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A Perfect 7-Day Itinerary for Madeira (A European Hidden Gem)

The amazing Madeira island of Portugal is one of the best-kept secrets in Europe! You will not regret to visit Madeira as part of your Portugal vacation or even a trip by itself. Overall, our 7-day itinerary offers a great balance of outdoor activities, scenic hikes, cultural experiences, and relaxation time, allowing you to fully appreciate the natural beauty and unique character of Madeira. Let’s jump in!

Day 1: Arrival in Funchal

After arriving in Madeira, take some time to settle into your accommodation and get a feel for your surroundings. Depending on your arrival time, you can explore the nearby area or simply relax and enjoy a fresh seafood dinner near your hotel.

Day 2: Funchal

Start your day with a visit to the old town of Funchal , where you can explore the narrow cobbled streets, admire the colorful houses, and visit historic landmarks such as the Sé Cathedral and the São Tiago Fort . Then head to the Mercado dos Lavradores , Funchal’s famous farmers’ market, to see a variety of local produce, flowers, and handicrafts.

Indulge on various types of passionfruit while in Madeira. They are deligous!

In the afternoon, take a cable car ride from Funchal to the hilltop village of Monte , where you can visit the Monte Palace Tropical Garden and enjoy panoramic views of the city and the sea. To complete your Funchal experience, ride a basket cart toboggan back down to the city center.

Day 3: Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo

Today, embark on a challenging but rewarding hike from Pico do Arieiro , one of the highest peaks in Madeira, to Pico Ruivo , the highest peak on the island. The trail offers stunning views of the mountains and valleys, beautiful wild flowers, as well as several tunnels and bridges. Make sure to bring comfortable hiking shoes, warm clothing, sunscreen, and plenty of water and snacks for the 6 km round-trip hike.

TIPS: Bring a headlamp or flashlight with you on this hike as you will need one to get through a few long dark tunnels.

Day 4: Cabo Girão – Porto Moniz – Achadas da Cruz

Start your day with a visit to Cabo Girão , one of the highest sea cliffs in Europe, which offers spectacular views of the sea and the surrounding landscape.

Then head to Porto Moniz, a picturesque town on the northern coast of Madeira, where you can swim in the Porto Moniz natural swimming pools and explore the volcanic rock formations.

In the afternoon, take a cable car ride from Achadas da Cruz to the seaside town of Porto da Cruz , which offers beautiful views of the coastline and the mountains. In our opinion, this cable car ride is by far the best (most thrilling and beautiful) cable car rides we have had.

Day 5: Levada das 25 Fontes

Today, take a scenic hike along the Levada das 25 Fontes , which is known for its beautiful waterfalls and natural pools. The trail is about 9 km long and takes about 3-4 hours to complete, offering stunning views of the mountains and forests along the way.

The photos cannot do the justice to this beautiful hike. This hike is also very enjoyable as it’s mostly covered in shades. Pack a picnic to enjoy by the waterfalls.

Day 6: Ponta de São Lourenço

Start your day with a hike along the Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço , a scenic trail that offers stunning views of the ocean and the rocky coastline.

After the hike, cool off with a swim at Gomes Pool , a natural saltwater pool in Porto da Cruz . Be sure to check the seasonal schedule of the pool.

In the evening, head to Boca do Cavacas , our favorite restaurant in Madeira that offers delicious seafood and beautiful views of the sea and the sunset. Oh, this restaurant also has the best (and addictive) passionfruit pudding on the island. Celebrate your time in Madeira with a romantic sunset dinner. The view and food will make you want to return to Madeira soon.

Day 7: Departure

Depending on your departure time, you can spend your last day in Madeira exploring the nearby area or simply relaxing and soaking up the atmosphere. Don’t forget to pack any souvenirs or local delicacies that you want to take home with you.

If time allows, you can also add a visit to Santana to any of the days above, as it’s located in the north-eastern part of the island and can easily be reached by car or public transportation.

I hope you find this itinerary helpful in planning your trip to Madeira! Keep in mind that some activities may have limited availability or require advance booking, so it’s a good idea to plan ahead.

TIPS: Don’t plan your home-bound or international flight on Day 7 or even the following day. The flights in and out of Madeira could be unreliable due to wind and flight cancellation. We advice to schedule Madeira at the beginning of your Portugal trip instead of at the end.

Leave a comment if you have a question or want to share your experience and itinerary in Madeira and Portugal.

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Madeira Travel Guide: 20 useful Things To Know Before You Go

Have you got some questions about travelling to Madeira? In this ultimate Madeira travel guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know for planning your trip to the Portugese island.

We’ll take a look at how to make the most of all that Madeira has to offer, the logistics of your trip and the sensible planning stuff. So read on for the full Madeira travel guide plus 20 things to know before you go…

Madeira is a Portuguese island situated off the west coast of Morocco and north of the Canary Islands. The volcanic island’s striking terrain makes it an incredibly unique place. Its dramatic slopes are densely populated with green vegetation and a skyline of jagged mountain peaks beckon you to explore.

Madeira is known by many as the ‘pearl of the Atlantic’ for many reasons including a constant subtropical climate, exotic fruits, spectacular coastlines and extraordinary landscapes .

Madeira’s skyline of jagged mountain peaks makes it a hiker’s dream destination

The island’s staggering geological formations are down to it essentially being a plate of a volcano that once thrusted up out of the Atlantic Ocean. Its basalt rock crags, coastlines and mountain peaks have shaped much of its tourism and visitors are encouraged to discover its history.

One of the island’s main charms is its web of walking trails . From calm coastal rambles to challenging mountain scrambles , there are routes for every hiker. The trails are found on most good navigation apps which means there is scope to get creative and plot your own route.

For such a small island, it has a mighty amount to offer tourists, especially for adventure-seekers . The valleys are carved out by roaring waterfalls and gushing streams which has provided a constant supply of canyoning openings making Madeira one of the best places in the world for canyoning. 

Madeira’s elements also provide a playground for rock climbing , surfing, snorkeling, cycling, paragliding… the list goes on…

Cynthia and I took two weeks to explore Madeira in January, but we needed far more time! The island has such a peaceful energy and while there’s so much to physically do, it’s also a place to relax. 

We wanted to pass on everything we learned from our trip and help you have just as much fun. So please read on for our ultimate Madeira travel guide!

Tip: See our  Madeira Travel Page  for a complete overview of all our travel guides about Madeira!

Disclaimer: This posts might contain affiliate links, meaning that if you make a purchase through these links, I may earn an affiliate commission. Thank you for helping to support this website!

Madeira experiences & travel resources

Top experiences.

• Sunrise hike from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo
• Walking Tours in Madeira
• Whale watching & Sunset sailing tour
• Canyoning Adventures in Madeira

Madeira Travel Resources

• Rent a car in Madeira
• Book your stay in Madeira
• Travel Insurance for outdoor adventures in Madeira
• Madeira Hiking Guide

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Visiting Madeira: Madeira entry requirements

Schengen zone citizens Schengen zone citizens can travel visa-free to Madeira.

Non-EU/EEA and UK citizens Non-EU/EEA and UK citizens can enter Portugal without a visa and stay there for up to 90 days within 180 days for tourism, business trips, visiting family or friends, or any other short-term purposes.

US citizens US citizens are allowed to travel to Portugal for up to 90 days for tourism or business without a visa.

2. When is the best time to visit Madeira?

This totally depends on what you want to get out of your adventure but Madeira is a superb destination anytime of year. Thanks to its subtropical climate, Madeira gets sunshine all-year round with warm temperatures ranging around 18C-22C in winter, spring/autumn 20-24C and around 24C-28C in summer.

What I loved about Madeira was that it had diverse microclimates .

In the southern town of Ponta Do Sol, you’ll get sun all-year round. The east of Madeira, which was the first to thrust up out of the Atlantic as a shield volcano, is the driest. Meanwhile the central mountainous part can get more changeable weather because of the higher elevation. The northern area is more green, more humid and more likely to have rain. 

2.1) What is the best month to go hiking in Madeira ?

During our trip in late January to early February, we had average temperatures of 22°C which was pleasant for hiking. Some of the trails had little shade, but in those temperatures it was just lovely to be out in the sunshine without any serious risk of heat stroke/dehydration. 

Hiking in summer would make for a sticky time and it’s not easy schlepping up a mountain with the sun bearing down on you. You’d also probably have to go on your adventures in the morning and evening which makes it a little harder to plan. If you want to explore the best of Madeira’s mountains and trails, organize your trip for winter, early spring or autumn.

The handy guide to hiking in Madeira including our 7 favourite hike

2.2) What is the best month to go canyoning in Madeira?

With about 128 canyoning openings in Madeira, you can do it all year round. The water temperatures in the water runs don’t vary too much, but the air temperature will make a difference especially if you’re spending hours in the water.

If you’re travelling to the island purely for canyoning, I’d recommend booking a trip in spring/summer/autumn when it will be over 25C outside.

Canyoning in Madeira: everything you need to know

Madeira is known for being one of the best destinations in the world for canyoning

2.3) When is the tourist season in Madeira?

As a result of its alluring all-year round sunshine, Madeira is popular with tourists throughout all seasons. Locals have told me that Madeira gets incredibly busy in July .

If you want to head to some of the popular trailheads, it’s important to plan your activities earlier or later in the day due to parking and busy coach-loads of people (even in winter!).

2.4) What is the hottest month in Madeira?

The hottest month in Madeira is August, with an average temperature of 27°C. July also hits a similar temperature. If you’re planning to do some hiking during this time, I’d stick to other months. The levada walks are very sheltered by the forests, but the mountainous region is very exposed to the sun .

2.5) Should I visit Madeira in winter?

Cynthia and I traveled to Madeira in the height of winter and we both agreed it was a brilliant time to be out there. We both would love to come back again in this time of year.

I live in England and Cynthia lives in Belgium . In January, gloomy gray clouds hog the sky and it’s miserable… we were both desperate for some sunshine and beautiful surroundings. Madeira gave us more than enough vitamin D and was such a good tonic for the winter blues . 

Practically, we found that the winter temps in Madeira were ideal for hiking and exploring the island. The sea was around 20C (very warm for that time of year) but I was told it is usually a little cooler at 18C in winter. If you’d like to swim in warmer waters, hold off booking a trip until the autumn when the sun has heated up the sea.

3. Travel insurance for Madeira

‘Oh, I won’t need insurance’. Stop it. Yes you do. Accidents happen when you least expect it and if you don’t have insurance you can get in all sorts of sticky situations. 

Funnily enough, on our trip in Madeira, we were staying with a friend of Cynthia’s. For context, she had explored some really remote parts of the Earth and hadn’t had any accidents. When we were there, she severely sprained her foot just by walking to the shop and she couldn’t walk for weeks! 

It just goes to show that anything can happen at any time so spend a few quid and get yourself insured. We recommend HeyMondo as a reliable all-round insurer.

Need  Travel Insurance for Outdoor Activities in Madeira ? I use and highly recommend   HeyMondo Travel Insurance .  As a reader of Journal of Nomads, you get a 5% discount off your insurance plan!

4. What is the best way to get to Madeira?

The only way to get to Madeira is by flying into its airport (Aeroporto do Funchal). The airport is 13km away from Madeira’s capital Funchal. 

Although the airport is commonly known as Aeroporto do Funchal, it was officially renamed Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport in 2016. Ronaldo was born in Funchal and grew up in the nearby parish of Santo António.

The architecture of the runway is pretty spectacular as the structure is a huge platform supported by hundreds of pillars! 

The airport mainly hosts flights from Europe, so if you’re flying outside of Europe you may have to consider transfers into your journey. The most important thing to mention is Madeira has one of the only airports in the world with wind limits in place .

This means if there are strong winds, flights will be diverted or canceled . It does happen pretty regularly, so remember to get good travel insurance covering flight issues.

5. Transportation in Madeira: do I need to rent a car in Madeira?

In short, yes, you will need to rent a car in order to get about the island . Many of the trailhead and canyoning starting points are remote and near impossible to reach without a car. 

5.1) Car rental services from Funchal airport

Hiring a car is a fantastic way to access the island’s myriad of mountains, beaches and forests . Madeira is a small island and if you’re located centrally, most places take one hour or less to drive to. The best place to rent a car is at Funchal Airport.

I’ve written a full guide on everything you need to know about driving in Madeira which you can read here. It’s got lots of helpful tips and advice that we learned during our trip.

The full guide on how to rent a car in Madeira and driving rules.

5.2) Parking in Madeira

Visitor parking for visitors seems to be a total bugbear for the locals and we were on the receiving end during our stay. We thought it was important to include in this Madeira travel guide.

When we arrived at our accommodation, we were loosely told of a parking spot. It was clear of private parking signs, wasn’t near a yellow line (which means no parking in Madeira) and there were plenty of spaces available in the surrounding area.

On our third day, we walked down and found a threatening note pinned on our car from a resident who said they would call the police if we parked there again and some *other lovely language*. Within minutes, some locals came out of their homes and stared us down. We scuttled away before they got out their pitchforks. 

We couldn’t help finding the situation funny (Cynthia kept the note as a token of our stay) but we were obviously confused because we had played everything by the rules. Even other locals said we had not done anything wrong.

It was probably some tetchy neighbors who hated visitors. Nevertheless, it’s something to bear in mind. Also just make sure you double check with your accommodation about delegated parking spaces , don’t park in spots that are labeled ‘estacionamento privado’ and don’t park on yellow lines .

5.3) Public transport in Madeira: Buses

In our time on the island, we didn’t see many buses. I did some research while I was there to see if it was possible to travel to other parts of Madeira from Ponto do Sol but the timetables were pretty difficult to navigate and the services weren’t regular.

Timetables for buses leaving from Funchal to urban areas can be found here, while timetables for buses leaving Funchal to the inter-urban areas can be found here .

5.4) Public transport in Madeira: Taxis

Taxis in Madeira are yellow saloon cars with two blue stripes across the vehicle’s body. Taxis that drive outside of Funchal don’t use a taxi-meter and work on a kilometer basis. The government sets prices for pre-defined routes which can be found on the back of the front seat.

From what I’ve read online , you can usually haggle on the price with the driver – just do it before you set off on your journey. 

The app Bolt is in operation on the island, but it doesn’t have many drivers using it outside Funchal. I tried to use it twice from Ponto do Sol but didn’t have any success. 

Note: If you can’t drive but want to make your Madeira trip happen, there are ways where you could organize transfers (sadly it won’t come cheap!). Take a look at GetYourGuide and get in touch with local tour companies.

5.5) Hitchhiking in Madeira

Cynthia and I passed hitchhikers during a trip. Annoyingly, we couldn’t pick them up because one time they waited in dangerous parts of the road where it was impossible to stop. The following time we passed another hitchhiker, they started wildly flapping their arms and jumping up and down while running towards us. It wasn’t the way to say ‘hey, I’m going to be chill in your car’.

Needless to say, if you’re going to hitchhike here, make sure you wait on a part of the road where it’s safe for the driver to pull over, and flag down a car safely .

6. How many days do I need in Madeira?

Madeira is an amazing destination for adventure-seekers. There are endless activities to get stuck into… these include hiking , canyoning , rock climbing , coasteering , surfing, paragliding, diving, trail running and cycling.

However, Madeira is also a destination to rest. There are numerous yoga days and mountain meditation retreats to choose from. The island has so many forces of nature and it’s good to take some time to appreciate it. 

Cynthia and I spent two weeks on the island and we were desperate to extend our trip. There was so much more to explore!

The magic of Madeira is that you can pack in a lot of activities and also take everything in at an easy pace. The people living here are very relaxed and we felt a calm energy with the quality of life. I’d recommend anytime from 10 days to two weeks to get a taste for everything Madeira has to offer.

7. What activities can I do in Madeira?

7.1) hiking along the levadas and veredas.

Hiking is definitely one of Madeira’s main attractions. From calm coastal rambles to challenging mountain scrambles, there are routes for every walker.

Levada, meaning to carry , is an irrigation system that collects water and transports it across the island. The routes often start perched up high in the mountains and snake their way down into villages, towns and cities. 

The island’s web of waterways span about 3,100km and are some of the longest irrigation systems in the world . Some of the channels are about 600-years-old and the structures are synonymous with Madeira. 

Nowadays, the channels are used for human consumption, electrical energy and agricultural uses. However, they are also a brilliant source of inspiration for hikes because the systems wind into some seriously beautiful and remote places on the island! They are known as levada walks .

The word vereda translates to path . Madeira’s veredas can widely vary from a simple route in the forest to a trickier mountainous path.

In the mountainous region, the trails are named by PR which are a useful tool to find trailheads and plot your distance/difficulty.

Madeira is pretty unique in that its trails are clearly marked and maintained. This means it’s really easy to shorten/lengthen versions of routes and link up mountains and beauty spots. 

The handy guide to hiking in Madeira including our 7 favourite hikes

7.2) Canyoning in Madeira

The valleys are carved out by roaring waterfalls and gushing streams which has provided a constant supply of canyoning openings. Madeira is known for being one of the best places in the world for canyoning and it’s synonymous with outdoor lovers on the island.

Adventure groups can cater for total beginners to experts and Madeirans really encourage you to give canyoning a go. 

7.3) Rock climbing in madeira

Contrary to what you’ll find written online about climbing in Madeira, there are a lot of varied climbing routes here. 

There are venues for sport, trad, multipitch, bouldering and deep water soloing dotted all over the island. I was really impressed how even at the easier venues, there were magnificent coastal views. 

The climbing community here is really welcoming and it’s easy to link up with locals. Alternatively, if you’re new to climbing and want to give it a go, there are groups that can provide equipment and training for the day.

Climbing in Madeira: the full guide for rock climbing on the island

7.4) Coasteering in Madeira

If canyoning seems a little too daring and you want to opt for an activity more chill, why not try coasteering?

Coasteering takes place exclusively on the coastline and involves lots of cliff jumps, swimming and some scrambling. 

Coasteering is less committing than canyoning – if you want to sit it out, you can! Large groups can be taken for this reason and is more inclusive than canyoning. Many tour operators on the island also offer this activity.

7.5) Snorkeling and diving in Madeira

Staggered all along the volcanic coastline are rocky outcrops which harbor incredible marine wildlife. The eastern shores are some of the finest for seeing thousands of unique fish and sealife. 

I’d really recommend heading to Beach Pedra D’eira, Caniçal for snorkeling. It’s a tiny pier that’s tucked away from the tourist spots. The turquoise waters here shimmer in the sunlight so it’s generally a lovely place to chill. Once you start exploring beneath the water, there are so many brightly-coloured fish, marine animals and plants to swim up to. 

If you’re wanting more of an organized snorkeling or diving trip, here are some tours we recommend:

7.6) Surfing in Madeira

Did you know Madeira is a surfing destination? The island is known for having constant swells which attracts surfers from across the globe . 

Something to note is that Madeira is a volcanic island with rocky crags and very little sand . This means it isn’t the easiest, especially when you’re just starting out learning.

Madeira Surf Centre has a great article with a map locating spots across the island . They also provide lessons ranging from total beginners to advanced. 

According to Surfer Today , the best site with one-to-six foot waves for beginners is Fajã da Areia (north of the island). Meanwhile, the west coast is a hit with intermediate and advanced surfers. There are also spots which can whip up 50-foot waves, like in Ponta do Pargo!

Note: If you’re heading out to Faja, be careful of where you put your feet. There are lots of sea urchins there!

8. Madeira travel guide: Where are the best hiking spots in Madeira?

Madeira’s skyline of vibrant jagged peaks and its web of walking paths makes the island a hiker’s dream destination.

The island’s trails are clearly established and widely available on navigation maps. This energized me to create routes that linked the heavily-trodden tourist ones to peaceful wild paths.

Here are our recommendations for some lesser-known trails which are varying in ability and terrain. You can read my full hiking guide for Madeira here .

• Caldeirão Verde Levada Trail :  13km out and back, 3 hours, easy-moderate, bring torch (tunnels) 
• PR 8 – Footpath of Ponta de São Lourenço : 6km out and back, 3 hours, easy-moderate, can get very busy (go early or in late afternoon)
• Pico Grande via Caminho Real da Encumeada PR 12 :  9.5 km out and back, 4.5 hours, moderate-hard
• PR14 Levada dos Cedros : 10.5km circular, 3 hours, easy-moderate, not very busy
• Levada do Larano – Boca do Risico : 9.2 km out and back, 3 hours, easy, part of bigger 24 km trail:  Caniçal’s Levada Larano Footpath
• Levada do Moinho – Levada Nova :  10km loop, 3.5 hours, moderate, bring torch (tunnels)
• Chao dos Louros to Pico Ruivo:   Point-to-point 13km, +1600m -1000m descent, 5 hours, hard

9. Money and currency in Madeira

9.1) currency in madeira.

The currency in Madeira is the Euro. Currently €1 equates to $1.01 USD or £0.85 British sterling.

9.2) ATMs in Madeira

The majority of hospitality businesses take credit/debit cards but it’s a good idea to have some cash with you, especially for parking in touristy spots or hiking trailheads.

9.3) Exchanging money in Madeira

Currency exchange offices are open Monday to Friday and Sundays from 09:00 to 19:00, closing for an hour between 13:00 to 14:00. On Saturdays the offices open from 09:00 to 19:00. Outside these hours, exchanges can be made at some hotels.

9.4) Tipping in Madeira

While tipping isn’t expected like it is in the United States, the wages in Madeira for hospitality services are fairly low so it’s a good idea to tip.

10. Packing list for Madeira

• Waterproof coat and trousers : Madeira has a whole range of microclimates and the thunderstorms here are whoppers. It’s best to bring a lightweight coat that will battle a heavy, but short, shower.
• Trail runners/ walking boots . What shoes should I bring to Madeira? Ah, the age-old question . This completely depends on what you prefer on your feet. I prefer trail runners that aren’t waterproof so they can drain and dry quickly. It also helps me move faster. Other people prefer better ankle support and waterproof boots. Keep in mind it is hot and you’re only really likely to get your feet wet if it rains or if you’re heading on some of the levada walks.
•  Small ankle gaiters. I didn’t need to use these but brought them out with me just in case. Small lightweight gaiters help prevent dust/small rocks/mud from getting in your shoes. If you accidentally get caught in rain, they’re a pretty useful item to have.
• Head torch . On average, Madeira gets about 8 hours of sunshine daily, so you’ll probably grasp as much of the day as you can. If you’re out hiking and you haven’t made it down to a village in time for dusk, it will get dark awfully quick. Also on some of the levada trails, there are long tunnels so a head torch is an essential piece of kit.
•   Hiking pole s . Granted, you probably won’t need these on the shorter hiking routes, but Madeira does have some steep trails. Poles are like an extra pair of legs and are so useful for boosting you up high ascents, preventing falls and stabilizing you across streams.
• Lightweight t-shirt. If you’re hiking on the island, you’re likely to sweat a lot. Don’t wear cotton because it absorbs moisture and is a nightmare to dry out. Stick to polyester.
• Shorts/skort . Cynthia and I didn’t anticipate how hot the island would be, even in January. We had to head to Decathlon and pick up some skimpier clothes to hike in!
• Longer leggings/midlayers . In the evening, temperatures can get cooler and it’s always smart to pack warmer bottoms and a fleece.
• Battery pack and cords for phone/camera . Always an essential if you’re heading out for a long day.
• European plug adapter . Madeira uses TYPE C, like many other EU countries.
• Swimwear. It became a daily ritual for Cynthia and I to go swimming in the sea after a long day of hiking. Even when we went in January, the water temperatures were 22 degrees. Bliss.
• Beach shoes . The island is essentially a whole plate of volcanic rock so many of the coastlines are pebbled beaches or rocky outcrops. Beach shoes are super useful to stick on your feet to get into the sea with ease or to explore the waterfalls.
• Mosquito repellent . Sadly, yes you need this. Madeira has a sub-tropical climate meaning it has hot summers and mild winters.
• Water bottle . Hiking in hot temps means it’s essential to keep hydrated. The water is clean in Madeira and you can drink from the taps.

11. Food and drink in Madeira

It won’t come as much surprise that Madeira is a seafood paradise . Most restaurants serve octopus, salmon, sardines and prawns accompanied with fries. 

The supermarkets are packed with typical Western food, great bakeries and super fresh fruits and vegetables.

11.1) What is Madeira’s signature dish?

One of the island’s specialties is its Bolo do Caco. This is basically a slab of garlic bread stuffed with delicious herbs. Many cafes serve Bolo do Caco with fillings like ham, cheese or octopus. We loved this dish and ate it really regularly!

Filete de Espada, also known as scabbard filet , is a type of black fish that swims deep in Madeiran waters. The dish is typically made with passion fruit and banana sauce. Head to Funchal for the best restaurants. 

Another seafood speciality to try are the lapas (limpets). These are usually fried and then served with a splash of lemon juice and some butter. 

Another common dish you can find is insalata di polpo (octopus salad). Let’s just say it wasn’t Cynthia’s favorite thing in the world… she likened it to pickled octopus on vinegar lettuce.

11.2) What is Madeira’s signature drink?

Poncha is Madeira’s signature boozy drink. It’s made up from rum, lemon and honey. The strength will hit you like a sack of spuds but it’s very tasty. Many restaurants and bars make the drink up in a huge jug, like rum punch. Look out for other variations too – I tried passion fruit and it was delicious.

12. Accommodation in Madeira

12.1) airbnb in madeira.

There are plenty of Airbnb rental properties available in Madeira , but they don’t come cheap. I’d recommend widening your search to camping pods, tipis or basic huts… there are some gorgeous little places tucked away in secluded spots that are often much cheaper than apartments.

12.2) Hostels in Madeira

There are a range of hostels to choose from dotted all along Madeira’s coast, but I struggled to find any situated in the mountainous regions. Take a look at Booking.com to check them out.

12.3) Co-living in Madeira

If you’re planning to stay longer than a fortnight and don’t want to fork out thousands on an apartment, there are co-living spaces available for like-minded people on the island. Search for co-living groups on Facebook here .

12.4) Camping in Madeira

With the island’s vast hiking opportunities, why not combine it with a camping trip? There are campsites across the island which you can find on this useful website .

If you fancy a multi-day hiking trip, the trails provide endless wild camping spots and you’ll be guaranteed some of the most magnificent views of the island .  Set up camp at dusk, pack away in the morning and follow the no trace rules .

13. What area to stay in Madeira

There’s no hard and fast rule about which area is best to stay in Madeira. As heads up, it’s not cheap to find accommodation on the island and you’ll likely be based around what can fit your budget (see above). 

Your location doesn’t matter too much because most places on the island take one hour or less to travel to . 

Cynthia and I stayed in the stunning southern town Ponta do Sol (it means point of the sun and it gets the most sun on the island) . It was a fantastic base for us to explore Madeira. There was a rocky beach, gorgeous sunrises and levada walks from the town. Practically, Ponta do Sol had a small shop, bank, post office and gas station. 

If you’re more drawn towards the mountains, you’ll likely want to base yourself in the north/south, ideally below or above the mountainous region. The west is known for surfing , while the east has some of the best swimming spots . The north of the island is far less touristy and is considered wilder. 

If you can’t drive, you’ll likely have to base yourself in Funchal and arrange transfers from the capital. However, I’d highly recommend hiring a car for your trip. It’s near impossible to get to some of the wilder spots in nature without a hire car.

14. What languages are spoken in Madeira?

Madeira is an autonomous region of Portugal so the primary language is Portuguese . English is taught as a second language in schools, so many Madeiran people speak it.

14.1) Useful phrases to know for your trip in Madeira

I also suggest you install the Google Translate App for Portuguese and download it so you can use it offline.

15. What religions are practiced in Madeira?

The majority of people in Madeira practice Christianity , with Catholicism being its largest denomination. You’ll see that a lot of the houses are adorned with small shrines of saints and some of the trailheads have tiny chapels which are intricately decorated.

16. How is the internet in Madeira?

16.1) mobile data.

I use a British SIM card called EE. I bought a European add on and my coverage was excellent for the entire time I was there. The only time I obviously didn’t have coverage was in lowlands of the mountains and deep in the forests. 

Cynthia had the same experience with her Belgium SIM. Most European and American SIMs will have easy add on options available for your trip.

16.2) Wi-Fi

You won’t struggle to find Wi-Fi. It’s very established in hospitality facilities, homes and tourist destinations. 

17. Is it expensive in Madeira?

17.1) accommodation.

I’ve touched upon this earlier, but compared to other Portuguese areas, Madeira is more on the expensive side with rental homes. There are ways around this though, like co-living during your stay. Scroll up to 12. for more information.

17.2) Supermarkets

Madeira is a small island, so most things need to be imported which is why you have to be careful what you pick at the supermarket (for some bizarre reason pasta sauce was €6?). 

There’s always ways to eat cheaply though, and we found groceries that worked for our budget. 

On the plus side, some of the island’s fruits and vegetables come at a total bargain. Fish too is caught locally and is good value.

17.3) Restaurants

Cynthia and I ate out at a few cafe bars where the dishes were good value with good portion sizes. We were able to get a plate of food and a glass of wine for around €12-15.

18. Are drones allowed in Madeira?

Yes, drones are allowed in Madeira. You don’t need to declare anything but ensure you pack it in with your hand luggage , not hold luggage.

Also, please be respectful and safe when flying. If you’re at the top of a summit or in a precarious place, think about hikers and climbers who could be scared easily by the sound of a drone. Same goes for wildlife being disturbed by the sound or movement or a drone.

19. Culture and etiquette in Madeira

Although many of the elderly people practice Catholicism, the majority of people dress according to the weather and there aren’t any strict dress codes to adhere to. 

Spitting and littering is a big no-no in Madeira. Madeira is such a green clean island and its vast amount of thriving plants are no doubt partly down to Madeirans keeping their surroundings clean.

20. Tours in Madeira

There are plenty of tour groups and guides to choose from for all kinds of activities and excursions. 

During our trip, the adventure group Epic Madeira took us out for some climbing and canyoning. Their guides were super knowledgeable and friendly, with their focus being combining safety with having a laugh. 

Epic Madeira offers rock climbing, coasteering, climbing and hiking trips. If you’re looking for equipment or a specific transfer, they’ll also be able to help you out. The staff are really into supporting the island’s tourism so if you want to do an activity they don’t offer, they’ll be able to put you in touch with a popular tour group. Contact them here for more information . 

If you’re looking for transfers or heading to busy trailheads, take a look at GetYourGuide and get in touch with local tour companies.

I hope this Madeira travel guide covers all of your questions and helps you with planning your trip. Madeira is such a spectacular place and we’re really excited to share what we’ve learned with you. If you have any other queries or insights, please comment below or contact us !

Related posts

Car hire in Madeira: The full guide on how to rent a car and driving in Madeira

The Handy Guide to Hiking in Madeira Portugal with Our 7 favourite Madeira Hiking trails

Climbing in Madeira: The Full Guide For Rock Climbing On The Island

Canyoning in Madeira: Everything you need to know

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Madeira itinerary: The perfect 7-day Madeira road trip

Madeira Island is a place that exceeded all my expectations. I was there for five weeks, exploring its breathtaking landscape, unique nature and hiking trails, and can confidently say that it’s one of the most spectacular islands I’ve ever seen. In this blog post, I’m sharing a 7-day Madeira itinerary that showcases the most beautiful places I discovered during my time on this mesmerizing island.

Madeira lies in the Atlantic Ocean, 1000km (620 miles) from mainland Portugal and is often called the Hawaii of Europe. Its lush vegetation, subtropical climate and volcanic landscape will make you feel like you’ve stepped foot on a remote paradise island when in reality you’re less than a 2-hour flight from continental Europe. 

The best way to explore the island is to rent a car and embark on an epic Madeira road trip. Although some places in this itinerary are accessible by bus, having a car will give you the freedom to stop wherever you want and allow you to get around Madeira much faster. 

Ready to start planning your trip? Below I’ve outlined my 7-day Madeira itinerary that includes the most scenic hikes and levada walks, volcanic beaches , viewpoints, picturesque towns and more. At the end of the article, you’ll also find a map with all the stops on this travel itinerary as well as my recommendations for where to stay in Madeira.

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links from which I may make a commission at no additional cost to you if you make a purchase.

7-day Madeira itinerary: The perfect Madeira road trip

Day 1: funchal.

On the first day of this Madeira itinerary, discover the island’s charming capital city Funchal.

Although you won’t need a car on the first day, you will need it very early the next day so I recommend picking it up right away. You can rent a car either at the airport or in Funchal.

Below, I’ve listed the best places to visit in Funchal. If you don’t manage to see much of the city on the first day, don’t worry because you’ll also have some time here on the final day of this Madeira itinerary.

Monte Palace Tropical Gardens

Monte Palace Tropical Gardens are located in the hills above Funchal and feature a large collection of exotic plants, various sculptures and walkways spread over a 7-hectare (17-acre) area. As you walk around the gardens, you can see peacocks, swans and koi fish. It’s a gorgeous place to explore with something exciting around every corner. The entrance fee to the gardens is 12.50 euros.

The easiest and most fun way to get to Monte Palace is to take a cable car from the city. The Funchal Cable Car station is located at the waterfront near the old town and the ride costs 11 euros one way (16 euros round-trip).

Funchal Farmers Market

In the heart of the city, you’ll find the bustling Funchal Farmers Market (Mercado dos Lavradores). Full of colorful stalls selling fresh produce, flowers, spices and seafood, the market is a real feast for the eyes.

What I loved most about Mercado dos Lavradores was its wide variety of exotic fruits. Make sure to taste the various types of passion fruit and the Monstera Deliciosa fruit – a long green fruit with hexagonal scales, which the locals introduced to us as a pineapple-banana fruit. Just make sure it is ripe, as it can otherwise be toxic.

There are also small cafes and bistros at the market where you can enjoy local pastries or have a glass of Poncha, a traditional drink made of sugar cane brandy and fruit juice. Warning: this stuff is STRONG.

Funchal Old Town

The picturesque Old Town of Funchal (Zona Velha) is home to cozy cobblestone streets, historical buildings, small boutiques and some of the best restaurants in the city.

While here, make sure to stroll along Rua de Santa Maria, which is one of the oldest streets in Funchal. Lined with shops, bars and restaurants, this narrow street is a popular hangout for both tourists and locals and the best place to experience the city’s nightlife. You’ll see that many doors and walls on Rua de Santa Maria are covered with colorful paintings. This is a result of the Painted Doors art project which transformed the area into a permanent outdoor art gallery.

Other famous attractions in the Old Town are the 15th-century Corpo Santo Chapel, the yellow São Tiago Fort and Madeira Story Centre museum.

If you’re looking for more things to do in Funchal, consider visiting Madeira Botanical Garden, Funchal Cathedral, Christiano Ronaldo Museum (he’s born in Madeira!) or taking this food and wine tour to savor some delicious local products.

Day 2: Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo hike

Kick off the second day of your Madeira itinerary by getting up early and driving to Pico do Arieiro to see the sunrise. At 1,818m (5,965ft), it’s the third-highest peak on the island and it takes around 45 minutes to drive there from Funchal. 

Once there, head to Miradouro do Juncal viewpoint and be ready to witness the most breathtaking sunrise above the clouds. I still remember the feeling of standing at that viewpoint surrounded by low-hanging clouds and watching the first rays of sun paint the sky pink. It was a surreal experience! Make sure to dress in layers because it’s COLD up there at such an early hour (10°C during our visit in August).

Next, get ready for what’s probably going to be one of the most unforgettable hikes of your life – the Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo hike. With 1,862m (6,109ft) of altitude, Pico Ruivo is the highest peak in Madeira. 

It’s a pretty challenging and steep 12km (7.5-mile) out-and-back trail and probably one of the top 3 most beautiful hikes I’ve ever done! With deep verdant valleys, glimpses of the Atlantic Ocean and jagged mountain peaks piercing through clouds, the views along the trail are absolutely stunning.

During the hike, you’ll need to go through several tunnels carved into the mountains, so make sure to bring a head torch or a phone flashlight. Once you reach Pico Ruivo, you’ll be rewarded with amazing panoramic views of the entire island. After you’ve got a bit of rest and caught your breath, hike back the same way to Pico do Arieiro. Although it is the same trail, the views are totally different as you’ll be facing the opposite way.

P.S. If this 12km (7.5-mile) round-trip hike sounds too tough for you, there’s also an easier option where you’ll do the hike just one way. For this, you’d need to take a guided tour like this one . You’ll first hike from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo (6km) and then down from Pico Ruivo to Achada do Teixeira (3km), where a car will pick you up and drive you back to your hotel.

Day 3: Northwestern coast of Madeira

On Day 3, take a road trip to the incredibly scenic northwestern coast of Madeira. In my opinion, this is the most beautiful section of the island’s coastline and another highlight of this 7-day Madeira itinerary.

São Vicente

Nestled between steep green mountains, São Vicente is a picturesque little town that’s certainly worth a quick stop. The best thing to do here is to simply stroll around the town’s historic center and the oceanfront area, have a cup of coffee and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere.

A short drive east from São Vicente lies the small coastal town Seixal, which boasts some of the best views in Madeira. Before entering the town, stop at Miradouro do Véu da Noiva, a famous viewpoint where you can admire the Bridal Veil Waterfall and the towering cliffs around it. 

Next, head to Seixal Beach which is one of the few naturally sandy beaches on the island. With its black sand, turquoise water and green mountains rising vertically from the ocean, it’s a strikingly beautiful place.

Another fantastic place to visit here is Seixal Natural Pools. Surrounded by volcanic formations and filled with crystal clear water, these tidal lava rock pools are a really unique spot for a swim.

Read more about Seixal Beach and Seixal Natural Pools in my post about the best beaches in Madeira .

As you leave Seixal and continue driving northwest along the coast, visit also Miradouro da Eira da Achada and Miradouro Ilheus da Ribeira da Janela viewpoints.

Porto Moniz

Porto Moniz is a small seaside town known for its two sets of natural pools – one is more developed and kid-friendly and the other one is a bit more ‘rough’. Again, you can find more details about them in my Madeira beaches post. If you’re running short of time, I’d say you can skip visiting Porto Moniz.

Achadas da Cruz Cable Car

For the final stop of the day, head to Achadas da Cruz cable car, which is supposedly the steepest one in Europe. Here, you’ll be transported down an almost vertical cliff and arrive at a beautiful isolated stretch of coastline. It’s an exciting 5-minute ride and costs just 3 euros for a round-trip.

Down by the shore, there’s a tiny traditional village, a pebble beach and a walking trail with amazing views of the cliffs towering above you. As this place is very remote and doesn’t receive tons of visitors, it definitely feels like one of the hidden gems of Madeira.

Day 4: Levada walks and Fanal Forest

Continue your 7-day Madeira itinerary by exploring the fantastic nature of the Paul da Serra plateau in the western part of the island.

As the plateau receives a large amount of rain, it is home to several waterfalls and levadas (man-made irrigation channels distributing water across the island). Walking along levadas is surely one of the most unique things to do in Madeira and allows you to immerse yourself in the wonderful nature of the island.

Levada das 25 Fontes walk & Risco Waterfall

Levada das 25 Fontes, which translates into 25 springs or fountains, is an easy levada walk featuring a scenic forest trail and several waterfalls. The trail leads to a small lagoon surrounded by tall rock walls with dozens of tiny streams trickling down them. If you’re brave enough you can even go for a swim in this chilly water.

Be aware that the 25 Fontes hike is one of the most popular levada walks in Madeira. I recommend getting there early if you don’t feel like rubbing shoulders with 100 other tourists.

To get to the 100m (330ft) tall Risco Waterfall, walk the same way back from the 25 Fontes lagoon and turn left at the fork about halfway through the trail. To visit both of these waterfalls, it’s an 11km (6.8-mile) round-trip hike and should take you 3-4 hours.

Since we were here in August, one of the driest months in Madeira, both 25 Fontes Falls and Risco Waterfall had reduced to just a small trickle. If you come here in the wetter months of the year (November to April), you can expect the waterfalls to look a lot fuller.

Fanal Forest

After the 25 Fontes and Risco Waterfall hike, drive to the magical Fanal Forest (Auto Fanal in Google Maps). This ancient laurel forest is a part of Madeira’s Laurisilva forest which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its biological and ecological importance.

What makes Fanal Forest so special is its crooked moss-covered trees and the mysterious fog that’s often present here. It really looks like an enchanted forest and makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a fairytale. It’s crazy to think that most of these trees are more than 600 years old and have been growing here since before Madeira was even discovered! 

As you walk around the forest and the meadows, you might encounter some cows roaming around so watch out for cow poop. Since it gets pretty chilly up at Fanal, make sure to bring a warm jacket and long pants.

Day 5: The ‘tail’ of Madeira

On Day 5, I recommend exploring the impressive landscapes on Madeira’s east coast. Get ready for some coastal trekking as well as some well-deserved beach time.

Ponta de São Lourenço

Ponta de São Lourenço is the easternmost point of the island and a mandatory stop on every Madeira road trip. This long narrow peninsula, which is also known as the “tail of Madeira”, features spectacular volcanic cliffs, rock formations and sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean. 

With its barren, moon-like landscape and very little vegetation, this place looks completely different from the rest of the island. On top of the cliffs, there’s a hiking trail that allows you to enjoy the dramatic views from many different angles.

Near the end of the trail, there’s also a small cafe where you can get snacks or a cold drink. From here, most people start heading back but I recommend hiking a bit further to the Miradouro Ponta do Furado viewpoint for incredible views of the Ilhéu da Cevada islet.

The Ponta de São Lourenço walk is an easy 8km (5-mile) hike (round-trip) and should take you about 3 hours to complete. Since there’s no shade from the sun on this trail, bring sunscreen and lots of water.

