There are tons of Madeira itineraries online, but few were actually written by a local. As a Portuguese citizen who’s been in love with the island for over a decade, I’ll share my favorite spots with you in this 7-day itinerary.
We’ll dive right into the itinerary but, first, let’s see where Madeira is located, how to get there, and how to get around on the island.
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Where is Madeira?
An archipelago with four islands (Madeira, Porto Santo, Desertas, and Selvagens), Madeira is located southwest of Portugal, in the North Atlantic Ocean. Sitting roughly 550 miles of the west coast of Morocco, Madeira is well-connected by air to most European airports, especially in mainland Portugal and Spain.
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How to Get to Madeira
The best way to get to Madeira is by airplane, with daily flights to Funchal leaving from Porto and Lisbon often costing less than €100 per person. If you’re traveling from outside Europe, you may save money by finding a flight to Porto and Lisbon and then going to Madeira from there.
How to Get Around in Madeira
Public transportation exists in Madeira thanks to daily bus routes, but these are not very efficient. To make the most of your time on the island, I suggest renting a car and exploring by yourself.
For short trips, Uber and Bolt rides make for an affordable option (even though they’re sometimes unavailable outside the Funchal area). Alternatively, you can sign up for tourist tours with pick-ups and drop-offs to travel directly from your hotel to the main tourist sites.
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7-Day Madeira Itinerary Overview
- Day 1: Funchal
- Day 2: Funchal
- Day 3: Câmara de Lobos
- Day 4: Ponta do Sol
- Day 5: Santana
- Day 6: Santa Cruz
- Day 7: Funchal
One Week in Madeira
Seven days is all the time you need to get to know the best Madeira has to offer, but you have to stay active! The following suggestions should make for the perfect one-week Madeira itinerary in Portugal:
Day 1: Funchal
Riding the Funchal-Monte Cable Car is a perfect introduction to Funchal because of how easy it is to access the cable car (it’s right in the city center). The ride itself is also a great starting point because it allows you to get a bird’s-eye view of Funchal and the nearby village of Monte, sitting three miles up in the mountains.
Since the cable car ticket only costs €14.50 (it’s free for children under 6), it’s also one of the quickest ways of getting to Monte Palace Gardens, one of the top attractions in the area. This is a must-visit Madeira location because it has more than 100,00 species of plants on display, a beautiful view of the city, and an abundance of cool sculptures.
The village of Monte is also the perfect place to try a Madeira toboggan ride. Now mainly used by tourists, the traditional toboggan (a type of hand-made sled made from wicker and wood) was once the quickest method for traveling from the village of Monte to Funchal. And don’t worry: the ride is quite safe, so it’s adequate for families and adults of all ages.
If all that cable car and toboggan riding got you hungry, I suggest that you stop by Akua Restaurant to have lunch. With a unique menu curated by a well-known Portuguese chef, it’s known for its fish offerings, which include creamy seafood rice recipes and one of the best tunas in town.
In the afternoon, go to the Funchal marina and join the Magic Dolphin catamaran dolphin and whale-watching tour to venture into the sea for up to three hours.
The highlight of the tour, costing only €35 per person, is the opportunity to see dolphins and whales up close in their natural habitat. However, the experience also includes a stop for swimming at Cabo Girão, a famous Madeira cliff best known for its skywalk viewpoint.
After that refreshing swim, it’s time to go back to the center of Funchal and try the delicacies of the Horta Restaurant, one of the few reputable restaurants in the city that serves mostly vegan and gluten-free food.
Before, make sure you pass by the Funchal Cathedral, the main church in Madeira, to get a glimpse of classical Portuguese architecture from the Manueline and Gothic periods.
Day 2: Funchal
Make sure to get a good night’s rest ahead of day two in Madeira, as the morning will be spent hiking in Pico do Arieiro and Pico Ruivo, two of the most beautiful mountains on the island. I recommend signing up for this sunrise hiking tour because it includes a convenient transfer from most Funchal hotels and it’s self-guided (meaning you have complete freedom to explore).
However, keep in mind this is not an easy hike… The Pico do Arieiro and Pico Ruivo are two of the tallest sites in Madeira. The hike can be a physically challenging five-hour experience, and the tour does not include food and drinks. Make sure to pack some snacks and water with you.
For lunch, I suggest another classy Funchal restaurant combining traditional flavors with a modern gastronomic approach: Restaurante Informal. While closed on Sundays, this is a perfect place to try great food in a casual, relaxing setup. Fish and meat rule the menu, but there are also some great vegetarian options.
In the afternoon, go for a stroll at the Madeira Botanical Garden and make sure you get some rest after that tiring hike through Pico do Arieiro. Albeit not as impressive as the Monte Palace Gardens, this tourist attraction includes a dreamy artificial waterfall and a breathtaking flower garden with a great view of the ocean.
For dinner, wrap things up by eating at Audax, yet another progressive Madeira restaurant. Also inspired by traditional local flavors, the menu was designed to be served as “completely original works of art”.
