What to do in Arco de Sao Jorge

Activities, attractions and tours

Photo by Márcio M. Alves
Photo by Márcio M. Alves
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Top places to visit

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.
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Porto Moniz Natural Pools featuring rocky coastline

2. 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.
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Madeira Botanical Garden which includes flowers

3. Town Square

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.
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Town Square featuring street scenes and a small town or village

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.
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Ponta Do Sol Beach which includes swimming, a pebble beach and a coastal town

5. Cabo Girao

Plummeting straight down toward the ocean, Cabo Girao is among the tallest cliffs in Europe. Rising 1,900 feet (580 meters) above the water, it is one of the most photogenic points in the region. For extra thrills, follow the glass-floored skywalk to this scenic site, offering a clear view of the steep downward drop below.
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Cabo Girao showing mountains and a small town or village

What to do in Arco de Sao Jorge

Popular places to visit

Pico Ruivo

Pico Ruivo

Explore the great outdoors at Pico Ruivo, a lovely green space in Faial. Stroll along the seaside or visit the spas in this relaxing area.

Pico Ruivo
Ribeiro Frio Natural Park

Ribeiro Frio Natural Park

Ribeiro Frio Natural Park is just one of the places to see in Santana, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? While you're in the area, wander around the gardens.

Ribeiro Frio Natural Park

PR11 Vereda dos Balcões

You can take time to visit PR11 Vereda dos Balcões during your travels to Ribeiro Frio. Stroll along the seaside in this relaxing area or visit its top-notch restaurants.

PR11 Vereda dos Balcões

Parque Florestal das Queimadas

4.5/5(19 reviews)

Parque Florestal das Queimadas is just one of the places to see in Santana, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? While you're in the area, wander around the parks.

Parque Florestal das Queimadas

Madeira Theme Park

Have a fun-filled day with the family at Madeira Theme Park during your visit to Santana. Amble around this relaxing area's seaside and enjoy its lively bars.

Madeira Theme Park

Pico Das Pedras

You can take time to visit Pico Das Pedras during your travels to Santana. Wander through the seaside and picturesque gardens in this relaxing area.

Pico Das Pedras

Kartódromo do Faial

You can take time to visit Kartódromo do Faial during your travels to Faial.

Kartódromo do Faial

Santana Traditional Houses

Learn about the local history of Santana with a stop at Santana Traditional Houses. Amble within picturesque gardens or visit the spas in this relaxing area.

Santana Traditional Houses

Igreja Matriz de Santana

Igreja Matriz de Santana is just one of the places to see in Santana, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Wander through the seaside and picturesque gardens in this relaxing area.

Igreja Matriz de Santana

Day trip destinations from Arco de Sao Jorge

Sao Vicente featuring outdoor eating, street scenes and a small town or village

São Vicente

Frequently asked questions

Is Arco de Sao Jorge worth visiting?
Whether you're coming to enjoy the cultural hotspots and local charm or sample unique foods and go on outdoor adventures, there are many things to do in Arco de Sao Jorge.
How do I spend a day in Arco de Sao Jorge?
Pico Ruivo and Ribeiro Frio Natural Park are two good places to begin your holiday adventures. Be sure to check out the shopping and dining options in Arco de Sao Jorge while you're there too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Arco de Sao Jorge?
Ribeiro Frio Natural Park is one of the top tourist attractions in Arco de Sao Jorge and should be high on every sightseeing list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Arco de Sao Jorge?
Book a break in Arco de Sao Jorge for three days and you'll have plenty of time to tick off its leading sights and get a taste for the local way of life. For the chance to enjoy attractions in the surrounding areas and get off the beaten path, consider visiting for a week or longer.
What are some activities to do in Arco de Sao Jorge with kids?
Deciding what to do in Arco de Sao Jorge with kids has never been easier. Whether you're getting away with teenagers or toddlers, there are many family-friendly tours and attractions to keep everyone entertained here.

What to do in Arco de Sao Jorge for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, avid foodie or outdoor adventurer, there are lots of things to do in Arco de Sao Jorge for adults.
Are there free things to do in Arco de Sao Jorge?
One of the best ways to find free things to do in Arco de Sao Jorge is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider tips on hip neighbourhoods, parks and other attractions you can visit without taking your wallet out. PARQUE FORESTAL DE QUEIMADAS is one sight that doesn't have an entrance fee.