Prainha Beach (Prainha do Caniçal)

Located just a short drive from Ponta de São Lourenço, Prainha Beach is one of the few naturally sandy beaches in Madeira and the ideal place to relax after your hike.

Because of its soft volcanic sand and turquoise water full of colorful fish, it became one of my favorite beaches on the island. Read more about Prainha Beach in my Madeira beaches guide .

Day 6: Northeastern part of Madeira

Continue your Madeira road trip by getting to know the northeastern corner of the island.

Levada do Caldeirão Verde

Start your day with the Levada do Caldeirão Verde hike, which is one of the best levada walks in Madeira. The trail leads you through a lush Laurisilva forest, past several small waterfalls and offers magnificent views of the green valleys and mountains of Madeira. 

At the end of the hike, you’ll arrive at the mysterious Caldeirão Verde (aka the “green cauldron”), where you’ll see a 110m (360ft) tall waterfall cascading down green mossy cliffs. As we were there in August, there was just a small trickle left of the waterfall but it was still beautiful.

Bring a head torch or a phone with a flashlight because there are a few tunnels you need to walk through. The total distance of the Caldeirão Verde levada walk is 12km (7.5 miles) but since the trail is flat and well maintained, it’s a very easy walk and takes about 4 hours to complete.

After the hike, drive to Santana which is famous for its adorable traditional houses. With triangle-shaped thatched roofs and colorful facades, these tiny houses look like they belong in a fairytale. 

There are quite a few of them scattered around Santana but the best place to see them is in the town center, next to the Town Hall (Casas típicas de Santana in Google Maps). Here, you’ll find a beautiful flower garden and six traditional houses. Each of them is a shop selling a variety of local products and souvenirs.

Miradouro do Guindaste

Round off your day with a visit to the Miradouro do Guindaste viewpoint. It’s an amazing place for photos and offers some mesmerizing views of the ocean and the massive cliffs along Madeira’s northeastern coast. 

If you crave a dip in the ocean or want to grab something to eat, head to Faial Beach Club right next to the viewpoint.

Day 7: Dolphin and whale watching tour

Spend the last day of your Madeira itinerary in Funchal. Depending on your interests, you can either visit the attractions that you didn’t have time for on the first day or you can go on a dolphin and whale watching tour – a bucket-list-worthy experience for any wildlife lover!

The waters surrounding Madeira are home to large whale and dolphin populations and the chances of spotting them are supposedly as high as 85%-95%. Ironically, we didn’t see any whales or dolphins during our tour but that’s how it is with wildlife – you can never be guaranteed that you’ll see them.

Most of the dolphin and whale watching tours have really positive online reviews so I think there’s a high chance you’ll have more luck than we did. Many people mention seeing pods of sperm whales, pilot whales, bottlenose dolphins, turtles and other species, sometimes just a few meters from the boat!

If this sounds like something for you, here are the different types of tours to consider:

• A tour on a speedboat – With a speedboat, you can cover larger distances and therefore have a better chance of spotting wildlife. It’s an adrenaline-filled experience and you’ll need to stay in your seat throughout the trip due to high speed.
• A tour on a catamaran – With a catamaran, you can cover less distance but the experience is a lot more relaxed and you’ll have access to various sitting areas, bathrooms and a bar. In the warmer months, the tour also includes a snorkeling stop.
• A tour where you can swim with dolphins – If the conditions are right, you can swim with common dolphins or spotted dolphins on this tour. There’s also a chance that you’ll see some whales.

Where to stay in Madeira

Since Madeira is quite small, you could easily base yourself in the capital city Funchal and do day trips to the different parts of the island. But if you want to experience what it’s like to stay in some of the smaller towns, consider spending a night or two in São Vicente, Santana or Machico.

Here are some of my top picks on where to stay in Funchal:

BUDGET: FX Pena The perfect accommodation for budget travelers. Spacious, clean and modern rooms plus a shared kitchen and a large terrace.

MID-RANGE: NEXT by Savoy Signature A new 4-star hotel at the waterfront in the heart of the city. There’s a fabulous rooftop infinity pool & bar, sauna, gym and modern rooms with views of the ocean and Funchal. This hotel offers amazing value for money.

LUXURY: Savoy Palace by Savoy Signature One of the most high-end hotels in Funchal. With its stunning interior decor, incredible rooftop, exceptional spa facilities, tropical gardens and impeccable service, Savoy Palace is the definition of luxury.

Madeira itinerary map

On this map, you can find the locations of all the stops included in this 7-day Madeira itinerary. Click on the top left corner of the map for more details.

Have more than a week in Madeira?

If you have more than a week in Madeira, consider also visiting Porto Santo island, which is a part of the Madeira archipelago. Porto Santo is just a 2-hour ferry ride away but its nature and landscape are very different from Madeira. The biggest attraction on the island is its 9km (5.6-mile) long beach with golden sand and clear turquoise water.

Madeira itinerary: final thoughts

With its awe-inspiring landscapes, epic hiking trails and incredible nature, it’s impossible not to fall in love with Madeira. Even after spending five weeks on this island, I couldn’t get enough of its beauty!

I hope that this 7-day Madeira itinerary gave you a good overview of what to expect when visiting this gem of an island and that you found some inspiration for planning your own trip.

If you have any questions about this itinerary, leave them in the comments below.

For more photos and videos of our Madeira trip, have a look at my Instagram account – look for the stories highlight called Madeira.

Planning to explore mainland Portugal as well? Then have a look at the following posts:

• Algarve 5-day itinerary
• Best hikes in the Algarve
• Visiting the Algarve in winter
• Hiking the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail in the Algarve

Enjoyed reading this Madeira itinerary? Pin it!

Algarve in winter: What to expect + best things to do

Algarve itinerary: The perfect 5-day Algarve road trip

Best beaches in Madeira: from black sand to volcanic pools

Hiking Algarve: Best hikes in the Algarve, Portugal

Hiking the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail in Algarve, Portugal

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The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Trip to Madeira

Did you know that Europe had its own Hawaii?

Yes, that's right!

Portuguese archipelago Madeira is often compared to Hawaii and I do not wonder why anymore. During my visit in May 2018 it has surprised me so much how many similarities Madeira and Hawaii islands really had.

Madeira is such an incredible place to visit and for many reasons. Whether you are planning a romantic honeymoon , family vacation , if you travel for adventure or if you just wish to escape less gloomy weather . Another name Madeira has been called is the island of eternal spring, so expect pleasant temperatures and fresh air pretty much all year round.

Madeira truly is a European gem which suits to every traveller and you should visit the islands as soon as possible . Each year Madeira is experiencing more and more visitors. Whether you want to swim with dolphins, explore deep canyons, or enjoy delicious dinner at the beach, go and book your ticket now.

I spent in Madeira one week in May 2018 and wanted to share my experience and a little bit of knowledge. Let's take a look on this very detailed guide, where I share with you some of the best places to see, adventures to enjoy, how to travel around the island, where to stay, what to pack, what to eat and a few more handy tips . Are you ready with a big bowl of popcorn?

When is the best time to go to Madeira

If you want to avoid crowds

When I was searching for the best time to visit Madeira, many people were talking about how busy Madeira is at any time of the year. Honestly, that scared me a bit because as you might already know, I don't like crowded places. In fact, I love exactly the opposite. I am not looking for parties or any Eiffel Towers, or Niagara Falls, or Hollywood signs where I have to deal with too many people.

But my fear melted really quickly when we arrived to Madeira. Of course, there are crowded places like almost in any other destination, but it's very easy to avoid them if you want to. I am talking now especially about Funchal and some other places in the southern island. But nothing crazy  - and that means a lot coming from someone like me :)) Northern and Eastern part of Madeira is less crowded in general.

When you want to avoid crowds and book the best hotels without any problem, try to avoid summer holidays. In fact, try to avoid any kind of holidays in general, like Christmas or Eastern. But that's a tip for visiting almost any destination, right?

If you want the best weather... hmmm, what's the best weather?

Good news! Weather in Madeira doesn't have to play a big part in vacation planning. The temperatures are nicely stable throughout the year which makes Madeira a dream destination! Although winter can be slightly more rainy with lower temperatures in the night and early mornings.

Do you want to come when there's the most sunny and dry weather?  Then June is your best bet, but anything between March to September will work too

Are you planning to do lots of hiking and walking? Then April and May are the best months to visit. Any later might get a bit hot for walking, and winter/early spring can be rainy (can be, but not talking about rainy season like they have in Asia ,)

April and May are also the best months to go to Madeira for enjoying all the beautiful flowers ? So if you're keen to visit one of the world's most beautiful garden which is in Funchal, if you want to those iconic sceneries with flowers in the foreground, or rather flowers everywhere, April and May it is.

Madeira is also famous for swimming with whales and dolphins . If you are planning to do anything like this, then the best time to come is between April and October. That's when the highest number of mammal species are in waters of Madeira.

How to get to Madeira

Although, from one quick look at the map, it may seems that getting to Madeira is long and pricey journey, it's not really true.

Nowadays there are many direct flight from Europe which can cost you under 200 dollars return. Those flights can take only about three four hours. You can try connections from London , Amsterdam or Lisboa . But there are many more cities you can fly to Madeira. See them all here .

My go to website to find  the cheapest flights  possible is  Momondo , so definitely check that one first and go from there. If you have any doubts and questions about how to reach Madeira, feel free to send me a message and I'll be happy to help you.

How long should I plan my vacation for?

I only had a spare week and even before I went to Madeira, I had a feeling that it won't be enough. And I was more than right. Yes, you can see the most beautiful/popular places in Madeira in just a week, but hands down, you will be rushing. 

If you can, I would recommend you to stay at least 10 days ! And if you have three weeks, then fine, take it slowly and soak all the relaxing vibes in!

I know, I know, Madeira seems like a tiny island, so you are probably asking now, holly molly, what would I do there for three weeks?! But trust me, there are so many hikes, adventures, culture, and beautiful viewpoints to enjoy, that you will be thanking me for those three weeks :)

What to pack?

When packing for your holidays, please remember that it's not a tropical island you're going to . Frankly, if you are looking for a tropical vacation, white sand beaches and hot hot air, then Madeira is probably not the best pick. There are not so many beaches, all of them (on the main island) are black because of their volcanic origin and water for swimming is quite cold as well.

Madeira is a diverse island and even though at the beach is 25°C or more, within half an hour driving up to 1800 meters above sea lever, temperatures can drop down to zero and wind will be so strong that you will have troubles to stand straight.

Before I will write more detailed post on what to pack and what to leave behind, here is the quick sum up (linked products are the ones I have an experience with and that I am genuinely recommending):

• day backpack
• water bottle
• comfortable walking / hiking shoes
• flip flops / sandals
• warm hoodie / sweater (some days and places are cooler than others)
• softshell jacket (you can thank me later)
• rain jacket
• headlamp (if you plant to hike some of the trails with long dark tunnels)
• waterproof camera/phone case (if you are going to do canyoning / coasteering / swimming with dolphins and whales)

How to get around

When in Madeira you will have have pretty much four options to explore this green island:

• Base yourself in Funchal and hire a taxi driver
• Base yourself in Funchal and book day tours
• Base yourself in Funchal and get around by bus

1. RENT A CAR

Definitely the most convenient way how to explore the island. I probably don't have to name all the reason why renting your own car is the best. It will save you time, nerves and very probably lots of money as well.

• The best deal we found was via rentalcars.com and we only paid around $250 USD for an economy class car for the whole week!!
• I recommend to pay extra for a full insurance , especially if you are not use to drive tight roads. I've been travelling and driving a lot in my life, but nothing was as crazy as Madeira's roads.
• Also, try to avoid renting mini cars . You will need a strong car to get you up the steep hills with no big issues. And make sure you get the most compact car possible. Especially in towns, parking spots are not very spacious and you will be sweating (at least if you're not a parking master just as me, haha).
• Over a week we drove around the island, and criss crossed it many times and one tank of gas was sufficient. We paid 75 EUR for a full tank.

2. BASE YOURSELF IN FUNCHAL AND HIRE A TAXI DRIVER

If you don't want to/ can't drive yourself, but still you want to stay as independent as possible, you can hire a taxi driver. 

In Madeira there are plenty of taxi operators who are offering a various taxi excursions. It will cost you around 100-120 EUR per day (60 EUR / half day) per car (4 people). If you're a bigger group of people (up to 8), it's also possible for an additional cost.

Some of the taxi companies/drivers you can look into:

• Daniel Madeira Taxis
• Madeira Island Taxis
• Manuel Taxi Tours
• Madeira Travel Taxi

3. BASE YOURSELF IN FUNCHAL AND BOOK DAY TOURS

If you like things nicely organized and don't plan to rent a car, this could be a perfect option for you.

You can book some great tours in Madeira with Get Your Guide . They offer a wide variety of activities suitable for anyone.

4. BASE YOURSELF IN FUNCHAL AND GET AROUND MADEIRA BY BUS

Exploring Madeira is definitely the best option for those who seek the cheapest vacation possible. But it sure comes at a cost - you will spend lots of time waiting for buses, trying to figure out schedules and places, you won't afford to be flexible and free and most likely you will miss plenty of breathtaking places that are not on the route of the public buses. 

Yes, public transport in Madeira works well, but frankly, I don't recommend it.

There are three kinds of buses :

• orange buses - operate only within Funchal city and its surroundings, you can buy one week unlimited bus ticket for 15 Euros (buses routes and schedules Horários do Funchal )
• red buses - operate in the western part of Madeira (buses routes and schedules Rodoeste  bus service)
• green buses - operate in the eastern part of Madeira (buses routes and schedules SAM  bus service)

Tickets for all bus services can be purchased onboard.

Driving those crazy roads

I am not a scared driver and I've been driving many insane roads around the world, but Madeira is special. Please note, that the last thing I want to do is to scare you. I am writing this so you know what to expect and so you can be more conscious. And I am convinced that driving Madeira roads is part of the travel experience. 

Madeira is full of long tunnels, steep driveways and sharp curves above the cliffs. Nothing for faint hearted. Roads are often not very specious, which is something you might won't be adjusted to when coming from North Americas or so. But again, you got this! Just drive slowly and you'll be sweet.

As I mentioned above, I recommend you to rent a more powerful car and get a car insurance.

Also it can take really long time to ge from point A to B. Sometimes we were driving 15 kilometres in 17 minutes. Why? Imagine rain, thick fog, steep and curvy roads and there you go. Always count with some extra time for driving in Madeira. Especially in the mountains and on the west and north coast.

Where to stay

Since Madeira is such a small island, you can get around the island in a day. That's the reason why most of the tourists stay in Funchal and do day trips from there. I did it differently which I will describe soon.

Advantages of having an accommodation in Funchal: 

• you can choose from many delicious restaurants and vibrant bars
• you can do shopping if that's something you like to do on your vacation
• you can choose the accommodation that suits the best to your budget and other preferences
• most of tour operators are offering tours from Funchal

Disadvantages of having and accommodation in Funchal:

• because most of tourists stay there when visiting Madeira, city centre can get crowded
• since the tourism boomed, Funchal centre is less authentic than other parts of Madeira
• obviously, you will always have to drive back to Funchal after long day of touring to other sides of the island

What's my recommendation?

To each their own, but here's what I did during my one week in Madeira:

I am not a huge fan of cities and crowded in generally, but I still wanted to explore around beautiful and historical Funchal. Therefore I decided to  stay in Funchal for one night . After that I moved for three days to Ponta do Sol in the south coast of the island and last three days I was in Ponta Delgada at the north.

After our trip, me and my friend we agreed that it was the greatest plan for a week in Madeira we could have ever had. It was never too far to any places we planned to visit, therefore never too tiring to be coming back to our accommodation.

If you only have a week I wouldn't recommend to stay in more than 2-3 places as you will feel like always packing and unpacking.

Here is an interactive map of places where I stayed, so you can imagine the distances of places I stayed (and the airport) a little better:

Accommodation in Funchal

If you decide to stay in Funchal, you can choose from hundreds of different types of accommodation that suits your budget. As always, I recommend my favourite search engine  Booking.com   to find the best deals.

Since we were looking for a place just for one night, we had only a few conditions. It had to be a private room with bathroom, within a short walk to the city centre with free parking and under 50 EUR / night per room.

Free parking combined with the city centre of Funchal was the hardest one to find, but  Pensao Residencial Mirasol  seemed had it all. Free parking, in the city centre, with a private bathroom and also a cute little balcony with mountain views . We only paid 38 EUR / night per room including continental breakfast!! The owners and staff here are really friendly, so there's no wonder that budget travellers keep staying here for weeks.

Various high rated places to stay in Funchal:

Madeira Happy Hostel

Vitorina Corte Guesthouse

Monumental Apartment

Quinta Sao Goncalo

Residencial Pina

ARTS IN Hotel Conde Carvalhal

The Cliff Bay - PortoBay

Quinta Jardins do Lago

Belmond Reid's Palace

Accommodation in Ponta do Sol

Ponta do Sol is a lovely little coastal town and probably the sunniest place on the whole island . During our three days in Ponta do Sol it was really ALWAYS sunny although there was rain or overcast in other parts of Madeira.

We were invited to stay in Estalagem do Ponta do Sol and my oh my! We've never stayed in any similar place to this. It was such a paradise with the best views you could imagine.

Since Estalagem do Ponta do Sol hotel is built on the high cliff, you need to take multiple elevators to get to the reception and your room itself.The views from our room and basically from anywhere within the hotel were nothing short of spectacular and you could watch both sunrise and sunset from the infinite pool.

Estalagem is a peaceful complex with beautiful gardens and modern exteriors and interiors. You can relax in a hot tub with sunset views, you can get your favourite cocktail bar with crazy views or play a table pool in one of the public spaces. Oh, and did I mention breakfasts? Buffet breakfast is included  in the price of the room and something we looked forward to each morning. D-e-l-i-c-i-o-u-s!

During our stay there was a lack of parking spots below the hotel, but it's because there was a festival and parking spots were precious. The staff of the hotel were super helpful and when we brought our car keys to them, they were more than happy to park our car for us.

Accommodation in Ponta Delgada

Our accommoddation for last three days was up in the north coast in Ponta Delgada. North was a completely different experience than the south. There was way less tourists, and moutains forests and cute vineyards were everywhere. 

We stayed in Casa do Miradouro and if you are looking for a place to find the peace, this magical villa has it all . Mountains and vineyards behind the house and amazing ocean views in front. From the photos I knew, that sunrises and sunsets from this place are incredible. Unfortunately we did not see the sun at all during our stay, but the rainy mood was suiting this place just as much plus it was a perfect for soak in the hot tub. The villa consist of only three apartments, so we have had plenty of privacy. And I can't imagine better place for my yoga practise and everyday meditation.

We loved the design of the villa, but even more we loved that it is enviromentally sustainable building  (for example cork insulation, natural materials used in interior, solar water heating, no chemicals in the garden). 

If you stay in Casa do Miradouro, please ask Zelio to cook for you! Zelio not only takes care of the villa but he's also amazing cook and a lovely company. We spent last evening with him and he cooked the best food we've tried in Madeira. Fresh fish and limpets with a light cheese dessert were amazing and he deserves nothing less than a Michelin star! So please please please, don't miss out this once in a lifetime opportunity! :)

Live like a local

Are you looking to live like a local or always keen to have unique accommodation experience? Then definitely check AirBnB in Madeira  (if you register through this link, you will get up to 35 dollars to spend for your first stay.)

AirBnB in Madeira is very popular and the list of accommodations is full of design villas, cottages on the clifs or luxurious tents in forests . Just hop on the AirBnB website and explore. The prices are really friendly!

Live with the locals

If you are outgoing and want to meet and live with locals and also if you are a lowcost traveller, you can also try Couchsurfing .

Insider's Tip: Please don't do couchsurfing just for the sake of free accommodation. That's not what this wonderful community is about. It's about sharing. Sharing time, sharing experience and making each others life richer. If you don't feel like talking to someone when travelling, but don't have money for hotels, please look for different options like hostels :) I barely do couchsurfing lately, because after long day of travelling or exploring, I am just happy to sit on my bed and don't talk to anyone, but if I want to talk to someone I can always get out of the hotel and go exploring.

What to see?

So much to see and so much to do in Madeira, that one month wouldn't be enough to explore it all throughout. (I am working on detailed itineraries, so feel free to subscribe to my newsletter . Once it's ready I can send it to you directly into your mailbox).

Here's an interactive map of interesting places, photography spots, view points, activities and restaurants I created for my trip. Of course I didn't have time to do and see everything in a week, but thought it could help you to create your own trip :)

Tropical Garden Monte Palace

Madeira is a paradise for flora lovers. So many flowers and trees, so many colours and heavenly smells.

One of the places you can admire flora the most is Jardim Tropical Monte Palace in Funchal. You will find there some rare flora species both from Madeira and the rest of the world. The entrance fee is 12,50 EUR.

The most popular way to get to the gardens is to take a cable car from the city center . Return ticket is 16 EUR (11 for one way). If you buy just one way ticket, you can experience something truly unique and something what only in Madeira can be experienced :) You can do tobogganing in a wicker basket mounted on wooden runners . It was invented by Madeirans already in 1850 as a form of transportation down the steep hills (did they have to drag it back after?). When you are at the top nearby tropical garden, look for handsome guys in white shirts holding onto the big basket sled.

Sunrise at Pico do Arieiro

Please, make yourself a favour, get up early and drive about 30 minutes from Funchal up to about 1800 metres above the sea level. Most likely you will be driving through the rain and clouds and will be cursing me why would I recommend you such a crazy thing. But hold on and you will eventually  get above the clouds and experience one of the most beautiful sunrises of your life. And all without any huge effort - you can get all the way to the top of the Pico do Arieiro just by your car. 

Tip: Get ready for strong winds and cold temperatures especially early in the morning. I was so happy I've had my icelandic sweater and softshell jacket with me. Wished to have a hat as well. Just be prepared, so you can enjoy the beautiful views. 

This is a must stop when you are in Madeira. I won't be taking it away from you, because with its 580m it's the tenth highest cliff that is above the sea (the highest one is Mitre Peak in New Zealand) and so the views are truly amazing. It's usually packed with lots of tourist and honestly, I enjoyed some of the views in Madeira way better. So, at the end of the day, I don't think I would miss much if I wouldn't go there. But if you are curious and have enough time, definitely give it a go.

Sugar Cane Factory Museum

In Calheta you will find this very unique exhibition , which can make a nice stop when you are driving on the south coast. You can see here how the rum is made from start to finish.

The admission is free and for a small fee you can try different rums.

Ponta do Pargo

To me, this was one of the most beautiful spots I've seen during a week of travelling in Madeira. It's the most western point in Madeira with a lovely lighthouse and absolutely gorgeous cliff views. I could have been sitting there for hours, watching the waves crashing along the shore!

This place is a perfect spot for watching sunset and you won't be sharing it with many. Very likely you'll be here alone when coming later in the evening.

Achadas da Cruz

This place must be on of the best kept secrets in Madeira! By taking a 3 EUR (return) cable car ride off the cliff, you'll get to in Fajã da Quebrada Nova. It somewhat looks like a tiny village but in real, nobody lives there. Some farmers come down from time to time and take care of their land. You can only get there by a boat or a cable car, or hike a steep trail down and back up. It's so beautiful, colourful, remote and looks like a scene from a historic/fantasy movie. It's easy and worthy to spend there at least two hours. Just so you know :) 

The cable car operates from 10am to 6pm every day unless the weather conditions like strong winds won't allow it. It happened to us, so we called them and came back two days afterwards.

The phone number is +351 291 852 951.

(During this trip, my fog was foggy inside, hens this dreamy effect on the photos bellow).

Porto Moniz

On the western part of the island you find something unique, something you might have never seen before. Beautiful lava pools filled with turquoise clear water from the ocean were converted into something we can call a spa. For a small fee 1,50 EUR (free for children under 3yrs) you can go and have a swim in several pools of different depth while enjoying waves crashing against the beautiful cliffs.

The pools are the most popular between July to September when the air temperature is around sweet 25°C and water is bearable 21°C. 

Tip: If you will walk in Porto Moniz towards the eastern part of the town, where is the Cachalote restaurant, you will find there similar lava pools . They are a bit smaller, but they are free and usually with less people.

Sao Vicente Caves

If you are a fan of geology, then you shouldn't miss these volcanic caves Sao Vicente.

A walk through the lava tubes takes about 30 minutes and admission is 8 EUR.

Traditional houses in Santana

Traditional Madeira houses are amongst the most popular attractions and nobody seems to be leaving Madeira without visiting them. It can be a nice short stop, but frankly, don't you expect more than seeing a few iconic houses that you know from the postcards and magazines. I know some people came from there disappointed and gave it bad ratings on Tripadvisor. It is nice, it is traditional and highly photogenic, so come without any expectations and enjoy. 

Ponta de São Lourenço

Situated on the eastern tip of the island Ponta de São Lourenço is a great place for sunrise. This place is quite unreal and looking totally different than the rest of Madeira. You can easily spend here the whole day, walking about 8 km of trails with spectacular coastal views. I recommend to stay reserve at least two hours, so you can enjoy a bit of this place without rushing.

Tip: Ponta de São Lourenço is a popular place and also it is very easy to reach from Funchal and other nearby towns. Hence the parking lot starts to fill up early in the morning. After 11 am the line of the cars is really long and there is quite a bit of tourists and hikers on the trail. So, wake up early, enjoy the sunrise and disappear before the crowds arrive.

Things to do

For such a small island, Madeira has so much to offer in terms of adventuring and activites . Just find something that suits you the best.

Swim with whales and dolphins

There are not so many places where you can swim both with dolphins and whales in one day. But did I already said that Madeira has it all?

If you only want to do dolphin and whale watching, I highly recommend to go with Lobosonda . They are environmentally responsible family owned company and I really liked that they always put animals on first place. On our complimentary trip with Lobosonda we had an amazing guide Fatima, a very kind lady with a great knowledge of the ocean mammals and also marine ecology.

We started at 10am and boarded Ribeira Brava, the traditional fishing boat and launched towards the open ocean. After some time Fatime has pointed her finger towards the ocean where a school of dolphins appeared. Since then we saw more and more dolphins and I am sure we saw more than a hundred that day. And four different species! The water surface literally looked like a one big marine party!

When to go? The best time to watch or swim with dolphins and whales is summer. That's when the highest amount of marine mammals species are gathering in waters of Madeira. Also the waves are more gentle and water warmer. But like any other tours and activities, you can also do this at any time of the year.

Now, canyoning is a big thing in Madeira. I didn't know much about canyoning before I arrived. And surprisingly, it became a highlight of my trip.

Did you know that Madeira is one of the world's prime locations for canyoning (and there are not as many as you might would think)? Well, then put one and one together and you know you can't leave this island without trying canyoning at least once.

I did a wonderful tour with Francisco and Joao from Epic Madeira   and it was absolutely fabulous. Our Intermediate tour included rappelling down the 50m waterfall (you can try a beginner tour for the beginning if you are new to any kind of hiking or climbing). The tour took us almost five hours and I couldn't stop smiling of joy! 

Coasteering

Have you heard about coasteering? No? Then it's two of us. Till now tho :)

Coasteering is basically walking along the coastline in the wetsuit and the helmet and jumping to the ocean whenever it's possible  and also includes snorkelling in crystal clear waters.

Yes, you hear me right! Doesn't it sound great? I was a little sad that we didn't have more days in Madeira as it sounds like a lots of fun (you know I love to dive to water from high cliffs :) ). I save it for the next time then!

You can do coasteering also with my friends from Epic Madeira .

Day boat trips to nearby islands

Madeira archipelago consists of four islands . If you have a little bit more time, you will love exploring some of them as they are so different from what you will see on the main island.

Porto Santo - once you start to miss sandy beaches, hop on the boat and enjoy a day on the small island of Porto Santo where you will find 9 km beach of golden sand and breath taking views

Deserta Island and Farol Island (by a catamaran) - while Madeira has black sand beaches and Porto Santo which beaches, Deserta and Farol islands are having white sand beaches , so it's a completely different world again

Kayak / SUP

You can take lessons or tours to breathtaking sea caves with Azul Diving Center .

Paragliding

Let's fly over the mountains, over the ocean with  Madeira Paragliding .

Horse riding

You can also see the island from the horseback if you want to! Check guys at  Quinta do Riacho .

Scuba diving and Snorkelling

Madeira is an outstanding scuba diving destination. And together with Azores it makes the largest whale sanctuary in the world! Scuba diving here is so diverse as you can spot anything from ship wrecks, manta rays, dolphins or the whales. Also the water visibility is amazing (talking about 20m!) 

There are a few diving centers like Atalaia Diving Center , Azul Diving Center Madeira , Explora Madeira Diving Center  (they also offer freediving).

Surfing and bodyboarding

There are some wonderful breaks for surfing. In fact Madeira is one of the best surfing locations in Europe.  All the breaks are in the west part of the island . For a beginner, there is only one sand beach to learn and it's in Porto do Cruz. Rest of the spots are quite rocky. If you want to learn surf in Madeira, then the best time is summer. In summer the waves are coming not so quickly, so you will struggle less. 

You can take classes, rent a gear with Madeira Surf Camp  or Calhau Surf School .

If fishing is something you enjoy, then you are in the right place! Madeira has some of best fishing areas in the world. Fish for Tuna and Blue Marlins! You can choose between half-day and full day fishing boat tours .

All around the island is about 2000 km of trails , many of them being popular levadas - irrigation channels. Various trails will take you along the coast, accross the mountains and through the valleys full of waterfalls and beautiful forests. Some of them are easy walks and some of them require certain level of hiking experience. But there is something for everyone.

There is a phone app for hiking in Madeira that is called  WalkMe . It includes navigation, offline maps and more than 50 hikes and is definitely worth the 5 Euros!

Remember that if you don't feel like hiking alone, you can always take a tour or hire a private hiking guide .

Some of the most beautiful and popular hikes are:

• Vereda do Arieiro (PR 1) - Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo route is considered to be the hardest but also the most beautiful on the island. I would say it's not as hard if you are use to do some walking and hiking. Reconsider to go if you are too scared of heights tho :). To truly enjoy this hike without unnecessary rushing, allow yourself a full day.
• Levada do 25 Fontes (PR 6)  - Probably the most famous levada, so early morning or late afternoon start is necessary if you want to avoid crowds.
• Levada do Caldeirao Verde (PR 9) - Very fun hike going through a couple of long tunnels (take a headlamp with you) and it ends with fantastic 100m waterfall
• Vereda do Larano  - This hike starting at Machico will allow you to see absolutely amazing ocean views. It is recommended for experienced hikers with sturdy boots as there are some sketchy parts. And if you are unsure, you can always do the guided tour .
• Vereda da Ponta do Sao Lourenco (PR 8)  - this very east part of the island looks like another world. There are no trees, the rock formations you will see have incredible colours and the ocean and cliff views are nothing short of spectacular!

Mountain Biking

Seriously, who would voluntarily go and ride those crazy hills of Madeira? Haha, I wouldn't, but I know some of my friends would love that! Again, you can go with the epic team from Epic Madeira .

Jeep Safari

Explore secret and hidden places in the valleys and mountains with jeep tours . This way you will get the chance to also explore famous laurissilva forests , the evergreen and believed to be primary forests on Madeira. Definitely something you should see.

Catamaran Sunset Tours

Sunsets in Madeira are absolutely spectacular and to watch them from the boat will take your breath away!

What to eat and drink

Fish and seafood is very popular food of locals and tourist. Amongst the typical fish and seafoodd that you can try in Madeira is:

• Codfish (Bacalhau)
• Tuna fish (Atum)
• Black swordfish (Espada) - my personal favourite, it has a fery soft meat which taste is very close to lobster
• Octopus (Polvo)
• Limpets (Lapas)

Important note : Before ordering a fish in restaurant, please ask them whether is the fish from a fish farm of from the ocean. Recently, in Madeira they are dealing with an ecologic disaster that are fish farms. For one kilogram of fish from the farm is needed about 12 kg of fish from the ocean - crazy, huh? Plus fish from the farm is treated with antibiotics, so not only you eat something you really don't want to eat, but also all the antibiotics go into the ocean, causing fatal problem in the ecosystem

Espetada Madeirense is another favourite meal in Madeira. It's beef cubes on skewer grilled on wood or charcoal.

Honey cake  (bolo de mel de cana) is one of the main desserts and you will be able to buy it in almost any souvenir shop. It's not made from honey but dark sugar cane molasses with nuts and sultanas in it. It is very rich, and should last long months after it's baked. Well, we ate it in two days because it was so delicious!

Probably the most popular drink on the island is wine which is world famous. Beautiful vineyards are all around the island! Also it's very cheap, be ready to pay for a bottle of wine in the store 2 - 3 euros, yay!

The most traditional drink of Madeira is poncha  and unless you are a person who never touches the alcohol, you shouldn't leave Madeira without trying it. It's made from brandy cane sugar, bee honey and lemon juice. I am a baby drinker and can't even smell rum without instantly feeling like throwing out, but surprisingly I really enjoyed drinking poncha. But be careful, it's as strong as it is delicious :) They say that the best poncha is to be found in Taberna da Poncha in Serra de Água.

Useful resources whilst you are in Madeira

Accommodation - www.booking.com

Live webcams all around the island - www.netmadeira.com

Weather updates - www.vedur.is

Flight connections to Madeira (from Europe) - Airlines & Airports

Phone app for hiking in Madeira - WalkMe  (available for Android and iOS) 

Have a question? Feel free to ask in the comments below.

Wanna know what camera gear I use?

Thank you for reading and go ahead and  follow me on facebook  or instagram to explore the world with me as I publish pictures and stories along the way.

*Thank you Estalagem da Ponta do Sol , Casa do Miradouro , Epic Madeira and  Lobosonda for having us. As always the opinions are of my own.

**Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission if you make a booking using the link. It won't cost you a penny but it will help me to maintain this website and write more helpful articles in future. 

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Oh hello! Welcome to my page where we all are allowed to Dream Big and we all are encouraged to Wander Far. My name is Marti and  here you can read more about me . I am originally from Czech Republic and my story isn't different from stories of many other travellers - in 2011 I quit my well-paid job in film industry to travel the world which was always my dream. I visited 70+ countries and you can find me exploring deserted islands in South Pacific or diving with whale sharks in Philippines, prospecting for gold in New Zealand or building an igloo above the Polar Circle. Let's join me on my journey around the globe!

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Full Guide and Things To Do in Madeira: A 5-Day Itinerary for Off-Season Travel

One of the first catchphrases you’ll notice when you google anything about traveling to Madeira is how often it’s described as the “Hawaii of Europe” promising year-round spring weather. When deciding on my annual Thanksgiving travels, I figured it would be the ideal off-season destination with fewer crowds, yet still pleasant temperatures. Most travel blogs reassured me that this was a good idea.

In my itinerary below, I will talk about my experience of visiting Maderia in December and why it will not give you the full island experience that you are probably expecting. While I am not trying to discourage you 100% from visiting during that time, I hope my experience will better prepare you compared to what I was expecting. If I knew what I’d see and what I’d miss out on, I’d plan my itinerary totally differently than how I did. That’s what I hope to give you with this post, an off – season-optimized Madeira itinerary. To compare, a couple of years back, I visited Madeira’s southern neighbor Tenerife, during a similar time . My off-season vacation there was much better in terms of weather even though geographically, these two islands are pretty close.

While this itinerary tells you additional information about traveling to Madeira off-season, you can use it all year round to plan your travels too.

At the end of the post, you can download this guide as well as a map for your travels.

Traveling to Lisbon as well? Don’t forget to check out my Lisbon guide!

Madeira Logistics

Best time to visit madeira.

Let me just cut to the chase and tell you that if you want to experience all of Madeira, off-season time considered between November and April, might not be the best choice. Despite a lot of resources telling you that Madeira could be a year-round destination, I would argue otherwise. By visiting between May to late September, you’re maximizing your chances for clear skies and good temperatures.

There are some pros, however, to visiting during the off-season as I did. You will save on flights, accommodation, and car rental and you’ll avoid the crowds that come with the vacation season in Maderia. Although most attractions won’t be closed you might not be able to see everything, especially if the weather isn’t great.

Suggested length of stay

How long you will stay depends on what you’d like to do there. For example, some hikes can take an entire day, and there are multiple that people put on their Madeira itinerary. Again, when traveling off-season, you will not be able to check everything off your Madeira bucket list so 3-5 days is a decent time frame. In season, I’d say an absolute minimum of 4 days is needed to see everything, with 5-6 being more ideal for a short trip.

Traveling to Madeira

Flights to funchal.

Getting to Maderia is pretty easy with frequent flights from Lisbon and a couple of other European airports. I even saw one direct flight from NYC flying out once per week! I like breaking up my flights rather than automatically searching between origin and destination, meaning if I’m flying from NYC, I will search NYC to Lisbon and then Lisbon to Madeira. I compare my times with layovers and frequently find better deals, instead if I were to search NYC to Madeira in one shot. A round trip for the very end of November cost me under $450 for both flights. Although I’m here to argue that off-season travel isn’t ideal here, if you’re on a budget, Madeira in December might be a great money saver!

Getting around – Car rental in Maderia

Madeira is a small island and you can drive from one end to the other in a couple of hours. North to South is even faster. Seeing the whole island is indeed possible during a Madeira 5-day itinerary.

When other travelers pointed out that driving in Madeira is an adventure in itself, I didn’t quite believe it. I drove in tricky conditions and places but driving there will get its own category in my personal driving experiences. Before my trip, one of my friends said, “If it doesn’t look like a road in Madeira, it probably is” and looking back at this, that was an extremely accurate description of driving there. Most roads in Madeira are freeways and tunnels but once you venture into towns, one-way roads will magically fit two cars and 30-degree hill roads will become the norm.

I don’t want to discourage you from renting a car there but rather prepare you for what to expect. Renting a car is the absolute best way to see the island and it will save you a ton of time on sightseeing. I normally book through Rental Cars but I found a better deal on Holiday Autos . While I am a creature of habit and don’t trust new websites on deals, I had a very smooth experience will them and will rent in the future. For your reference, an automatic car rental in Maderia during the off-season cost me ~$250 for 5 days using Rodavante with car pick up and return right at the airport. A manual rental is much cheaper but unless you drive it regularly, I would not get one there.

Although driving there was certainly a challenge, I wouldn’t have done it any other way. If you’re planning to do mountain driving, watch for an automatic car’s brakes as they might start smelling, especially in wet conditions.

Where to stay in Madeira

Where you stay during your Madeira vacation depends on what you want to do. If you’re unsure, Funchal is the main city and can be a good base for taking drives throughout the island. If hiking is your main priority, consider staying in the mountains instead. Most importantly though, if you have a car, it’s fairly easy to see all nooks of the island no matter where you stay. Maderia has a ton of hotels, some hostels, and even more Airbnbs. Which you choose should depend on your personal preference. While Airbnb has its own issues, especially in bigger cities, I felt that renting one in Madeira where I was in communication with the hosts directly was the way Airbnb originally intended the platform to be.

Airbnb in Madeira

Traveling with my parents, we opted for two Airbnb in Maderia because we wanted a comfortable base for exploring. I spent a lot of time searching for the perfect combo of what we were looking for and I think I hit the jackpot with both of them. The first Airbnb located 7 min from the airport, was the entire first floor of a large house overlooking the ocean, with a beautiful pool and a walkway to the beach promenade. One of the downsides of traveling to Madeira off-season is that we didn’t get to use the pool or spend time in stunning outside space as much. As a bonus, the coolest part was watching the planes land at the nearby airport right from my bedroom.

The second Airbnb that we rented in Madeira was located near Sao Vincente. It was a huge home in the mountains with sick views and the best host I have ever experienced throughout my years of traveling. I loved having two locations, one with the ocean view and the other with the mountain one but for someone who doesn’t want to move between two locations, this might not be the best option. If you’re interested in booking either of these locations, send me an email and I’ll be happy to share the link.

What to pack for Madeira in December

Ok, I am only including this section because I packed like an idiot for this trip. Let me explain. A couple of years back, I traveled to Tenerife during a similar time of the year. I falsely assumed that the two destinations would have similar weather and that packing 5 dresses for each day would be the way to go. My outfits consisted of light athleisure, dresses, and a couple of cute outfits for the barn (shoutout to those who get the reference). I ended up wearing two heavier sweaters and the jacket that I packed for the plane for pretty much the entire time I was there. These are the items not to forget when you travel to Madeira during the off-season :

• A rainproof jacket and/or umbrella – The rain won’t last long but when it comes around, you want to have a raincoat on hand instead of looking for a place to hide.
• Light coat or cardigan – During the day, while you won’t need a heavy coat, it will get chilly when the sun is not out.
• Waterproof shoes – If hiking is on your list to do or if you want to check out the Fanal Pond, then sneakers won’t be sufficient. The ground is wet and puddly so good outdoor shoes that won’t soak are a must.
• (Bathing suit) – I saw a couple of brave souls swimming in the chilly waters of Porto Moniz pools, if you like cold swims, don’t forget to pack a suit.

