Looking for a dream escape filled with lush landscapes, dramatic coastlines, and vibrant culture? Welcome to Madeira, the “Pearl of the Atlantic,” a Portuguese island paradise that offers a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and natural beauty. Whether you’re a hiking enthusiast eager to explore its famed levadas, a foodie seeking to savor local delights like espetada and bolo do caco, or simply looking to unwind amidst breathtaking scenery, Madeira has it all. In this 7-day Madeira itinerary, I’ll guide you through the island’s must-see spots, hidden gems, and unforgettable experiences.

From the bustling streets of Funchal to the misty peaks of Pico do Arieiro, from the volcanic pools of Porto Moniz to the serene Laurisilva forest, every day is packed with moments you’ll cherish forever. This itinerary is perfect for first-time visitors and seasoned travelers alike, offering a balance of exploration and relaxation tailored to every pace. Get ready to immerse yourself in Madeira’s spectacular beauty, rich heritage, and welcoming charm. Follow my comprehensive guide and make the most of your week in this island paradise. Let’s start planning your unforgettable Madeira adventure!

Day 1: Arrival in Funchal

Most flights to Madeira only operate once a week, giving you eight days to explore this stunning island. After landing at Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport, glance out the window for a breathtaking view of Ponta de São Lourenço. Tomorrow you’ll hike this iconic peninsula, so get ready for incredible scenery.

From the airport, take the convenient bus to Funchal, where you’ll stay throughout the trip. I stayed at the modern Turim Santa Maria Hotel and loved its central location, stylish vibe, and the option to rent parking space—perfect for exploring Madeira by car.

If you arrive in the evening, settle in, relax, and prepare for the adventure ahead. Morning arrivals can jump straight into the activities planned for Day 8, including strolling around Funchal’s charming old town and visiting the Mercado dos Lavradores.

Exploring Madeira is easiest with a rental car, as public transport options are limited. Tours and taxis are alternatives, but driving offers the most flexibility. While the steep roads may seem intimidating at first, you’ll quickly adapt. The well-maintained highways connect most major tourist attractions, making it straightforward to navigate the island.

Driving lets you explore at your own pace, especially for hikes, without being surrounded by large groups. Parking is rarely an issue. You’ll usually find street parking or small paid lots at popular tourist spots and trailheads. For a stress-free and flexible adventure, renting a car is the best choice for your Madeira itinerary. We opted to rent at Driving Madeira, a local agency who offers competifive prices for decent cars. We rented an automatic car and even had a GPS included in the car.

Start your day with an unforgettable hike on the Ponta de São Lourenço trail, one of Madeira’s highlights. Located on the island’s easternmost tip, this hike offers breathtaking views of rugged cliffs and vibrant rock formations. The sparkling turquoise sea contrasts beautifully with the earthy tones of the cliffs, creating picture-perfect scenery around every corner.

The trail is mostly moderate, with manageable paths and plenty of opportunities to stop and admire the views. As you approach the final viewpoint, the hike becomes more challenging. A steep climb on loose, uneven ground leads to the trail’s most rewarding spot: a panoramic view of the “tail” of the island stretching into the Atlantic. Thankfully, cables are installed to help you safely navigate this section.

Pro Tip: Bring a pair of walking poles. While they may seem unnecessary, they’ll save your knees from the steep descents. Even as an experienced hiker, I found myself wishing for them by the end of this Madeira itinerary.

Day 3 takes you to one of Madeira’s most famous hikes, the Levada do Caldeirão Verde. This trail, nestled in the island’s lush northern mountains, offers a jungle-like atmosphere that feels straight out of a fantasy. Madeira’s micro-climates make the weather here unpredictable. We experienced a rainy day, which added a mystical touch to the already breathtaking scenery.

