to show up!