People & Safety

Overall, I’d say that most locals in Madeira were really nice. My Portuguese is non-existent but I tried to use my hello/please and thank yous whenever I could. Side note, do not use Spanish in Madeira or in any of Portugal , it is not Portuguese and it’s a faux-pas there. For the most part, the experience was very positive. In terms of safety, Madeira is a very safe destination. Some common travel scams to watch out for include the following:

• Taxi scam – This isn’t so much a Madeira scam but rather a worldwide one where dishonest taxi drivers charge you ridiculous amounts for short rides. Always demand the meter to be turned on to avoid this. It has been reported to happen in Funchal on some travel forums.
• Market fruit sample – When you go to Funchal, one of the main attractions in town is Mercado dos Lavradores. It’s a cute and colorful market filled with merchants offering you fruit samples. However, a lot of the fruit is enhanced with syrup and when you taste it, you’ll naturally want to purchase some for later. The fruit will cost you an insane amount and when you get home, it will not have the same taste as that first bite you had at the market. We bought fruit in Funchal, a couple of streets away from the market but I still got ripped off. While not a true scam, just be aware of this little selling trick.

WARNING! TRAVEL SCAM IN MADEIRA

Restaurant bill additions – As a former waitress/bartender, I’d like to think that my bullshit meter is pretty good when it comes to other waiters. I could easily tell when you’re actually in the weeds or if you’re just being lazy, because hey, I’ve done the same shit 🙂 What I always make sure to do though is check the itemized bill no matter where I’m dining. During busy moments, it is genuinely possible to make a mistake and charge extra or add a wrong item. However, when your bill magically increases by 100 euros, you know something is up. This was the case at Taberna , a small highly rated restaurant in Santa Cruz. While the nice waiter chatted with my family all dinner, when the bill came, suddenly he started rushing us with the credit card machine. That triggered a red light in my head and I asked to see the itemized bill before blindly swiping my card. Our small appetizers and a couple of drinks added to over 130 euros. I noticed that one 10 euro app was charged 10 times on the bill, a small trick that made the bill look legitimate.

Now, if I wasn’t a waitress in my past life, I would buy the story that this was an honest mistake. However, when I brought up the price discrepancy to the waiter, he quickly looked at it and said, “Oops, silly me” and didn’t apologize or display any sort of remorse for what had happened. The fact that he was quick to run to us with the credit card machine was also sus. I heard about this scam in cities like Rome or even in Lisbon but I never assumed it would happen in Maderia. So despite the food being tasty and the restaurant being super cozy, don’t assume it won’t happen even in less touristy parts of any town.

Food and Drinks to try in Madeira

Out of the entire time I spent on the island and the numerous meals I ate, I only had one mediocre meal and tbh at my own fault. The lesson I fail to learn over and over is never to order pizza outside New York or New Jersey or Italy of course. Back to Madeira food though, it is so so tasty and actually extremely affordable. Here are my top picks for food to try in Madeira:

• Prego sandwich : This is the most amazing sandwich I had in my entire life. I’m serious, nothing compares. You can get it almost anywhere. It’s a steak sandwich on buttery and garlicky bread that comes in a couple of variations.
• Espetada: A long skewer of hanging meat. Its simplicity makes it super tasty.
• Espada or black scabbard fish : This was my mom’s favorite, it is usually served with bananas. This is one weird looking creature but it tastes delicious!
• Bolo de molo de mel: This traditional honey cake is pretty tasty!
• Madeira Wine: It’s heavy and has a very distinct taste and you’ll certainly feel it going down your throat! Blandy’s Madeira is a very popular spot to consume this beverage.
• Poncha: Poncha is the most delicious alcoholic drink. It’s made of cane rum and had different fruit flavor options. Get the traditional kind and enjoy the happiness that comes after drinking this 🙂

For more interesting food finds, I used Brogan Abroad’s guide before traveling to Madeira for the tastiest food finds!

Random Useful Tips for Madeira Travel

• If the weather is acting up during your visit, check the live cams! I used these to see whether mountain peaks were clear from clouds or where I could find the sun on the island.
• Miradouros are viewpoint spots all throughout the island. Some are simple pull-over style along the highway, others require short walks to reach the spot. My advice is to stop at all of them 🙂
• When visiting Tenerife which has similar viewpoint parking areas as Madeira, my car window got smashed and all my belongings got stolen during that trip a couple of years back. When you leave your car anywhere, take everything with you. Even small stops that seem safe can be targets for petty theft.

Things to do in Madeira

In terms of the number of things to see in Madeira, I’d say you can stay pretty busy during your trip. The majority of the attractions throughout the island include outdoor activities. One of the most important things to consider when traveling off-season is how important certain attractions are to you. If you need a dense itinerary with lots of outdoor attractions, consider in-season travel. Instead, if you need a simple getaway with a couple of things to do here and there, the off-season is probably a better choice.

Below, I bring you a 5-day Madeira itinerary that also gives you an off-season expectation. However, you can use my travel plan for any time of the year. Since Madeira is a small island, for the most part, it doesn’t matter which order you do the days in. However, note that the first two days are optimized for the Funchal area and the remaining for the other parts of the island.

5-day Madeira Itinerary

At the bottom of this post, you can download this travel guide to Madeira to bring along on your trip. Additionally, you will find a map of all the attractions so you don’t have to worry about saving them yourself.

We’ll call your arrival day, Day 0. Arriving at Madeira airport (Ronaldo Cristiano Airport 🙂 ) can be quite the experience on a windy day. If you’re a nervous flyer, I wouldn’t YouTube any videos of landings there. However, despite its windy challenges, there only has been one accident in the late 1970s. Since then, the runway has been extended and only experienced pilots are allowed to approach a landing there.

The airport is on the east side of the island and is located a short ~25 min drive from Funchal. When you get off the plane, have all your paperwork ready as you’ll be asked for your Madeira Safe bar code. If you’re renting a car (which I highly recommend), the pick-up process once you land is super easy, my checkout took under 10 mins. The rental car lot is located across the street and you should be on your way within a short time of arrival. If you require public transportation, here is a helpful official link.

Flights arrive all day long so the timing of your Day 0 will depend on where you’re coming from. I personally arrived around 8 pm but my Airbnb was located 7 mins away from the airport so I was “home” very quickly. Note that restaurants and stores aren’t open too late so if you are planning a later arrival, make sure to eat before your flight.

Day 1 – Southern Part of Madeira

Valley of the nuns.

Now that you settled in, there is no better place to start your vacation than by seeing Curral das Freiras or Valley of Nuns in Madeira. It’s located a short drive from Funchal and it’s an in/out kinda trip. This small town has a couple of restaurants and tourist shops but aside from the views, there isn’t much to do there. However, these viewpoints are crazy beautiful and you shouldn’t skip this area on your Madeira adventure.

There are two major viewpoints, the first being Eira do Serrado , a very popular spot on the island. Once you arrive at the spot, there is a small parking spot with a café. In order to get to the viewpoint, you’ll have to take a short 5 min walk. I recommend grabbing a coffee and a pastel de nata at the cafe for a little longer appreciation of the area. The second point, Paredão Viewpoint , is located above the clouds and it’s not too far from the first one. It’s also a short walk from the parking area.

After admiring the views from the top, I recommend grabbing lunch in the little town which will give you a slightly different perspective of the area. Everyone recommends a restaurant called Sabores de Curral but I opted for La Perla instead. I was extremely impressed with the food but the views along with a cold beer made it even more delicious.

Off-season struggles: The area gets mixed weather during the off-season but the good news is that if it starts raining, the clouds will most likely pass. Pack an umbrella or a rain jacket. We waited out the rain having a coffee and then got rewarded with a beautiful rainbow!

For the second part of the day, visiting Funchal will give you the exact opposite vibes from your nature-filled morning. Funchal is the capital of Madeira and is certainly worth spending some time in. If you’re driving in, the streets can get really narrow so rather than looking for street parking, I recommend finding a parking garage near the center. Garage prices are very cheap and it will save you time and a headache.

I would simply recommend walking around Zona Velha, seeing the market, and most important feeling the liveliness of the town by spending some time by the waterfront. Don’t forget a mandatory stop for some good poncha either. Note that I am not including the botanical gardens just yet. Funchal is safe but make sure to watch your belongings for pickpockets. Here are some known attractions in the city for you to check out:

• Mercado Lavaradores: Yes it is a tourist trap but hear me out for a second. The market has really pretty colors and cute souvenirs to look at. I certainly wouldn’t buy fruit here (read my scam warning above) but I do like browsing through places like these.
• Avenida Arriaga: Right next to the market, you will find this shopping street with a lot of tourists. It’s a good spot to take a stroll and window shop for a bit.
• Zona Velha: This is the Old Town part of town which includes cobblestone streets, restaurants, bars and lively nightlife.
• Cathedral of Funchal: A pretty local catholic church right in the heart of town.
• Praça do Povo & Funchal Marina: Walk along the waterfront to catch the nice atmosphere of locals and tourists. When I visited in late 2021, that area had a cute little town fair with rides.
• Parque de Santa Catarina: Cute little park with views of the town and the incoming ships.
• Cristiano Ronaldo Statue : If you make your way by the park, grab a photo with the icon of Madeira, the one and only Cristiano Ronaldo. Since he was born on the island, you will see a lot of references to him. There is even a museum 🙂

Make sure to stop at Rei da Poncha , a very popular hole in the wall with some great tasting poncha and some great snacks too. The outdoor tables might be full but just linger around for a couple of minutes and a table will free up in no time.

Off-season struggles: Day one of your Maderia travel will actually work in your favor if you’re traveling off-season. Funchal won’t be too crowded with people and if you’re visiting in late November or December you will get to see fun holiday decor. The southern part of the island is usually sunny and even if it rains, the rain should pass by quickly. Places like Rei da Poncha won’t have a line and you won’t be annoyed with the crowds.

(Pico do Arieiro)

Pico do Arierio was one of the most anticipated spots I wanted to see in Madeira. A simple google search will show you why. It’s the third-highest peak and one of the only that you don’t actually have to hike. Yes, you can simply drive there and see the most amazing views without any pain 🙂

I wanted to see the incredible sunrise overlooking Madeira under the clouds. However, we attempted this sunrise once in person and then checked the webcams for both, sunrise and sunset for the entire time we were there and were not able to successfully see this spot. One of the biggest risks you take with traveling off-season is missing amazing spots like this one. I’m including this on Day 2 because you might have to attempt to see it multiple times during your trip.

However, if you’re traveling in season, you have to check this couple’s guide to visit Pico Arieiro and actually all their Maderia guides which are extremely detailed and resourceful. There is a very popular day hike from Pico Arieiro to Pico Ruvio and I recommend that blog to give you the best details on it.

Back to Funchal

While the first day in Funchal consisted of exploring the basics of the city, I did don’t want to include the botanical gardens then, as the whole experience would have been very rushed. So for day two, you can explore either Monte Palace or Madeira Botanical Garden s (or maybe even both if you love gardens). I personally only visited Monte Palace and it was a super beautiful place that I’ll recommend to you.

Here is some info on them:

• Monte Palace – An additional attraction to this place is the fact that you can take a cable car from Funchal on the Funchal – Monte line to get here scoring some awesome views from above of the city. A one-way ticket is 11 euros and a roundtrip is 16. Their Japanese-style gardens were stunning and I had a great time taking random turns and not following the map per se. We spend about 3 hours exploring which included a stop at the gift shop for some complimentary Madeira wine tasting. To get back to Funchal you can simply take a cable car back or take a ride in the famous Toboggan cart ride . It was a little too touristy for me but people swear this is a fun activity.
• Botanical Gardens – The second gardens are located not too far from Monte Palace and are connected by the Botanical – Monte line in case you wanted to take the cable car again. I haven’t visited these gardens but people often prefer Monte over this location.

Cabo Girão Skywalk

After exploring the gardens, take a short ride to the famous glass skywalk with great ocean and Funchal views. To be honest I expected a much bigger platform however it was still pretty impressive. There is no entrance fee and the spot gets pretty crowded. One thing that I loved more than the views was the strong eucalyptus scent from all the trees as you walk around. There is a small cafe with overpriced food and drinks on site but I recommend stopping there for a little break to enjoy the view even more.

Options for the afternoon

Personally, this is where I would take a little break and head back to my hotel and Airbnb to relax. Sometimes I tend to overlook how important relaxing is during vacation 🙂 However, if you’d like to continue with your day two activities, here are some ideas for the afternoon:

• Vinhos Barbeito : I found a nice family-owned winery near Funchal. It has great reviews and I imagine the wine tastes really good! Madeira wine is special within itself so why not drink it from someone that knows what they’re doing.
• Ribeira Brava: Explore this cute little town with shops, restaurants and nice mountain and ocean views. Beaches in Madeira are located all over the island but I actually found people swimming in this one off-season as the sun likes this place no matter what the month.
• Funchal at night: Local cuisine is bomb. So make sure to take yourself to a nice place, have some good traditional food and then walk around the town at night. Most towns should always be seen during the day and night. There is a whole new vibe that emerges when the lights dim!

Day 3 – Sao Lourenco toward Sao Vincente

For Day 3 of your awesome Madeira adventure, I recommend heading to the northern part of the island. Now that you got to see most of the Funchal area and its surrounding gems, it’s time to head to the super green part of the island. The one thing to note when you’re traveling to Madeira off-season is that the weather in the northern part is almost always more cloudy and wet compared to the southern part. This is what will make the biggest distinction between traveling in the off-months compared to peak season.

Ponta de São Lourenço

This awesome hike is certainly not a hidden gem of the island. If possible try to arrive before 10 am as the spot gets pretty crowded. Even better if you can make a sunrise hike! If you’re worried about weather conditions, don’t forget to check out the webcams.

This hike starts at the parking trail and goes all the way to the tippy top of Madeira. You won’t be able to reach the very end of these crazy rock formations because the very last part is separated by the ocean. The hike should take you between 1.5 to 2.5 hours each way depending on how many times you take picture stops. Towards the end, you will find a small cafe where you can use the bathroom or grab a coffee. This is a very popular part of the island so expect some crowds.

For a very detailed plan for this hike, I found this blog which does an excellent job of preparing you for it.

Off-season struggles: The weather is not going to be your best friend here. It might get more chilly and windy in the months of November and December. However, since peaks might not even be doable during that time, this is one of the few chances you have to experience Madeira’s nature.

Northern Drive Toward Sao Vincente

After the hike, you won’t probably want to do any more walking so I recommend a scenic drive along the northeastern part of the island. Here are a couple of stops to consider. Depending on the timing of your morning, you will not be able to do all of them so check out my photos below to see which ones you think you’d like best:

• Faial Beach : This little beach is located about 25 minutes from Sao Lourenco parking lot. I found it on accident while driving in that area. I wouldn’t swim there per say but the landscape is really nice! Off-season you probably won’t see another soul there!
• Miradouro do Guindaste : Right above Faial Beach, there is a nice coastal viewpoint offering the awesome view the beach does but from slightly above. I’d say do one or the other since the views will be very similar.
• Miradouro do Curtado : This one is located a short 10 min drive from the point mentioned before. It offers a nice view of local town as well as the northern coast nearby.
• Santana Houses: This was the most crowded place I encountered on my off-season trip to Madeira. Why you ask? I have no clue because as cute as the Santana Houses are unless you have some sort of historical curiosity about them, there really isn’t that much to see there. I don’t know what I expected but certainly not what I saw. I’d say you can pass this location if touristy places bother you.
• Hotel & Restaurante Quinta do Furão: This is a good place for an early dinner but before you head to the restaurant, go on a little walk around the property. There is a vineyard in the back and a garden in that is accessible to walk around patrons and it was a (hidden) place during out little drive. It’s super pretty and you can even catch a view of a waterfall from there.
• Miradouro da Beira da Quinta: Super quick stop but nonetheless a nice viewpoint of the local area.
• Sao Vincente: This is a small town that’s the base of a lot of northern hikes for people. We stayed at an Airbnb for the second part of our trip here and loved the quiet atmosphere and more local vibe compared to Funchal. The small town has a couple of restaurants and bars by the water. If you’re not staying in the area, I’d recommend grabbing some food before heading back home. I ate at Restaurante Calamar which had delicious food for amazing prices and Poncha de Sao Vincente , a local bar with awesome apps.

Off-season struggles: The northern part of the island is the rainiest and most cloudy off-season. Consider that when packing clothes for your exploration there. All the spots I mentioned above were cloudy and chilly when I visited. Comparing photos of them in the sun from other travel blogs, I certainly feel like I didn’t get the proper experience of them.

• Quinta do Furão

• Miradouro da Beira da Quinta

Drive toward Porto Moniz

Before you head to see the famous swimming pools of Porto Moniz, there is a couple of quick stops you can make before heading over.

• Miradouro do Véu da Noiva : This is a very popular viewpoint on the island and while I think it was cute, I didn’t find it as fascinating as others have described. The main highlight of this stop is a waterfall that drops into the ocean but since it is pretty far and the road to access it is closed, it’s just a small stop. There is a gift shop there but it was very pricey compared to others I’ve seen.
• Seixal: What many describe as the best beach in Madeira is located in Seixal, a small town on the northern coast. It’s all black sand contrasting with vibrant green nature and surrounded by mountains. There are also small natural swimming pools located in town. While during off-season travel you won’t be able to swim, it’s worth visiting for the picturesque views.

Porto Moniz

The Porto Moniz natural swimming pools are swimming areas formed by lava and filled with fresh seawater on the northwestern side of the island. They are one of the coolest outdoor swimming pools I have seen. I hate to break it to you this early in the description but unless you like cold swimming, traveling during the off-season will unfortunately not allow you to fully enjoy them. I was super upset that I wasn’t able to swim in them, after naively reading some online comments claiming that late November is sometimes ok for swimming.

There are two pool areas in town. One with an entrance fee but only 1.5 euros, there you will find lockers and snack bars the other is free but more rocky and natural. The actual town is super small, you can walk from one pool area to the other in under 10 mins. However, my friends, I do not think you should skip visiting the town even without swimming. It is indeed impressive to see them and take some pictures in the area. I recommend making a stop in Porto Moniz for lunch or a drink.

Fanal Forest

Quick Tip: If you’re heading to Fanal Forest or Fanal Pond from Porto Moniz, make an easy and quick stop at Miradouro da Eira da Achada for more island views from above.

Fanal Forest is the one place that should work in your favor during off-season travel. Why? Because people love this place for a mystical experience of the fog and creepy vibes. If you visit during the summer peak months, the chances of the fog are said to be greatest in the morning. However, in the “winter” months, you can catch it at pretty much any time. Simply put Fanal Pond in your GPS and you will arrive in a small parking lot, then walk towards the forest. I recommend packing waterproof shoes and a waterproof jacket if you’re planning to walk around. I got soaked and cold while exploring and it wasn’t too pleasant. Overall it’s a cool place to visit for some awesome pictures. Put a pin in your map as the further you walk in the fog, the more likely you are to get lost.

There are many cows in that forest so be careful not to step in some cow poo as you’re taking your picture 🙂

If you followed my itinerary, by day 5 you’ve seen top places that Madeira is known for. For this last day, I will give you options of things to do that are worth seeing on this stunning island depending on what you like to do.

Hikes & Levada Walks

Madeira is known for many hiking trails and Levada walks. I’m more of a drive-to-a-peak kinda gal unless I’m feeling inspired to hike as I did in Poland this summer (You can read my guest post on We Are Travel Girls about my super awesome hike in the Tatra Mountains). I did not hike in Madeira therefore I cannot give you solid advice on it. However, I found this amazing and super informative post from Claire on her blog and I recommend you follow her for the best hiking advice.

Small things to do in Madeira on the western side of the island

The western side is not as touristy as the other side of the island but that doesn’t mean if you should skip it. Although there aren’t as many attractions, here are a couple of spots to visit there:

• Garganta Funda Viewpoint : Although you will need to walk about 15 minutes to reach this viewpoint, the awesome waterfall that you will see at the end will make it worth it. The nice thing about traveling off-season is that you’re likely to see it in full action compared to the summer when it dries up. I regret not seeing this place during my visit.
• Ponta do Pargo Lighthouse : A small picturesque lighthouse on the far end of the island. It might not be a super exciting spot, but you can take a small walk in the area and admire the calm atmosphere.
• Cascata dos Anjos : The famous waterfall that falls on your car as your drive on ER101 is certainly a cool experience. If you’re driving toward the west side, you can even pull over and see it up close.

Speaking of the western side …

There is a less-known thing you do on the western side which is Achadas da Cruz cable car bringing you in the (almost) empty small local village. It’s an area only accessible by cable car (between 8 am to 6 pm) or a super steep trail. Not many (if any) locals stay there full time, it’s more of a nature getaway for them. For you, it means exploring two remote villages with stunning surrounding nature. I found a very detailed and informative guide on this hidden Madeiran location. Journey Era gives you more than enough detail about this place, he even takes the hike back up the hill in the evening.

Madeira Beaches

Although you won’t be able to comfortably swim in the ocean if you’re traveling off-season, or if you like cold water, spending some time near the beach even at a local cafe or bar is really nice.

• Calheta Beach has white imported sand and gives some nice tropical vibes. There are some all-inclusive hotels in the area too.
• Seixal Black Sand Beach: I mentioned this beach earlier but if you like black sand vibes, you should spend some time enjoying the beauty of Seixal.
• Ponta do Sol Beach: In the (almost always) sunny part of Madeira, you can find a nice small beach to enjoy without the crowds.

Porto Santo

If you’d like to do something more unique, take a day trip to Porto Santo, a small island located a 2-hour ferry ride away or even a short plane ride. There are daily morning departures with evening returns. Some people recommend spending more than a day there, while others do a day trip and are content. Here are two contrasting opinions, a day trip one , and a longer excursion . Hopefully, this lets you decide whether a day trip is worth it for you. Nonetheless, Porto Santo is a stunning destination that could be added as a bonus if you’re already in the area 🙂

Madeira Tours

If organized tours are something you enjoy, consider booking one in Madeira. Some of the more popular choices include dolphin/whale watching boat trips, jeep tours through the island, or even organized hikes. While these are not something I would opt-in to do in Madeira, as the majority of the things can be done solo, a lot of people enjoy having a pre-planned day.

While short excursions are not my thing, I personally always recommend food tours through which not only can you learn about the local cuisine, but see the area, learn history and interact with other like-minded people. I found a highly-rated tour, Madeira Food on Foot which offers different tours and even pre-made picnic baskets. I’d say that’s the best Madeira tour there is 🙂

Download this Madeira guide

Here is a free downloadable guide for you of all the places I talked about above. It’s a pocket version so I recommend reading everything above before downloading the guide for your travels 🙂

Download It HERE

Map of Madeira

Final thoughts on things to do in Madeira in December or any other off-season month

As promised at the start of the post, I tried to give you a realistic expectation of Madeira off-season. I’d say that I romanticized it too much and imagined that I could do more than I did even in the “winter” months.

To recap, here are the cons of things to do in Madeira during off-season times:

• Higher chance of poor weather : The rain and clouds will limit what you can see and do. What you imagine to be a sunny afternoon hike or a beach day will turn into hiding in cafes until the rain passes.
• Not seeing the best sunrise and sunset spots : The chances of having a clear sky up in the mountains which would normally give you out-of-this-world sunrises and sunsets are very slim. For 5/5 days of travel, there wasn’t a single day that we were able to see any peaks. I anxiously kept checking weather cams and even drove to two spots to check myself and I was not successful of seeing either of them.
• Natural Lava Pools: Despite having lava in its name, the swimming pools of Porto Moniz or Seixal will be chilly to comfortably enjoy in the colder months. They’re a really awesome way to spend a day in Madeira so the fact that I missed out makes me irked.
• Hikes: Again, this being related to the weather, everything will be wet. Walking in chilly and wet conditions is not a pleasant experience to me.

BUT, here are some pros:

• There will be very few tourists.
• Prices are usually better for hotels and flights.
• You will have a lot of places to yourself.

Sometimes off-season travel is the only time you have to take from work so you make it work. I wish I instead visited Madeira during shoulder season for example. Visiting in the months of May or September would give me the off-season vibes I love but not have limited me in the number of things I wanted to do. Knowing what I know now I would not have traveled to Madeira in December but I hope I gave you enough realistic expectations to make the decision for yourself.

Gladly, this itinerary is informative enough for any season so feel free to download it when you travel to Madeira. If you do, share a photo! Don’t forget to comment down below on whether you think Madeira is worth traveling off-season and what experiences you might have had there!

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Great info, thanks for putting this together in such detail!!

Thank you for reading!

Your blog is really helping us plan our Madeira trip for the end of the month. Do you mind sharing the links to the air bnbs you stayed at? Thank you

Hi Emily! Please send me a message via the contact form and I’ll be happy to send you the links!

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Madeira Itinerary: Incredible 3 to 7-Day Trips & Tips for First Timers

We fell head over heels in love with Madeira! If you are not familiar with Madeira, it is a Portuguese island sitting in the Atlantic Ocean between Portugal and Morocco.

Famous for its year-round warm climate, Madeira is one of the most mesmerizing destinations we’ve ever visited. Still relatively untouched, with wild eucalyptus forests, picturesque villages, and breathtaking views. We got rewarded with dramatic vistas stretching as far as the horizon anywhere we went around the island.

We spent one week in Madeira in December 2020 and wanted to share our experience . So let’s take a look at this very detailed 7 day Madeira Itinerary, where we share with you some of the best places to see, hikes to enjoy, how to travel around the island, where to stay, and a few more handy tips.

How much time do you need for a good Madeira itinerary?  

Madeira is a small island with tons of activities and opportunities for exploration. It’s best to take your time and spend at least a week scouting the island. Seven days are enough to get to know this enticing destination. But, if possible, stay and enjoy the island’s pleasures for longer. 

Madeira Itinerary: Incredible 3 to 7-Day Trips & Tips for First Timers

We left Germany and boarded a flight to the Portuguese island of Madeira. We hoped to get away from the darkness and cold for at least a week. 

Once in Madeira, we picked up our rental car before driving to our rented apartment in Funchal.

We enjoyed a quiet calm evening. It was actually raining, and after a short visit to the grocery store, we had dinner in the apartment.  The next day we were ready and looking forward to seeing what the island has to offer.

Day 1: Exploring Funchal Old Town, Monte Palace

Most tourists coming to Madeira stay in Funchal , the island’s capital and its largest city. Although separated from the mainland, it’s the sixth-largest city in Portugal. It is quite old as its first settlement dates back to the 15th century.

Packed with historical landmarks, it’s one of the country’s most famous touristic cities. Funchal combines the old town atmosphere and the island’s inspirational vibe.

Funchal Farmers Market

We arrived in Funchal before noon and parked our car in the center, just next to the market – Mercado dos Lavradores. Let me tell you that if you haven’t visited Mercado Dos Lavradores, you haven’t visited Funchal. 

The Market was established in 1940 and is located on Rua Brigadeiro Oudinot and Rua Hospital Velho. Designed by Edmundo Tavares, it’s also an important local architectural site.

Open from Monday through Saturday, the market has fruit, vegetables, herbs, fish, and flowers. It’s the city’s “melting pot,” combining various cultures and uniting residents with tourists.

On the 23d of December, locals celebrate Christmas with drinks and traditional dishes. The market is busiest on weekday mornings, which is also when you have the most local goods options.

Funchal Old Town  

We continued our way up towards the historic buildings of Zona Velha, the first settlement’s place. History enthusiasts, architecture buffs like us will enjoy the area’s atmosphere. 

We enjoyed Corpo Santo Chapel, the original 15th-century building, and visited the Socorro Church. Then, we took a walk on Rua de Santa Maria, the oldest street in Funchal . Many local businesses, like boutiques and small factories, are also in the Old Town.  

At night, the Old Town comes alive and fills up with street artists creating a unique atmosphere. Bars and restaurants invite the city’s visitors for a delicious glass of the Puncha. It’s a local Madeira drink made from rum, lemon, and honey. 

Funchal Cable Car Experience  

See the city from the bird’s view in one of the comfortable cable cars in Funchal. Two cable cars connect various parts of the city. Enjoy incredible views of the town and its surroundings and the Port of Funchal. 

The Madeira Cable Car is a part of the Old Town and will take you from Funchal to Monte in 15 minutes. The admission is 16 euros per person, with a 50% discount for children (7-14), and a free entry for younger guests. 

The Botanical Garden Cable Car connects the Botanical Garden Station with Monte. It’s somewhat cheaper than the Madeira Cable Car. You’ll pay 13 euros per roundtrip adult ticket and 7 euros for a child’s ticket (6-11). The trip takes about 9 minutes and is a cool way to enjoy the botanical garden and the city’s highlights from above.

Don’t miss an opportunity to come back down by a toboggan ride in a traditional wicker basket sled. Used by locals before, these sleds are one of the must-do things in Madeira. It can go at a speed of up to 30 km per hour and is a fun way to travel to Funchal. However, it will cost you from 25 to 40 euros, depending on how many people are riding. 

Monte Palace Tropical Gardens

The Monte Palace is a 70,000-square-meter area featuring a beautiful garden, a small lake, and a museum. The botanical garden holds a collection of more than 100,000 species. They include orchids, azaleas, ferns, cycads, and more.

All plants are from different parts of the world. You can see swans and ducks at the small lake. Peacocks and chickens are wandering casually around the gardens. Visitors can also indulge in two oriental gardens’ beauty and see valuable and rare Koi fish.

Since 1991, the Monte Palace Madeira Museum has been displaying the region’s culture and nature. There are more than 1000 sculptures in one of the finest private mineral collections. About 700 kinds are on display, coming from Portugal, Brazil, South Africa, and North America.

There are also many tile panels representing one of the country’s largest collections. This collection comes second after the National Tile Museum. 

The garden is open every day from 9:30 am till 6:00 pm, while the museum welcomes visitors from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm. You can take a free guided tour, but you’ll need to book it in advance. The admission is 12,50 euros for everyone 15 years and older.

Santa Catarina Park

This amazing park is not far from Cristiano Ronaldo Museum. So you should definitely have walk and enjoy the peaceful vibes this park offers, while you are around.

The park has also great instagrammable places that you should not miss. We enjoyed a little break from the busy city of Funchal while we were there and I think you should do the same 🙂

Where to Stay in Funchal?

We stayed at Santa Cruz Village Hotel . Teixeira Villa is also a great alternative. Both of them are beautiful stays, offer generous breakfast, and are strategically located on the island.

Day 2 : São Lourenço, Ribeiro Frio

Vereda da ponta de são lourenço.

Our first stop on the second day was Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço.

Situated in the East, Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço features fabulous landscapes, unique flora, and fauna. This coastal 7km track took us to the furthest eastern point of the island. The area is famous for its rock formations, created by volcanic erosions over many years. Located about half an hour from Funchal, we got to the trailhead by car.

We spent a couple of hours clambering over rocks and walking along the peninsula. This area was surprisingly busy, but we managed to get off the beaten path and enjoy some isolated views.

Balcões de Ribeiro Frio

Starting at Ribeiro Frio, a natural park north of the island, it’s a short walk to the famous Vereda Dos Balcões. After that, it’s an easy 3 km roundtrip hike, which follows the Levada of Serra do Faial. Finally, you’ll indulge in the majestic forest with laurel trees, Madeira mahogany, blueberry, and orchids.

The renowned Vereda Dos Balcões is a genuine treat with incredible views over the Ribeira da Metade valley. In addition, you’ll see the Laurisilva forest, classified as a World Heritage by UNESCO. The island’s highest peaks, Pico do Areeiro, Pico do Gato, and Pico das Torres, are also visible.

If the weather allows, you can see The Hydroelectric Plant of Fajã da Nogueira.

Day 3: Hike Pico do Ariero to Pico Ruivo (Madeira itinerary highlight!)

By far the highlight of our Madeira itinerary and, to be honest, one of the highlights of my entire life was Pico do Arieiro. The word ‘speechless’ is thrown around a lot but never have I been more speechless in my life. Madeira is just full of scenic hikes. Of course, you won’t be able to do all of them on your trip, but at least choose the best hikes on the island .

PR1 Pico do Arieiro Hike

This route is an unforgettable experience and provides stunning views of the island. Pico do Arieiro is the island’s third-highest peak. Most of the time, we were walking above the clouds at the height of 1500 meters. 

You can choose to take either one of the two trails – eastern (easier but longer) or western (longer, but steeper). Both will connect you with Pico das Torres and Pico Ruivo. It takes a 45-minute drive from Funchal, and there’s an enormous parking lot. At Pico do Arieiro, you’ll find an observation deck, a small cafe, and a gift shop.

On your hike, you’ll also see Ninho da Manta viewpoint (great for birdwatching!) and a vast area called Pedra Rija, a few short tunnels, and many other neat spots. The ending point of the hike is at the Achadas Teixeira.

If you’re not afraid of the challenge, hike back to Pico do Arieiro or hire a taxi, which will pick you up and bring you back. Unfortunately, it can cost up to 100 euros, and you have to book it in advance.

Insider Tip: Many adventurous people camp in this breathtaking place. If you want to try this unique experience, be sure you are well prepared and have all your camping essentials ready.

Day 4 : Santana, Parque das Queimadas, Ponta de São Jorge

After the challenging hike from Pico do Ariero to Pico Ruivo, we took the fourth day of the Madeira itinerary much easier. After that, we just drove around to explore a couple of different towns in Madeira.

Santana is a beautiful village stretching along the northern coast of Madeira. Known for its traditional triangle-shaped homes, this town is a must-visit stop. The homes are natural stone with a straw rooftop and used to be local farmers’ residences in the 16th century.

There are five historic houses. Each is a shop selling souvenirs, traditional foods, plants, and other local goods. There’s a parking lot not far from the homes, which is quite comfortable for those traveling by car. If you visit the village in July, there’s a massive festival of traditional music and dancing. 

Parque Florestal das Queimadas

Located in Santana, The Queimadas Forest Park is Madeira’s natural gem. Start at the parking lot and head deep into the park to reach the mesmerizing Levada do Caldeirão Verde. It’s a spectacular walk and an ideal opportunity to escape from urban life.

Enjoy the amazing flora and fauna, with waterfalls and exciting birds seen on-site. This natural area opens up from a different angle in any weather, whether rainy, cloudy, or sunny. Enjoy the views of the coast and a relaxing natural aura.

Farol da Ponta de São Jorge

Built in 1959 on the island’s north-eastern coast, Farol da Ponta de São Jorge is an active lighthouse. Located on the top of Sao Jorge cliffs, it grants fascinating views of the Atlantic Ocean. It’s a lovely place to take pictures before you continue exploring the island. 

Should you spend a night in Santana?

Because of the lack of available stays, we had to spend all our night near Funchal. But we highly recommend that you spend a night in Santana , as the city is worth it in the early morning and the ocean views with the morning fog are stunning!

Day 5: Levada das 25 Fontes, Fanal forest

Pr6 levada das 25 fontes.

Located in Rabaçal in Paul da Serra, Levada das 25 Fontes is an iconic trail in Madeira. You can access it via the regional road ER110, and from there, you can walk or take a bus to reach the start of the trail. 

There are two trails with two different parking lots. Both are part of one of the island’s most visited levadas. The walk is about 11 km roundtrip and will lead you to some of the island’s most outstanding sites.

You will see Lagoa das 25 Fontes, 25 water springs streaming down into the lagoon. If you feel courageous, you can take a swim in the cool refreshing water. You can also see Lagoa do Vento or Lagoon of the Wind and the impressive Risco Waterfall.

Fanal Forest

Located on the north-western end of Madeira, the Final Forest is a great Instagrammable spot. In addition, it is a scenic location for photography. It’s about 50 km from Funchal and 10 km east of Ribeira Da Janela. So it won’t be hard to find if you enter Faial Parking in your navigation. 

With its curled trees and mysterious fog, this ancient forest looks like a fairy tale scene. There are three main ways to enjoy the forest. The easiest way is to park your car in the parking lot and climb the stairs to the local viewpoint.

Then there are two trails available – Vereda do Final and Levada dos Cedros. The first one is an 11-km hike (one way!) through a well-preserved Laurissilva forest. The second one will keep you walking for about 6 km until you reach a magical tiered waterfall.

Day 6:  Bridal Veil Falls, Seixal Natural Pools, Ribeira De Janela, São Vicente

On our sixth day  Madeira Itinerary, we went on a road trip along the island’s West Coast and up to the North coast. Here’s where we stopped off at:

Bridal Veil Falls

The Véu da Noiva Viewpoint, located close to Seixal, is a very picturesque viewpoint. This romantic setting got its name thanks to the Véu da Noiva waterfall, which looks like a bride’s veil. It’s one of the best vistas on the island’s northern coast.

For the visitors’ convenience, there’s a parking lot right at the viewpoint. It’s about a 40 km drive from Funchal and is close to many popular attractions of the Seixal area. 

If you’re up for a bit of a challenge, take a short hike up to Ponta do Poiso for a better view of the Bridal Veil Waterfall. Also, look out for a hidden path on which you can discover another waterfall. 

Seixal Natural Pools

For epic views and photos, head out to explore Seixal Natural Pools. It’s one of the island’s top attractions, and it’s free of charge! Located near Laje Beach, it’s a secluded area, usually not overwhelmed by tourists.

It has all the amenities an explorer might need – bathrooms, showers, changing rooms, and even a snack stand. In addition, you can park on the main road and walk down the nearby path. 

The site’s trademark is a collection of tidal pools. They are rock formations created by volcanic activity in the past. There you’ll find photogenic rock caves and arches. The pools’ water is crystal-clear, so they are a popular swimming destination. It’s safe on a calm day, but watch out for the tide on a stormy day.

Ribeira De Janela

Ribeira da Janela is a small village in the Porto Moniz area, named after the island’s longest river. It’s an important agricultural area for the country, producing potatoes and grapes. However, the village is best known for its wonderful Levada. It’s easy to reach from the regional road ER101. Look out for the sign stating Ribeira da Janela or Lamaceiros. 

Levada’s highlights are exceptional coastal views, cliffs, and a couple of small waterfalls. The local greenery includes eucalyptus, laurel trees, ferns, banana plants, and passion fruit. 

São Vicente

If you want to add one more stop to your itinerary for today, drive to São Vicente.

Sao Vicente is a small village located between Santana and Porto Moniz. It’s a lovely stop with stunning beaches, restaurants, and bars. However, it isn’t easy to reach by public transport, so it is most appropriate for those traveling by car. 

The village is best known for the Sao Vicente Caves and Volcanism Center, open to the public since 1996. It is a series of volcanic caves formed 890 thousand years ago by a volcanic eruption. Take a walk through the labyrinthine lava tubes, see crystal-clear water pools and incredible stalactites. 

The Volcano Centre is open every day from Tuesday to Saturday. It offers various educational and entertaining exhibits about Madeira’s history. There is also a gift shop and a cafeteria available. The admission is 8 euros. 

Where to Stay in Seixal?

Seixal offers great hotel deals . Check them out! We wanted to spend a night there but -as we already mentioned- we didn’t find any available good deals.

Day 7: Dolphin and whale watching

As this is the last day of your Madeira itinerary, you can either just relax or go for a fun activity, depending on when your flight departs. Actually, Madeira is an ideal place for whale and dolphin watching.

Most companies offer a tour on a catamaran or a speedboat, both of which take about three hours. A catamaran tour is a luxurious experience. The boat has a bathroom, indoor and outdoor seating, snacks, and drinks.

The speedboat tour is the fastest way to cover long distances and see more species over time. It’s also more suitable for those who are prone to seasickness. The catamaran tour costs around 10 euros per person, while the speedboat is about 5 euros per person.  

What else to do in Madeira?

If you have extra days to spend on this amazing island (always worth it!), here is further suggestions that we also wanted to explore:

Explore the Valley of the Nuns

This mystical valley is about a 45-min bus ride from Funchal (check bus 81 that regularly goes there). The bus stops at a fantastic viewpoint, where you can watch the whole scenery from. The mountains from both sides that surround the tiny village down the valley form a great panorama.

Best of all: there will usually be clouds around making the landscape even more magic. Being at about 1000m above sea level, the clouds usually move fast and change the climate very quickly.

Day Trip to Christo Rei

Christo Rei is another great viewpoint in the island. It near the city of Gatajau and easily reachable by public transportation if you don’t have a car. The views up there are best during sunset and blue hour. You will fill the true charm of the island with the wind and the ocean view in front of you. It is an experience to remember.

You could also walk down to the beach after sunset and enjoy a refreshing (or warm) drink after a long day. That’s a reward to remember 😉

How to get to Madeira?  

No railroads or highways are connecting Madeira Island with the rest of Portugal. It’s almost 900km away from the mainland, so you’ll have to fly or take a boat to reach this dreamlike destination. 

The best, fastest, and most convenient way is flying. There are direct flights from Europe with an excellent connection to the U.S. and other countries. If traveling by air, you’ll arrive at Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport in Santa Cruz. It’s 15-20 minutes away from Funchal. 

The most practical way is to visit Lisbon first and take a direct 90-minute flight by TAP Air Portugal. Lufthansa, Emirates, and Turkish Airlines offer great comfort at reasonable prices (check their deals by clicking on the respective links!). If on a budget, fly economy class with one of the low-cost airlines like Easyjet and Ryanair. 

Many cruise lines and ferries are arriving at the Port of Funchal. This option takes longer but allows you to indulge in the beautiful vistas of the Atlantic Ocean. 

How to get around Madeira? 

The most efficient and handy way to travel around Madeira is by car. We booked a rental car before the trip and picked up the vehicle at the airport. This was a great move as it helped us save time and money. When you click the link, you’ll find plenty of options, like Sixt or Europcar, which usually have great special offers.

We made sure to book a compact car, in perfect condition with full insurance for under 200 euros. We wanted to enjoy our week instead of worrying about the cost of returning the car and having a  hassle-free Island experience.

Renting a car is the most cost-efficient way to explore the area. It gave us lots of freedom as we could make a stop at any point on the map. Keep in mind that Madeira roads are most suitable for experienced drivers.