The hike begins at the Queimadas Forestry Park, where you’ll find a charming house offering coffee and snacks. From there, you’ll follow the levada along a mostly flat path surrounded by dense vegetation. The trail features narrow sections, tunnels, and stunning views of the verdant mountains. The highlight is reaching the Caldeirão Verde, a towering waterfall cascading into a circular cliff basin. After enjoying the serene beauty, you’ll hike back the same way to the starting point. This round-trip trail spans roughly 13 kilometers and is well-marked.

Parking is available at Queimadas, making it easy to start your adventure. Whether the sun shines or the rain falls, the Levada do Caldeirão Verde offers an unforgettable experience for nature lovers.

A stop at Santana

After completing the Levada do Caldeirão Verde hike, head to nearby Santana for a charming stop. This small village is famous for its traditional triangular houses, known as “casas de colmo.” These unique homes, with their steep thatched roofs, date back centuries and offer a glimpse into Madeira’s rich cultural history. The houses are often surrounded by vibrant, colorful plants, creating a picturesque scene that’s perfect for photos.

Stroll through the village and explore the local shops housed in these traditional homes. You’ll find handmade crafts and local products, perfect for souvenirs or gifts. Santana is a great place to unwind after the hike and experience the island’s cultural heritage in a peaceful setting.

Balcoes birds

If you still have some stamina left, end your day by going to the balces viewpoint. The viewpoint is on you way back home and is less than 2 km from the road. From the viewpoint you’ll have a lot of birds eating from your hand while enjoying a superb view over the lush mountains. New experience unlocked!

Day 4 is all about exploring the stunning northwest of Madeira, offering breathtaking landscapes and unique attractions. Start your journey by crossing the island through its mountainous interior, where the views are nothing short of magical. A must-see on this Madeira itinerary is the Miradouro do Pico da Murta, a viewpoint overlooking beautiful green terraces cascading down the slopes. Your second stop is the Miradouro do Véu da Noiva, a picturesque spot featuring a waterfall that plunges dramatically into the ocean. It’s the perfect place to stretch your legs and take in the coastal beauty before continuing to Seixal.

In Seixal, enjoy lunch at Avista Navios, a cozy restaurant offering unbeatable views of the cliffs and the black volcanic beach. Their reasonably priced menu and great coffee make this a top pick for a relaxing midday break. Afterward, explore Seixal’s natural pools or take a short detour to the famous natural pools in Porto Moniz.

Next, visit the Ribeira da Janela viewpoint, where you’ll see striking rock formations rising from the sea. For a truly unique experience, stop at the Teleférico das Achadas da Cruz, the steepest cable car in Madeira. It descends to a remote coastal strip that feels like stepping into another world. The rugged scenery and serene atmosphere are unforgettable. On the way back, make a quick stop at the Anjos Waterfall, where water cascades directly onto the road. While it’s not the most impressive sight, it’s worth a photo if you’re passing by.

This day is dedicated to the highlight of any Madeira trip: the unforgettable hike from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo. We started early to catch the sunrise at Pico do Arieiro, which began around 7:00 AM. Arriving 15 minutes early, we secured one of the last spots at the closest parking area. Watching the sun rise over a sea of clouds nestled between the mountains was a magical experience, made even better by the breakfast box provided by the Turim Santa Maria Hotel.

After enjoying the stunning sunrise, we began the challenging hike to Pico Ruivo, Madeira’s highest peak. The trail is strenuous, with steep inclines and significant altitude changes, so prepare for a tough but rewarding journey. Along the way, dramatic ridgelines and breathtaking views make every step worthwhile. This hike is famous for its dramatic scenery, with sections carved into the rock and tunnels adding to the adventure.

Upon reaching Pico Ruivo, you have two options: hike a couple of kilometers to the nearest parking lot or return to Pico do Arieiro. We initially planned to hike back but wisely opted for the shorter route to the parking area due to the lack of hiking poles. This experience, from the sunrise to the challenging hike, is unforgettable and truly the pinnacle of any Madeira adventure. Make sure to pack appropriately and start early for the best experience. Look at the weather some days beforehand to make sure you have good visibility and aren’t blown away (pun intended) on this hike.