Day 3: Full-Day Trip to West Madeira
There are tons of cool things do in Madeira, and this waterfalls and forest tour encapsulates all those things into one single experience. Considering everything the tour offers, I believe the price (usually under €30 per person) makes it a real bargain.
You can choose from four different pickup locations, including the charming parish of Câmara de Lobos, traditionally a fisherman’s town.
This outstanding tour includes short stops on the Cabo Girão Cliff and Ponta do Sol beach. However, the highlights of the experience are the natural swimming pools of Porto Moniz and the Fanal Forest, probably two of my favorite spots in the whole island.
The natural swimming pools of Porto Moniz are a man-made structure sitting next to the ocean where you can swim safely in fresh seawater. Unlike most diving spots in Madeira, even young children can swim at ease.
The Fanal Forest, on the other hand, is a vast plateau with centuries-old laurel trees that looks like something you would see in a fantasy movie. Don’t forget to bring a jacket with you, because the forest is very misty and windy even when it’s sunny elsewhere on the island.
The tour also passes by classic Madeira viewpoints such as the scenic Véu da Noiva and the rocky beach of Ribeira da Janela.
For dinner, I suggest you try the MadMarket Restaurant, a tapas-style establishment where you can try affordable charcuterie, fish, and delicious sandwiches made with bolo do caco, Madeira’s traditional bread.
Day 4: Full-Day Trip to East Madeira
East Madeira is not as busy or well-known as West Madeira, but it’s equally full of wonderful natural attractions to explore. To get to know this part of the island, I suggest joining this full-day trip to East Madeira, with free pick-up and drop-off at several Funchal hotels.
The eight-hour tour makes for a relaxing and immersive experience and includes a stop at Pico do Arieiro, which you may have already visited on day two of your Madeira trip. Don’t worry, though, as the tour also passes by must-see locations you haven’t seen before, including the Ponta de São Lourenço Cliff (boasting one of the best ocean views on the island) and the iconic village of Santana.
While in Funchal, you have probably seen some curious triangular-shaped houses in every souvenir shop; well, Santana is the place where you can see the actual things! The Santana houses are one of Madeira’s best-known visiting cards, and they have a very rich history.
The tour guide can tell you all about it but, long story short, they’re charming thatched-roof structures that were initially constructed when Madeira was first discovered, in July 1419.
For dinner, I suggest the Hemingway Restaurant in Funchal, a local favorite that serves classy Mediterranean food at an affordable price (and sits close to many of the city’s top hotels).
Day 5: Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço
You have already seen the Ponta de São Lourenço on day four, but did you know that the cliff is surrounded by a massive UNESCO natural reserve? This natural reserve can be explored in its full splendor by anyone who joins this Caniçal UNESCO Hike, a self-guided tour that takes you right to the best hiking route in the region.
The usual duration of the tour is four hours but, since it’s self-guided, it’s up to you to decide how to make the most of the time. Just don’t forget to carry all the things you need, including the normal hiking must-haves: water, snacks, comfortable shoes, and sunscreen.
A personal tip? Try to start the hike as early as possible, as the natural reserve is especially beautiful during sunrise.
For dinner, I have something a bit different: Desarma, a Michelin-starred Funchal restaurant right next to the ocean. The view at Desarma is breathtaking, but the highlight is the food. The menu includes three experiences with six to 12 dishes, and the chef-curated recipes (such as the “Ancestral Wheat Bread” and “Red Scarlet Shimp”) are mouthwatering.
Day 6: 25 Fontes and Risco Levada Hike
Remember Fanal Forest from day three of the itinerary? Well, that beautiful site is part of the greater region of Paul da Serra, an even larger plateau that makes for one of the most exciting drives in Madeira. Just watch out for the occasional cow crossing the road.
The best hiking location in Paul da Serra is Rabaçal, where the arid terrain and sparse vegetation of the plateau give way to a dense, lush forest filled with beautiful waterfalls. To get there as conveniently as possible from Funchal, the 25 Fontes & Risco Levada Hike is the number-one option. Like the tour from day five, it’s a self-guided tour, so make sure to pack all your hiking essentials.
The self-guided tour will take you right to Rabaçal, where you’ll hike for up to five hours exploring two different routes: the Levada das 25 Fontes and the Levada do Risco. The routes are easily identifiable because they follow the pathway of the levadas, an old agricultural stone structure that’s used to carry water all around the Rabaçal area.
These ancient irrigation channels can be used as “physical maps” by hikers, leading them to locations as unmissable as the 25 Fontes Waterfall, arguably one of the prettiest natural sites on the whole island. Following a refreshing post-hike swim at the waterfall, you should be 100% ready to go back to Funchal with a smile on your face!
And because hikes can be tiresome, you can always recharge batteries in style by dining at the charming Il Vivaldi Restaurant, which serves delicious fresh fish and includes a lovely terrace (it’s also a great place to share a romantic evening with your significant other).
This time around, your daily schedule doesn’t end after dinner. Funchal is nothing like Ibiza, but it’s still a bustling city with plenty of fun activities to enjoy after hours. These are some of my favorite spots to enjoy a late-night drink in Funchal:
- Madeira Rum House: Right in the center of Old Town Funchal, this rustic yellow-stoned bar is equally beloved by locals and tourists and holds the largest rum collection on the island.