There are quite a few tunnels, steep driveways, and a few sharp turns above the cliffs. It might be intimidating for a new driver. Here are all our tips and advice about driving in Madeira .

Public transportation  

To save some money, you can alternatively travel by local buses operating around the whole island. It’s the cheapest way to get to places, but it’s also the most limiting for a 7-day Madeira Itinerary. Some of Madeira’s attractions might not be on the public transport route.

Some buses are operating only around Funchal, the largest city on the island. Then there are red buses operating in the island’s West and green buses operating in the East. You can buy a single ticket or a weekly pass, and both are available on the bus. 

What’s the best time to plan Madeira itinerary? 

Did you know that Madeira is known as the Island of Eternal Spring ? It’s because its climate is very mild, and there’s no bad timing to travel to Madeira. The temperatures are in their mid-20s and comfortable year-round. 

It’s a popular tourist destination so expect some crowds. If you want to avoid them, try visiting between October and February. There are no heavy rainfall seasons on the island. The sunniest and driest weather is between March and September. 

The island is home to fantastic hiking trails, so to do that, travel here in April or May. That’s also when charming and aromatic flowers and trees are in full blossom. 

Madeira itinerary: Final Thoughts

Madeira, the Atlantic Pearl, is a dream holiday destination. It’s ideal for romantic getaways, family trips, and fun vacations with friends. It is full of movie-like landscapes, historical and cultural attractions.

I  hope this 7-day road trip itinerary for Madeira will inspire you to visit this beautiful island!

While in Portugal, take the opportunity to extend your trip and discover the hidden gems of this beautiful country following our 10-day Portugal itinerary !

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Rym is the cofounder of Walk Beside Me Blog. With a knack for connecting with people and cultures, she's explored more than 70 countries over the last 10 years. Rym's passion for travel blogging shines through in her 50+ blog posts on Walk Beside Me, making her a true travel expert.

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Madeira Secret

The Complete Madeira Travel Guide in 2023

Are you looking for the perfect escape? Surrounded by breathtaking nature and history, a trip to Madeira could be just what your wanderlust soul is seeking! From stunning landscapes, picturesque mountain vistas, and hidden coves; to exploring its culinary delights, energetic festivals and exciting activities – there’s something for everyone in this idyllic archipelago.

In this complete Madeira travel guide, we’ll let you in on all of our top tips for experiencing the best that this incredible destination has to offer. Discover why even after over five centuries since its discovery it remains an alluring place, dazzling with undeniable beauty. So buckle up as we take off on an unforgettable journey uncovering one of Europe’s most spectacular islands!

Table of Contents

What is the best month to go to madeira.

Are you contemplating a trip to the captivating Madeira Islands? Are you wondering when is the best time to go? Well, with its stunning natural beauty, rich history, warm hospitality, and mild climate there truly is no bad time of year to visit. However, depending on what kind of experience you’re looking for – whether it’s surfing sunny beaches or exploring fog-shrouded peaks – one month may standout as better than the others. In this blog post we’ll explore which period offers up the ideal amalgamation of factors for a perfect getaway in Madeira. So let’s dive right into exploring why each month makes an excellent window for visiting this gorgeous archipelago!

Overview of Madeira’s Year-Round Climate

If you’re looking for a temperate escape that’s welcoming year-round, Madeira might be just the destination for you. Nestled in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, this sunny Portuguese island boasts a warm, subtropical climate. With average temperatures hovering in the 70s and 80s (Fahrenheit) throughout the year, you can enjoy outdoor adventures, blissful relaxation, and everything in between, no matter when you visit. Whether you’re a sun worshipper or not, Madeira weather is sure to make you feel right at home. So why not book a ticket and see for yourself? Your perfect climate is just a plane ride away.

January – Enjoy the Off Season with Mild Temperatures and Fewer Tourists

January might not be the first month that comes to mind when planning a vacation, but it can actually offer a lot of benefits for travel enthusiasts. With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season behind us, January is the perfect time to sit back, relax, and enjoy some peace and quiet.

And, while the temperatures may be mild, the tourist crowds are much thinner, giving you ample breathing room to explore and enjoy your surroundings without feeling rushed or pushed along. Plus, with fewer travelers around, you’ll also find better deals and prices on accommodations and activities. So why not take advantage of January’s off-season charm and plan your next adventure?

February – Harness the Power of the Spring Winds for Surfing and Kite Surfing

February may be the heart of winter, but that doesn’t mean you can’t tap into the energy of the upcoming season. In fact, this is the perfect time to harness the power of the spring winds for some exhilarating water sports – surfing and kite surfing, to be precise. Imagine feeling the wind whip through your hair as you ride across the waves, soaring through the air on a kite.

The adrenaline rush alone is enough to chase away the winter doldrums. With the right gear and a willingness to take on a new challenge, you can experience the thrill of being one with the elements. So why not take advantage of this unique window of opportunity and try your hand at surfing or kite surfing in February? You might just discover a new passion while also enjoying the magic of the season.

March – Participate in the Cabo Girão International Music Festival

March is the perfect time to head to Cabo Girão and immerse yourself in the International Music Festival. With musicians from all over the world coming together to perform, there’s no shortage of great music to be heard. But the festival is about more than just the music. It’s a celebration of culture and creativity, and a chance to connect with people from all over the globe.

Whether you’re a music lover, a traveler, or just someone looking for a fun and unique experience, this festival is not to be missed. So pack your bags, grab some sunscreen, and get ready to dance to the beat of a multicultural rhythm in the beautiful island of Madeira.

April – Explore the Lavish Flora that Covers the Island During This Month

April is the perfect month to indulge in the lush flora that covers the island. The air is filled with the sweet fragrances of blooming flowers and the verdant greenery is in full bloom, creating a colorful and vibrant ambiance. The island offers a diverse range of plant species, from towering palm trees to exotic orchids that can be found in hidden corners.

It’s an experience that can be savored with all the senses – the soft petals brushing against your skin, the delicate fragrance of the flowers, and the gentle rustling of the leaves in the breeze. So come and explore the lavish flora that covers the island during this month, and let the natural beauty of the surroundings envelop you in its embrace.

May – Escape to the Mountains and Embrace Nature at its Best

Are you tired of the hustle and bustle of city life? Are you yearning to disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature? Look no further than the mountains this May. Escape to the serene beauty of rolling hills and snow-capped peaks. Take a breath of fresh mountain air and let the stress melt away.

Hike through acres of untouched wilderness, enjoy panoramic views, and soak in hot springs. Experience nature’s best up close and personal. Whether you’re seeking adventure or a relaxing getaway, the mountains have something for everyone. So, pack your bags and head for the hills this May – you won’t regret it.

What Are the Benefits Of Travelling Off-Season?

Off-season travel offers a plethora of benefits, including reduced crowds, lower prices, and a more authentic local experience. With fewer tourists around, you can visit popular destinations and attractions at your own pace, without the need to compete for space or wait in long lines. Additionally, off-season travel often comes with discounted accommodation rates and airfares, allowing you to stretch your vacation budget further. The quieter atmosphere allows you to connect more deeply with the local culture, as residents have more time to interact with visitors and share their customs, traditions, and stories.

On the other hand, peak-season travel presents its own set of advantages. The weather is usually at its finest during these months, ensuring that you can fully enjoy outdoor activities and attractions. Furthermore, peak-season often coincides with various festivals, events, and celebrations, providing you with the opportunity to witness and partake in unique cultural experiences. While the crowds may be larger, the energy and excitement of peak-season can be contagious, creating unforgettable memories and connections with fellow travelers. Ultimately, whether you choose to visit during the off-season or peak-season, Madeira’s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage will provide a remarkable and fulfilling travel experience.

Is Madeira Expensive?

The cost of living in Madeira varies depending on your travel preferences, but there are options for luxury, mid-range, and budget travelers. Below, we’ll answer if Madeira is expensive or not. We’ll discuss accommodations, activities, must-visit locations, and tips for saving money during your stay.

Also, check out our article about comparing Madeira Island vs Portugal Mainland

Accommodations

• Luxury: High-end hotels and resorts in Madeira can cost between €150-€400 per night. Some popular options include Belmond Reid’s Palace, Savoy Palace, and The Cliff Bay.
• Mid-range: Comfortable hotels and guesthouses are available for €50-€150 per night. Examples include Hotel Baía Azul, Pestana CR7 Funchal, and Quinta da Penha de França.
• Budget: Hostels, Airbnb rentals, and budget hotels can be found for as low as €20-€50 per night. Look for options like Phil’s Haven Hostel, Santa Maria Hostel, or Residencial Pina.
• Luxury: Private yacht charters, guided tours, and wine tastings are available for those looking to indulge. Expect to spend €100-€300 per person for these experiences.
• Mid-range: Group tours, such as levada walks, whale watching, and jeep safaris, and surfing typically cost between €30-€80 per person.
• Budget: Hiking, visiting local markets, and exploring the island’s natural beauty are all free or low-cost activities for budget-conscious travelers.

Must-Visit Locations & Associated Costs

• Funchal : Madeira’s capital city offers a range of attractions, including the CR7 Museum (€5), Madeira Botanical Garden (€6), and the Mercado dos Lavradores (free entrance).
• Cabo Girão : This impressive sea cliff features a glass-bottomed skywalk (free) and provides stunning views of the island’s coastline.
• Pico do Arieiro : Hike to Madeira’s third-highest peak for breathtaking panoramic views. The hike is free, but transportation to the trailhead can cost €20-€50 depending on your starting point.
• Santana : Visit the traditional A-frame houses (free) and explore the nearby levadas and hiking trails.
• Porto Moniz : Enjoy natural volcanic rock pools (€1.50 entrance fee) and the surrounding coastal scenery.

Transportation

• Car rental: Renting a car in Madeira can cost between €25-€60 per day, depending on the type of vehicle and rental company.
• Public transportation: Buses are available throughout the island, with a single ticket costing around €2-€5, depending on the distance.
• Taxis: Taxi fares vary depending on the distance and time of day, but expect to pay around €1-€2 per kilometer.
• Luxury: Fine dining restaurants can cost between €50-€100 per person, excluding drinks.
• Mid-range: Casual restaurants and cafes offer meals for around €15-€30 per person.
• Budget: Local markets and street food stands provide budget-friendly options, with meals costing as little as €5-€10 per person.

Money-Saving Tips

• Take advantage of free or low-cost attractions, such as hiking, visiting local markets, and exploring Madeira’s natural beauty.
• Use public transportation or rent a car to explore the island at a lower cost than taxis or guided tours.
• Eat at local markets and street food stands for budget-friendly meal options.
• Travel during the off-peak season (November to March) when prices for accommodations and activities are generally lower.

How Many Days Do You Need in Madeira Portugal?

Your itinerary depends on what you want to see and do in Madeira. If you’re there primarily for the stunning landscapes, a 5-day itinerary could suffice, allowing you to explore the main attractions such as Pico Ruivo, the highest peak, and Cabo Girão, the second highest cliff in the world, São Lourenço, Monte Palace, Porto Moniz, Fanal and others.

Keep in mind that some attractions you can only reach in a couple of hours from Funchal. And don’t forget about the way back!

If you wish to immerse yourself in the local culture, consider spending additional days visiting Funchal’s historic sites, tasting Madeira wine, and participating in traditional festivals.

Where To Stay In Madeira?

There are a variety of fantastic locations to stay in Madeira, depending on your preferences.

• Funchal , the capital city of Madeira, is often recommended as an ideal place for first-time visitors due to its luxury hotels, fabulous museums, and a mix of history and views. Some of the best hotels in Funchal include Savoy Palace and Golden Residence Hotel.
• For those who enjoy beach towns, Ponta do Sol is a highly recommended area. It’s also a great place for hiking enthusiasts.
• If you prefer a quieter location surrounded by green mountains and a black sand beach, São Vicente on the north of Madeira would be a good choice.
• For a small town experience, Calheta located on the southwest coast of Madeira is known for its beautiful scenery.
• Lastly, Caniço is mentioned as a slightly more affordable option than Funchal while still offering a great experience.

Remember to check out more detailed reviews and information before making a final decision.

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My perfect 10-day itinerary in Madeira (with tips + pictures)

Last updated on March 17, 2024 by Claire Robinson - this article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I get a small commission ( more )

From breathtaking landscapes and charming villages to rich cultural heritage, Madeira, the ‘Pearl of the Atlantic’, has something to offer for everyone. After exploring every corner of the island, I am share with you my perfect 10 day-itinerary in Madeira:

• All the main stops day-by-day organised by areas, to reduce driving times
• Tips on where to stay
• Tips on making the best of your time.

So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable adventure !

Visiting Madeira in 10 days – essentials to know

Is a 10-day trip too long in madeira and is it enough.

In my opinion, 10 days is the perfect length of stay to explore the island. It is not too long, not too short. It allows you to do a few hikes, villages the most charming villages, see the best viewpoints, enjoy the cable cars and take it easy admiring the scenic island. You won’t have time to get bored, and you won’t feel frustrated not to have time for something.

I think it is totally worth it, especially if you are flying from Europe. Compare available flights .

Do you need a car?

With 10 days, I strongly recommend renting a car for several reasons:

• to visit the fascinating off the beaten path places
• to watch sunrise or sunset
• to stop at all the Miradouros (viewpoints) to enjoy the beaiuty of the island
• to have more freedom to explore you favorite places, the car is the best options.

Don’t worry, it is not as crazy as some people write.  Read my article about driving in Madeira .

Need to rent a car? My tips:

• Compare car rental prices on my favorite platform:  Discovercars.com  – one of the best customer-rated comparison sites!
• Choose the car and company you prefer (with enough power for steep roads)
• Consider their full coverage option – I always take it for peace of mind!
• This is an island, so the number of cars is limited.  Book early  to have a large choice of vehicles!

See my  36 tips about renting a car in Madeira .

However, if you really don’t want to drive, I have a section on Madeira without a car further down.

Watch the weather and alternate the days

With a week of traveling, you have a lot more flexibility with your program. Madeira is an island in the middle of the Atlantic, with tall mountains. Therefore, it stops the clouds. If you are looking for the sun during your Madeira travels, plan your own itinerary by day or half-day in various areas of the island, so that you can shuffle them depending on the conditions. This is what I did in the following itinerary.

And get more tips in my complete guide to visiting Madeira .

10 days in Madeira: where to stay

Where to stay in madeira for 10 days.

My preference would be to stay between 2 to 4 different places to experience different parts of the island and drive less.

• in Porto da Cruz – for 3 nights – see best rated accommodations
• in Porto Moniz for 2 night – see best rated accommodations
• in Ponta do Sol for 2 nights – see best rated accommodations
• in Funchal for 3 nights – see best rated accommodations

But I understand that not everyone likes to pack all the time to change hotels.

The best areas to stay for 10 days and explore the entire islands are:

• Funchal the capital city
• Ribeira Brava/Ponta do Sol

Check out the following driving times to better understand.

Staying in Funchal

Capital city of the Madeira Region, Funchal has a large variety of area. In the old center, you can find:

• streets with a lot of charm,
• cathedral, chapels and museums,
• easy access to the seafront and Marina,
• many restaurants,
• lots of transportation options.

There are 2 main areas to stay in Funchal:

• Around the historical town and above – see best rated accommodations in Funchal
• In the Lido area to the west, with all the resort hotels with pools –  see best rated accommodations in the area

Some hotel suggestions:

• LUXURY – Les Suites The Cliff Bay in a stunning environment –  see photos and availability
• Luxury in Old Town:  Hotel the Vine, in the old center –  see photos and availability
• Luxury:  Hotel Savoy Palace with many pools and dining options- see photos and availability
• Boutique : Castanheiro Boutique Hotel, in the old town –  see photos and availability
• Boutique:  Sé Boutique Hotel, in the old center –  see photos and availability
• 4 stars:  Hotel Alto Lido, in the Lido area –  see photos and availability
• Apartments:    Market Place by Storytellers in a pedestrian street in the heart of Funchal  – see photos and availability
• RENTAL –  Romantic Studio – above Funchal old center with access to garden and pool –  check out photos and availability

Find our more in my article about the best place to stay in Funchal .

Staying in Ribeira Brava or Ponta do Sol

Ponta do Sol is famous on Madeira as being the sunniest place on the island. But it is also a charming town, with crystal clear waters, colorful buildings on the seafront and a photogenic old bridge. Ribeira is a charming town with a really practical location in the middle of the South Coast. It is great to visit the South, and it is also well located to cut to the North shore to Sao Vicente. The town has a relaxing vibe with pebble beach, beautiful church and plantations all around.

It is very central to explore the island.

 Some hotel and accommodation suggestions:

• LUXURY VILLAS –  Escarpa – The Madeira Hideaway –  Check out photos and availability
• BOUTIQUE –  Estalagem da Ponta do Sol – in a renovated farmhouse and perched on a cliff –  check out photos and availability
• APARTMENT –  Apartment Villa Sol II – in Ponta do Sol with Panoramic views –  check out photos and availability
• RENTAL –  Vila Mar Apartment, large with a nice view of the town –  check out pictures and availability
• UNIQUE –  1905 Zino’s Palace, Pink hotel overlooking Ponta do Sol –  check out pictures and availability
• VILLAS –  Dazkarizeh73 – for an exotic ambiance in Ribeira Brava –  check out photos and availability
• LOFT –  Loft Paços da Vila, in the center –  Check out photos and availability
• APARTMENT –  Holiday Apartment Ocean View, modern with amazing terrace –  check out pictures and availability
• or  see best rated accommodations

And if you are looking for something else…

• For a sandy beach, Machico  easy to explore the east but longer to reach the west of the island – See best rated accommodations in Machico
• To enjoy the natural pools, Porto Moniz but you are at one tip of the island, so it takes longer to go explore the east of the island. – See best rated accommodations in Porto Moniz  

More tips on my article about where to stay in Madeira with hotel suggestions .

10-day Madeira itinerary map

To help you get oriented, here is a map of the areas covered with this itinerary:

Driving times each of the 10 days in Madeira

I have tried to balanced as best as possible the itinerary. If you are based in Funchal, it will take the following driving times, in several small jumps:

• Day 1 = 1h40 drive
• Day 2 = 2h30 drive
• Day 3 = 2h30 drive
• Day 5 = 1h30 drive
• Day 6 = 1h45 drive
• Day 8 = 2h drive
• Day 9 = Ferry + Porto Santo
• Day 10 = depending on your adventure choice

Best things to do in Madeira – planning your own itinerary

The following itinerary includes all my favorite places and things to do ( see our complete list ). But if you want to create your own,  I think the things you should not miss during your trip:

• the historical center of Funchal and its market
• one small village-towns such as Camara de Lobos
• one area of coastal pool made of lava – see my list
• one of the cable cars – see my list
• a small collection of viewpoints including Pico do Arieiro – see my list
• one walk along a levada (irrigation system from the mountains) – see my list
• one boat tour to find dolphins and – see my tips or check out the available tours directly .

And you can find all those stops and more, with practical information (maps, driving times, difficulty to access) in my eBook:

Plan your dream trip in Madeira thanks to my guide

• 7 maps to easily plan your itinerary
• 120+ pre-selected locations
• GPS coordinates direct to the carparks
• Tips to make the most of your time
• 260+ original photos to help you choose

Day 1 – Skywalk, Camara de Lobos and more

Driving time if staying in Funchal = 1h40

Stop 1 – Cabo Girao (Skywalk)

Head to Cabo Girao at opening time to avoid the largest crowds. Get dizzy because, here, the cliffs reach 589m (1932ft). They are some of the tallest in Europe. The locals have built a transparent platform to appreciate the height. It is quite impressive to see the height, but apart from that, I thought the views were very limited. Learn more in my article about Cabo Girao .

Stop 2 – Camaro dos Lobos / lunch

Stroll around the old village and the port: Camara de Lobos. The most famous in Madeira. It is considered the most charming and I agree. Promenades that offer different views surround the tiny fishing port with colorful boats. It is worth spending half a day here, soaking in the atmosphere and maybe enjoying a delicious lunch with fresh fish. See my article .

Stop 3 – Valley of the Nuns

For the afternoon, head inside in the mountains to enter a unique areas. You will feel so small in the Valley of nuns a.k.a. Curral das Frieiras .

First head to the viewpoint Eira do Serrado – from higher grounds, you can see the hidden valley with giant vertical mountains surrounding the “couldron”. And then, visit the village of Curral das Frieiras. Appreciate the perspective from the bottom of the valley and taste the famous chestnuts!

Day 2 – Best views ever: Pico do Arieiro and more

Driving time if staying in Funchal = 2h30

Stop 1 – Pico do Arieiro

Get up early and go watch the sunrise at Pico do Arieiro. Plan to arrive at least 30minutes before to see the colors changes and hopefully see the sun rise over the clouds. If you feel like it, do some of the hike towards Pico Ruivo. You can walk 1h one way for a 2h return a hike and see a lot. Learn more .

If you plan on doing the entire hike, the rest of the day would have to be skipped…

Stop 2 – Verada dos Balcones

This is an easy walk that gives you a feel for what Madeira is all about:

• You get to a viewpoint with the mountain peaks 
• From the viewpoint, you can also see the lush valley all the way to the sea
• There are many birds
• The area is covered with ancient trees and lush vegetation
• There is a section of the walk along a levada, which is great for those who can’t do one of the big levada walks.
• 3Km (2mi) return – Plan 1h for plenty of pictures

Stop 3 – Santana traditional houses

Drive north to one of the largest attractions in Madeira, the Park is an ethnographic village where you can learn more about the culture, traditions and crafts. The most appreciated feature is the set up inside old traditional houses with triangular thatched rooftops. You can also explore the whole park with gardens and a lake.

Stop 4 – Take the  Rocha do Navio cable car

Finish the day with my favorite cable car. First enjoy the view from the top. The green mountains dropping into the deep blue sea are spectacular! And, as you ride down to sea level, you will be able to several waterfalls. In my opinion, it has be best scenery. You can even see a traditional Santana house in the gardens. The name Rocha do Navio’ refers to the sinking of a Dutch ship in the nineteenth century. Learn more on my Rocha do Navio article .

Day 3 – Northwest coast lava

Stop 1 – fanal forest.

Crazy tortuous ancient trees… what’s not to love??? On the Paul da Serra plateau, you can find the Unesco Natural Heritage site of the Laurissilva forest. Here you discover hilly meadows and crooked trees. It is quite enchanting. The island and much of Southern Europe used to be covered by this native forest. In Madeira is one of the largest patches left. You can hike around, or just look at the trees not far from the carpark. It is even better, if it is in the mist. It would feel mystical! But so far, I have only seen it under a blue sky…

Stop 2 – Porto Moniz

Bring your swimsuit. After this long hike, you deserve to go swim in the Porto Moniz Natural pools surrounded by lava. A wonderful and unusual experience. There are 2 areas: the ones that have been made smoother for public use and the more natural ones, near the fort. I recommend first enjoying them on foot: the long 2strips of lava, the shades of blue and green, the island in the background. But then, make sure to get into the water (seawater). The place is ideal for those who love swimming and the views are mesmerizing. Such a relaxing place to swim. However, don’t swim between 10am and 3pm, when groups are visiting on day trips. I recommend staying later and even spending the night to have a more peaceful experience. See my complete guide .

Stop 3 – Ribeira da Janela

You next stop is Ribeira da Janela. It is very easy to park at the bottom near the beach. There is a staircase to a viewing platforms to enjoy the rocky pillars in the sea. Or you can walk on the beach for a better look, but wear proper walking shoes, the rocks are unstable. Learn more.

Stop 4 – Seixal

Your next stop is Seixal. It has a black sand beach which is clearly the most beautiful beach on the island. Plus it has natural pools with a lava arch. It is what I imagine when thinking of an old volcanic island: smooth black sand with steep cliffs with lush vegetation. There is even a small waterfall on the beach! Learn more

Stop 5 – Miradouro Veu da Noiva

Enjoy the drive back with some viewpoints such as Miradouro Veu da Noiva for the waterfall. The drive from Porto Moniz back to Porto da Cruz is 1h10.

Day 4 – Relaxing day in Funchal

Driving time if staying in Funchal = 0

Stop 1 – Historical Funchal

Explore downtown Funchal. I am not a city person, I prefer nature. But I have to admit that I was pleasantly surprised by the old center of Funchal. It has a lot of charms with lots of trees lining the streets. You should take the time to just stroll around, appreciate the buildings and enjoy the vibe.

• The market Mercado dos Lavradores full of fruits, vegetables and flowers (closed Sundays) in a building from 1940
• Rua de Santa Maria and its Street Art
• The Façade of the Jesuit’s college
• The cathedral, built in the 16th century and striking
• Visit the old winery of Blandy’s
• Relax on the waterfront
• The CR7 museum if you are a fan of Cristiano Ronaldo

More ideas in my article about the best things to do in Funchal.

Stop 2 –  Dolphins and Whales

Go on a boat tour to spot dolphins and whales. A great number of whales pass through Madeira each year. Research says that 28 different species of the 78 known can be seen on this island, from various dolphin species to great blue whales. Tours are running year round. The highest quantity of species is from April to September. Learn more

See available tours:

• Catamaran tour including swimming under Cabo Girao – See options & availability
• Speed boat tour –  See details & availability
• Swim with dolphin tour –  See details & availability

Need to rent a car in Madeira?

• Compare prices on my favorite platform:   Discovercars.com – one of the best rated comparison sites!
• Choose a car with enough power for the mountain roads
• And choose a car not too big, to easily manoeuver
• Consider their full coverage option – it for peace of mind! 
• Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!

See all my tips

Day 5 – Volcanic East Coast

Driving time if staying in Funchal = 1h30

Stop 1 – Ponta de Sao Lourenço

Ponta de Sao Louranço is the best place on the island to admire the volcanic origin of Madeira. You walk along the famous “dragon tail” of Madeira surrounded by bare landscapes and colorful rocks. Along the hike there are many viewpoints with steep cliffs, sea stacks and magnificent views towards the sea or back toward the island. You can do as much as walking you want on the trail and turn around. It is impressive and colorful!

You can just admire the views near the carpark or walk as long as you want along the hike. The entire hike is 6.4km/4mi which means 3 to 4h to the Sardinha Café and return.

If you can, I strongly recommend the hike, it is phenomenal!

Stop 2 – Enjoy the viewpoints around Machico

As you drive back south, you can enjoy lunch in the town of Machico and drive around to some beautiful viewpoints:

• Miradouro F.A. Nobrega
• Miradouro da Queimada
• Miradouro de Machico

I normally prefer views of nature rather than cities. But I really enjoyed the Miradouro Francisco Alvares Nobrega. There are several viewpoints above the town of Machico, but this one has the best views:

• On the left, you can see deep into the valley with all the orange roofs,
• in front of you, you can see the golden sand beach (imported sand) and the marina,
• and to the right (not in the picture), you see towards the peninsula Ponta de Sao Lourenço.

Stop 3 –  Ponta do Garajau

Head south to Ponta do Garajau also known as Teleferico do Cristo Rei. Ponta do Garajau is a clear promontory sticking out from the cliffs. It makes the eastern end of the bay of Funchal. It is a great combination of attractions that will please many visitors:

• First, there is the 14m statue Cristo Rei facing the ocean (not a copy of the Brazil one, this was inaugurated before!)
• Second, a staircase leads to the end of the promontory for beautiful views
• Third, you can take a cable car down to a beach

Alternative, if you did not hike in the morning

If you did not hike in the morning, you can spend more time in Machico. You can enjoy some beach time and walk around the relaxed town.

And you can adda garden around Funchal. Not the Monte Palace which you will visit on Day 7, but either the Botanical Garden or the Jardines Palheiro.

Day 6 – Levada and sun

Driving time if staying in Funchal = 1h45

Stop 1 – 25 Fontes Levada

Wake up early to enjoy the famous hike: 25 Fontes. This is the most famous Levada walk in Madeira. Head down in the valley to reach the Levada (traditional irrigation channel) and follow the path in lush vegetation. It leads to a small lagoon and many tiny waterfalls crying on a wall, hence the name of 25 springs.

Plus, on that same path, you can also enjoy a quick detour to the Risco waterfall, dropping 100m (330ft) on the side of the mountain.

Option 1 – Shuttle down and back – walk only from the Rabaçal Forestry House – 5km return (3.1mi) Option 2 – No shuttle, add 2km (1.24mi) in each direction Option 3 – Adding the loop to Risco Waterfall adds 1.6km (1mi) return See my complete guide to this hike

Stop 2 – Ponta do Sol

Ponta do Sol is famous for being the sunniest place in Madeira.  But it is also very charming with the beach and the colorful buildings on the seafront. Plus, there are the remains of  the Royal path that surrounded the whole island and the bridge that connected to the pier. It is very photogenic and offers great perspectives on the town and the cliffs. Parking can be difficult to find. After you hike, relaxing on the beach can feel great! Learn more

If you are not able to complete the hike in the morning, you can add the exploration of the southwest coast. You can head to the charming villages of Jardim do Mar and Paul do Mar. And you can do a short walk through banana plantations: Rota da Banana in Madalena do Mar (Banana Route RB1)

• Very short walk starting in the village
• You can walk as little as 10min or explore for 30 minutes
• Allows you walk in the middle of the banana plantations with the irrigation systems

I don’t drink coffee

But I also like other drinks and sweets! Do you like the free content you find on my blog? All my tips and practical information, without intrusive advertising…

Day 7 – Gardens & fun

Stop 1 – take the cable car up to monte.

Take the cable car to high above town.  There is cable car that connects the Funchal waterfront and the Monte area, as well as from the Monte area. It flies over the city offering 360° views of the town.

Stop 2 – Admire the church, views and tiny municipal garden

The center of the Monte area is home to the church Our Lady of Monte Church and its impressive stairs. It is striking with its grand staircase. This is also the place where the exiled Emperor of Austria Charles I is buried. Below its West side is the small but charming Monte Municipal garden at 550m of elevation and home to centennial trees as well as exotic and indigenous species (free access).

Stop 3 –  Monte Palace Tropical Garden

There you can visit one of the gardens. Madeira is s also famous for its man-made natural beauty a.k.a. its gardens. There are several in Funchal, but if you have time only for one, I strongly recommend the Monte Palace Tropical Garden. Lush vegetation surrounds the walking paths that lead to water feature, stones, sculptures, tiles, museums and various structures.

It is a fascinating place to explore and it can take all day!

Stop 4 – Sled Ride

Get back downtown by enjoying a toboggan sled ride. It is one of the most unique experiences in Madeira. Very unusual. You are sitting in a basket and transported down the steep streets back to the center of Funchal. And how are you breaking, may you ask… well, 2 men in traditional costumes will use their feet to balance, steer and brake the ride.

Day 8 – Caldeira Verde & Porto da Cruz

Driving time if staying in Funchal = 2h

Stop 1 – Levada hike Caldeira Verde

This other famous Levada walks in Madeira starts at the Parque Floresta das Queimadas. It is a long flat walk in lush vegetation. It leads to a tall waterfall known as Caldeirao Verde. This walk is pretty special. First, there are the weeping walls with green vegetation. And it is also an adventure, because you have to make your way through 5 tunnels. Some of them are quite long and very dark. Kids love it! Adults have mixed feeling, especially when they bump their head… This waterfall walk can also be completed with a loop to a canyon and other waterfalls known as Caldeirao do Inferno, which is quite impressive (although difficult to photograph).

Even if you can’t do the entire walk, I recommend going to the park, walking through the forest and to the first weeping walls before returning to the carpark.

• Once again, I think early morning is best. I arrived at sunrise and was first at the carpark. There was absolutely enough light on the trail and I was alone to enjoy the beautiful scenery and the silence. What a blissful moment! (the return was more frustrating with all the people talking lol).
• To Caldeirao Verde – 13km/8mi return – 5h30 return To Caldeirao do Inferno – add 4,4km/2,7mi return – add 2h return (worth it!)
• Here again, if you don’t have transportation or want the services of a guide, you can opt for a guided walking tour. Check out the options

Stop 2 – Porto da Cruz

Porto da Cruz is one of my favorite villages in Madeira. It is not easy to explain why, but this place has something special.

• It is nestled between cliffs and mountains, protected by the imposing giant hill, Penha d’Aguia
• You can see the cliffs all the way to Ponta de Sao Lourenço
• It is quiet, away from the crowded popular places

I recommend walking long the waterfront and visiting the sugar cane and rum factory. Plus I strongly recommend spending some time at the sea water swimming pool. It is not a natural one, but it is bigger and offers inspiring views!

Learn more in my article .

Stop 3 – Miradouro da Portela

One of the best views of Porto da Cruz and Penha d’Aguia is from Miradouro da Portela. It is a sinuous mountain road to get to it, but wide enough and not difficult. Light is good all day.

Day 9 – Porto Santo

With 10 days you have enough time! I do recommend spending at least a day in Porto Santo (it is quite small). This island is very different because of the lack of rainwater. No lush vegetation, but a volcanic bare landscape. Plus, it is home to beautiful geological wonders. 3 options:

• You can do a day trip with the ferry to Porto Santo in the morning and the return in the evening (2h30 in each direction) – companies offer bus tours to the main attractions during the day –  check out a complete day trip option from Funchal
• You can book your own ferry and book a guide or take taxis.
• You can plan 2 days to go relax, explore and enjoy the sandy beaches

Porto Santo’s highlights include:

• a 9km (5.6mi) long sandy beach
• Giant organ pipes formations
• a mini desert with sand dunes
• Great viewpoints

Note that I also listed the best things to do in  my eBook about Madeira.

Day 10 – Adventure

For your last day, I recommend you do something for the first time. Depending on your level of confidence, interest and fitness, I recommend:

Option 1  – Go canyoning

Enter deep in the mountains, waterfalls and lush nature. Have fun and push your limit, to connect better with your surroundings! See availability and book 

Option 2 – Go Scuba diving

Even beginners, can enjoy a moment of pure bliss underwater. Scuba-diving allows you to explore an entire new world. See availability

Option 3 – Go Mountain Biking

Enjoy a ride in the subtropical laurel forest. Have to best of both worlds: a sport adventure and a guided tour to learn more about the flora and fauna. See availability

Option 4 – Go Coasteering

The seas, the cliffs and your adrenaline… Coasteering is one of the new sport that takes on a journey along a coast. Strong swimmer only. See availability

Option 5 – Learn to surf

Always wanted to know the feeling of gliding on a wave? Now is your time to try! See availability

Option 6 – Sail to the Desertas islands

From Madeira island you can see 3 smaller ones in the distance, to the East. They are called the Desertas islands. It is a nature reserve famous for its rare seals and giant tarantulas.

There are excursions heading there, but let me share with you the reality. They mostly market the fact that it is a nature reserve. But on this day trip, you will spend 6h sailing on the catamaran (3h in each direction) with wind making you cold and waves crashing on you once in a while.  Once there, you won’t see any seals because they are living in another part of the island where boats are not allowed and all you will do is go for a 10min walk to look at boards and learn a bit more about the islands. The volcanic rocks are beautiful, but I don’t think it is worth the 6h on a boat, unless you love that part too. Your decision.  See details & book tour .

You can find all those stops and more, with practical information (maps, driving times, difficulty to access) in my eBook:

10 days in Madeira without a car

I don’t have a 10-day itinerary without a car.  As I said, I really think it is worth is to rent a car. However, I understand if some of you don’t feel comfortable driving. In that case:

• Check out my itinerary for 5 days in Madeira without a car in this other article
• And add some resting days, beach days or some hikes

Or you can check out all my favorite tours in Madeira for you to book . Some of my favorites are:

• the hop-on hop off bus to explore Funchal and Camara de Lobos –  See hop-on hop-off tickets
• the day trip to Porto Moniz and the Fanal Forest, lava and trees! –  See details, availability & book
• Eastern Madeira with Pico de Areirio and the Santana Thatched houses –  See details, availability & book

And the dolphins and whales tours:

• Catamaran tour including swimming under Cabo Girao –  See options & availability

Your other options are:

• to use the public transportation, which can be slow because of the many stops 
• or use the taxis , they have touristic routes for set prices.

14 days / 2 weeks in Madeira

If I were to head to Madeira for 2 weeks, I would so 

• 10 days in Madeira as per all the information on this page
• 3 days in Porto Santo
• 1 day for travel in between

You can plan 3 days to go relax and explore:

• the 9km (5.6mi) long sandy beach
• the giant organ pipes formations
• the mini desert with sand dunes
• the many scenic viewpoints

Porto Santo Hotels and Accommodation Suggestions

• GUESTHOUSE –  Sotavento Guest House, right in the main town Vila Baleira –  Check out photos and availability
• GUESTHOUSE –  Theresia’s Beach house, close to the beach –  Check out photos and availability
• RENTAL HOUSE   –  Retiro Praia, colorful and close to the beach –  Check out photos and availability
• APARTMENT   –  Paradise Beach with pool and beach –  Check out photos and availability
• 4 STAR RESORT   –  Hotel Porto Santo & Spa –  Check out photos and availability

What’s the best time of year to visit Madeira?

Madeira is a year-round destination with mild temperatures, but the best time to visit is between May and October when the weather is warm and sunny. Learn more in my article about the best time to visit Madeira.

How do I get to Madeira

You can fly directly to Madeira’s Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport (FNC) from several major cities in Europe, including Lisbon, Porto, London, Paris, and Amsterdam. But some flights will have stop-over in Porto or Lisbon. Check out the available flights.

Can I swim in the ocean in Madeira?

Contrary to most European islands, Madeira is not a beach destination. Yes, there are several beaches and natural pools in Madeira where you can swim. However, the water can be cold, so be prepared for that. The main beaches are Machico, Seixal and Praia da Calheta. Learn more about the beaches . The main natural pools are at Seixal and Porto Moniz. More infos in my article.

What are the best things to see and do in Madeira for 10 days?

Some of the top things to see and do in Madeira for 10 days include doing a Levada walk, visiting the Old Town of Funchal, going to the viewpoint at Pico do Arieiro and walking over emptiness at Cabo Girão, exploring the Monte Palace Tropical Garden and going on a dolphin and whale watching tour.

What’s the local cuisine like in Madeira?

Madeira has a rich culinary tradition with dishes like espetada (meat skewers), bolo do caco (a type of bread), and the famous Madeira wine. Seafood is also a staple of the local cuisine.

What should I pack for 10 days in Madeira?

Bring comfortable shoes for walking, sunscreen, a swimsuit, and light clothing for warm weather. You may also want to bring a light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings and mountain experiences. Best to bring layers of clothes to adapt to conditions during the day as you go up and down and drive around.

How many days should I spend in Funchal?

Funchal is the largest city in Madeira and has a lot to offer. You could spend a couple of days exploring the city and its sights, but you may also want to use Funchal as a base for day trips to other parts of the island.

Want to see more of the best Madeira offers?

• 42 Madeira travel tips to plan an unforgettable trip –  read article
• Where to stay in Madeira – best areas – read article
• 35 best things to do in Madeira – read article
• The best landscapes in Madeira in 40 pictures – read article
• The 7 cables cars in Madeira and their amazing views – read article
• 10 best hikes & levada walks in Madeira – reach article
• Tips to rent a car and drive around Madeira – read article
• 12 Madeira Hidden Gems – read article
• 4 Madeira Natural Pools (and 6 coastal alternatives) – read article
• 18 best beaches in Madeira – read article
• 7 best Madeira boat tours & trips – read article

Planning a trip to Madeira?

Check out my travel guide to help you plan:

And keep track of your own trip!

Want to see more of MADEIRA?

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7 days in Madeira

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Ponta do Garajau (beach, cable car, Cristo Rei)

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Best Madeira Itinerary: 1 Week on Madeira Island, Portugal

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Madeira Island is a fabulous tropical vacation destination! Located in the North Atlantic Ocean, Madeira boasts an array of stunning landscapes, exciting activities and engaging attractions. In fact, there are so many fun things to do in Madeira that creating a trip itinerary can be a little perplexing. Especially for first-time visitors.

No worries! We’ve got it covered with a detailed, day-by-day Madeira Itinerary that features the absolute best of the island.

Madeira Itinerary FAQs

Rather than diving right into our Itinerary for Madeira, we first want to answer a few frequently asked questions.

Does this Travel Itinerary for Madeira include Multiple Destinations?

While the Island of Madeira, Portugal is small – just 34 miles long and 14 miles wide – the top Madeira attractions are scattered from one end to the other.

However, because of the short distances, it is relatively easy to choose one location as a base and then plan Madeira day trip adventures. In our Madeira Itinerary, we recommend staying in Funchal and taking day trips.

Not only is Funchal a hub for transit and tours, but it is also home to an incredible number of restaurants, cafes and bars. Using Funchal as a base to discover Madeira is ideal; especially for those without a car. We believe the best place to stay in Funchal is the Old Town – and we provide a few suggestions later in the Madeira Travel Tips section.

Do I Need a Car for this Madeira, Portugal Itinerary?

Whether or not you should rent a car in Madeira is a major point of consideration. The decision really boils down to how comfortable you feel driving in Madeira. Many of the highways are new…but the mountainous Madeira roads are narrow, curvy and perched on steep cliffs.

We determined that driving on Madeira would be far too stressful for the relaxed island vibes we were seeking. To get around we used a combination of public buses and organized tours.

Our trip plan is written so that it can be used by travelers visiting Madeira without a car and those who decide to drive. For each day of our Madeira Travel Plan, we highlight the top sights to see and then share tips on how to get to there without driving.

Is Madeira Expensive?

One of the best things about Madeira is how affordable it can be, especially when compared to other tropical island destinations (such as Hawaii). Money-conscious travelers should have no problem creating a Budget Madeira Itinerary.