Day 6: Wathing dolphins, whales and sharks

After several days of hiking and exploring, day 6 offed a chance to relax with a magical catamaran trip. Madeira’s waters are filled with marine life, making this an unforgettable experience. We were fortunate to see dolphins, including a mother and baby, as well as whales and even sharks. However, not everyone enjoyed the trip the same way—Rudy struggled with a tough case of boat sickness and spent most of the journey seeing the back of his eyelids. It’s definitely something we’ll need to work on for future boat adventures!

The boat ride itself offers a soothing escape on this Madeira itinerary, with gentle waves and stunning views of Madeira’s coastline. It’s the perfect way to recharge after a busy few days while staying connected to the island’s natural beauty. Whether you spot dolphins or just take in the scenery, this trip is a must-do for animal lovers and those seeking a peaceful morning at sea.

Levada das 25 fontes / Levada do risco

Levada dos 25 Fontes is one of Madeira’s most famous and scenic hikes, attracting visitors from all over the world. We chose to start this hike from the lesser-known back entrance, which includes a long tunnel. Walking through the tunnel was a unique and exciting experience, adding an adventurous touch to the hike.

Being the island’s most popular levada, this trail can get quite crowded. We encountered many guided tourist groups along the way, which somewhat disrupted the tranquility of the surroundings. Despite this, the hike offers stunning views and is worth exploring for its natural beauty.

The trail has slightly more elevation than other levada walks we completed in this Madeira itinerary, but it remains manageable for anyone with average fitness. Along the way, you’ll pass several waterfalls, each more picturesque than the last. The highlight is the 25 Fontes Waterfall, a captivating sight featuring 25 small cascades flowing side by side.

Fanal forest

The Fanal Forest is one of Madeira’s most enchanting spots, known for its ancient laurel trees and mystical atmosphere. This laurisilva forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, feels like stepping into a fantasy world, especially when shrouded in fog. Unfortunately, when we visited, the forest wasn’t as misty as we had hoped. Photos often capture it wrapped in a magical haze, but the charm of Fanal remains undeniable regardless of the weather.

The twisted, moss-covered branches of the ancient trees make this forest a dream for photographers. Every turn reveals a new perspective, each more captivating than the last. Even without the famous fog, the Fanal Forest exudes a serene beauty that’s hard to describe. It’s worth taking your time to wander along the trails, allowing yourself to soak in the tranquility and marvel at nature’s artistry.

Whether you’re an avid photographer or simply enjoy peaceful walks, the Fanal Forest offers an unforgettable experience. The combination of its photogenic trees and serene atmosphere makes it a must-visit destination on Madeira.

The final day of your Madeira itinerary is perfect for soaking up Funchal’s charm. Start the day at the Mercado dos Lavradores, a vibrant market offering a feast for the senses. Here, you can marvel at the variety of exotic fruits, from passionfruit to custard apples, and even taste some samples. The colorful stalls also feature fresh vegetables, flowers, and local crafts, making it a great spot for last-minute souvenirs.

Afterward, take the cable car up the mountain to visit the Monte Palace Tropical Garden, a lush retreat with diverse plant species, serene ponds, and striking sculptures. However, be cautious when purchasing tickets—there are different garden options, and some combination tickets don’t include the famous Botanical Gardens. We made this mistake and couldn’t visit the original botanical gardens, which are extensive and feature beautiful Japanese influences. Double-check your tickets to ensure you’re heading to the gardens you want to explore.

If time allows, end your visit with a thrilling ride down the mountain in a traditional wicker basket sled. This unique experience, guided by skilled “carreiros,” offers a fun and memorable way to conclude your stay in Madeira. For those who might want it, I’ve made you a convenient list about the Funchal must-sees.

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