- Revolucion Cocktail Bar: Right next to Madeira Rum House, partygoers can try unique drinks at Revolucion Cocktail Bar, one of the few Funchal establishments with a menu of designer cocktails, often inspired by seasonal fruits and local Madeira ingredients.
- Dash Cocktail Bar: An elegant alternative to Revolucion, this cocktail bar is always full of tourists, meaning it’s the perfect place to mingle with like-minded travelers.
- Barreirinha Bar Café: A relatively forgettable snack bar/café by day, the Barreirinha Bar Café signals one of the busiest nightlife spots in Funchal. Hundreds of youngsters meet near the beach that fronts the bar every Friday and Saturday night. If you’re lucky, you can even listen to the cool outdoor DJ sets occasionally provided by local artists.
Please keep in mind that Funchal nightlife can be non-existent during some weekdays. Try to visit these bars on the weekend.
Day 7: Funchal
For your final day in Madeira, I prepared a special itinerary that can be entirely done on foot. There are many cool things to see in Funchal, so why leave the city for yet another mountain hike? Day seven of the itinerary is all about mingling with residents, getting to know the local culture, and enjoying relaxing seaside strolls.
To start the day, I suggest passing by the Funchal Market, also known as the Mercado dos Lavradores. There, you will find the best food and drinks in Madeira and, who knows, even one or two great souvenirs to take back home.
The market is just a few minutes away from the Funchal City Hall, one of the most iconic buildings of the Old Town, so make sure you go there too (the interior patio is lovely).
To further explore Funchal Old Town while walking, I recommend signing up for a food, wine and cultural tour. After all, is there any better way to get to know a city than by walking around trying different foods and drinks in the company of a well-informed guide?
The tour can cost over €80 per person, but the price is well-justified considering that all the food and drinks (featuring both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options) are included. The tour is very thorough, so it’s a perfect way of making sure that you will try all of Madeira’s best traditional food and drinks by the time your trip is over.
But don’t get sad just yet… Before going back home, you can still pass by two must-seen Funchal attractions: Cristo Rei and the São Tiago Fortress.
Cristo Rei is a stunning viewpoint where you can find a statue of Jesus Christ reminiscent of Rio de Janeiro’s Christ the Redeemer (but, naturally, much smaller). The São Tiago Fortress, on the other hand, is an old seaside fort where many locals join to drink beer, eat limpets (a traditional Madeira appetizer), and enjoy the sunset.
My last dinner recommendation in Funchal? The modern Kampo, another classy establishment run by chef Júlio Pereira, the same man behind the Akua Restaurant from day one of the itinerary.
Where to Stay in Madeira
Deciding on a great place to stay can be a game-changer for your Madeira trip, so don’t just sign up for any run-of-the-mill Airbnb… You should be well-covered with any of these three great options:
NEXT – by Savoy Signature Hotel
A seaside hotel with swimming pool and stairs that go right into the ocean, NEXT by Savoy Signature combines convenience, luxury, and accessibility into one package. With breakfast included, a spa and wellness center, and a dedicated restaurant, NEXT really has everything you can hope for. And, for a plus, the hotel happens to be super pet-friendly!
The Views Baia
The Views Baia Hotel is arguably one of the best Madeira hotels for couples, with modern rooms that can sell for under €200 a night despite looking much more expensive. Perks include two swimming rooms, a spa and wellness center, and free parking. The outdoor swimming pool is particularly iconic, boasting a wonderful view of the ocean.
Hotel Alto Lido
The Hotel Alto Lido is one of the top-rated hotels on the island of Madeira, and the only downside I can think of is that it can be very hard to book (rooms are almost always full, so hurry up making that reservation!). In addition to being one of the most elegantly decorated hotels in Funchal, Alto Lido comes with three swimming pools, continental breakfast, private parking, a wellness and spa center, and its own restaurant.
Madeira Itinerary FAQs
To fully explore the city of Funchal and the natural attractions in West and East Madeira, I recommend spending at least seven days on the island.
The island of Madeira is currently not reachable by ferry, but direct flights from Lisbon and Porto to Funchal only take approximately two hours.
To catch some excellent weather and explore outdoor attractions, July to October is the best time to visit Madeira. However, if you’re a big fan of Christmas and New Year’s Eve, you will love spending December in Funchal.
Direct flights from mainland Portugal to Madeira take approximately two hours.
Conclusion
Despite being a tourist favorite, Madeira still holds the charm of a little-known, unexplored location, and has everything travelers could hope for. From mountain hikes and maritime experiences to Michelin-starred restaurants, Portugal’s ever-sunny archipelago makes for an unforgettable seven-day trip.
So, what are you waiting for? Now is the time to book your dream vacation. Make the most of it with our guide to the top attractions and activities in Madeira!
Check out these posts for more Portugal travel inspiration:
- Places to Go Canyoning in Madeira
- Portugal Travel Tips
- Surf and Yoga Retreats in Portugal
- Best Surfing Camps in Portugal