Of course, there are ways to splurge, too – as the island is home to posh resorts, fine dining establishments and a choice of top-end activities.

Therefore, how much a trip to Madeira costs will depend on where you stay, where you dine and what you choose for entertainment.

Our Madeira Itinerary expenditures settle somewhere in the middle. Travelers with a rock-bottom budget can easily cut some attractions in order to save money. While those who are splashing out can upgrade a few of our recommended activities or opt to stay at a luxury resort on Madeira.

What Type of Traveler Can Use this Madeira Island Itinerary?

Throughout our Madeira Travel Itinerary, we feature an abundance of activities that will appeal to a range of interests. Therefore, we think anyone can use this article to help plan their trip!

We include walks and hikes, but this is not a dedicated Madeira Hiking Itinerary. And while we travel as a couple, our scheme can easily be adapted to a family vacation or a solo Madeira trip.

How Many Days in Madeira?

As already mentioned, the top things to do in Madeira dot the landscape from end-to-end. Therefore, we believe it best to plan at least a week in Madeira to ensure an enjoyable holiday.

We squeeze just about as much sightseeing as we can into our 7 Day Madeira Itinerary, while still maintaining a pleasurable pace. 

However, we understand that not everyone plans on spending one week on Madeira Island. Some will be limited to just 2 days in Madeira, while others are planning a Madeira 2 Week Itinerary. In an effort to help travelers with more or less time, we offer alternate itineraries below.

Planning a Madeira Trip

Planning a Madeira Island Travel Itinerary requires some work. In addition to figuring out a sightseeing schedule, travelers also need to consider where to stay and what to eat. 

We have numerous Portugal and Madeira travel articles that can help make your vacation planning as easy as possible!

• 10 Day Portugal Itinerary
• Best Things To Do in Funchal
• Famous Madeira Food and Top Funchal Restaurants
• Visiting Lisbon in 3 Days
• How To Plan a Trip To Porto
• Preparing the Best European Vacation

Organize your 7 Day Itinerary Madeira Trip

When rounding up the best things to do in Madeira, keeping track of the details is essential. We recommend using our Travel Planning Printables – in order to keep your trip organized! 

BEST MADEIRA ITINERARY FOR 7 DAYS

In our One Week Itinerary Madeira we detail the best way to spend 7 days on the island. It showcases the absolute best of Madeira, Portugal for a one-week vacation.

Save, Pin or Bookmark this Madeira Travel Guide to plan your trip to Portugal!

DAY 1: FUNCHAL

Spend the first day of your Madeira Week Itinerary in the city of Funchal. After getting settled into your hotel (recommendations below), set off to explore the sights of the Old Town. In the evening, get a taste of the local flavor with a meal of typical Madeiran cuisine.

Old Town Funchal Walking Tour

Kick off your weeklong Madeira trip by getting oriented on a Guided Funchal Walking Tour . On this inexpensive 2-hour walk, learn about the history of the city and island from a local guide.

Top sights include the Municipal Gardens, the Baltazar Theater, the Funchal Mercado, and the best Old Town pedestrian lane decorated with fabulous street art.

Lunch on Day 1

Dine like a local with an inexpensive midday meal at A Tendinha. Try the soup of the day (very popular with Funchal residents) or inquire about the daily special (prato do dia).

Alternatively, pop around the corner to Rustikas, another favored lunchtime restaurant that attracts many locals. Featuring a simple daily rotating menu, they are only open from noon until 4pm, Monday through Friday.

Sightseeing in Funchal

After lunch, continue your Funchal sightseeing by exploring more of the Old Town.

Walk along the waterfront, visit the Se Cathedral, relax in Parque de Santa Catarina – or simply wander the picturesque lanes.

If time allows, visit one of the best Funchal museums – like the CR7 Cristiano Ronaldo Soccer Museum or Museu Quinta das Cruzes Estate. Alternatively, visit a historic spot like the Convento de Santa Clara or Fortaleza de Sao Joao Baptista do Pico.

Use our guide of the Best Funchal Things To Do to plan your sightseeing adventures!

Classic Madeira Dinner

End the first day of your Madeira weeklong trip with a superb meal of Espetada – the island’s most famous meaty meal. The skewered beef is grilled over coals and then served hanging from a stand. Make a reservation in advance at Infinito Wine Bar for an authentic (and affordable) Funchal dining experience.

Find more tips on where to eat in our guide to the Best Madeira Food .

Transit Tips for Day 1

Madeira Island visitors without a car will no problem getting around on Day 1. The heart of the city is very walkable and driving in Funchal is not necessary.

In fact, guests staying in Funchal Old Town will only need to arrange transport from the airport to their accommodation. We share tips on ways to travel between Funchal and the airport in the Getting To Madeira section later in the article.

DAY 2: WEST MADEIRA

Western Madeira is strikingly diverse and incredibly beautiful – and it’s where you will spend most of Day 2 of your Madeira Itinerary. We are highlighting the must-see sights along the West Madeira Route, which can all be enjoyed in a single day.

Cabo Girao: Madeira, Portugal Skywalk

Cabo Girao – a 1,900-foot-tall sea cliff – is an iconic Madeira landmark and a fantastic place to start Day 2 of your Madeira 7 Days Itinerary. The sheer rock wall is one of the highest sea cliffs in the world – and the panoramic views stretch across the ocean and along the Madeira Island shoreline.

The modern Cabo Girao Skywalk – a glass-bottomed viewing deck – offers the best vantage point. The platform extends over the cliff’s edge, allowing brave visitors an unsurpassed view…and a look down through the glass to the waves crashing on the rocks below. A small fee is required to enter the Madeira Skywalk.

Ribeira Brava

The village of Ribeira Brava is a quaint settlement along the southern shoreline of Madeira and a wonderful place to stop on the Western Madeira route. The town’s name translates to Wild River for the rush of water that flows through the deep valley after heavy rain.

The main point of interest in Ribeira Brava (besides the beautiful coastline) is the Igreja Matriz Church. Dating to the 15th century, Igreja Matriz is dedicated to Sao Bento and is lavishly decorated with 16th century paintings, Baroque embellishments and dazzling chandeliers.

Ribeira Brava is also home to the Museu Etnografico da Madeira (Madeira Ethnographic Museum), which features exhibitions on traditional island life and culture.

Paul da Serra Plateau

Paul da Serra is the largest plateau on Madeira Island – and it sits at an elevation of about 5,000 feet. The vast, flat landscape is mostly covered with brush and is vacant of trees, allowing visitors to see mountain peaks on both the north and south sides of the island on clear days.

Many top-rated Madeira hikes originate or pass through the Plateau of Paul da Serra.

An unmissable modern feature of Paul da Serra is the multitude of wind turbines that stand on the plateau. In total, renewable energy resources generate a significant amount of electricity for Madeira.

Miradouro da Eira da Achada

With mountainous terrain, Madeira boasts a massive number of viewpoints – or Miradouros in Portuguese. One of the best viewpoints along the northwestern Madeira coast, Miradouro da Eira da Achada, offers breathtaking panoramic views.

The platform, located in the village of Ribeira da Janela, extends over two levels and there are Bali style swings for photo fun ops. As a bonus, there are also free toilets!

Porto Moniz and Natural Madeira Swimming Pools

Marking the northernmost point of Madeira Island, Porto Moniz is a fascinating place to visit and a must for your 7-Day Madeira Itinerary. The town is famous for its natural swimming pools, which were created by volcanic lava rock.

The Porto Moniz lava pools, which are filled organically with ocean water, offer the most dramatic landscape for swimming on Madeira. The setting is simply surreal and a top sight to see on Madeira Island.

There are two volcanic pools in Porto Moniz – the Natural Pools (free, but without amenities) and the Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools (small fee, but with amenities – such as changing rooms, showers, a café and diving board). At either location, we recommend wearing water shoes to protect your feet.

Other points of interest in Porto Moniz are the Levada da Ribeira da Janela Walk and the Miradouro da Santinha Viewpoint.

Seixal: Black Sand Beaches and Veu da Noiva Waterfall

The coastal town of Seixal sits to the east of Porto Moniz and is best known for the stunning black sand beach. The fine black sand at Seixal Beach set against a backdrop of lush mountains makes it one of the best Madeira beaches.

In addition to Seixal Beach, which is great for swimming and occasionally surfing, there are also natural volcanic pools in Seixal.

Another top Madeira point of interest near Seixal is the Veu da Noiva Waterfall Viewpoint. The water from Bride’s Veil Waterfall tumbles through a valley and then spills in a long stream over a cliff and into the ocean. It’s one of the best waterfalls in Madeira – and the view along the old coastal road offers a magnificent angle of it.

Sao Vicente

Sao Vicente is situated in a verdant valley of vineyards, Laurissilva forest, lava caves and diverse flora and fauna. It’s a wonderful region to appreciate the abundant nature on Madeira.

The town of Sao Vicente is a pretty village best known for its characteristic Nossa Senhora de Fatima Chapel that stands out among the green hills. Other attractions in Sao Vicente are the Grutas de Sao Vicente Caves and the appealing town center, which features shops, cafes and the opulent Sao Vicente Church.

Encumeada Viewpoint and Levada Walk

The Miradouro da Encumeada Viewpoint (also called Boca da Encumeada) is an elevated vantage point in Serra d’Agua that sits 3,300 feet above sea level. On clear days, views encompass both the north and south sides of the island.

Additionally, the PR17 Pinaculo e Folhadal Levada Walk begins just below the miradouro. Levadas are a system of irrigation canals that have long been used to bring water to the drier parts of Madeira. The paths alongside the canals are now popular Madeira hiking trails – and Trail PR17 is one of the best. Visitors can take just a short walk along the Levada or complete the challenging loop (which requires the better part of a day).

Driving down from the viewpoint at Encumeada, the mountain pass extends south before rejoining Ribeira Brava, offering sensational mountain vistas along the way.

Favorite Local Food for Dinner in Funchal

After a long day of sightseeing, tuck into a local favorite: Prego Bolo do Caco. The massive sandwich is stacked with a piece of thinly sliced steak, lettuce and tomato, all of which is hugged between two warm pieces of Madeira’s signature sweet potato bread, Bolo do Caco.

Upgrade to a Prego Especial for more meat toppings and a fried egg – an absolutely exceptional combination!

Our preferred restaurant for Prego Especial is Casa do Bolo do Caco. While every snack bar in Funchal sells these hearty sandwiches, be aware that most close fairly early.

Tips for Touring Madeira West

We have outlined the best sights to see on the west side of Madeira for Day 2 of your trip – and there are a few different ways to get to them: Car, Tour, Bus.

Travelers who are confident driving around Madeira can rent a car. It allows for the most freedom and flexibility during the day.

Travelers without a car, however, can join one of the top-rated West Madeira Tours from Funchal. This is the option we took – and we had an utterly enjoyable and relaxing day. The tours are affordable (around $30) and make stops at the top sightseeing spots. Get the tour itinerary and check prices .

DAY 3: BEAUTIFUL MADEIRA GARDENS 

On Day 3 of your 7 Days in Madeira, travel to the flourishing hills just above Funchal. There you can discover two of the best attractions on Madeira Island: Monte Palace Tropical Garden and Madeira Botanical Gardens. Getting around today – riding cable cars and a traditional Madeiran basket sled – is half the fun!  

Botanic Gardens of Madeira

One of the best things about Madeira, Portugal is the array of bright flowers and colorful plants that cover the island. The Madeira Botanical Gardens provide the perfect introduction to the local flora, as well as offering a glimpse of plant species from around the world.

Paths weave around the hillside location, making it easy for visitors to explore. Not to be missed are the patchwork of plants in the ‘Choreographed Garden’, the shaded palm gardens and the blossoming exotic plants. 

Cable Car to Monte

The best way to get from the Botanic Garden to the town of Monte – which is the next stop on our Madeira Trip Itinerary – is with a ride in the sky on the Botanical Garden Cable Car.

The cable car between the Botanical Gardens and Monte extends about 1 mile and whisks passengers between the two stations in just under 10 minutes. The line hovers above a deep valley and lush forest, and provides views over Funchal City and out to sea.

Lunch in Monte with a View

Before rushing off to see the sights in Monte, savor the view while you enjoy a simple lunch at Local Shop. The modest menu features salads, sandwiches and cakes (at fair prices) – and if you’re ready for an adult beverage, they have Portuguese craft beer too!

Monte Palace Tropical Gardens

Once you are nourished, make your way to Monte Palace Gardens – the most spectacular gardens in Madeira. The extensively manicured gardens encompass 17 acres of densely covered hillside, boasting exotic trees, colorful flowers, themed areas along with displays of artwork.

Some of our favorite places are Central Lake (and the nearby pink flamingoes), the Traditional Santana House, the alley of Hydrangeas and the Oriental Gardens. Additionally, we thoroughly enjoyed the Portuguese tiles that decorate the park and the art exhibits in the Monte Palace Museum.

We highly recommend using the provided map to plot a route through the Monte Palace grounds to ensure you don’t miss a thing (like the included Madeira Wine tasting)!

Monte Exploration

Monte is a pleasant little hill village, and it’s well worth wandering around for a bit before heading back down to Funchal.

The top Monte attraction is the Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Monte church that sits atop a hill. The interior is lavishly decorated – and it is also the final resting place of Charles I, the last Emperor of Austria and King of Hungary.

If time allows, stop by two other beautiful chapels in Monte: Santa Maria Chapel and Chapel of the Immaculate Conception.

Madeira Toboggan Ride

Visitors have options to get from Monte to Funchal: Via Funchal Cable Car, Bus or Toboggan (the historic mode of transit down the hill).

Monte Toboggan Sledges, which are basically wicker chariots on wooden skis, were first used in the 1800s to quickly transport people to Funchal from Monte – and the quirky tradition is a popular Madeira tourist activity today. Each sled has two Carreiros – men dressed in white and donning straw hats – who push, pull and steer the sled down the active road.

The sled can reach up to 30 miles per hour as it skids downhill past cars and pedestrians, which can be either thrilling or terrifying (or both) for passengers!

Dinner: Espada com Banana

Once you are safely back in Funchal Old Town, set off to enjoy typical Madeiran seafood: Espada com Banana.

Espada is the Black Scabbard Fish that swims in the deep ocean surrounding Madeira. Lightly fried, the taste is mild and the fish flaky. It’s most often served as a boneless filet that is topped with local bananas. It may sound odd, but it’s utterly satisfying!

Most restaurants serve at least one version of Espada, but A Bica – which attracts both locals and tourists – is a good option for Espada com Banana.

Tips on Transit for Day 3

Day 3 is well-linked with public transit – so no car is necessary for these adventures. To start off, we recommend using the local bus or taxi to get from Funchal to the Botanic Garden.

Then hop on the cable car from the Botanic Garden to Monte, or ambitious travelers can opt to hike between the two. The trek takes about 2 hours. The other option would be to take the bus back to Funchal and transfer to a bus for Monte.

Riding the Toboggan is one of the unusual things to do in Madeira, but it’s also pricey. Plus, the ending point leaves passengers with about a 1-hour walk back to the Funchal City Center. Two alternate methods of making your way from Monte to Funchal are to take the Funchal Cable Car (a nearly 2.5-mile-long gondola ride) or the public bus.

DAY 4: EAST MADEIRA

Next up embark on one of the best Madeira day trips and discover the sights awaiting you to the east. The eastern side of Madeira features some of the island’s most staggering viewpoints. We are highlighting the top Madeira east attractions that visitors should seek out.

Machico Village

Stopping by the lazy seaside village of Machico is a great way to start your exploration of Madeira East.

The town marks the spot where Madeira discoverers João Gonçalves Zarco and Tristão Vaz Teixeira landed in 1419. A statue of Teixeira stands in the main square in front of the Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Conceicao (which is worth a peek inside, as well).

The main attraction in Machico, however, is the yellow sand beach, Praia de Machico. The soft sand (imported from Morocco) at the protected, crescent-shaped beach provides a super place to spread out a towel and perhaps even take an invigorating swim.

A boardwalk stretches along the top of the beach – and extends south to Sao Roque Beach, which is a typical rocky Madeiran beach.

The small fort, Forte de Nossa Senhora do Amparo, a lively local market and the pretty Praceta 25 de Abril tree-lined lane are all things to see while in Machico. For coffee and breakfast pastries, check out Deus do Sol across from the church.

Ponto do Rosto and Sao Lourenco Peninsula

The Sao Lourenco Peninsula marks the easternmost point of Madeira. The rocky and jagged escarpment extends like a tenacle stretching into the ocean. The towering cliffs and monoliths that stand alone in the sea are a magnificent sight to behold.

Miradouro da Ponta do Rosto is one of the best perches for a view of the rock formations. Not only does it provide a superb vantagepoint of both sides of Madeira, on clear days it offers a glimpse of Porto Santo Island to the north.

The Vereda da Ponta de Sao Lourenco trail takes walkers out along the headland to the point for yet another amazing view. The fully exposed trek is ranked as one of the best Madeira walks – and takes about 2.5 hours to complete.

Portela Viewpoint

Miradouro da Portela sits at an elevation of about 2,200 feet. The grand vista encompasses soaring mountains, deep valleys, small villages and the tranquil sea.

Penha d’Aguia – or Eagle Rock – is the most prominent formation visible from Portela. It stands alone at an astounding 1970 feet and is an important Madeira landmark.

Faial and Miradouro do Guindaste

Long a quiet, rural village, Faial is known for its rich soil that produces the tastiest fruits and vegetables on the island. It also boasts one of the best coastlines in northeastern Madeira, marked with staggering sea cliffs.

Miradouro do Guindaste is the best place to get a good look of the fabulous shoreline. Visitors can scramble up to a natural viewpoint – or step onto the glass-bottomed piers that extend over the water. To walk out on the piers is free, as are the nearby toilets.

Faial also lures travelers with a few other notable attractions – including a natural swimming pool and bathing complex, a fun go-karting track and the Fortress of Faial.

Santana and Village Houses

Santana is one of the popular places to stop during a tour of Eastern Madeira. The main draw is the recreated village of traditional homes right in the center of Santana. The characteristic dwellings – with sloped, thatched roofs, white exterior walls and bright red doors – were once popular in rural Madeira. 

Other reasons to visit Santana are the Madeira Theme Park (which combines history, culture and entertainment) and more enticing Madeira coastal viewpoints. Additionally, there are several restaurants in Santana, which are a good option for a midday meal.

Ribeiro Frio Forest Park and Hikes

Nestled within the island’s interior, Ribeiro Frio is set in the midst of a vast forest of indigenous Laurissilva trees. Located within Madeira Natural Park, it is the largest forest of its kind remaining on the island and has been listed by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage Site for its Outstanding Universal Value.

Two of the most popular hiking trails on Madeira begin in Ribeiro Frio: Vereda dos Balcoes and Levada do Furado.

The Vereda dos Balcoes Madeira Hike is a short, flat and winding trail that leads to a sensational viewpoint. The vista is surrounded by forest-covered mountain peaks that look otherworldly. The 2-mile roundtrip hike takes less than an hour and can easily be included in your East Madeira exploration.

The Levada do Furado Trail is one of the top rated Levada walks on Madeira – but requires the better part of a day to complete. The one-way 7-mile trail connects Ribeiro Frio to Portela – but when visiting Ribeiro Frio you can opt to hike an out-and-back section for the experience.

One other sight in Ribeiro Frio is the small trout farm, where they are breeding trout and re-introducing them into the island’s waterways.

Pico do Arieiro

A must-see on your Madeira Itinerary, Pico do Arieiro stands at 5,965 feet and is the third-tallest peak on the island. The view from the top is nothing short of amazing. Mountaintops can be seen in every direction, often peering out from above the clouds.

The challenging but popular hike, called the Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo Trek, begins at the viewpoint and culminates at Pico Ruivo – the tallest mountain on Madeira at 6,105 feet.

A major tourist attraction, the peak also hosts a restaurant, café, bathrooms (small fee required) and (unfortunately) a massive, bulbous military radar.

Cristo Rei Statue

Located along the southern shoreline east of Funchal, the Madeira Cristo Rei Statue is quite a sight. Standing at 49 feet overlooking the sea from the top of a cliff, the statue resembles Christ the Redeemer in Rio, Brazil and the Lisbon Cristo Rei – and it actually pre-dates both of them!

In addition to looking up at the gigantic effigy, visitors can also hop on a cable car for a ride down to Praia do Garajau beach or trek out the staircase to the viewpoint below the base of the cliff.

Funchal Dinner: Seafood Specialties and Local Libations

For dinner on the fourth night of your Madeira holiday, settle into a meal of delicious Madeiran seafood specialties at Peixaria no Mercado in Old Town Funchal.

After a delightful dinner, cap off the night with a round of potent Poncha – the local ‘Fisherman’s Drink’ made with sugarcane rum and fruit juices. The nearby Rei da Poncha is a favorite spot to sample the iconic drink of Madeira Island.

How To Tour East Madeira without Driving

Driving Madeira roads on the mountainous east side of the island can be quite taxing. Travelers who don’t want the hassle of being behind the wheel can join a guided East Madeira Tour. The best Madeira tours include all of the sights we outlined, with the exception of Cristo Rei.

The East Madeira Tour that we joined was heaps of fun! It allowed plenty of time for taking in the sights and the guide regularly provided interesting commentary and informative facts. Get the tour details and current pricing.

DAY 5: HIKE MADEIRA

For Day 5 of your 1 Week Madeira Itinerary lace up your shoes and stretch your legs on one of the best Madeira hikes! There is a wide range of treks to choose from, so pick a hike that jives with your personal fitness level and ambition.

Choose the Best Madeira Hike

There are many, many hiking trails on Madeira Island. That said, there are three very popular trails with varying degrees of difficulty that we recommend choosing from.

Each of these trailheads are located in places visited on the previous days tour of East Madeira, which might help you determine which hike you will most enjoy.

Easy Hike – Levada do Furado: Ribeiro Frio to Portela Walk

The 7-mile hike from Ribeiro Frio to Portela on the Levada do Furado trail is one of the best easy hikes on Madeira Island. The trail is mostly flat, until the end when there is a steep descent into Portela. Most of the trail is shaded, with some occasional clear views of the surrounding mountains.

This trail is best done one-way, so no car is necessary. From Funchal, take the bus to the trailhead in Ribeiro Frio, complete the walk and then hop on a bus in Portela to get back to Funchal. Alternatively, visitors can join a guided hike with provided transportation . 

Travelers who want to drive on their own can opt to complete an out-and-back hike. We recommend starting in Ribeiro Frio and doubling back before you begin the descent into Portela, making the roundtrip trek about 10 miles.

Moderate Hike – Vereda da Ponta do Sao Lourenco: Eastern Point Trek

The moderate Vereda da Ponta do Sao Lourenco hike allows trekkers to reach the true easternmost point of Madeira Island. Although the trail is only about 4.5 miles roundtrip, it is completely exposed. The stifling sun and unrelenting wind can make this trek difficult at times.

The Sao Lourenco Trail is best reached by car or guided tour with included transport . That said, a bus can be used to get from Funchal to the trailhead, but it is a long and slow ride.

Challenging Hike – Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo: Peak to Peak Madeira

Perhaps the most challenging hike on Madeira, the Pico to Pico Trail links the island’s tallest and third-tallest peaks. The hike features narrow paths, steep staircases, dark tunnels – and absolutely astounding views in every direction. It can be completed as an out-and-back trail or one-way trek.

The Peak to Peak Hike trailhead can really only be reached by car or tour. With a car, trekkers park at the Pico do Arieiro viewpoint – and then set off on an out-and-back hike. Alternatively, visitors can join a guided tour or utilize a drop off/pick up service to complete the Madeira Peak to Peak one-way hike at their own pace.

Afternoon Swim in Funchal

To cool off after your hike, head back to Funchal and take a relaxing dip in the sea. The best place to go swimming near Funchal Old Town is the Barreirinha Swimming Complex. An entry fee is required, but it includes sunbeds and an umbrella – plus a lifeguard on duty. From the platform, swimmers can dive right into the ocean for a refreshing swim!

Best Burgers on Madeira

On Day 5, take a break from typical Madeiran fare and join the global burger craze. Almost all Funchal snack bars serve hamburgers – often sandwiching the meat between the signature Bolo do Caco bread (like at Bela 5 Snack Bar).

Another favorite local burger spot is Hamburgueria do Mercado – which has two locations; one in the city center and one on a waterfront pier. The burgers are big, tasty and well-priced.

That said, our preferred spot for a gourmet burger is Hamburgueria 351 Bistro, which is located on a side street in the resort district of Funchal. You can build your own burger, but we found their recommended combinations phenomenal; plus they have a nice selection of Portuguese craft beer!

DAY 6: VALLEY OF THE NUNS, WINE TASTING & SUNSET CRUISE

Spend Day 6 of your Madeira One Week Itinerary experiencing a variety of popular activities. Take a morning trip to Valley of the Nuns – one of the Madeira must-see places. Be back in Funchal by the afternoon to learn about (and sample) some of the famous Madeira Wine. Then, join fellow travelers and set sail on a stunning sunset cruise.

Valley of the Nuns

Snuggly tucked into a deep ravine in the mountains north of Funchal, Valley of the Nuns (or Curral das Freiras) is one of the most interesting places to visit on Madeira Island. The small community was established shortly after the island was founded – and according to one story, is where nuns took refuge when pirates raided Madeira in the 1500s.  

Rather than heading straight for town, we recommend starting your visit from far above at the Miradouro Eira do Serrado, which provides an excellent vantage point of the area.

From the viewpoint, find the trailhead and embark on a steep downhill hike to Nuns Valley, marveling at the ever-changing vistas along the route. Once down, take time to visit the pretty church and walk through the small cemetery, then sample the famous chestnut products, like Creamy Chestnut Soup, Chestnut infused Queijadas or even a Chestnut Liqueur.

Getting to Valley of the Nuns

Visitors can reach Nuns Valley by car, bus or half-day organized tour . Those who want to make the hike from the viewpoint down into town should travel by bus. Just make sure to take a bus that goes to Miradouro Eira do Serrado (as some bypass the viewpoint and go straight into town). For the return trip to Funchal, pick up a bus at the stop across from Restaurante Sabores do Curral.

Madeira Wine Tasting and Tour

After an active morning, spend the afternoon learning all about the island’s wine at Blandy’s Madeira Wine Lodge.

The Blandy’s Wine Tour details the history of the sweet beverage and its influence on Madeira and the world. The guide also shares information on the production process – from growing the grapes to refining the final product.

Blandy’s Wine Lodge offers a range of different tasting options and tours, or you can skip it and just go straight to the bar or their onsite Madeira wine store.

Sunset Cruise Madeira

As the sun starts to head toward the horizon, hop aboard a catamaran for a breathtaking sunset cruise.

The journey typically begins by sailing along the coastline to the east, where dolphins are often spotted. Then, the boat sails west toward the imposing sheer cliff wall of Cabo Girao. At the base of the cliff, passengers can jump from the boat into the sea for a swim. On the way back to Funchal, passengers get to watch a glorious sunset while out on the sea.

The sunset cruise we took was a highlight of our trip – and we think it’s a must for your Madeira 7-Day Itinerary!

Dinner: Rua de Santa Maria

End your sixth day in Madeira on Rua de Santa Maria. Lined with restaurants and bars – and decorated with street art – Rua de Santa Maria is incredibly atmospheric at night. Dine at Restaurante Taberna Ruel and order a traditional Madeira dish that you have yet to try.

Alternatively, enjoy fine dining at the nearby Restaurante do Forte, where they offer both a set menu and a la carte choices. You can even purchase special themed dinner packages that include pick-up in a vintage car!

DAY 7: FISHING VILLAGE, COASTAL WALK AND BEACHES

Complete your Madeira 7 Day Itinerary by spending a leisurely day enjoying the coastline near Funchal. Visit a colorful fishing village, walk along a shoreline path and go for a swim in the sea.

Camara de Lobos Fishing Village

A charming coastal village, Camara de Lobos is a fun place to visit on your Madeira trip. Brightly painted boats bob in the harbor and there are a handful of waterfront cafes and restaurants to take in the scene.

The town also has a few attractions, like the pretty Nossa Senhora da Conceicao Chapel, a Winston Churchill statue and a Printing Press Museum. However, we think the real reason to go to Camara de Lobos is for the gorgeous views.

From the elevated Jardim do Ilheu Park, visitors have a grand view of Cabo Girao and the coastline. It’s also an excellent spot for a picnic!

Madeira Coastal Walk

As we’re sure you’ve figured out by now, one of the best things about Madeira Island is the coast! One of the fun ways to enjoy that shoreline is on the pedestrian path that connects Funchal to Camara de Lobos. The route passes by interesting rock formations, black sand beaches and a few cafes along the way.

The 325-foot-long Tunel das Pocas do Gomes, which is located on the south end of Formosa Beach, is a highlight of the trek. The deep, dark and wet tunnel features a cove that opens directly to the sea.

Madeira Beaches in Funchal

Although Madeira is a tropical holiday destination, actual beaches are few and far between. Most of the shoreline is craggy – and the few beaches in Madeira consist of black, volcanic rocks (which tend to be uncomfortable for both sunbathing and getting in and out of the sea).

That said, these beaches are unique – and a must-see during your stay. The Black Rock Praia Formosa Beach is the most popular beach near Funchal – and it is right on the coastal walkway. However, we preferred the Doca do Cavacas Natural Pools on the southeastern end of Formosa Beach.

A fee is required to enter the Natural Pools at Doca do Cavacas, but they have sun loungers, umbrellas, and naturally protected pools for swimming. We can’t think of a better way to wind down your trip to Madeira than with an ocean swim at the Funchal Natural Pools!

Dinner on Day 7

For dinner on your last night in Madeira, enjoy a typical Portuguese style meal of petiscos, which are small plates for sharing, like tapas. The casual meal is fun – and diners can linger while reminiscing about their week on Madeira Island.

Our top pick for a petiscos meal is Tas’ca Principal, which features a garden-like atmosphere in the heart of Funchal. If there is no space at Tas’ca Principal, try Taberna Madeira, which also features petiscos plates.

Alternatively, those who want to celebrate the last day of their One Week Madeira Vacation with an upscale affair should make reservations at Casal da Penha, Armazem do Sal or Chalet Vicente.

Tips for Getting around on Day 7

We think the best way to plan Day 7 is with public transit. Take a morning bus to Camara de Lobos and tour the town on foot, then embark on a walk along the coastal path back toward Funchal. Stop at either Praia Formosa or Doca do Cavacas Natural Pools for an afternoon swim. Then complete the coastal walk back to Funchal or catch a bus from the Rua Ponta da Cruz D1A stop.

That said, visitors can also take the Funchal Hop On Hop Off Bus to Camara de Lobos – or join a Private Tuktuk Taxi Tour . 

Madeira Map

Use this link to Google for a detailed map of Madeira marked with all the sights on our One Week Itinerary.

More Suggested Madeira Itineraries

We covered what to do in Madeira, Portugal for one week, but we know that some may still be determining how many days to spend on the island. To help make your trip planning as easy as possible, we are sharing a few alternate itineraries for Madeira that cover different timeframes.

Madeira Itinerary 3 Days

With careful planning, travelers with 3 days in Madeira can see and do quite a bit! Our recommended way to plan a 3 Day Madeira Itinerary is to spend the first day enjoying Funchal (Old Town Walk, Wine Tour, Sunset Cruise). On the second day, tour either the East or West side of the island. Then on the third day, go for a hike in the morning and a swim in the afternoon.

Madeira Itinerary 4 Days

Creating a Madeira 4 Day Itinerary allows visitors to see most of the important sights. We believe the best plan for a 4 Days in Madeira Itinerary is to follow our above advice for 3 days. Then on the last day, take whichever tour you didn’t take on Day 2 (East or West).

Madeira Itinerary 5 Days

An ideal 5 Day Itinerary Madeira builds on what to see in 4 days (directly above). Then, on the last day choose to go to either Camara de Lobos or Valley of the Nuns in the morning and spend the afternoon swimming in the ocean.

Another way to plan a Madeira 5 Day Itinerary is to spend the last day exploring more of Funchal at a leisurely pace. Visit museums, have a picnic lunch in a park and shop in the Old Town for souvenirs.

Madeira Itinerary 10 Days

Those spending 10 days in Madeira will be able to cover a lot more ground (literally) by adding in another hike and a day trip to a neighboring island. To create the best Madeira 10 Day Itinerary, start by using our One Week in Madeira Itinerary outline.

On Day 8 take a full day trip to a nearby island, either Porto Santo or the Desertas Islands. Porto Santo is best known for its long stretch of sandy beach; it can be reached via the ferry or by taking a short flight. The Desertas Islands are a natural wonderland of native wildlife and crystal-clear waters – and can be visited on a full-day, organized cruise .

On Day 9, set off on another spectacular Madeira Hike. We highlighted our top 3 picks for hiking on Madeira, but there are so many trails – and those without a car can join one of these guided hikes .

On the last day of the trip, see more sights around Funchal – like the hilltop Sao Joao Baptista Fort and the Santa Clara Convent. End the day simply wandering the picturesque lanes of the Old Town and taking in the pretty views from Funchal miradouros.

Madeira Itinerary 14 Days

A 2-Week Madeira Vacation is a fabulous way to really get acquainted with the island – and there are numerous ways to plan your time.

Start with our tips above for what to do in Madeira for 10 days, then on Day 11, take either the day trip to Porto Santo or the Desertas Islands (whichever you didn’t take on Day 8).

On Day 12, spend a full day at the pool or beach – and enjoy a truly relaxing day. Then, wake up early on Day 13 to catch the sunrise. Either find a spot near your hotel that you can reach on foot – or head up to Pico do Arieiro on a sensational Sunrise with Breakfast . 

On the last day, see any of the sights you missed – like visiting Cristo Rei – or revisit your favorite places in Funchal or anywhere else on the island.

Lisbon, Porto, Madeira Itinerary 2 Weeks

Creating a 2-Week Mainland Portugal and Madeira Itinerary is a superb way to spend a vacation! We recommend spending 3 Days in Lisbon seeing the top sights, then traveling to Porto for 4 days . Finally, end your trip with a full week on Madeira Island!

Azores and Madeira Vacation

Those who want to experience both of Portugal’s tropical islands in the Atlantic can plan a vacation that includes Visiting the Azores . The two archipelagos are connected with flights (but not ferries).

If looking to create a Lisbon, Porto, Azores, Madeira Itinerary, we recommend spending one week on the mainland and one week between the two islands.

Madeira Travel Tips

Now that you know how to plan your Madeira 1 Week Itinerary, we have a few final travel tips to make your vacation a breeze.

Best Time to Go to Madeira Island

In our opinion, there is not a bad time to take a vacation to Madeira, Portugal. The weather is typically mild, but there are pros and cons to visiting in every season.

Summer is often touted as the best time to visit Madeira. It is usually very warm by the sea but a bit cool in the mountains. However, Madeira is crowded with a lot of other tourists during summertime.

We visited Madeira in the autumn, in hopes of enjoying the tropical yet mild weather…but the plan backfired. An extended heatwave delivered consecutive days of temperatures topping out at 90F/33C, making it utterly uncomfortable. That said, when we toured sights in Funchal and hiked trails in the mountains, often we were the sole visitors.

Winter – with the exception of the holidays – is the off-season on Madeira Island. The weather is typically nice on the coast, but it can (very rarely) snow in the mountains. Madeira does hosts an amazing festive celebration, which lasts from the beginning of December through the first week of January – making it an unexpected place to spend Christmas in Europe . Furthermore, the New Year’s Eve Madeira Fireworks Show is said to be epic!

Spring may be an ideal time to visit Madeira – as the weather is just warming up, but it’s not quite yet tourist season (meaning, you can find deals on hotels and enjoy most sights without crowds). 

Air Conditioning on Madeira

It’s important to note that while the temperatures in Madeira are warm – and often hot – there is a noticeable lack of air con. In our experience, very few restaurants, bars, museums, shops, taxis or buses had air conditioning – and those that did used it very sparingly (no matter how hot it got).

Furthermore, not all hotels, hostels and holiday rentals in Madeira offer rooms with A/C. We made a big mistake of renting an apartment in Funchal without air con – and it negatively impacted our stay.

Portuguese Food and Madeira Restaurants

Throughout our 1 Week in Madeira Itinerary, we highlighted some of the best restaurants for traditional and popular food. Use our guide for the Best Madeira Food  to plan what and where to eat during your trip. 

Additionally, consider joining a Madeira Foodie Tour to get a better introduction to the local cuisine.

When planning where to dine, we strongly recommend reviewing restaurant hours. Many are closed on Sundays, some are only open for lunch and others close early. If possible, make reservations if there is a particular place you are set on dining at.

How To Get To Madeira, Portugal

Well, the best way to get to Madeira Island is by plane! However, many arrive by cruise ship and some on the ferry from Porto Santo.

Airports in Madeira Island

The Funchal Airport Madeira (FNC), also called Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport, is the only one on the island. It is served by many major European airlines, numerous low-cost carriers and several vacation package companies. Direct flights are available year-round from Portugal (both Lisbon and Porto), as well as other top European destinations.

Additionally, SATA Azores Airlines offers limited direct flights from New York to Funchal and from Ponta Delgada in the Azores.

The island of Porto Santo – just north of Madeira – also has an airport. Travelers who arrive at the Porto Santo Airport can continue to Madeira by flight or ferry.

It should also be noted that the Funchal Airport in Madeira is notorious for its wild landings. Swift winds can be a challenge for landing – so flights are sometimes diverted to Porto Santo.

When looking for the best route and price for your flight to Madeira, we recommend starting your search on Skyscanner to easily compare options. Before you get started, however, be sure to read our Top Tips for Finding Cheap Flights . 

Getting from Funchal Airport to Funchal City Center

The Funchal, Madeira Airport is located 8 miles east of the city. Visitors can get from the airport to Funchal by taxi, pre-booked transport or bus.

The Aerobus Madeira Airport Bus offers an inexpensive way to get into the city center (and the tickets are even cheaper if you buy the roundtrip). The bus from Madeira Airport to Funchal takes about 30 minutes to the center and an additional 20 minutes to reach the western end of the city.

Madeira: Getting Around

We have talked a lot about getting around Madeira, but we have some honest advice about rental cars and buses. Additionally, keep in mind that tours might be the best option. There are numerous highly-rated tours available to book in advance on Viator .

Car Rental Madeira, Portugal

Travelers who decide to rent a car on Madeira Island have a few options of where to pick up the vehicle.

There is, of course, car rentals at Madeira Airport, but first consider if you will need one for the entire trip or just on certain days. Also, check with your accommodation to find out if parking is available and if there is an extra fee.

Travelers who opt to only rent a car on certain days can find a car rental in Funchal Center.

The roads in Madeira can be a bit confusing, utilize many roundabouts and have tons of tunnels. It’s a good idea to purchase a Madeira road map – like this one – to get orientated before you arrive. Finally, automatic transmission is not a standard option on many Madeira rental cars.

If you’re considering getting a vehicle, read our Top Tips for Rental Cars  to find the best rates!

Traveling Around Madeira By Bus

Public buses are a good option for getting around Madeira without a car. The Madeira bus routes are extensive…but sometimes confusing.

First, there is not a formal Funchal bus station. Many bus routes originate along the waterfront, either on Avenida do Mar or near the Teleferico Funchal-Monte Cable Car Station.

Second, there is not a single Madeira bus company, but rather three bus companies that service Funchal and the island: Horarios do Funchal, SAM and Rodeste. In addition to the 3 public bus companies, there is also Hop On Hop Off Bus companies that you may find useful.

Third, each company has its own pricing and payment options; there is no universal ticket. That said, fares for all rides can be paid in cash to the driver on the bus.

Finally, the last quirk with using buses in Madeira is that there is not one resource for timetables. Google Maps – which is what we typically use for a first look at bus route options – does not list routes for SAM or Rodoeste, only Horarios. Therefore, you’ll need to check those individually.

The Funchal Tourist Information Office does not have the best reputation for helping visitors understand the buses, so we are providing a basic Madeira By Bus Guide with a quick rundown and links to each company’s website.

Horarios do Funchal

The bus routes by Horarios do Funchal are the most useful for tourists. The routes run through Funchal City Center and to nearby sights, like Valley of the Nuns, Botanical Gardens and Monte.

Note that there is a money-saving Giro Card that can be used on Horarios do Funchal buses in central Funchal (lines 1, 21 and 31 below). The card costs 50c and pre-paid tickets are added to it for reduced cost (and hassle). For lines 56, 81 or others that travel outside Funchal, buy tickets with cash from the driver. Learn more on the Horarios do Funchal Website .

• Bus 21 – Funchal to Monte Palace Gardens
• Bus 31 – Funchal to Botanic Gardens
• Bus 81 – Funchal to Valley of the Nuns (and Miradouro Eira do Serrado)
• Bus 56 – Funchal to Santana via Ribeiro Frio
• Bus 1 – Funchal to Camara de Lobos (short walk required into town)

SAM Bus Company

SAM runs most of the routes on the eastern side of Madeira – such as Ponta de Sao Lourenco and Portela. Additionally, SAM runs the Funchal Airport Bus. For current information, visit the SAM Website .

• Bus 113 – Funchal to Baia D’Abra (Ponta de Sao Lourenco)
• Bus 20, 53 and 78 – Funchal to Portela
• Aerobus – Funchal to Funchal Airport

Rodoeste Buses

Rodoeste Buses run routes to the west side of Madeira, including places like Porto Moniz and Ribeira Brava. Check the Rodoeste Website for more info.

• Bus 80 – Funchal to Porto Moniz
• Bus 7 – Funchal to Ribeira Brava

Hop On Hop Off Madeira Tourist Bus

In Funchal, some might find it easiest to get around using the Hop On Hop Off Tourist Bus. The bus offers routes that cover sights in Funchal Center, as well as to the west (including Camara de Lobos and Cabo Girao). Tickets can be purchased for 2 to 5 days and can be bought in advance .

Where To Stay in Madeira

Madeira Island is a major tourist destination – and a wide range of accommodations are offered in nearly every town and village. For our 1-Week Madeira Itinerary, however, we think it is best to stay in Funchal.

There are two top-rated areas in Funchal with a high concentration of hotels: the touristic resort area to the west of the city center and in the centrally located Funchal Old Town. Personally, we think staying in Old Town Funchal is the best place for a week-long Madeira trip.

Best Madeira Hotels in Old Town Funchal

Visitors have plenty of choices when it comes to Madeira hotels in the heart of the capital city – and we are highlighting just a few top picks. Travelers looking for great deals on a hotel might pick up some tips in our Guide to Finding the Best Hotel Rooms .

Barcelo Madeira Hotel

Chic and stylish, Barcelo Hotel is ideally located in the Funchal Old Town. Top amenities include air-conditioned rooms, a fun rooftop pool and bar and a highly rated included breakfast. Check rates and availability for your trip!

Hotel Orquidea

Offering rooms in a great location at an affordable price, Hotel Orquidea is, perhaps, one of the best hotels in Madeira for budget-conscious travelers. While there is not a pool, the rooms are air-conditioned, guests are free to use the rooftop terrace and breakfast is included in the price. Check prices and availability!

29 Madeira Hostel

Ideal for budget travelers, 29 Madeira Hostel offers private rooms and dorm bunks at inexpensive rates. Additionally, guests have access to a community kitchen and outdoor garden. The downside is that there is no air con at the hostel – but they do provide fans. Check availability!

Airbnb Madeira, Portugal

Many travelers spending a week in Madeira prefer to stay in vacation rental, as apartments offer a kitchen and more space than most hotel rooms. There are numerous apartments in Madeira that are available as weekly rentals.

We have long used Airbnb as our go-to resource for finding holiday apartments, but Booking is a solid option, too.

What To Pack for a Trip to Madeira for One Week

Our final tips are about what to pack for your trip! You can find all of our advice – from Packing Lists to Packing Hacks on our dedicated Travel Packing Tips page. Need a Packing Checklist? Get your FREE Checklist now ! 

Durable Shoes

Between the cobblestone streets and steep hills, it is best to pack a pair of shoes that have a slip-resistant sole. For city walking, my favorite flip flops were just fine during our trip. However, good walking shoes are a necessity for the hiking trails!

Use our reviews for the Best Travel Shoes to help you decide which to pack for your vacation.

Sun Protection and Insect Repellent

Whoa – the sun in Madeira is strong! We saw way too many sunburnt tourists, but thankfully we never joined the ranks because we carried plenty of high SPF sunscreen . It’s also a good idea to pack a hat that will help shade your face.

On the flip side, it can by rainy in the mountains year-round – so packing a lightweight rain jacket is a good idea, as well.

Good insect repellent is a must, too – especially if you are a mosquito magnet, like I am.

Travel Camera

There is no two ways about it: Madeira is simply gorgeous. From the coast to the mountains and from the natural landscapes to the impressive churches, the island is beautiful at every turn. To capture the true beauty of Madeira, we recommend upgrading to a real camera for your photos.

We use a Canon Rebel with a 18-135mm lens . The camera takes quality photos, is easy to use and comes with an affordable price tag; it tops our list of Best Cameras for Budget Travelers . 

In our 7 Days in Madeira Itinerary, we feature longs days of sightseeing. With full day adventures planned, it is best to be prepared for whatever comes you way – making a day pack essential.

We use small backpacks where we can stow everything we need. My day bag can fit my camera, lightweight jacket, refillable water bottle , sunscreen, bug spray – and all the other little things I need throughout the day.

Not sure what day pack to bring? Use our Guide To The Best Day Bag for Traveling .

European Trip Insurance

No matter how perfectly you plan your vacation, things can go awry. From canceled flights to lost luggage to getting injured or sick while abroad , there are endless ways that your trip can get upended. If you don’t already have insurance, check the affordable rates and robust coverage at World Nomads .

More Portugal Travel Tips and Info

• Free Things To Do in Lisbon
• Best Lisbon Viewpoints and Must-See Churches in Lisbon
• How To Take a Day Trip from Lisbon to Sintra
• Spend a Day in Belem from Lisbon
• DIY Walking Tour of Porto
• Best Porto Food and Bars for Porto Craft Beer

Start planning your trip to Portugal ! Search for the lowest airfares , the best accommodations and fun things to do …then start packing !   Want more travel advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page !

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10 Day Madeira Itinerary and Complete Guide

Admire numerous striking viewpoints, hike through beautiful dense forest next to levadas, explore quaint towns and villages, see endless cascading waterfalls and so much more. these are just some of the amazing things to do on your madeira itinerary, read on for more.

Madeira; the Hawaii of Europe is known for breathtaking diverse landscapes and is a  haven of natural beauty!

The ocean’s crystal clear water lapping at black sand beaches at the feet of steep-sloping cliffs, craggy mountain peaks nestled above a sea of clouds, narrow rugged coastline, waterfalls at every turn and lush dense forest with sweeping valley views.

The vast array of landscapes and Madeira’s year-round temperate climate, with winter temperatures hovering around 20 ° C make this small island an incredible outdoor playground. 

Hike along rainforest trails next to levadas where water is ever-present and waterfalls appear out of the rocks, stay in traditional Santana houses in the mountains, visit so many wonderful viewpoints you lose count and see the sunrise above a sea of clouds.

These are just some of the many  amazing things to do in Madeira  and we’ll cover a lot more in this guide. Before we dive into the 10-day Madeira itinerary, however, let’s cover a very common question. 

Read: 17 Amazing Things to do in Madeira

Where exactly is madeira and how big is it.

Madeira is an archipelago located around 700 kilometres from Africa, 450 kilometres from the Canary Islands and 900 kilometres from mainland Portugal.

The archipelago is made up of 2 inhabited islands; Madiera and Porto Santo and 2 uninhabited islands; Desertas and Selvagens Islands.

Madeira is one of the two autonomous regions of Portugal, the other being the Azores. It’s of volcanic origin which has led to its dramatic and diverse landscapes from its high peaks and dramatic cliffs to deep valleys and black sand beaches. 

The compact island is 57 kilometres long and 22 kilometres wide; making it a perfect island to visit if you’re short on time and want to cover many activities and areas. Funchal is its beautiful and quaint capital city.

In this Madeira itinerary, we’re only going to cover the main island of Madeira as this is where we spent our 10 days. If you want to explore the other islands and spend some time on the white-sand beaches of Porto Santo, we’d recommend staying longer.

As well as sharing with you what we did daily, we’ll also tell you where we stayed, if we’d recommend it and why. At the end of this guide, there’s also a section for everything you need to know before visiting Madeira so make sure to check that out.

No time to read this 10-day Madeira itinerary now? No worries, save it for later! 

10 Day Madeira Itinerary

Day 1 - hike vereda da ponta de são lourenço.

It’s time to kick off your itinerary with one of the best hikes in Madeira; Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço .

Rugged coastline, steep-sloping volcanic cliffs plunging into the ocean, intriguing rock formations and panoramic viewpoints out across the Atlantic make this hike a fantastic introduction to your Madeira itinerary.

This trail takes you to the easternmost point of Madeira that you can access on foot and the landscapes are spectacular the entire way!

Book a Ponta de São Lourenço Guided Hike

The hike is a fairly easy 7-kilometre out-and-back trail with toilets and a bar/cafe close to Miradouro Ponta do Furado; the easternmost point of Madeira that you can access on land. It should take around 3 hours with a few stops.

Due to its ease and proximity to Funchal, Vereda  da Ponta de São Lourenço is one of the most popular hikes in Madeira so we’d recommend arriving early and either staying in Canical or Machico.

We stayed in Machico in Dom Pedro Madeira as it was a 5-minute drive from the airport after we landed. This good-value 4* hotel was a fairly basic, clean and comfy base for 1 night and that’s what we’d recommend it for.

From here, it’s a 30-minute drive to Santana; a beautiful village on the north coast known for its traditional colourful houses. We’d recommend staying here for the next 2 nights on your Madeira itinerary as they’re a really unique experience and a great base.

Our Top Tip:  as you drive through Santana to reach the traditional houses in the mountains, you’ll pass the supermarket Continente Modelo Santana; stock up here as the houses are self-catering.

Stay in a traditional Santana House

Read: staying in a traditional santana house: everything to know, day 2 - hike caldeirão verde and caldeirão do inferno.

Today is your first big hike and an  absolute highlight of our Madeira itinerary! Caldeirão do Inferno is a little further on once you reach Caldeirão Verde so it makes sense to hike them at the same time.

This trail winds its way through Queimadas Forestry Park; an enchanting, mossy, dense rainforest that looks like it’s been plucked from the pages of a fairytale.

This forest is a dedicated UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered one of the best remaining examples of the Atlantic Laurel Forest due to its intact nature.

The trail follows a levada deep into the forest through narrow tunnels, passing sweeping views over São Jorge’s village and the neighbouring mountains, endless waterfalls and steep towering cliffs.

After 6 kilometres, you’ll reach one of the  best waterfalls in Madeira! A 100-metre stream of waterfall plummeting into a circular lagoon below which, as you stand below it, makes you feel incredibly small!

The area is absolutely stunning! The waterfall towers above and the steep mossy green walls around you resemble a massive cauldron; hence the name.

Head back to the turn-off for Caldeirão Verde and continue along the trail for another 2.5 kilometres.

Pass through more narrow tunnels, even more waterfalls and sweeping valley views and up steep staircases until you’ll reach another impressive cauldron-esque spectacle; Caldeirão do Inferno.

Usually, there’s another waterfall thundering through the canyon into a pool below, however, on this occasion, it was dried up. The surroundings were still spectacular with the huge cauldron-like walls looming above you.

Book a Caldeirão Verde Guided Hike

Hiking both  Caldeirão Verde and  Caldeirão do Inferno will take around 5-6 hours depending on how long you spend at each location soaking up the magnificent views. 

In total it’s 17 kilometres and the only real incline are the staircases before  Caldeirão do Inferno.

After you’ve finished the hike, head back to your traditional Santana house for a relaxing evening.

Day 3 - Drive the North Coast

Madeira has some magical sunrises and while you’re staying in the mountains, you should make the most of it and get up just before the sun as you might be above the clouds.

Sit in the upstairs of your traditional Santana house with your morning coffee as you watch the sky light up its many wonderful hues of yellows, reds and oranges and feel a world away from anywhere.

It’s now time for you to leave Santana and give your legs a rest as you drive along the spectacular north coast where you’ll tick off some of the  best viewpoints in Madeira .

Read: 9 Best Viewpoints in Madeira: Complete Guide

In your Madeira itinerary, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to whip out your camera and photograph some of Europe’s most awe-inspiring scenery; and today will be a full day of doing that!

Madeira’s north coast is characterised by steep-sloping cliffs plunging into the ocean, a lush green interior met by black volcanic sand beaches, villages nestled into the side of mountains and valleys and rock pools with fascinating rock formations.

Madeira is the  Hawaii of Europe!

Tonight will be spent in Porto Moniz ; an hour from Santana, however, spend most of the day doing the drive and stopping off at all of the best viewpoints.

We’ve outlined below which viewpoints we stopped at on our Madeira itinerary and in what order and we’d recommend stopping at all of them.

• Miradouro do Guindaste 
• Miradouro do Curtado
• Miradouro de Cabanas
• Miradouro da Santinha
• Miradouro de São Cristovão
• Veu de Noiva
• Ribiera da Janela

For lunch, the quaint town of São Vicente, just before you reach Veu da Noiva, is the ideal spot.

The eateries on the seafront are mainly for the tourists but if you head into the Town Centre, you’ll find pretty cobbled streets and a selection of cafes with local options on the menu.

This was our first taste of bolo do caco; the traditional Madeiran bread which is absolutely delicious and a staple in our diet every day from then!

After Ribiera da Janela, head on to Porto Moniz. You can stop at Seixal if you have time but you’ll have plenty of time tomorrow to explore this area.

In Porto Moniz, we’d recommend staying at Hotel Aqua Natura Madeira . We treated ourselves to a little bit of luxury after our basic couple of nights in Santana and it did not disappoint.

The rooms were lovely, light and spacious and 2 of the best restaurants in Porto Moniz are found here; with particularly good seafood at Sea View restaurant.

There’s also a terrace overlooking the natural pools and the ocean which is perfect for sunset.

Sea View Restaurant also has some of the  best seafood we’ve ever had! So fresh and delicious!

If you arrive with some time before dinner, head down to the natural pools which the hotel overlooks. You get free access and by the time you arrive, the day trippers should have left so they’ll be a lot quieter.

Stay in Hotel Aqua Natura Madeira

Day 4 - fanal pond, seixal and porto moniz.

One of the best things we did on our Madeira itinerary was book the spa at Hotel Aqua Natural Madeira for 7am on our first morning in Porto Moniz.

At this hotel, you book half-hour timeslots in the spa so you can have it all to yourselves, which is perfect as it’s not very big. A hot tub, a sauna and a terrace overlooking the ocean, and natural pools.

If you book a 7am timeslot you’ll be able to catch the sunrise as well which was a beautiful experience and the best way to start our day. 

After a quick breakfast, make your way to Fanal Pond as early as possible.

This enchanting forest looks like it’s been plucked from the pages of a fairytale with a mysterious fog draped around the twisted branches of 600-year-old Ocotea Foetens trees giving it an incredible and eerie atmosphere.

There are several walking trails that start from here, or you can come for a wander with your camera which is what we did.

Our Top Tip: the fog is more impressive the earlier you get here and by 10:30am it’s usually disappeared. However, it’s still beautiful and worth a visit without the fog.

After you’ve taken enough photos of this mystical forest, head to Seixal via a couple of photo-worthy stops.

The first stop is Miradouro da Eira da Achada where you’ll find a couple of swings and an incredible view across the north coast of Madeira.

Your second stop is Praia da Ribeira da Janela; a small pebbly beach with some impressive and intriguing rock formations protruding from the sea.

Then you’ll head on to Seixal; a gorgeous volcanic soft black sand beach with an impressive mountain backdrop and steep-sloping cliffs plunging into the ocean below.

Read: 15 Best Things to do in Gran Canaria and Ultimate Guide

The verdant cliffs tower above the ocean and the highway wraps its way around the coast. Also, if you look closely you might be able to see some waterfalls flowing through the ridges of the cliffs.

A  truly unique feature of Seixal Beach is the waterfall on the far side. A natural shower; perfect for getting the salt water off after a dip in the ocean!

To end your day, head back to Porto Moniz for a swim in the natural pools.

These pools were formed over thousands of years, through the cooling of volcanic lava and they naturally fill with seawater;  swimming pools don’t get much better than this!

Day 5 - Hike Levada das 25 Fontes and Levada do Risco

Next on your Madeira itinerary is one of the  most popular hikes in Madeira so get up and on the road early!

Levada das 25 Fontes and Levada do Risco can easily be hiked at the same time and are two of the  most iconic levada trails in Madeira!

Twisted branches arch over the trail as you walk underneath, waterfalls appear out of the sides of the path and sweeping views across the valley all make you feel like you’ve stepped into the pages of a fairytale.

Both trails start from the same car park for a few kilometres and when the road forks, Risco Waterfall is 800 metres to the right and 25 Fontes Waterfall is 2 kilometres to the left.

Risco Waterfall, you’ll spot a while before you reach the viewpoint as it’s huge! Although the water wasn’t much more than a trickle when we visited, it’s 100 metres tall and seriously impressive. 

After a big downpour, you’ll easily see multiple water streams pouring down the mountainside and the waterfall will be incredibly powerful.

Unsurprisingly, and as the name suggests, 25 Fontes Waterfall is made up of many waterfalls. Streams of water flow down walls into a natural pool below which, if the waterfall isn’t too powerful, is lovely and refreshing for a dip!

Book a Levada das 25 Fontes Guided Hike

Our Top Tip: get to the car park no later than 8am. We arrived at about 11am which was a huge mistake! We had to park along the side of the road as the car park was full and there were so many people!

Tour groups were also arriving in the masses and as the first couple of kilometres are along a road, people were able to cut off a total of 4 kilometres meaning some who wouldn’t ordinarily have done the hike, were doing so.

After you’ve finished the hike, it’s finally time for some well-deserved rest and relaxation on your Madeira itinerary. Check in to Calheta Beach Hotel and for the best experience, make sure you  take advantage of the all-inclusive!

Stay in Calheta Beach Hotel

Day 6 - miradouro da bica da cana and calheta.

Although it’s time for some rest and relaxation, we’d recommend an early alarm to drive up to Bica da Cana Viewpoint for sunrise.

We’d seen some  absolutely breathtaking photos of this viewpoint and it was one of the things we were most looking forward to on our Madeira itinerary!

The drive from Calheta is approximately 30 minutes and there’s a short, 10-minute trail through the trees to the lookout.

Unfortunately for us, the clouds weren’t playing ball on the morning we went and we could barely see 5 metres in front of us!

Please don’t let our experience of this viewpoint put you off. If you’re lucky enough to catch it on a good day, the view is  out of this world!

You’ll be standing above a sea of clouds floating beneath you and jagged mountain peaks surrounding you. On a good day, you’ll be able to see Pico Ruivo and Pico do Arieiro protruding through the clouds which creates an incredible and mystical atmosphere!

After you’ve  hopefully experienced a dreamy and magical sunrise, head back to Calheta Beach Hotel for a day of relaxing by the pool and beach.

Read: Pico do Arieiro: Ultimate Guide and Everything You Need to Know

There’s a lot to keep you entertained throughout the day including an indoor and outdoor pool, a gym, board games, a spa, excursions, restaurants and bars.

Our Top Tip: make sure to book a meal in Onza Azul. If you’re on the all-inclusive, you can eat 2 meals here per week. You’ll be treated to the delicious richness of Madeira cuisine with inspirations taken from around the world.

Day 7 - Drive the South Coast

Time for what may feel like your first lie in on your Madeira Itinerary!

Today, you’re going to make your way along the south coast of Madeira to Funchal , which, if driven in one go is only half an hour but there are a few must-see stops along the way.

After a leisurely breakfast, jump in the car and your first stop is one of the  most unique things on your Madeira itinerary; Cascata dos Anjos.

Cascata dos Anjos is a magnificent waterfall located just outside Ponta do Sol that falls down a sheer rock face and hits the middle of the road. Great if your car needs a clean!

It’s fed by a levada; one of Madeira’s numerous irrigation channels that transport water around the island for agriculture.

The road gets quite narrow around the waterfall but if it’s not too busy there’s a small space you can pull up, get out and watch cars drive through it.

After you’ve given your car a good clean, it’s 10 minutes on to your next stop; Ponta do Sol.

Ponta do Sol is incredibly photogenic with colourful buildings, vibrant red roofs and has an amazing view from the pier across the village nestled into the bottom of a valley.

The cobbly streets of the Old Centre are lined with quaint cafes, the pebbly beach is perfect for swimming as it’s sheltered from the wind and the viewpoint across the town is a must-see.

Next up is the  most secretive location on your Madeira itinerary!

Calhau da Lapa is one of  Madeira’s best hidden gems and is truly special. If you want to escape the crowds and don’t mind a bit of effort to reach, this is your place and we’d definitely recommend visiting. 

Here, you’ll find some of the clearest water in Madeira and it’s incredibly pleasant for a swim.

Read: Calhau da Lapa: Complete Guide to Madeira’s Hidden Gem

You’ll also see impressive fishermen’s houses built into volcanic cliffs that you can even stay in!

Stay in a Fisherman’s House 

The reason Calhau da Lapa is still off the beaten path is because of the effort to reach it. It’s quite difficult to get to without a car and you have to walk down approximately 700 steps which, at points, are extremely steep, slippy and uneven.

If you don’t mind the effort to reach it, do it.  We had the place completely to ourselves;   it was an absolute paradise!

Your last stop before Funchal, the final stop on your Madeira itinerary is  one of the best viewpoints in Madeira; Cabo Girao.

Located at an elevation of 580 metres, Cabo Girao is the highest cape in Europe and offers striking views over the ocean and municipalities of  Câmara de Lobos and Funchal.

In 2012, the viewpoint was renovated and a transparent glass skywalk was suspended in the air, making it the  highest cliff skywalk in Europe!

Our Top Tip:  due to its proximity to Funchal, Cabo Girao can get extremely busy so we advise visiting outside of peak hours if you have your own transport.

Alternatively, after visiting the viewpoint, continue up the road for a couple of minutes where, at one of the bends, you’ll have the same view with no crowds (just make sure it’s safe to pull over).

It’s now time to make your way to Funchal; only a 15-minute drive. It might be the final stop on your Madeira itinerary but you’ve got some really exciting plans for the next couple of days.

Our Top Tip: parking can be quite tricky in Funchal as it’s rare for accommodation to have parking and the car parks close overnight and don’t open until about 7am the following morning. You’ll be up a lot earlier than that tomorrow!

We parked in one of the car parks and moved the car at about 9pm, before the car park closed and onto some street parking that became available as it got later.

We stayed in Esmeralda Holiday Apartments which have a great location a 5-minute walk from the Old Town and are a very good price.

The apartment itself was lovely, clean and modern but we were quite unfortunate as I think they put us in the one that they usually keep spare or use as a last resort. There was a really bad sewage smell in the bathroom.

The service, however, was great. We told them about it and they sent someone the next morning to clean and give us an air freshener. It only helped for a few hours but they were very apologetic and offered us quite a big refund.

I think we just got unlucky with our apartment and if you can make sure you’re not in the first-floor studio, we’d recommend it.

You’ll find the majority of Funchal’s restaurants in the Old Town so head there for dinner and soak up the vibrant and friendly atmosphere.

Stay in Esmeralda Holiday Apartments

Day 8 - hike from pico do arieiro to pico ruivo.

Today is going to be a  real highlight of your Madeira itinerary!

Leave Funchal at 5:45am to drive 35 minutes to Pico do Arieiro; Madeira’s third highest peak. Here, you’ll watch the sunrise which is hands down one of the best things to do in Madeira .

The best time to arrive is half an hour before sunrise when the sky is on fire and lit up in reds, gold and oranges.

Located at 1,818 metres above sea level, you have a spectacular view of the neighbouring mountains sitting peacefully above a sea of clouds, giving way to an incredible and mystical atmosphere.

Once the sun’s up, it’s time to hike to Madeira’s highest peak ; Pico Ruivo which truly is an  experience of a lifetime!

The scenery is  out of this world!  The trail weaves its way around the jagged peaks of Madeira’s Central Mountains and the clouds float peacefully below you looking like fluffy marshmallows.

Read: Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo: The Best Hiking Guide

Mostly, you’ll hike above the clouds. However, as you’re hiking between the two peaks, you’ll probably come down through the clouds and back up again which keeps you nice, cool and slightly wet!

Steep narrow staircases, ledges and dark tunnels can make this hike pretty challenging and if you suffer from vertigo, which I do, you’ll most probably experience it on this trail. 

Book a transfer from Funchal to Pico do Arieiro

Saying that, however, this hike was one of our favourite things to do in Madeira and we definitely recommend it. Just make sure you have proper hiking footwear, plenty of snacks and water, suncream and layers.

Our Top Tip:  if you’re doing this hike after sunrise, the start of the trail is very busy. Don’t panic, most people will only be heading to the viewpoint 5-10 minutes from the trailhead. We found the hike to be fairly quiet in the morning.

The afternoons, however, are very busy with tour buses bringing in crowds of people to hike one way. Due to the narrow paths, on the way back to Pico do Arieiro , we had a lot of waiting around for groups to finish climbing stairs so we could continue.

Once you’ve finished the hike, we’d recommend driving straight to the airport and returning the car as you won’t need it for the final two days of your Madeira itinerary. A taxi to Funchal is only around €10.

Head back to Funchal and again we’d recommend visiting the Old Town for a well-deserved drink in one of the bars. If you haven’t yet tried poncha, now’s the time. 

Poncha is a traditional Madeiran drink made with distilled alcohol from sugar cane juice, honey, sugar and either lemon or orange juice. There are now also a lot of other varieties which swap the lemon or orange juice for another fruit juice.

Day 9 - Funchal

After the early morning and challenging day yesterday, it’s time for a lie in and a relaxing day exploring Funchal . The city’s quite small and there isn’t a lot to do but it’s lovely for an amble and there are a few things to tick off.

Head to the Old Town to start your day which will look very different to when you were there in the evening.

In the evenings, the cosy cobbled streets are lined with bars and restaurants where locals and tourists alike come for a stroll and soak up the vibrant atmosphere.

In the morning, the streets are quiet and still and you can really appreciate the street art.

Santa Maria is one of Funchal’s oldest streets and you’ll quickly notice something about the buildings here; none of them has the same door. You also won’t see a dull, ordinary door anywhere.

In 2010, photographer José Maria Zyberchem wanted to bring this historic street back to life and make it a centre of art so he started the Painted Doors Project .

Many local artists got involved and started painting the old doors on the street and completely revived the area. There are over 200 painted doors on Rua de Santa Maria and the neighbouring streets and it has become an attraction in itself.

Book a Funchal Old Town Walking Tour

Next, head to Santa Catarina Park which is on the other side of the city. It’s a 30-minute walk which we’d recommend doing as you see another side of Funchal to the Old Town.

Wide streets lined with shops, huge trees arching over the roads, traditional Portuguese-style pavements and large luxury hotels like The Ritz; it’s a very different and glamorous side of the city.

Santa Catarina Park is lovely for an amble and there are plenty of shaded spots to relax if you’re in need of a break from the heat.

There’s a huge lawn surrounded by flowerbeds full of plant species from all over the world where you’ll usually find people having picnics or playing games.

For us, the highlight of the park is the view over Funchal.

Also in this area is Museu CR7 ; the museum dedicated to Christiano Ronaldo and his trophies. We didn’t go but Andy refused to leave without taking a photo next to the statue!

Book a Guided City Tour by Tuk Tuk and CR7 Museum Entrance 

Day 10 - funchal.

The final day of your Madeira itinerary has arrived!

Firstly, and one of the top things to do in Funchal is to ride the cable car.

Starting by the seafront in the Old Town, the cable car travels a length of 3,200 metres and rises 560 metres in 15 minutes to the village of Monte.

The cable car offers the best views of Funchal starting with the rustic red roofs of the city, to the quaint neighbouring suburbs and lush green countryside with the Bay of Funchal in the background.

At the top, you can visit the Monte Palace Tropical Gardens. This appears on most of the lists of the top things to do in Madeira and while it’s alright for a stroll, we found it to not be at all worth the €25 per person.

There are some beautiful gardens and features but after you’ve seen all the jaw-dropping scenery that this Madeira itinerary has, we were left pretty disappointed.

The real highlight of Monte is the tobogganing !

Dating back to the 1850s, these toboggans were the primary means of transport for people living in Monte to get to Funchal. Today, they’re one of Madeira’s most popular tourist attractions and a great way to get the heart racing.

A maximum of 3 people can sit in the large wicker baskets and behind them, two men traditionally dressed in cotton clothes and a straw hat will push and steer you through the narrow winding streets to Livramento; a suburb of Funchal.

At times, you reach speeds of up to 48 km/hour on this 2-kilometre downhill stretch. It’s completely safe, a great source of income for the locals and you can enjoy some  truly spectacular views  over Funchal on the way down!

Once you get to Livramento, it’s a 15/20 minute downhill walk back to Funchal.

Our Top Tip: if Sunday is the last day on your Madeira itinerary, swap this day for Saturday as the toboggans won’t be running. Also, purchase your cable car ticket on the day as sometimes it’s stopped due to the weather and you won’t get a refund.

Well, that’s your Madeira itinerary come to an end, we hope you have an incredible time! Madeira has been one of our favourite trips and we can’t wait to return. 

Before you go, make sure to read everything you need to know for your visit.

Everything You Need to Know for Your Madeira Itinerary

When is the best time to visit madeira.

One of the best things about Madeira is you can visit it at any time of the year. It has a sub-tropical climate with hot summers and mild winters offering year-round sunshine.

However, the interior of the island is very mountainous and can be very unpredictable at any time of the year. Where you might have glorious sunshine by the coast, 20 minutes inland to the mountains, it might be raining and chilly.

How do I get to Madeira?

Madeira has 1 international airport which is located in Machico, not far from Funchal. It’s served by regular direct flights from the UK and is only a short hop from Lisbon .

Read: Best Things to do in Lisbon: Complete City Guide

Do i need to drive this madeira itinerary.

If you can drive, we’d recommend doing so as this gives you the freedom and flexibility to explore the island at your own pace. It also means you can be one of the first at tourist hot spots rather than when the crowds descend.

If you can’t or don’t want to drive, one of the best things about Madeira is it’s relatively small so it’s never a long drive to get somewhere meaning you can use Funchal as a base and see most of the places on this Madeira itinerary on day tours.

Do I need 10 days?

We wouldn’t recommend anything less than 10 days for this Madeira itinerary. We moved at quite a fast pace with 1 rest day in Calheta and we wouldn’t have wanted to go any quicker as it would have taken away from the experience in each area.

We definitely could have stayed longer, however, as there were some areas that we’d have loved to spend more time in and other areas and hikes that we would love to have seen and done. 10 days to 2 weeks is the perfect amount of time to get to know Madeira.

What currency do I need?

Madeira is part of Portugal and uses the Euro. At the time of writing, $1 is approximately €0.95. We used our Monzo and Revolut cards for the majority of the time as most places accepted cards.

How expensive is Madeira?

Compared to  London , where we live, it’s incredibly cheap and compared to the UK, it’s cheap!

We stayed in a range of places on our Madeira itinerary; a 3* apartment 5-minutes walk from Old Town Funchal for €90 a night, a 4* hotel in Porto Moniz for €110 a night, a traditional Santana house for €50 and a 5* beachfront hotel in Calheta all-inclusive for €250 a night.

A bottle of local beer or poncha costs around €1.50, a basic meal around €15 for a starter and main and one evening we had a lovely 3-course meal with a bottle of imported wine for €70 for both of us.

What plug do I need?

Like most countries in Europe, you will need either type C or F. Both of these have two round pins.

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Itinerary: Our magical 5-day Madeira Island road trip

Life on much of Madeira is a battle between man and nature. Moments from the coastline, sharp, jagged mountains rise out of the earth covered in thick, green foliage that few manage to tame. A scattering of typical Portuguese houses with terracotta roofs dot the ridges and valleys. We catch but a glimpse as we shoot in and out of small tunnels along a smooth, fast road. Wafts of mountain mist rise and fall, fighting for space with thick and humid sea air. 

We’d just picked up the car and were making the short drive from the airport to a small seaside village by the name of Porto da Cruz. That’s all it took to feel the magic of Madeira.

Madeira Island road trip overview

We actually spent nine days on the island as part of a working holiday but you could easily tick off our itinerary in five days while on a true vacation. Having been there and done all the things we could, I think five days is ample to get a real taste and tick off as much as possible.

This trip splits the island, starting on the east coast, dropping into Funchal and finishing on the west. If you’re a keen hiker you might like to extend another day or two to include more magical hikes through the laurisilva forest. I’ll definitely dive deeper into nature when I return for round two.

Accommodation on Madeira Island

We stayed at three places on our trip, basing ourselves in Funchal while we worked. I think you could skip staying in Funchal itself, or spend one night there and two nights on either end of the island.

What would I have done differently?

• I hadn’t grasped how touristic Madeira was before visiting. If you like your peace and quiet, and dislike large coaches of senior citizens, then wake up early and beat the crowds to popular spots.
• I’d spend less time in Funchal and more time at Talho do Caniço (two visits were not enough, more on that down further)
• I’d potentially do the Levada do Caldeirão Verde hike instead of the Ponta de São Lourenço on day two. I’m a forest-loving girl.

Madeira Island road trip

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Day 1: Porto da Cruz + Santana

42.5km \\ 75 minutes driving

Let’s assume you fly in early (or the night before like we did), pick up a hire car and head over to Porto da Cruz , a magnificent coastal village with a youthful vibe. We were hoping to snag a private room at the Jaca Hostel there but settled for a room at Hotel Bela Vila , which had the bonus of a basic breakfast by the seafront each morning. Check out the view from our room below!

Morning: Check out the views

Make tracks for the Vereda dos Balcões , one of the easiest and most rewarding walks on Madeira — if the weather is right. This was our first taste of just how touristic this island is. While we pulled up to an easy park at the lookout, when we turned the corner to buy an espresso and coca-cola (to ease Jorge’s first and last poncha hangover, a lesson learnt) we found a traffic jam of huge coaches and hordes of tourists. Luckily the lush green forest is 10/10 stunning and a first taste of the beauty of Madeira. It only takes 20 minutes to trek the 1.5km trail and reach the lookout. If you’re luckier than us you’ll actually see the view instead of being inside a thick cloud.

Tip: Park along the road and pack some snacks. It’s only a short hike, but if the lookout is packed people pile in and out and you can wait for a quieter patch to appreciate the serenity and beauty of Madeira.

I wanted to visit Santana next. How could I resist the charms of those little 16th-century-style traditional house s with thatched roofs? But you could easily skip it unless you’re desperate for a happy snap. For lunch, we pulled up at Cantinho da Serra , a recommendation that came via a local. We tried the sopa de tomate e cebola (tomato and onion soup) and the octopus, which came out bubbling from the oven with potatoes. Maybe the best octopus of my Portuguese life; definitely order this dish.

If you go, do a quick round of the Santana tourist houses, then either return to Porto da Cruz or spend the afternoon hiking the PR9 Levada do Caldeirão Verde . Just make sure you have enough light. 

Afternoon: Explore a rum factory

Between March and May, the Porto da Cruz rum factory is buzzing with burly men and the sound of 19th-century steam pistons, firing at full speed to churn through the fresh sugar cane arriving by the truckload. At Engenhos do Norte they make agricola rum, which means rum from fresh sugar cane juice. It turns out this method is actually rather rare as most rum is made from sugar-cane molasses or evaporated sugar (from cane or beets).

If you’re using fresh cane juice to make rum, you have to start the fermentation within a day or it spoils like milk – meaning it has to be produced near the source. It’s free to wander about the factory.

When you’re done there, pop into the bar to sample the six-year-old aged rum, and order a poncha of your choice. They had all four main poncha flavours – fisherman’s lemon ( pescador ), passionfruit, tangerine and orange-lemon ( regional ).

For dinner, try Pipa or Praça Velha . We had better meals elsewhere, but it’s nice to eat close to home.

STAY: Porto da Cruz . We stayed at beachfront Hotel Bela Vila , but Jaca Hostel is also a great budget choice.

Day 2: Hike + Funchal

57km \\ 1 hour driving

Morning: Go for a hike

Today’s hike is in stark contrast to the lush laurisilva forest of yesterday. At Ponta de São Lourenço the semi-arid climate and strong north winds mean there are no trees and only low vegetation. For this reason, it’s best to leave the house early to beat the crowds and the sunshine. This two-to-three-hour hike that explores the rugged basalt and limestone cliffs of a long, thin peninsula is not one to do in the midday sun. It’s not a loop, so trek out past magnificent coastal and cliff scenery to the cafe and bar at the end, or enjoy a swim at Sardinha Port beach . In spring it was a gorgeous walk with wildflowers of all varieties covering the ground. You’ll be able to see the Ilhas Desertas (Deserted Islands) and Madeira’s other inhabited island, Porto Santo.

For lunch, head to my favourite place on the island. The super casual Talho do Caniço is a super local experience that was so nice we went twice. I’ve detailed the spot in my Where to Eat in Madeira guide and my partner Jorge wrote a short love-letter about the place – but essentially it’s a butcher shop with a DIY barbecue around the back. Pick your meat, take your skewers to a table then grill while munching on bread and red wine for less than €10 each. Alternatively, you could try seaside MaréAlta for fish, shellfish and other seafood dishes.

Afternoon: Funchal

Drive on into the capital of Madeira , the small city of Funchal. In truth, we spent a few days here while working, but you could tick off what you want in just one day. 

Things to do in Funchal:

• Visit the famous Market – Mercado dos Lavradores (read the warning in my What To Eat in Madeira guide first)
• Explore the Sé Cathedral
• Wander down the open-air gallery that is Rua Santa Catarina
• Do a Madeira wine lodge tour at Blandy’s  
• Drop in for a free wine tasting at D’Oliveira
• Dive into the ocean at Fort São Tiago
• Climb the tower of the Igreja de São João Evangelista
• See the local embroidery at Bordal
• Learn about the islands at Madeira Story Centre
• Join a dolphin and whale watching cruise
• Go scuba diving in the ocean
• Join a food and drink tour of Funchal

For sunset, I’d roll around to Barreirinha Bar Café . Set right on the ocean’s edge, this cool but casual cocktail bar has a great terrace that overlooks the bathing complex. Come earlier and have a swim if that’s your style. Order any drink with passionfruit, because #madeira. I loved the one I had with passionfruit and fortified Madeira wine.

For dinner, swing into Taberna do Ruel on the famous Rua Santa Catarina. I didn’t have high hopes given the location but this recommendation from a local didn’t steer us wrong. The peixe espada preto here (black scabbardfish) with banana and sweet potato was fantastic. Alternatively, try Fugacidade beer bar for casual snacks and crafty brews.

RELATED BLOG: What to eat in Madeira

STAY: Funchal (or squeeze tomorrow morning’s activities into today and stay three nights in the west)

Day 3: Funchal + Relax

48km \\ 1 hour driving

Morning: basket toboggan time

Picture yourself careering down the steep streets of Funchal in a giant wicker basket while two men dressed in white with cute boater hats steer with their huge rubber boots. Combining thrills and artisanal basketry, obviously this was the number one thing I wanted to do on Madeira Island. The Carreiros do Monte are one of the oldest forms of public transport on the mountain. You’ll find them lined up in Monte, high above the city waiting for guests. 

To get up there we caught the (expensive) cable car from downtown Funchal. While the views were nice, you could save your €12.50 each and get the bus or a cab. It took 15-20 minutes to reach the top of Monte, where we stopped for a brilliant flat white with lush mountain views at Local Shop Coffee before heading over to meet the carreiros .

There’s actually loads to do in the hilltop neighbourhood of Monte, and while we didn’t have time you could wander the Monte Palace Gardens before flinging yourself down the mountain roads.

For lunch, if it’s a weekday, drop into Museu Café & Petisco , a favourite cafe on a main square in the city. They have a changing daily special meal deal for €9.50 and the chef is quite creative in the kitchen. Alternatively, try Prima Caju for a fresh and healthy poke bowl with local tuna or salmon. Better yet, cruise over to the sweet banana town of Madalena do Mar and eat a fish stew ( fragateira ) at A Poita .

I’ve detailed all my Madeira food tips in my guide in my other blog Where To Eat & Drink in Madeira .

Afternoon: Slow drive to the west

After time spent in busy, touristic Funchal, we loved escaping to the west side of Madeira Island. I’m also a big believer in having some downtime in your vacation, so take it easy this afternoon.

If you’ve managed to escape the city before lunch I’d highly recommend dropping by Madalena do Mar , one of my favourite little towns . There seems to be 100 times more banana trees than houses squished onto a small, semi-flat patch of land between the mountains and the sea. If you don’t go to A Poita (pictured above) for lunch, try Casa de Pedra for apparently the best lapas (grilled limpets).

On the way there you could switch the highway for backroads and pass under Cascata dos Anjos for a free car wash.

Stop for an afternoon coffee and slice of apple pie at XS Coffee in Prazeres, the last place I expected to find locally roasted specialty coffee. At last check it was only open weekends, but it may have changed. 

STAY: Casas da Levada

Maybe one of my favourite spots we’ve ever stayed ever, Casas da Levada is an absolute wonderland. The family who owns it restored the estate, renovating the old stone buildings and adding a couple more to make half a dozen cute accommodation choices. The garden is magnificent, filled with fruit trees and exotic species. There are sheep, chicken, rabbits and chirping frogs. The infinity pool overlooks the sea, resulting in endless blue vistas. The Hobbit Bar is the best honesty bar I’ve ever seen, with cocktail supplies, an ice machine, music, games, and a wall of booze to choose from.

If you’re lucky enough to stay here too, spend the afternoon luxuriating in the space, tanning by the pool and wandering the gardens. #NotSponsored (but please, invite me back for more).

Day 4: Fanal, Seixal + Porto Moniz

84km \\ 2 hours driving split across the day

Morning: Chase the fog at Fanal

The plan was to arrive early to see the magical Fanal forest enveloped in a blanket of mist. Problems with our hire car’s brakes (not something you want on this steep island) meant we didn’t arrive until midday, finding fields of beautiful gnarly trees under a clear blue sky. At first I was disappointed with the still ridiculously beautiful sight, but then strangely out of nowhere the cloud rose up around us. Soon enough we were standing in fog so thick we couldn’t see more than 10m in front. This made it tricky to find the car again! There is a mega Fanal hiking trail you can follow if you’re eager but if you just park at this point you’ll find where the patch of magical trees are, sans hike. If you need inspiration for a fantasy novel or don’t believe in fairies, come here and feel inspired.

Afternoon: Europe’s third most beautiful beach

On the drive down the mountain to Seixal, stop and admire the views at Miradouro da Ribeira da Janela before reaching the town. Praia do Seixal was voted Europe’s third best beach for 2022, but it’s not what you’d expect. A wide black sand beach with a small waterfall, protected by a port wall on one side and framed by rainforest that appears to all but cascade into the ocean, it’s a special spot for sure.

Before laying out on the sand we dropped into the seafront Clube Naval de Seixal for a relaxed lunch. We ate a sandwich of marinated octopus jammed between bolo de caco and shared the best lapas (grilled limpets) we had on this trip. Super good.

If you’re not a fan of beaches, maybe a wine tasting at Quinta do Babusano is more your vibe, or continue westward to the pools of Porto Moniz . We must have arrived around high tide, and with some cloud cover that day no one was swimming at the Piscinas do Porto Moniz. While I’d dreamed of visiting this beautiful spot it didn’t quite have the charm I’d seen in pictures. What I hadn’t witnessed was the Piscinas Velhas (old pools), which were not only free to enter but spectacular. Both pools are set within lava flows, but while the new one is more shiny concrete than dark, rough volcanic rock, the old ones feel more natural.

Day 5: Forest hike + more meat skewers

90km \\ 2 hours driving split across the day

Morning: 25 Fontes hike

One of my favourite things we did on Madeira Island was the lush Levada das 25 Fontes hike . One of the most famous hikes on the island, we realised this trail would get super busy so we arrived at the trailhead a little after 8am to tackle the three-to-four hour hike . Boy, I’m glad we did. I was disappointed to see a dozen cars there already but while passing huge tour groups and loads of tourists on the return trip I was glad we went early.

The hike itself is magnificent. You drop into a valley and wander through the vibrant green laurisilva forest, following a levada along most of the way. A levada is essentially a little canal of water that the early inhabitants of Madeira built some 500 years ago to funnel water from the mountains to where they needed it. They are all over the island with accompanying hikes.

At the end of the hike you reach a brilliant blue pool with one great waterfall and 25 or so little waterfalls gushing into it. We took some photos and sat here for quite a while, which meant watching the end point fill up as hikers arrived en masse. The return trip was trickier as the levada is very skinny in some parts, making passing difficult, so I really truly recommend going early to get the best experience.

Afternoon: Wind down on the way to the airport

If you didn’t make it to Madalena do Mar on day three, drop in now for lunch, or drive to the cute fishing town of Camara dos Lobos . The area is famous for its espetadas (meat skewers) and you can taste them at: Santo António, Viola, O Polar. We went to the first and most famous and sadly weren’t very impressed as the meat was really overcooked. We should have mentioned something earlier, as they offered to replace it as we paid. Next time!

If you have the time, drive up to Curral das Freitas to see the remote inland village where the nuns ran to hide from invading pirates. If you have less time, make your way to A Venda do André for excellent poncha at this vintage spot. I loved going here.

The final thing we did in Madeira was venture back to Talho do Caniço . Yep, a spot so nice it deserved repeating. But also, with an 8.30pm flight we need something to eat and few places do non-stop service through the afternoon. We went for 5.30pm espetadas, which FYI I believe is considered a late lunch not an early dinner. As expected, it was brilliant and a high note to end our trip on.

Planning a trip to Madeira? Read Where to Eat on Madeira Island and What to eat and drink on Madeira .

Enjoyed this article? Support my work and buy me a coffee  to say thanks! 

• July 16, 2022

Daniela Sunde-Brown

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2 responses.

Oh I loved this recount of one of our fave island stops during our Atlantic crossing way back when. Your posts and recommendations make my mouth water, Daniela! Obrigada! Dimity x

Oh, what a fun adventure that would have been. Madeira was really cool to explore – so lush and wild x

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Madeira Travel Guide: everything you need to know

Welcome to our ultimate Madeira travel guide, specifically written for backpackers. Ancient Greek geographers referred to the archipelago region of the Madeira Islands as Macaronesia, meaning “Islands of the Blessed”, a name that holds true to their beauty, nature, history, culture, and traditions. If the Madeira Islands were not already on your travel radar, they will be by the end of this complete guide!

What are the Madeira Islands?

The Madeira Islands are cradled i n the North Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Europe and Africa and are recognized as Natural Reserves. This region of Portugal is autonomous and is made up of four islands: Madeira , Porto Santo , Desertas, and Selvagens . These islands are known for rich biodiversity, impressive waterfalls, hiking routes, and landscapes.

Not all these islands are inhabited. Can you guess why? A beautiful landscape is not always a livable one. The natural landscape in Madeira and Porto Santo permit people to live on these two islands.

The names of the Desertas and Selvagens Islands are a clue as to why they are uninhabited. In English, Desertas means Deserted, and Selvagens means Savage. Their rugged and harsh natural environment makes them difficult for people to access and live on.

HIKING : With over 130 hiking trails, there’s a trail for every backpacker! The Vereda dos Balcões is a great trail for beginners, and the hike from Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo is great for the well-seasoned hiker!

No question, the Madeira Islands are a hot spot. This dormant shield volcano is known for its vibrant and lush vegetation thanks to the mineral-rich volcanic soil. With volcanic soil comes rocky and hilly terrain.

Craving the views below water? Say no more! Go diving and see the beauty surrounding the Islands. Or hit up the waves and go surfing.

Getting Around Madeira Island

There are different ways of getting around Madeira Island depending on where you begin your trip and what your budget is.

🚌 GO BY BUS ON MADEIRA ISLAND:

Busses are reliable but a bit chaotic in Madeira. Each town has its own public transportation service, while different towns are connected by different bus companies, depending on the area. You have 4 main companies: Horarios do Funchal , SAM , EACL and Rodoeste .

In Funchal and suburbs: Horários do Funchal is a company that can easily get you in and out of Funchal. Besides Funchal suburbs and Câmara de Lobos, this urban bus service will also take you to several tourist attractions, such as Pico dos Barcelos, Monte or the Botanical Garden.

A bus ticket costs €1.35 EUR ($1.53 USD) if you purchase it ahead of time, €1.95 EUR ($2.21 USD) if you buy it on board and €4.50 EUR ($5.09 USD) for a day pass. For bus times , be sure to check out the timetable for urban and interurban trips.

On the go? Download the HF Bus App to know the schedule wherever you are.

From Funchal: by using SAM and EACL bus services you can go east to Caniço, Santa Cruz, Madeira Airport, Machico, Santo da Serra and Porto da Cruz. Rodoeste , whose buses stop in Câmara de Lobos, Ribeira brava, Ponta do Sol, Madalena do Mar, Calheta, Porto Moniz and São Vicente, ensures transportation to the western part of Madeira. Ceck out this map to see different areas served by Rodoeste, and the relative fares. The most expensive bus ticket is 6€, and allows you to reach Porto Moniz from Funchal.

🚗 GO BY CAR ON MADEIRA ISLAND:

The most common way to get around Madeira Island is by car. The roads are in great conditions pretty much all over the island, however they may be narrow or very steep at some points. Also, you will be driving on the right side of the road.

Here is everything you need to know about getting around by car on Madeira:

TAXI: The initial fare for your average taxi ride in Funchal starts at €3.50 EUR ($4 USD) and will cost approximately €3 EUR ($3.40 USD) per 5km. You can use the Táxi Madeira App to help plan your travels.

UBER: The base price for an Uber ride in Funchal starts at €1.00 EUR ($1.13 USD).

BOLT: The base price for a Bolt ride in Funchal starts at €1.09 EUR ($1.23 USD) and will cost € 0.59 EUR/km ($0.67 USD/km) and € 0.27 EUR/min ($0.31 USD/min). The minimum fare is € 2.50 EUR ($2.83 USD) /ride.

CAR RENTAL: For a standard sedan, renting a car will cost about €25 EUR ($28 USD) /day in low season. For a larger car or during busier seasons, expect to pay closer to €40 EUR ($45 USD) /day or more. Before booking, contact the rental agency via email to learn more about prices and what cars are currently available. We recommend booking your car rental prior to your arrival or renting it directly in Funchal, not at the airport. You can always ask for a pick-up at the airport!

GAS STATIONS: Unlike other European countries where you can find different prices depending on the brand, in Madeira, the price of gas is pretty much the same across the whole island, with differences of just a couple of cents. Also, you’ll have to refill the tank on your own. How does it work exactly? First, you park your car, you tap the amount (in €) that you’d like to refill and then you put the gas. Once you’re done with the refueling you will look for the cash desk and pay.

VISITING THE DIFFERENT ISLANDS:

PORTO SANTO : To reach the largest Island, Madeira, you can arrive by air at its capital Funchal. If you wish to start your travels in Porto Santo, you can fly to its capital Vila Baleira. Ferry rides allow you to travel to and from the Islands with the Porto Santo line . A roundtrip ticket (tourist class) for 1 adult is €59.44 EUR ($67 USD) for April-September and €48.60 EUR ($55 USD) for the rest of the year. NOTE: During the low season (usually January), the connection may be suspended as the ferry undergoes maintenance.

THE DESERTAS: You can reach the Desertas Islands by boat from Funchal, the capital of Madeira. The Deserta Islands are made up of Chão Islet, Bugio, and Deserta Grande. You’ll need to book a group tour to visit this island as access is restricted.

THE SELVAGENS: Visiting the Selvagens Islands can be a bit tricky. The freshwater surrounding the two Islands (Selvagem Grande and Selvagem Pequena) are filled with coral reefs that make accessing the Islands difficult. As a protected Natural Reserve, you need to obtain permission from the Madeira National Park to visit.

B est Time to Visit Madeira

The climate of the Madeira Islands is mild and people often refer to the weather as an ‘ eternal Spring ‘. Sound enticing?

If you are looking for a warm, sunny destination, the summer months June-September would be the ideal time to visit. Temperatures are around 20-25°C from May to October, while they go down to 13-16°C during winter months, with higher chances of rain.

However, while the summer months may be the most ideal for hiking and beach, waterfalls will most likely be at their minimum in terms of their water flow. Also, during the winter months you will have higher chances to find moody clouds on your hikes, and the island will be greener in general.

Top Things to Do in Madeira

• The Madeira Islands are crawling with waterfalls! Most of them are located at the end of a Levada, which are usually very well-mantained trails. Our favourites are the Levada do Caldeirao Verde and the 25 Fountains Levada.
• Looking for an epic hike? The summit with the highest peak on the Madeira Island is the Pico Ruivo (1,861m high). Don’t miss the Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo hike!
• Did you know the largest surviving laurel forest is the Laurisilva Forest of Madeira and it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site? Its trees are over 500 years old and are found in Fanal!
• Catch dolphins and monk seals in the waters surrounding the Desertas Islands.
• Don’t miss the viewpoints! At the Cabo Girão lookout point (elevation of 580 m), you will have a breathtaking view of the coast from the glass platform known as the Skywalk. Miradouro do Juncal in Pico do Arieiro is another viewpoint you don’t wanna miss.

Where to Stay in Madeira

Choosing where to stay in Madeira is quite easy as your location doesn’t have a huge impact on what you are going to see. In fact, you can travel from either end of the island in just over an hour, making it very easy to explore.

This means that no matter what your favourite activities are, you could either choose to spend your entire stay in a single accommodation or change it up every few days.

Understanding Madeira, however, is really important. There is a major difference between the northern and the southern side .

THE NORTHERN SIDE: The northern side of Madeira receives a considerably larger amount of rain and significantly less daylight. This means that this part of the island is usually slightly colder and dominated by more lush vegetation.

THE SOUTHERN SIDE: The southern side of the island is much sunnier and slightly warmer than the northern side. Places like Ponta do Sol rarely receive rain even during the winter months, and you can expect to have a good 1.5 hours more of sunshine every day. Also, don’t forget that you get to see the sunset on the ocean from Funchal to Calheta!

FUNCHAL – Funchal is the largest city and the capital of Portugal’s Autonomous Region of Madeira. It’s where most hostels are located, it’s convenient to the airport (which is just 20km away) and it’s dotted with bars and restaurants. It’s the best base for travellers seeking parties, connections, fun, and experience the vibrant lifestyle of Madeira.

RIBEIRA BRAVA & CAMARA DE LOBOS – These two areas are also located on the southern coast of Madeira. The coast here has the most stunning cliffs of the whole island, including the one of Cabo Girão Skywalk. Riberia Brava is also the gateway to Calhau da Lapa , a must-visit place in Madeira. Consider sleeping in one of the old caves of Calhau da Lapa !

PONTA DO SOL & CALHETA – This area is dotted with some of the best surfing spots in Madeira. Ponta do Sol , Paul do Mar , Calheta , Jardim do Mar , Madalena do Mar are all stunning places to stay. This side of the island receives a considerably lower amount of precipitations and at least 1.5 hours more sunlight each day. These towns are also quite convenient for those who want to explore the western side of the island, as well as the north-western side. Stay at Canto das Fontes for an amazing glamping experience.

PORTO MONIZ & SAO VICENTE – This part of Madeira is is all about laid-back island vibes. Like in Ponta do Sol and Calheta, here you will find some great waves if you like surfing. Porto Moniz is popular for its natural swimming pools, and the town itself is pretty nice.

SANTANA – Santana is a good base for those who want to explore the Mountain range of Madeira but don’t like the idea of living in a big city like Funchal. Stay in one of the many accommodations in Santana, Sao Jorge, or Faial.

MACHICO – Porto da Cruz isn’t Machico’s main town. However, it is a cozy town of just 2500 people on the northern coast of the island and it’s the best place to surf for beginners in Madeira. Consider staying in Porto da Cruz as a base for your daily trips to the mountain or just to stay away from the hustle of the city. Porto da Cruz is also a good option for solo travellers and backpackers: we loved the atmosphere at Jaca Hostel , a place we would definitely recommend. Also, the town of Machico is quite interesting, on the southern side of the region.

SANTA CRUZ – Santa Cruz is a calm fishing village located near the airport of Madeira, not far from the city of Funchal. The village of Santa Cruz is one of the oldest on the island, characterized by palmeras, beaches, cliffs, and a stunning view of the Deserted Islands.

Useful Apps & Websites for Madeira

• HIKING: Check out the WalkMe App for maps and tips for hiking across Madeira. The app is free but we highly recommend paying the 4.99€ for the “explorer” version to grant access to all 60+ walks in Madeira, download the offline maps and more. Maps.me is also another great app to have on your phone. It’s free and you can download the map of the island.
• WEATHER: Netmadeira.com is the go-to website for checking weather conditions on the island. The homepage features live webcams from different areas of Madeira. The island is famous for having many different bioclimates, so if you’re having back luck in one area, just visit this website and cross your fingers! Sun may shine not far from where you are! Windy is also very reliable when it comes to the weather forecast.
• BUSSES: Visit Sam Bus Website for detailed information on bus rides around the island of Madeira.
• ISLAND NEWS & TRAILS: Check out VisitMadeira.pt for updates and info on trail status. Some hiking trails may be closed in specific dates for safety reasons, so make sure to check their status before going.

Is Madeira Expensive to Visit?

This is usually one of the toughest questions to answer as the budget largely depends on one’s lifestyle. However, we tried to list here some of the most common expenses you will encounter on your trip, dividing them by category.

• Accommodation
• Transportation
• Total Budget

ACCOMMODATION

Transportation.

AIRPORT SHUTTLE INFO: A bus ticket from the airport to Funchal only costs €5 EUR ($6 USD).

The local delights put the FUN in Funchal. Tasty, healthy, and seasonal food is what Madeira is all about. It’s also quite affordable! A one-course meal costs €10 EUR ($12 USD), and a multiple course meal including a main dish, side dish, dessert, and water will cost €20 EUR ($23 USD). An espresso costs anything from €0.60 EUR ($0.70 USD) to €1 ($1.15 USD). Tips are not included in the bill.

Foods to try are the renowned Espetada Pau Louro (skewered beef) €14 EUR ($16 USD), Milho fritto (corn and cabbage fried cubes), Polvo (octopus) €10 EUR ($12 USD), Lapas (limpets on a pan) €7 ($9 USD), Bolo do Caco (traditional bread with garlic butter) €3 ($4 USD), and the Prego (steak sandwich) €4 ($5 USD). Expect to pay slightly more in the Funchal area, while prices drop as soon as you go on the northern side and at some local restaurants.

Drinks to try are the Poncha , Madeira Wine, Green Wine and Licor de Ginja da Madeira (Cherry liquor).

Madeira offers a wide range of free and paid activities. The prices below are intended per person.

TOTAL BUDGET

BUDGET BACKPACKERS: If you want to stretch your dollar while still being able to explore Madeira, you should budget for about 30-40€ ($34-$45 USD) a day. This involves travelling in a group (possibly of 4) to split the costs of transportation, housing and more. Expect to rent one of the cheapest Airbnb’s on the island for 4 people ($12 USD/night per person), share a rental car for your day trips ($8 USD/day per person + gasoline), stick to the free activities and eat most of your meals at home. Total cost for 14 days: €420-€550 per person ( $480-$630 USD ).

MID-BUDGET COUPLE : Expect to pay around €60-€70 ($67-$78 USD) a day per person for a bit more comforts. For this budget, you will be sleeping in a mid-budget double room ($20-$30 USD/night per person), split the cost of a rental car ($15 USD/day per person + gasoline) and eat one meal per day at a restaurant ($15-$25 USD per person). Total cost for 14 days: €840-€980 per person ( $950-$1.100 USD ).

SOLO MID-BUDGET TRAVELERS: Madeira isn’t that friendly to solo travellers when it comes to budgeting. This is mainly due to transportation. A car is essential to explore the island and if you don’t have anyone to split the cost with, it can be pricy. Budget for about €70-€80 ($80-$90 USD) a day if you are on your own. Sleep in a hostel ($20-$25 USD/night per person), rent your own car ($30 USD/day + gasoline) and eat one meal per day at a restaurant ($15-$25 USD). Total cost for 14 days: €980-€1.120 per person ( $1.100-$1.270 USD ).

FLASHPACKER: Budget for about a similar amount as the previous 2 categories, plus add a few activities or more expensive accommodations here and there. Your daily average budget will need to be around €100-€120 ($110-$135 USD) if you are travelling solo, a bit less if you split some of the costs with others. Total cost for 14 days: €1.400-€1680 per person ( $1.580-$1.900 USD )

Is Madeira Safe?

Madeira was voted the European Safest Destination in 2021, also due to its effort to apply measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. In fact, the island is very safe to travel to, even if you’re going solo.

Crime is very low in Madeira. Crimes that do take place tend not to target travellers.

Hiking dangers do exist in Madeira, mainly around waterfalls along the Levada trails and on the drops of the Veredas. These are the trails that are nearby water sources like falls and you can expect some areas to be quite wet and slippery.

Driving risks in Madeira are due to its natural mountainous landscape. Many sites to explore on the island are the easiest to get to by car. If you’re driving here for the first time and you aren’t used to mountainous roads, be vigilant and take your time as some of the roads are winding and steep.

Swimming and surfing in Madeira can be wild (both in a fun and risky way). Things to keep in mind when taking a dip: the waves can be quite strong (especially in winter) and be aware of the large rocks below your feet.

What to Eat and Drink?

Have you heard of Madeira wine ? This fortified drink is a must to try. Madeira has a huge tradition when it comes to wines. In fact, wine has been produced here for over 500 years, and ancient traditions are well preserved. On the island, everywhere you look there are terraces, where grapes grow in abundance. The harvesting starts in August all the way to October.

And that’s not all! Don’t forget to taste Poncha , a typical drink with a lemon or orange juice base made with distilled alcohol (Aguardiente) made from sugar cane.

The food will get you going too! Try fish and seafood like lapas (limpets), octopus, grilled trout, or try the espetada – beef cubes (that melt in your mouth) served on a laurel skewer or the Bolo de caco wheat bread! And don’t forget to try the tropical fruits like Anona, Guava, Passion fruit and Tabaibo among many others.

Looking for a place to eat? Check out our favourite restaurants and bars recommended by locals.

How Long Should You Stay?

While the island may seem small on a map, there is actually a lot to see. It may seem hard to believe, but there are about 200 Levadas, 30 Veredas and countless waterfalls in Madeira. So, how long should you go for? The answer is very subjective.

Plan the length of your stay depending on the activities you are interested in. For example, if you’re a hiking enthusiast, consider you can only do 1 “major” or 2 smaller Levadas/Veredas a day. Most of these trails, in fact, take up to 5 hours to complete, and you could spend a whole month exploring the over 60 recommended trails.

On the other hand, if you’re just coming to relax and visit a few sights, 7 to 10 days would be enough.

Recommended duration: 15 days – 20 days

Best Tips for Backpacking Madeira

• There are two groups of hiking trails in the Madeira Islands: Levadas and Veredas . The first group are the Levada s trails. These trails are quite clean and near water sources. The second group, the Veredas trails, can be more challenging. These trails are more rugged and take you along the mountains. One thing is for sure – both types of trails will blow your mind!
• Wear comfortable clothing and shoes . The right clothes and being comfortable can make your trek more enjoyable. Also, even though the weather is mild all year round it can get quite cold if you hike up the highest mountains. Snow is rare, but it can fall even in Madeira. Get yourself prepared.
• Stay on the trail . This tip is for your safety and prevent dammage to local wildlife habitats and preserve the local environment. Bring a cellphone and let someone know where you’re going hiking, even someone at your place of accommodation.
• Always bring a rain-jacket with you. It’s better to be prepared when the weather turns.
• Don’t forget about electronics! The standard voltage in Madeira is 230V with a frequency of 50Hz. The sockets are categorized as type F , also known as Schuko. Type F (like other European countries) and is also compatible with Types C and E. Consider buying a power adapter for your electronics if the plugs don’t match that of the sockets.

Useful Covid-19 Travel Information

MADEIRASAFE.COM – When travelling during the pandemic, stay up-to-date with all the travel requirements for visiting the Madeira Islands on Madeirasafe.com . Register on this portal before flying there to speed up the process upon arrival. If you submitted valid documentation before arriving in Madeira (Green Certificate, Vaccine, Test or Recovery), you can request a free Antigen test to return to your country.

VISITMADEIRA.PT For more information about requirements of entry, testing, exceptions, and testing upon departure read more on the region’s official website visitmadeira.pt . They have a handy App, the Madeira Tourism App that will keep you informed the whole way.

MORE! You can take a free rapid antigen COVID-19 test in Funchal. You’ll see several tents advertising tests with medical staff. But if you run out of time, don’t worry, you can take a test at the airport. Just be sure to arrive well before your boarding time in case there is a queue. The rapid antigen will cost €30 EUR ($34 USD) and take 30 minutes to receive results.

Disclaimer: The availability and costs of the rapid antigen test at the Madeira airport in Funchal are based on our trip in January 2022. This may be subject to change. You can check the airport’s website to stay informed on what measures and services they offer for travellers.

You will have a memorable time exploring and chasing adventure in the Madeira Islands. Be sure to share with us your thoughts on backpacking in the Madeira Islands, what’s useful in this guide/tips to add, and tag @backpackersintheworld . The Madeira Islands are calling!

Would you like to write a blog post for backpackersintheworld.com? Send us an email at [email protected] or send us a DM on Instagram .

50 Best Things to do in Madeira – Ultimate Bucket List

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An insider's travel guide to Madeira

By Adam Turner

Until you’ve experienced Madeira (that hair-raising landing, the cliff-hugging drives, its potent poncha cocktail), it might be difficult to understand its appeal. But this Portuguese archipelago is certainly alluring, and not just because it’s back on England ’s travel green list . What Madeira lacks in size (it’s only 35 miles long and 14 miles wide) it makes up for in the sheer variety of things to see and do – from its Hawaii -esque waterfalls and thick forests to its ocean adventures , incredible hikes and exhilarating toboggan rides. Couple all of that with cool design hotels, stylish restaurants and consistent warm temperatures, and you’ve got yourself a solid year-round holiday destination.

Things to do on Madeira

SPOT SEA LIFE

Jump on a boat to see dolphins and whales up close – though if you’re lucky enough to have a sea view , you may spot them from your hotel room. Otherwise, the originally named VIP Dolphins offers a three-hour trip from Funchal on a swish 20-man catamaran loaded with sparkling wine, cocktails and canapés.

TAKE A HIKE

Prefer to keep your feet on dry land? Hike one of Madeira’s 200 levadas , former irrigation channels now used as walking trails, instead. Which route to take depends on how fit or adventurous you are. PR 6 Levada das 25 Fontes is a relatively easy one (beware, there are two paths) that takes you past stunning waterfalls and the cute Rabaçal Nature Spot Café selling lovely homemade cakes, tea and coffee , salads, soups and sandwiches.

Another option is Vereda do Larano – a point-to-point hike (you finish at a different place to where you started) that’s a little more daunting. Still, despite teetering close to sheer drops into the Atlantic Ocean on occasions, it’s a reasonably flat coastal hike with spectacular views around every bend.

TAKE IN A SHOW

An excellent way to put your feet up after a long walk is to have a relaxing night at the Wes Anderson -worthy Teatro Municipal Baltazar Dias . This glorious 19th-century playhouse in Funchal, with its cosy red velvet chairs, pretty ceilings and glistening chandeliers, hosts everything from theatre shows and classical concerts to funk sessions and art exhibitions .

GO TOBOGGANING

Bizarrely, this was the islands' first means of downhill transport. Back in the 19th Century, locals used to get from Monte (a civil parish in the mountains) to Funchal by riding a glorified wicker basket. Now, visitors, guided by two men with straw hats dressed in white, can do the same down a two-kilometre stretch of road, from the Nossa Senhora do Monte Church to the suburb of Livramento (€25 for one person, €30 for two and €45 for three people). The best way to reach Monte is by taking the cable car from Funchal (€11 one-way).

The best places to visit in Madeira

SHOPPING, EATING AND EXPLORING FUNCHAL

Unlike the rest of Madeira, the capital city Funchal feels like mainland Portugal . There are calçada Portuguesa (traditional black-and-white pavements), bakeries peddling warm pastéis de nata and snack bars everywhere. Spend mornings picking up fresh tropical fruit, such as custard apples, banana passion fruit, guava and papaya, from Mercado dos Lavradores (the farmers' market). Browse shops such as Fábrica Santo António (its biscuits and cakes make great gifts) and Livraria Esperança (an old-school bookshop ) in the afternoon. Art-lovers may instead fancy popping into Caravel Art Centre – an independent gallery, shop, café and studio – while green-fingered visitors should delve into Funchal’s sprawling botanical gardens, home to more than 3,000 plant species from all around the world that grow in Madeira's fertile volcanic soil.

GO BACK IN TIME

On any rainy days, visit Santana on the north coast to see the traditional palheiros houses, triangular thatched buildings dating from the 16th century. The ornate buildings are uninhabited, but it’s worth a trip for the craft shops and a sense of how islanders once lived.

HIT THE BEACH

For the best sands, head across to the neighbouring island of Porto Santo , two-and-a-half hours away by ferry from Funchal harbour (around €50 in low season and €60 in high season for a return). Known as the Golden Island for its long sandy shore that stretches over five miles, it’s a dreamy place to recline on a sun-lounger with a good book and a glass of Poncha, a local cocktail made with sugar-cane spirit, lemon or orange, honey and sugar.

Back on the north-west coast of Madeira, Porto Moniz is home to one of the island’s most popular attractions, the incredibly photogenic tidal pools – it’s best to go midweek to avoid the crowds. You can immerse yourself in these bathing areas formed naturally by an ancient volcanic eruption as the Atlantic breakers burst over the pool walls.

Sun-lovers usually go beach-hopping along Madeira’s south-west coast. The fishing village of Câmara de Lobos is pretty and charming, as is the cove of Ponta do Sol and nearby Madalena do Mar beach. Calheta is geared more towards those staying in the resorts here but is great for swimming because of its man-made sandy beach (most on the island are pebbly). Spend your days eating fresh seafood such as octopus, tuna and swordfish, and dipping in the warm sea.

Where to eat and drink on Madeira

For lunch, there are healthy menus at vegan- and vegetarian-friendly Prima Caju in Funchal, while Museu Café & Petisco , next to the former bishop’s palace that now houses a collection of paintings, sculptures and religious iconography, does a very good brunch under the arches.

Address : Prima Caju, Rua da Carreira 108, Funchal Website : primacaju.pt

Address : Museu Café & Petisco, Praça do Municipio, Funchal Website : facebook.com/museucaferestaurant

For a sugar rush and some old-world charm, book an afternoon tea at the Belmond Reid’s Palace , the famous grande dame of the capital. Sip Champagne with fluffy scones and carefully cut sandwiches while looking out to the shimmering Atlantic.

Address : Belmond Reid’s Palace, Estrada Monumental 139, Funchal Website : belmond.com Book a stay

If that doesn't sound lavish enough, go for a five- or six-course tasting menu at Il Gallo d’Oro , which has two Michelin stars and is housed in another of Funchal’s five-star hotels, Porto Bay’s The Cliff Bay. The menu here changes depending on the season and includes a host of beautifully presented dishes made with locally sourced ingredients, from trout to limpets and cheeses as well as vegetables from its garden, plus exceptional puddings.

Address : Il Gallo d’Oro, The Cliff Bay, Estrada Monumental 147, Funchal Website : portobay.com Book a stay

For something more traditional, head to the no-frills O Polar restaurant in the atmospheric fishing village of Câmara de Lobos. Island classics such as espetada (local kebab), frango (grilled chicken), milo frito (fried cornmeal) and bolo da caco (a doughy bread usually served with garlic) are some of the best you'll find on the island.

Address : Rua Pico da Torre 26, Camara de Lobos Contact : No website; +351 291 944 442

For a nightcap, head to Three House or Sé Boutique Hotel , whose rooftop bars serve brilliant cocktails in an atmospheric setting: Three House has an open, minimalist poolside space with 360-degree views (try the Tipsy Bee cocktail: Citadelle gin, grapefruit juice, honey and basil purée), while Sé Boutique’s layered terrace combines a bar and garden with offbeat design, bold colours and pink-flamingo statues.

Address : Three House, Rua Brigadeiro Oudinot 2, Funchal Website : threehouse.com Book a stay

Address : Sé Boutique Hotel, Travessa do Cabido 17, Funchal Website : seboutiquehotel.com Book a stay

Where to stay in Madeira

SAVOY PALACE

This is a striking five-star hotel, shaped like a cruise ship, a short walk from the capital's centre; its regal marbled rooms have freestanding baths and meditative sea views. It has more pools and restaurants – Galáxia Skyfood is a must – than you can count on one hand, plus one of Europe’s best spas , inspired by Madeira’s Laurisilva forest. Savoy is also on the brink of opening its sixth place to stay on the island: NEXT will be a stylish, tech-rich hotel aimed at millennials.

Address : Savoy Palace, Avenida do Infante 25, Funchal Website : savoysignature.com Book a stay

Also in Funchal is Okulus, a neatly designed, four-bedroom villa from Funchal Cottages, a collection of smart holiday properties owned by a local creative. This one sits on the edge of town overlooking the ocean, with views from the pool and terrace. Bedrooms mirror the surrounding nature: industrial-looking concrete walls and blue and earthy hues are punctuated by tastefully upcycled furniture, well-placed potted plants and soft Moroccan-style details.

Address : Okulus Madeira, Rua do Lazareto 14, Funchal Website : funchalcottages.co.uk Book a stay

CASAS DA LEVADA

Nature lovers should head west to the sustainable , family-run Casas da Levada close to Ponta do Pargo. Set on the edge of the lusciously green UNESCO World Heritage Site of Laurisilva forest, it began life as a singular, modest country home. Now there are six individual houses and a swimming pool, with a hobbit-sized bar, small farm and organic vegetable gardens. All buildings are self-catered (or B&B) and interiors are a mix of rustic and Japanese minimalist, with a few quirky touches.

Address : Casas da Levada, Rua da Lombadinha, Ponta do Pargo, Estreito da Calheta Website : casasdalevada.com Book a stay

The tiny, picturesque village of Porto da Cruz, on the north-east corner of the island, is worth a detour if you fancy catching a few waves. It's the kind of place that charms you into staying longer than you'd planned. If that happens, we'd recommend Jaca – a well-priced cool hostel with a relaxed vibe and private rooms. All rooms and common areas are sprinkled with local and international artwork, vintage furniture and trinkets handpicked by the lovely young owners, Joaquina and Tomé. Next door is Snackbar A-Pipa, a favourite restaurant on the island thanks to its welcoming staff, warm ambience, exquisite atum (tuna steaks) and powerful ponchas, the island's legendary rum-based drink.

Address : Casas Próximas, 1 Rua Dr. João Abel de Freitas, Porto da Cruz Website : JacaHostel

Getting around Madeira

It’s best to hire a car when visiting Madeira as public transport is limited – but take care, as roads can be dangerous. Local taxis are well priced and offer bespoke packages for day trips around the island. Uber is also available in Funchal. Car-rental companies: FBI Automóveis ; Auto Rent a Car ; Madeira Rent . Bus companies: SAM ; Rodoeste ; EACL .

Madeira entry requirements

The islands of Madeira are currently on the green list for UK travellers (though mainland Portugal is not). Anyone visiting from Britain will need to present a negative PCR test taken at least 72 hours before arrival. For anyone without this, the Madeiran government will pay for a test to be given, although any individuals taking up this offer will need to self-isolate until the results come through. As with other green list destinations, British travellers will need to take a lateral flow (antigen) or PCR test in the three days before arriving back in the UK, followed by another one on the second day back – and complete a passenger locator form. On Monday 5 July 2021, Madeira said that it would accept visitors who had been given any of the vaccines being administered worldwide, thus allowing in those whose jabs came from an Indian-made version of the AstraZeneca vaccine that the EU hasn’t yet approved.

Who flies to Madeira and from where?

Direct flights from the UK to Madeira are offered by Jet2, EasyJet, British Airways, Wizz Air and TUI. Flights via Portugal are offered by Portugal’s national carrier, TAP Air.

Airports: Birmingham, Bristol, East Midlands, Gatwick, Glasgow, Luton, Stansted, Heathrow, Manchester, Newcastle, Leeds.

Scroll down for more pictures of Madeira...

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A bedroom at Okulus Madeira, Funchal

Interiors at Okulus Madeira, Funchal

Seating by the sea at Okulus Madeira, Funchal

The pool at Okulus Madeira, Funchal

Afternoon tea at Reid's Palace, A Belmond Hotel

The pool at Reid's Palace

The pool at Savoy Palace

Colourful buildings at Sé Boutique

Madeira Island

A tropical getaway.

Laurissilva Forest

Packliste Madeira: Komplette Checkliste für deine Reise (mit PDF)

• von Nina von traveloptimizer

Zuletzt aktualisiert: 10.05.2024

Madeira, die portugiesische Insel des ewigen Frühlings , ist ein Paradies für Wanderer . Doch was sollte man für eine Reise nach Madeira unbedingt auf die Packliste setzen? Die Herausforderung beginnt oft schon beim Kofferpacken. Du stehst vor deinem offenen Gepäck und fragst dich, was für die vielfältigen Landschaften Madeiras unverzichtbar ist. Von den nebligen Gipfeln bis zu den sonnigen Küstenpfaden – die Insel verlangt nach einer wohlüberlegten Ausrüstung. Doch keine Sorge, wir nehmen dich an die Hand! Unsere Madeira Packliste beinhaltet besonders nützliche Dinge, die wichtigsten Klamotten, eine gute Reiseapotheke, Technikequipment und vieles mehr. Am Ende stellen wir dir auch ein PDF zum Download für eine ultimative Packliste zur Verfügung, die du für deinen Südafrika Roadtrip nutzen kannst. Vergiss auch nicht, dir die Checkliste vor der Abreise anzusehen, dann kann bei deiner Südafrika Reise auch nichts mehr schiefgehen.

Viel Spaß beim Durchlesen 🙂

Wenn du eine Madeira-Reise planst, könnten dich auch folgende Artikel interessieren:

• Madeira Urlaub
• Madeira Sehenswürdigkeiten
• Zu allen Madeira-Artikeln
• 1 Besonders nützliche Dinge
• 5 Kulturbeutel
• 6 Reiseapotheke
• 7 Kameraequipment & Technik
• 8 Sonstiges
• 9 Dokumente & Geld
• 10 Tipps zum Koffer packen
• 11 Checkliste vor dem Urlaub

Packliste Download PDF

Besonders nützliche Dinge

Wir haben die Packliste in verschiedene Kategorien unterteilt. Ein paar besonders praktische Reisegadgets , Kleidungsstücke oder Technikdinge stellen wir dir etwas näher vor, unter jeder Kategorie findest du aber nochmal zusammengefasst eine übersichtliche Liste .

Oder spring direkt weiter nach unten zur Madeira Packliste als PDF und zur Checkliste vor der Abreise .

Reise-Yogamatte

Ein kleiner “Luxusgegenstand” , ohne den ich nicht auskommen wollte, war eine Yoga- und Sportmatte* . Statt meiner üblichen großen Matte aus der Wohnung habe ich mich für ein kompaktes, rutschfestes Modell entschieden, das kaum mehr als 1kg auf die Waage bringt. Trotz ihrer geringen Größe fand sie problemlos Platz im Gepäck und wurde für Yoga-Sessions sowie kurze Fitnessübungen überraschend oft genutzt. Sie bietet ausgezeichneten Halt, allerdings sollte man sie eher nicht am Strand verwenden, da sie dazu neigt, den Sand anzuziehen.

Zusammenklappbare Box

Jeder hatte eine faltbare Box* und einen „Göffel“* (eine praktische Kombination aus Löffel und Gabel) dabei, womit wir überall bequem Brote schmieren und Müsli zubereiten konnten. Da wir oft vor Sonnenaufgang unterwegs waren, packten wir unser Frühstück schon am Vorabend in diese Boxen. Sie sind nicht nur super praktisch, sondern auch leicht und nehmen kaum Platz weg.

Trinkflasche/Filterflasche

Nicht überall kann man auf Madeira das Leitungswasser bedenkenlos trinken. Am klügsten ist es, sich im Supermarkt größere Wasserkanister zu besorgen und das Wasser in eine wiederverwendbare Aluminium-Trinkflasche* umzufüllen – so sparst du Plastik . Auch viele Unterkünfte oder Restaurants ermöglichen das Auffüllen deiner Flasche. In der Aluminium-Flasche bleibt dein Wasser zudem angenehm kühl .

Mückenschutz-Spray für die Kleidung

Anstatt das Mückenspray direkt auf die Haut aufzutragen, ist es eine gesündere Alternative , ein spezielles Mückenschutz-Spray für die Kleidung* zu nutzen. Durch das Imprägnieren deiner Garderobe wird diese zu einem effektiven Schutzschild gegen die lästigen Stechmücken. Es hält vielleicht nicht alle Insekten fern, ist aber definitiv eine Hilfe. Trotzdem empfehlen wir, zusätzlich ein herkömmliches Mückenspray* dabei zu haben.

Schönes, praktisches Reisehandtuch

Die meisten Mikrofaser-Reisehandtücher sind praktisch, aber oft einfarbig, unscheinbar und nicht gerade kuschelig. Auf unserer Suche nach einer cooleren und angenehmeren Option sind wir auf die Bade-Handtücher von Dock&Bay* gestoßen und wir lieben sie! Zwar sind sie etwas schwerer, aber für deinen Madeira Wanderausflug brauchst du eigentlich nur ein großes Bade- bzw. Strandhandtuch.

Jetzt zur spannenden Frage “Rucksack oder Koffer?” für deinen Madeira-Trip. Die Antwort lautet: Es hängt ab! Wir geben dir einen Überblick über unsere Gepäckempfehlungen, dann kannst du selbst entscheiden, ob für dich ein Rucksack , ein Koffer oder vielleicht ein Rollkoffer als Kompromiss auf Madeira am praktischsten ist. Wenn du bereits ein Gepäckstück deiner Wahl hast, dann überspring den Teil einfach oder lade dir direkt die Madeira Packliste als PDF herunter.

Erweiterbarer Rollkoffer

Wenn du einen Roadtrip auf Madeira machst, musst du häufig dein Gepäck aus dem Auto in die Unterkunft tragen. Deshalb empfiehlt es sich, einen leichten, stabilen Koffer zu wählen. Wir nutzen einen 130Liter Hauptstadtkoffer* , der sich bei Bedarf erweitern lässt – ideal, falls du im Urlaub Souvenirs erwirbst. Er ist leicht, verfügt über ein TSA-Schloss und ist in coolen Farben erhältlich. Auch das Preis-Leistungs-Verhältnis ist spitze ! Ein kleiner Nachteil: Im Hotelzimmer aufgeklappt, benötigt er ziemlich viel Platz. Als Alternative könnten wir den Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler XT* mit 90L oder 120L vorschlagen, eine Hybridlösung aus Rollkoffer und Rucksack.

Ein Rucksack ist auf Madeira absolut empfehlenswert, besonders wenn du vorhast, die vielfältige Landschaft zu Fuß zu erkunden . Mit einem Rucksack bist du flexibel und kannst, falls nötig, auch mal eine Strecke zum Hotel zu Fuß zurücklegen, um dir den Bus oder ein Taxi zu sparen. Frauen sollten hierbei ein Packvolumen von 60-70 Liter nicht überschreiten, Männer maximal 80 Liter , damit der Rucksack nicht zu schwer wird. Bedenke, du musst ihn ja selbst tragen.

• Empfehlung Frauen: Gregory DEVA 70*
• Empfehlung Männer:   Gregory BALTORO 75*
• Optional: Regenschutz + Transportsack* (super praktisch beim Fiegen & bei Regen, normaler Regenschutz ist beim Rucksack aber schon dabei)

Wheeled Duffle Bag

Egale Creek Cargo

Für alle, die wie wir einen praktischen Mittelweg suchen, ist der „Wheeled Duffle Bag“ eine top Wahl. Das ist eine Mischung aus Rollkoffer und Rucksack : Hauptsächlich zum Ziehen gedacht, lässt er sich aber auch für kurze Wege auf dem Rücken tragen. Ideal, wenn du dein Gepäck meist rollen möchtest, aber nicht auf die Flexibilität eines Rucksacks verzichten willst – sei es auf den Stufen einer Fähre oder beim Erklimmen eines Hotelgebäudes ohne Aufzug. Im Gegensatz zu einem herkömmlichen Koffer nimmt dieser Hybrid im kleinen Hotelzimmer weniger Platz ein, da er nur auf einer Seite geöffnet wird.

• Unsere Empfehlung: Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler XT 90 oder 120L*
• Gute Alternative: Deuter AViANT Access Movo 80Liter/60 Liter*

Ein unverzichtbares Gadget, das auch auf der Madeira Packliste nicht fehlen sollte, sind Packwürfel ! Diese kleinen Helfer sind perfekt, um im Koffer Ordnung zu schaffen . Wer einmal mit Packwürfeln gereist ist, möchte nie wieder ohne sie unterwegs sein. Wir empfehlen die Packwürfel von ECOHUB* oder die komprimierbaren Varianten* . Am besten organisierst du deine Sachen thematisch in verschiedenen Würfeln – für “Hosen”, “Kleider”, “Badesachen”, “Unterwäsche” und ähnliches.

Für all die Ausflüge auf Madeira ist ein kleiner 20-25 Liter Rucksack ideal. Der Johnny Urban Rolltop unisex* ist sowohl praktisch als auch stilvoll . Er überzeugt mit einem coolen Rolltop-Design und bietet genügend Platz für Snacks, eine Wasserflasche, Regenjacke und mehr. Die Polsterung am Rücken sorgt für angenehmen Tragekomfort , solange er nicht überladen ist. Zudem ist er umweltfreundlich, unisex und sieht einfach super aus! Als Alternative könntest du auch einen Wanderrucksack mit Hüftgurt* in Betracht ziehen. Für eine Wanderung wie auf den Pico Ruivo ist das sicher eine Überlegung wert, aber kein absolutes Muss.

Wanderrucksack

Falls du auf Madeira viel wandern möchtest, ist ein echter Wanderrucksack auf deiner Packliste unverzichtbar. Tom schwört auf seinen Gregory Citro 24 Liter in Schwarz* für solche Aktivitäten. Dank des gut durchlüfteten Rückensystems kommst du weniger ins Schwitzen. Der gepolsterte Hüftgurt erhöht den Tragekomfort und bietet zusätzliche Unterstützung bei längeren Touren.

Bauchtasche

Keine Frau sollte ohne ihre Lieblingshandtasche in den Urlaub fahren. Wir sind mittlerweile echte Fans von Bauchtaschen* geworden, die man sich ganz lässig umhängen kann . Diese sind auch am Flughafen super praktisch, da man Flugticket und Reisepass immer schnell zur Hand hat. Zudem eignen sie sich hervorragend für Männer und Frauen gleichermaßen .

Wasserdichter Rucksack oder Drybag

Für Wasseraktivitäten wie Boots- oder Schnorchelausflüge, Tauchen, Canyoning oder Rafting ist ein Drybag* ( Nasssack ) unerlässlich, um deine Wertsachen zu schützen. Sehr praktisch sind Drybags mit Schultergurt , die du auch als Tasche verwenden kannst. Falls du beim Gepäck auf das Gewicht achten musst, empfehlen wir dir, einen kleinen, wasserdichten und faltbaren Rucksack* zu kaufen.

Fehlt noch was in deinem Koffer?

Wenn dir unsere Empfehlungen weiterhelfen, dann kauf die Produkte gerne über die mit Sternchen (*) gekennzeichneten Empfehlungslinks. Du zahlst dadurch keinen Cent mehr, wir bekommen aber eine kleine Provision. So können wir noch mehr tolle Blogartikel für dich veröffentlichen. Tausend Dank und viel Liebe dafür 🧡

Ob du eher auf kurze oder lange Kleidung setzen solltest, hängt davon ab, wann du nach Madeira reist. Die Temperaturen sind gemäßigt : Im Sommer selten über 25 Grad und im Winter mild, mit seltenen Regenfällen. Eine leichte Jacke solltest du aber immer dabeihaben. Wir geben dir Tipps zur besten Reisezeit. Falls du in der Nebensaison oder während der feuchteren Monate reist, packe lieber ein paar Pullover mehr ein.

Wie viele Klamotten sollte man einpacken?

Wir raten dir, Unterhosen und T-Shirts für ca. 2 Wochen einzupacken, wenn du länger bleibst, kannst du dazwischen in der Unterkunft oder in einem Waschsalon einfach mal einen kleinen Sack Wäsche waschen lassen. Das ist auf Madeira sehr günstig und auf jeden Fall praktischer, als das Übergepäck beim Fliegen zu zahlen.

Weiter unten kannst du dir die Packliste als PDF für deinen Madeira Urlaub  herunterladen, ausdrucken und die Checkliste abhaken.

Patagonia Regenjacke

Eine Regenjacke oder ein Regenponcho* einzupacken, ist nie verkehrt, denn nicht jeder Wanderweg ist vor Wetterkapriolen geschützt. Uns hat einmal ein unerwarteter Regenschauer überrascht, und wir waren sehr dankbar für unseren Poncho . Zudem kann die Regenjacke an kühleren Tagen oder nachts auch als Windbreaker dienen und hält dich in Kombination mit einer Isolationsjacke warm.

• Nina:   Hardshell Jacke Patagonia*
• Tom:   Hardshell Jacke*

Dünne Isolationsjacke

Eine dünne Isolationsjacke ist unser absoluter Geheimtipp ! Wir haben uns beide für das gleiche Modell von Scott entschieden. Vorab haben wir recherchiert, welche synthetische Daune am besten isoliert – Primaloft® Gold stach als eines der führenden Isolationsmaterialien heraus. Obwohl die Jacke so dünn wirkt, hält die Jacke unglaublich warm. Ein weiterer Vorteil: Sie nimmt kaum Platz im Gepäck ein !

• Nina:   Primaloft Jacke Scott*
• Tom:   Primaloft Jacke Scott*

Funktionskleidung

Funktionskleidung hat sich längst auch für den Alltag bewährt und ist überaus praktisch. Besonders toll finden wir Longsleeves aus Merinowolle: atmungsaktiv und geruchsneutral , was bedeutet, dass du sie nach dem Lüften problemlos mehrere Tage tragen kannst. Tom trägt begeistert die Langarmshirts von Alpin Loaker* in verschiedenen Farben und ist völlig überzeugt von ihrer Qualität.

Die UV-Strahlung auf Madeira kann stark sein, und das Wasser beim Schnorcheln im Atlantik ziemlich kühl. Ein UV-Shirt* schützt dich nicht nur vor der Sonne , sondern auch vor der Kälte . Besonders Tom, mit seiner hellen Haut, schwört auf sein langärmliges UV-Shirt, wenn wir unterwegs sind.

Badehosen mit tiefen Taschen

Ein nützlicher Tipp, den vor allem Männer beachten sollten: Packt eure Badehose ein! Wenn du wie Tom darauf bestehst, dass die Badehosen tiefe Taschen haben, sodass Handy, Schlüssel und Geldbeutel sicher verstaut sind, dann könnte diese stylische Badehose* genau das Richtige für dich sein. Sie ist etwas kürzer, preiswert, schlicht und zeitlos . Tom hat dieses Modell in verschiedenen Farben und ist absolut begeistert davon.

Was trägt man am besten an einem Strand- oder Pooltag? Entweder ein luftiges Strandkleid oder einen Wickelrock , den man schnell über den Bikini ziehen kann. Ein schwarzer oder weißer Sarong* lässt sich fast immer gut kombinieren , nimmt kaum Platz im Koffer ein und ist am Strand ungemein praktisch. Ein solcher Sarong sollte definitiv auf jeder Madeira-Packliste für Frauen stehen.

Luftige Hosen

Weite, luftige Hosen sind auf Madeira im Vergleich zu Jeans eine kluge Wahl, da sie sowohl Sonnen- als auch Mückenschutz bieten , ohne dass man stark ins Schwitzen kommt. Sie sind ideal für Wanderungen durch die Natur , bequem und stylisch zugleich. Mit Sicherheit findest du bereits eine solche Hose in deinem Kleiderschrank; falls nicht, kannst du hier* einmal stöbern.

Übersicht: Packliste Klamotten

• 14 Unterhosen
• 10 Socken ( Sneaker Socken aus Bambus* /  Wandersocken aus Merino* )
• 2 kurze Hosen (Jeans + Leinen)
• 2 lange Hosen (Jeans + Leinen)
• 7-8 normale T-Shirts
• 1 Merino T-Shirt*
• 3 Sport-T-Shirts (Polyester, schnelltrocknend)
• 3 lässige Leinen-Hemden
• 2  Merino Langarmshirts*
• 1 dickere Sportweste
• 1 lange Wanderhose
• 1 kurze Wanderhose
• 1  Regenjacke*
• 1  Regenponcho*
• 2  Badehosen*  (tiefe Taschen)
• 1  UV-Shirt*
• 10 Socken ( Sneaker Socken* /  Wandersocken aus Merino* )
• 2 lange Hosen (luftig + Jeans)
• 3 kurze Hosen (2 luftige + 1 Jeans)
• 1 kurzer Schlafanzug
• 2 lässige Leinen-Hemden
• 1  neutraler Allrounder-Pulli*  (Lieblingspulli)
• 1  Merino T-Shirt*
• 1  Merino Langarmshirt*
• 4 Sport T-Shirts
• 3 Sport BH´s (auch als Croptop nutzbar)
• 1 lange Sportleggins
• 1 kurze Sporthose

Schuhe nehmen natürlich unglaublich viel Platz weg im Koffer, deshalb achte darauf, dass du so wenig wie möglich und so viel wie nötig mitnimmst. Falls du Platzprobleme hast, ziehe die größten Schuhe am besten gleich bei der Anreise an.

• Allrounder-Sneaker

Einen Allrounder-Sneaker wirst du auf Madeira wahrscheinlich am häufigsten tragen – also unbedingt auf die Packliste setzen. Wichtig ist, dass er bequem ist. Wir haben uns für ein Modell entschieden, das schnell trocknet und auch ideal für Wasseraktivitäten geeignet ist. Ob beim Rafting, auf kleineren Wanderungen oder bei Bootsausflügen: Dieser Schuh ist ein echter Alleskönner! Tropicfeel* zum Beispiel bietet richtig gute, schnelltrocknende Allrounder-Sneaker, die perfekt für Reisen sind. Schau doch mal in deren Shop!

• Nina: Tropicfeel Monsoon Almond White*
• Tom: Columbia Summertide Trekking*

Optional: Wanderschuhe

Wasserfeste Wanderschuhe sind auf Madeira besonders dann empfehlenswert, wenn du in der Regen- oder Nebensaison reist. So vermeidest du nasse Füße bei plötzlichen Schauern. Hohe Wanderstiefel sind nicht unbedingt nötig; leichte, wasserdichte Wanderschuhe sind in der Regel die praktischste Wahl und unverzichtbar für deine Madeira Packliste, wenn du vorhast, zu wandern.

• Nina: Columbia Hatana* mit Schnellverschluss-Schnürrsenkel (habe ich selbst gewechselt)
• Tom: Columbia Facet 30*
• Bequeme Sandalen

Meine absoluten Lieblingssandalen sind die von Keen* . Sie lassen sich fantastisch zu verschiedenen Outfits kombinieren und besitzen eine bequeme, rutschfeste Sohle . Egal, ob beim Wandern, beim Überqueren von Flüssen, beim Spaziergang durch die Stadt oder sogar beim schicken Abendessen – diese Sandalen sind immer passend und sollten auf deiner Madeira Packliste nicht fehlen. Besonders das schwarze Modell hat es mir angetan; sie sind die perfekten Allrounder-Sandalen .

Flip-Flops sind ein Muss für jede Reise. Sie sollten vor allem bequem sein und nicht zu viel wiegen. Besonders leichte Modelle findest du unter den Schaumstoff-Flip-Flops. Unsere Exemplare können nass werden und trocknen blitzschnell , was definitiv ein großer Pluspunkt ist.

• Nina: Tommy Hilfiger Flip-Flops*
• Tom: Tommy Hilfiger Flip-Flops*
• Wasserschuhe

Beim Spaziergang am Meer oder an felsigen Küsten Madeiras kann es leicht passieren, dass du in eine Glasscherbe oder auf einen Seeigel trittst . Um das zu vermeiden, sind dünne, bequeme Wasserschuhe* sehr hilfreich. Wenn du noch keine besitzt, füge sie am besten direkt deiner Packliste hinzu, damit sie nicht vergessen werden und sicher in deinem Koffer landen, bevor dein Urlaub am Meer beginnt.

Übersicht: Packliste Schuhe

• Wasserdichte Wanderschuhe

Kulturbeutel

Der Kulturbeutel ist für die Frau oft der wichtigste Kofferinhalt, vor allem weil man bestimmte Lieblingsprodukte im Urlaub meist nicht nachkaufen kann. Also geh die Packliste für Madeira hier einmal in Ruhe durch oder lade dir das PDF zum Ausdrucken und Abhaken herunter. Zu Beginn erst einmal die wichtigsten Dinge für deinen Kulturbeutel, zu denen wir gerne noch ein paar Worte verlieren möchten.

• Klebe Shampooflaschen oder Sonnencremes IMMER mit einem dünnen Streifen Panzertape* zu, bevor du sie einpackst, um das Auslaufen zu vermeiden!
• Fülle große Tuben um in kleinere 100ml Tuben* , für 2-3 Wochen Backpacking reichen diese Größen. Lasse unnötige Pflegeprodukte zu Hause!

Kulturbeutel Nina

Transparente Kulturbeutel* sind super praktisch, da man von außen sofort sieht, was drin ist und wo man kramen muss. Ich nutze davon zwei Stück: Den größten Beutel für Shampoo, Zahnbürste und Co., den kleineren für Schminke. Wenn deine Schminksachen weniger als 100ml Flüssigkeit haben (meistens der Fall), kannst du sie sogar einfach ins Handgepäck packen dank der TSA-Zulassung. Einen weiteren Beutel kannst du beispielsweise auch als Reiseapotheke nutzen.

Kulturbeutel Tom

Wer wie Tom beim Thema Kosmetik und Cremes deutlich minimalistischer unterwegs ist, dem reicht eine praktische Waschtasche zum Aufhängen* . So hat alles seine Ordnung und man kann sie in jedem Badezimmer anbringen .

Sonnencreme ohne Mikroplastik

Sonnencreme ist auf Madeira sehr teuer, deshalb solltest du sie auf deiner Checkliste auf keinen Fall vergessen. Früher haben wir einfach die günstigste Sonnencreme genutzt, mittlerweile sind wir der Umwelt und Gesundheit zuliebe auf Naturkosmetik umgestiegen. Wir haben uns ungelogen durch 10 verschiedene umwelt- und hautfreundliche Sonnencremes getestet und unser persönlicher Testsieger ist die Sonnencreme von NEW LAYER* . Sie ist nicht günstig, aber z ieht super ein und man schwitzt dabei nicht .

Elektrische Reisezahnbürste

Da wir zu Hause eine elektrische Zahnbürste nutzen, wollen wir darauf auch bei der Reise nicht verzichten. Wenn es dir auch so geht, können wir dir eine kleine, handliche elektrische Zahnbürste ( unsere Empfehlung mit USB* ) empfehlen, die man auch mit USB laden kann . Sie ist wirklich perfekt fürs Reisen

Übersicht: Packliste Kulturbeutel

• Duschgel & Shampoo (festes Shampoo oder in kleine Tube abfüllen)
• Ninas Gesichtscreme*
• Bodylotion* (in kleinere Tube abfüllen)
• Unbedenkliche Sonnencreme*
• Haargummis und Klammern
• Wattestäbchen
• Schminke ( Make-Up* , Wimperntusche* , Concealer , Rouge* , Gesichts-Sonnencreme* , Abschminkmittel,…)
• Lippenpflege* (mit Sonnenschutz)
• Nagelset* (Pinzette)
• Haarbürste* & grober Kamm
• Optional: Kontaktlinsen
• Optional: Verhütungsmittel (Pille/Kondome)
• Optional: Reiseföhn* (normalerweise in allen Hotels vorhanden)

Reiseapotheke

Auf Madeira findet man nicht überall gleich eine Apotheke in der Nähe, daher ist es ratsam, einige wichtige Medikamente mitzunehmen . Hier eine kleine Packliste für deine Reiseapotheke, die dir im Notfall viel Zeit erspart und schöne Urlaubsmomente retten kann. Denke daran, diese in deine Gesamtpackliste aufzunehmen, bevor es losgeht.

Tipp: Nimm die Tabletten aus dem Karton, beschrifte sie und packe nur die Tabletten inkl. Beipackzettel im Koffer.

• Tabletten gegen Reiseübelkeit* (machen sehr müde – perfekt für Nachtbusfahrten und Flüge)
• Schmerzmittel* (Ibuprofen, Paracetamol)
• Elektrolyte
• Durchfalltabletten Imodium*
• Antibiotika (gegen Blasenentzündung, bei Arzt anfragen für Notfall) oder mein Geheimtipp: D-Mannose-Kur* 20-30 Tage vor der Reise (absolutes Wundermittel!)
• Lippenherpescreme*
• Allergietabletten* (bei spontan auftretenden Allergien)
• Aspirin Complex*
• Desinfektionsspray*
• Nasenspray*
• kleiner Verband*
• sterile Wundkompresse*
• Augentropfen* (einzeln dosierbar)
• ggf. Malariaprophylaxe* (rezeptpflichtig)
• Fenistilgel*
• (Tropen-)Mückenspray*
• Tigerbalm* oder Voltaren*

Kameraequipment & Technik

Wir persönlich hatten als Blogger natürlich relativ viel Technikequipment auf Madeira dabei, was aber nicht heißt, dass du genauso viel mitnehmen musst. Trotzdem wollen wir dir hier unser Equipment mal vorstellen, vll. liebäugelst du ja auch mit einer neuen Kamera.

Tipp: Damit du nicht ewig nach Ladekabeln im Rucksack wühlen musst, empfehlen wir dir einen Kabelorganizer* .

Wenn du am Flughafen, am Pool oder Strand dein Smartphone oder deine Kopfhörer laden musst, ist eine richtig gute Powerbank einfach Gold wert. Wir nutzen die VEGER Power Bank 20000mAh* und können damit ca. 3-mal das iPhone 15 Pro laden . Falls du also noch keine leistungsstarke Powerbank hast, dann kauf dir unbedingt noch eine.

Optional: Actionkamera

Welche Kamera du für deinen Roadtrip mitnehmen solltest, ist natürlich dir überlassen. Wenn du eher als Foto-Laie unterwegs bist, reicht das Smartphone und vll. noch eher eine GoPro, die du für Unterwasseraufnahmen nutzen kannst. Die Videos werden mit der GoPro wirklich super , für professionelle Unterwasserfotos reicht die Qualität leider oft nicht aus, für Erinnerungsfotos beim Schnorcheln aber auf jeden Fall. Beschäftige dich im Vorfeld unbedingt mit den Einstellungen, um mit guter Qualität aufzunehmen. Bis 10 Meter ist die GoPro auch ohne zusätzliche Hülle wasserdicht , zum Tauchen brauchst du noch ein zusätzliches Gehäuse.

• Unsere Unterwasserkamera: GoPro Hero 12*
• + Unterwassergehäuse* (nur zum Tauchen relevant)
• + Ersatzakkus*
• + Schnellladestation*
• + Selfiestick*
• + Rotfilter*  (nur zum Tauchen relevant)

Da die meisten Handys nicht besonders gute Zoom-Bilder machen können, würden wir dir raten, eine gute Kamera mit einem guten Zoom-Objektiv mitzunehmen, wenn du am Ende deines Madeira Urlaubs ein paar schöne Fotos haben möchtest. Da wir persönlich versuchen unser Kamera-Equipment so kompakt, leicht und praktisch wie möglich zu halten, nutzen wir die Canon EOS R7 mit RF-S 18-150mm* . Zusätzlich hatten wir auch ein Zoom-Objektiv dabei. Für uns ist das die perfekte Reisekamera, denn die Objekterkennung und der Autofokus sind top!

• + Zoom-Objektiv ( EF 75-300mm F4.0-5.6* (günstig und gut) + Canon Bajonettadapter* , alternativ wäre auch das Canon RF 100-400mm F5.6-8* super!)
• + 2x Ersatzakkus*
• + Schnellladegerät*
• + Wickel-Schutztuch*
• + kabelloser Fernauslöser*

Optional: Drohne

Auf Madeira ist das Drohne fliegen erlaubt , allerdings musst du sie im Vorfeld registrieren (mehr Infos z.B. bei Drohnencamp.de ). Wenn du als Content Creator unterwegs bist, dann pack die Drohne unbedingt ein. Willst du nur ein paar schöne Erinnerungsfotos, dann entscheide selbst, ob sich die Anschaffung einer Drohne für dich lohnt. Man darf nicht vergessen, dass es auf Madeira oftmals sehr windig ist, was das Drohne fliegen erschwert. Vergiss auch nicht, eine Drohnenversicherung abzuschließen.

• Unsere Drohne: DJI Mini 3 Pro*  & Schutzhülle*

Übersicht: Packliste Technik

• Handy (iPhone 15 Pro*) + 2 Ladekabel
• Steckdosen-Adapter*
• Multifunktions-Schutzhülle + Handykette*
• Kopfhörer (Unser Tipp: Sony Noise Cancelling Kopfhörer* + Adapter fürs Flugzeug* sind super für Flüge, lange Bus- oder Bahnfahrten, alternativ AirPods Pro* )
•  E-Reader ( Kindle* )
• Kamera* + 2x Ersatzakkus* + Zoomobjektiv * + Adapter*
• Wickel-Schutztuch*
• kabelloser Fernauslöser*
• DJI Mini 3 Pro*  &  Schutzhülle*
• Stativ (leichtes, großes Reisestativ* + kleines Stativ* + Handyaufsatz* )
• Speicherkarten für Kamera/Actioncam*
• MacBook Pro* (Tipp: im Warehouse Deal bei amazon kaufen)

Je nachdem, was du alles bei deiner Madeira Reise geplant hast, sind diese Punkte unter “Sonstiges” auf der Reise-Packliste interessant für dich, weil man sie gerne mal vergisst.

Airtags* sind zwar keine Garantie gegen Diebstahl oder Verlust von Gepäck am Flughafen, aber sie geben ein Gefühl der Sicherheit . Lege dir Airtags für alle wichtigen Gepäckstücke zu, damit du dein Gepäck orten kannst. Im schlimmsten Fall kannst du der Fluggesellschaft genau zeigen, wo dein Gepäck abhandengekommen ist oder sogar einen Rucksack-Dieb aufspüren. Wenn du kein Apple-Gerät verwendest, sind die Samsung Galaxy SmartTag2* eine gute Alternative für Android-Nutzer.

Insektenstichheiler

Auch auf Madeira kann man den Mücken nicht immer aus dem Weg gehen, vor allem wenn du viel Zeit beim Wandern in der Natur verbringst. Ein praktisches Hilfsmittel gegen den Juckreiz sind Stichheiler , die durch einen kurzen Hitzeschock Linderung verschaffen . Es gibt große Modelle* , doch wenn du Platz sparen möchtest, gibt es auch sehr kleine Stichheiler fürs Smartphone* , die ebenso effektiv sind. Denke auch daran, ein Mückenspray für die Kleidung* einzupacken.

Aufblasbares Nackenkissen

Ein gutes, weiches Nackenkissen* gehört schon seit unserer Weltreise zur Grundausstattung. Es ist ideal, um im Flugzeug oder Bus bequem zu schlafen . Weil es aufblasbar ist, lässt es sich klein zusammenrollen. Ein weiterer Pluspunkt: Der Bezug ist waschbar .

Übersicht: Packliste Sonstiges

• 3D-Schlafmaske*
• Ohrenstöpsel*
• Aluminium-Wasserflasche*
• Zusammenklappbare Box*
• wiederverwendbare Strohhalme mit Löffel*
• Händedesinfektion
• Reisehandtuch*
• Kleiner Regenschirm*
• Sonnenbrille ( schicke Multifunktionsbrille* )
• Reise-Wäscheleine*
• Kleine Trockenbeutel* , um die Technik trocken zu halten
• Gesellschaftsspiel (z.B. Black Stories* , Uno* , Kniffel* )
• Aufblasbares Nackenkissen*
• Stirnlampe*
• Rollbares Reisekissen*
• Kleines Notizbuch & Kugelschreiber
• Taschentücher
• Tüten (für Dreckwäsche oder dreckige Schuhe im Koffer)
• Ohrstöpsel für schmerzfreies Fliegen*
• Kofferanhänger*
• Geldbeutel mit RFID-Schutz*
• Panzertape* (kann man IMMER brauchen)
• Multifunktions-Taschenmesser* (Obst schneiden, Flaschen öffnen,…)
• heatit Insektenstichheiler*
• Zahlenschloss* fürs Gepäck
• Zip-Beutel* fürs Handgepäck
• Optional: Seidenschlafsack* (falls du oft in Hostels schläfst, sehr leicht)

Dokumente & Geld

Zu guter Letzt noch die wahrscheinlich wichtigste Checkliste bei der Madeira Packliste, nämlich die Dokumente. Denn ohne Reisepass ist die Reise bereits am Flughafen wieder vorbei. Spare dir Nerven, Zeit und Geld, indem du diese Kategorie sorgfältig prüfst.

Tipp: Scanne alle wichtigen Dokumente (auch Ausweis) in der Cloud, um auch im Notfall von überall darauf zugreifen zu können. Wir haben unsere Dokumente in einer Dokumententasche* abgelegt, damit sie nicht nass werden.

• Reisepass/Pass: Für die Einreise nach Madeira ist ein gültiger Personalausweis oder Reisepass ausreichend.
• Führerschein/Internationaler Führerschein Dein gültiger deutscher Führerschein wird auf Madeira anerkannt.
• Kreditkarte: Packe am besten mindestens 2 verschiedene Kreditkarten ein. Check im Vorfeld auch nochmal dein Kreditkartenlimit. Wir empfehlen dir eine Reise-Kreditkarte mit geringeren/keinen Gebühren. Mehr Infos: Top 3 Reisekreditkarten
• Notfallnummern: Speicher dir Notfallnummern deiner Bank und deiner Auslandskrankenversicherung ab! Mehr Infos: Die besten Reiseversicherungen
• Notfallbargeld: Meistens befinden sich im Geldbeutel die Bankkarten und das Bargeld. Eine gefährliche Kombi, denn wenn das wertvolle Gut verschwindet oder geklaut wird, hast du nichts mehr. Verstecke dir für diesen Fall Notfallbargeld (am besten Dollar) im großen Koffer oder im Kulturbeutel.
• Impfausweis (oder eine Kopie davon)
• Tauchschein / Logbuch (falls nötig)
• Studentenausweis (falls nötig)

Die beliebtesten Reisekreditkarten

Bei einem Madeira Urlaub solltest du mindestens 2 verschiedenen Kreditkarten dabeihaben, falls eine mal nicht funktioniert. Hier sind die beliebtesten, kostenlosen Reisekreditkarten , mit denen du weltweit kostenlos Geld abheben und bezahlen kannst. Einen großen Vergleich findest du hier: Top 3 Reisekreditkarten

⚠️ Die Beantragung dauert nur wenige Minuten, bis die Kreditkarte endgültig ausgestellt wird vergehen in der Regel zwischen 2 und 4 Wochen , also kümmer dich frühzeitig darum!

Die beliebtesten Reiseversicherungen

Bist du versicherst, falls du einen Unfall hast oder deine Reise nach Madeira nicht antreten kannst? Eine Auslandskrankenversicherung ist immer sinnvoll , optional auch eine Reiserücktrittsversicherung! Kümmere du dich im besten Fall mind. 3-4 Wochen vorher darum, zumindest wenn du eine Reiserücktrittsversicherung haben möchtest. Einen großen Vergleich findest du auch hier: Die besten Reiseversicherungen

Tipp: Schließe am besten eine Jahresversicherung ab! Das ist meistens günstiger als eine einzelne Reise zu versichern und du bist das ganze Jahr über auch bei kleineren Trips geschützt!

Tipps zum Koffer packen

Nachdem du nun die Packliste für deine Madeira Reise kennst, möchten wir dir ein paar grundsätzliche Tipps zum Thema Packen verraten. Mit diesen Hacks sparst du Platz im Rucksack und behältst Ordnung und Überblick.

• Die richtige Handgepäckgröße für Flugreisen: Meistens sind die Maße 55x40x23 cm Standard, gerade Billigfluglinien (Ryanair, Wizz Air, …) kontrollieren immer häufiger das Handgepäck
• Packwürfel* verwenden
• Kleidung rollen statt falten: Der Trick mit der Roll-Technik gemeinsam mit den Packwürfeln hat sich bisher immer bewährt. Wenn du uns nicht glaubst, teste es einfach mal aus. ( YouTube-Anleitung )
• Kofferwaage: Das Aufgabegepäck sollte nicht mehr als 23 Kilo wiegen. Um auf Nummer sicher zu gehen, hilft dir im Vorfeld eine Kofferwaage* .
• Rucksack beschriften + Airtags: Falls dein Rucksack während des Transports verloren gehen sollte, ist es sehr hilfreich einen Anhänger* mit seinen Kontaktdaten zu befestigen. Mit zusätzlichen Airtags* in den Taschen gehst du auf Nummer sicher.
• Keine Flüssigkeiten im Handgepäck
• Socken in die Schuhe stecken: Bei den Schuhen gibt es 2 wichtige Pack-Hacks: Stecke, wenn möglich immer Socken in die Schuhe, um Platz zu sparen und verstaue sie im Rucksack ganz untern, damit sie nicht von oben auf die Kleidung drücken. Packe sie am besten auch in eine Tüte, dann verteilt sich der Dreck nicht im ganzen Rucksack.
• Kabel-Organizer*
• Klamotten vorher kombinieren: Welche Oberteile passen zu welcher Hose? Kombiniere deine Outfits im Vorfeld, um nicht unnötig viel einzupacken.
• Dreckwäschesack: Damit die frische Wäsche und die Dreckwäsche nicht nebeneinander im Rucksack liegen, empfehlen wir dir einen extra Dreckwäschesack. Eine einfache Plastiktüte, ein luftdichter, platzsparender Vakuum-Sack* oder ein komprimierbarer, dünner Drybag* eigenen sich dafür super.

Was du ins Handgepäck packen solltest

Oder beginnen wir kurz mit den Dingen, die du NICHT ins Handgepäck packen solltest, wie beispielsweise die große Shampooflasche oder das Taschenmesser. Diese Dinge sind im Abgabegepäck sicherlich besser aufgehoben. Es kann sein, dass du sie bereits weiter oben abgehakt hast. Dann sieh diese Liste einfach nochmal als Reminder.

• ALLE Akkus (Kamera, Drohne, Laptop,..)
• Proviant für den Flug/Snacks ( unsere Empfehlung* )
• Schlafmaske*
• Kopfhörer (Unser Tipp: Noise Cancelling Kopfhörer* )
• Reiseführer
• Sonnenbrille
• Trinkflasche *
• Lutschpastillen (für einen trockenen Hals)

Checkliste vor dem Urlaub

Vor der Abreise solltest du nicht nur packen, sondern auch noch ein paar andere wichtige Dinge erledigen, damit dich während oder direkt nach dem Urlaub keine bösen Überraschungen erwarten. Deshalb haben wir dir hier nochmal alle wichtigen Dinge als Checkliste vor der Abreise nach Madeira aufgeschrieben , die du einige Wochen und dann am Tag vor dem Urlaub nochmal checken solltest.

Checkliste 6-8 Wochen vorher

• Auslandskrankenversicherung prüfen und ggf. eine abschließen (Mehr Infos dazu: Die besten Reiseversicherungen )
• Kreditkarte prüfen und ggf. eine neue abschließen (Mehr Infos dazu in unserem Artikel: Top 3 Reisekreditkarten )
• Über Visumspflicht im Reiseland informieren
• Impfausweis überprüfen (über Tropeninsitut , Hausarzt oder Tropenarzt informieren)
• Reisepass prüfen (noch 6 Monate gültig bei Einreise?)
• Hotels buchen (wir buchen beim Roadtrip immer alles über booking.com* , um in der App einen tollen Reiseverlauf zu sehen)
• Wichtige Eintritt-Tickets buchen: Um lange Warteschlangen bei den Top-Sehenswürdigkeiten zu vermeiden, viele Tickets kannst du online vorab bei GetYourGuide* oder Tiqets* buchen.

Checkliste 1-2 Tage vorher

• Online-Check-In und Sitzplatzreservierung abschließen
• Jemanden fürs Blumengießen organisieren
• Briefkastenleerung organisieren
• Klamotten für den Flug bereitlegen
• Wetterbericht am Zielort recherchieren
• Ausweise und wichtige Dokumente einscannen und in der Cloud ablegen (z.B. Dropbox, Google Drive oder OneDrive): Reisepass / Pass, Flugtickets, Buchungsbestätigungen, Versicherungsdokumente, Passbild, PADI Tauchschein, Impfpass, Notfallnummern, Adressen
• Kreditkarte checken : Ist genügend Verfügungsrahmen auf der Kreditkarte? Ansonsten kannst du das online oder mit einem Anruf bei der Bank anpassen.
• Packliste überprüfen
• Rucksack mit Kontaktdaten und Adresse versehen: Sehr praktisch sind hierbei Kofferanhänger*
• Hotelbuchungen überprüfen: Sind die Reisedaten bei deinen Buchungen richtig?
• Ggf. Transfer vom Flughafen/ Bahnhof zur Unterkunft recherchieren
• Offline-Karten bei Google Maps herunterladen ( Anleitung bei YouTube )
• Gute Playlists/Podcasts/Hörbücher im Vorfeld herunterladen

Checkliste direkt vor der Abreise

• Fenster und Türen schließen (Kellerfenster nicht vergessen)
• Abflugzeiten prüfen: Hat sich was verschoben?
• Anreise zum Flughafen checken: Sind Staus oder Zugausfälle vorhersehbar?
• Elektrogeräte abschalten/abstecken (Wecker, Herd, Ofen, Boiler, Bügeleisen, Fernseher)
• Heizung ausschalten
• Reserve-Bargeld einstecken: Verstecke beispielsweise 50€ im Rucksack oder Handgepäck.
• Müll rausbringen
• Kühlschrank leeren

Ultimative Checkliste

Du möchtest gerne unsere ultimative Packliste kompakt zusammengefasst als PDF zum Ausdrucken?

Dann melde dich einfach für 0€ zu unserem Traveloptimizer-Newsletter an. Als Willkommensgeschenk bekommst du dann nicht nur die Packliste, sondern auch noch eine “Checkliste vor der Abreise” zum Ausdrucken. Damit vergisst du sicher nichts mehr und kannst beruhigt in den Urlaub fahren!

(mehr Infos, Datenschutz, Analyse & Widerruf)

Wir hoffen, durch diese Packliste sparst du dir viel Zeit beim Packen für deine Madeira Reise und du vergisst auch nichts! Du hast noch weitere Tipps oder Fragen? Dann ab in die Kommentare damit!

Ähnliche Beiträge

Madeira Urlaub: Wichtige Tipps, Erfahrungen & Route für eine Rundreise

TOP 20 Madeira: Die schönsten Sehenswürdigkeiten und Orte!

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• Gerne tropisch heiß
• Meine Wohlfühltemperatur liegt bei 20 Grad.
• Ich komme auch mit kühlen Temperaturen gut klar.
• Nur kurz übers Wochenende
• Mindestens 2-3 Wochen
• Kommt drauf an, ist mir erst mal egal.
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• So viel wie möglich vom Reiseziel sehen.
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• Egal...Hauptsache braun werden!
• Viel Natur, denn es gibt nichts schöneres.

Du bist ein echter Backpacker!

Du bist ein echter Roadtrip-Lover!

Du bist ein Städte- & Kulturliebhaber!

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Madeira Beach looks to ramp up beach safety with lifeguard program, designated swim zones

MADEIRA BEACH, Fla. - The City of Madeira Beach is looking to ramp up beach safety through a lifeguard program and new designated swim zones. Tuesday night was the first of two Swim Zones Public Workshop meetings, where City Manager Robin Gomez asked the community for input on the two proposed programs.

Gomez said the city wants to delineate where people can swim along its two-mile shoreline.

"Should it be our entire two miles of sand or just where the public parking lots are and also figure out how they should be delineated. Should we use buoys or poles?," he said.

READ: Pinellas County officials work to keep mosquitoes under control

The city is also considering joining some nearby municipalities and launching a lifeguard program.

"Here in Pinellas County, it has been very limited Fort De Soto Park, Sand Key Park, Fred Howard, and of course, Clearwater Beach, that have lifeguards," he said. 

It would include the construction of three lifeguard stations at each of the city's three beach parks.

In total, it would cost $400,000 annually to operate. 

MORE: St. Pete Beach residents call for investigation into possible misappropriation of Gulf Blvd. project funds

"It would cost our visitors. The visitors would pay to fund a lifeguard program, so it would come from parking fees and the parking fund to pay for lifeguards and all of the equipment," he said. "The city is considering increasing our hourly parking rate from $3 an hour to $4 an hour and that would more than cover the cost if we choose to pursue such a program."

Each station would be staffed with two mostly part-time lifeguards. Gomez said the challenge would be hiring those positions with the ongoing lifeguard shortage. 

"Personnel is going to be a little bit of a challenge," he said. "I know the county and Clearwater has had issues with filling positions."

Beach visitors like Andrea Montes are in support of a lifeguard program. 

"I think that would be an amazing addition to this beach considering how many families come here and how many kids with the waves, it would be great," she said. "A lot of people don’t know what a rip tide is or even what it looks like, so especially with little children, it could happen with just the blink of an eye so having a lifeguard here would definitely be a bonus."

A second swim zone and lifeguard public workshop will take place at the Madeira Beach City Centre on Saturday, June 29 at 11 a.m. 

"This is to gain input from the public and see what they would like to see," Gomez said.

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Could You Have a UTI and Not Know It?

The signs and symptoms to watch out for

Urinary tract infections are common, and the risk generally increases with age . They happen when bacteria infect your urethra, bladder, or other organs in your urinary tract. In older people, UTIs might not cause the telltale burning, so they can be easy to miss. But left untreated, a UTI can be serious, spreading to the kidneys or bloodstream and even causing unexpected symptoms like lethargy, fever, or confusion.

Some people—especially older ones—have bacteria in their urine but don’t have any symptoms, says Michelle Yu, MD, an assistant professor of urologic oncology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. In older men, an enlarged prostate can cause urine to sit in the bladder, giving bacteria time to replicate. In older women, declining estrogen levels can thin the vaginal wall, making it easier for bacteria to spread to the urinary tract.

Here’s how to tell whether you have a UTI, and what treatment makes sense.

Signs of a UTI

Classic signs of a UTI include frequent urination and a burning feeling when you go. It’s also common for older people to experience lower abdominal pain, blood in the urine, or new-onset incontinence. Low-grade fevers and smelly or cloudy urine can also occur. If the infection advances to the kidneys or the bloodstream, that can lead to changes in mental status, including symptoms that resemble dementia.

If your doctor thinks your symptoms suggest a UTI, they might do a few tests to confirm it. Dipstick tests, which quickly check for bacteria in a urine sample, can be a good first step. But they’re often inaccurate because they’re easily contaminated with bacteria from outside the urinary tract, Yu says. Plus, the naturally higher bacteria levels found in the urine of some older people can cause false positives.

The Right Treatment

A urine culture can be a helpful additional step, says Ronan Factora, MD, a geriatrician at the Cleveland Clinic. That can confirm an infection and identify the type of bacteria causing it, which can help a doctor assess what kind of antibiotics it’s sensitive to, Yu says.

The presence of bacteria in your urine doesn’t necessarily mean you need antibiotics , Yu says. It’s only a UTI if those bacteria adhere to the bladder wall and cause harm, says Hajar Ibrahim Ayoub, MD, a urologist with UTHealth Houston.

“You should be treating someone to mitigate their symptoms,” Ayoub says. Taking antibiotics is unnecessary if you aren’t experiencing any discomfort.

Consider seeking a second opinion if you don’t have any UTI symptoms but are prescribed antibiotics anyway. “Take the prescription home in case symptoms arise,” Ayoub says. But keep in mind that antibiotic overuse can be harmful, leading to side effects such as digestive problems and potentially increasing your chances of developing an antibiotic-resistant infection in the future.

If you have UTI symptoms, see your primary care provider or a urologist as soon as you can. Once an infection moves to the bloodstream and you show symptoms like disorientation, hospitalization is required.

How to Prevent a UTI

Lifestyle tweaks can help prevent UTIs from developing. As a rule, you should be urinating every 4 to 6 hours during the day to empty your bladder. “Urine in the bladder is a good medium for bacteria to grow in, like stagnant water,” Ayoub says. And drinking plenty of fluids —aim for 50 to 70 ounces per day, Yu says—can keep urine from being too concentrated. That can prevent bacteria from adhering to your bladder wall.

Hygiene also plays a role in prevention, according to Ronan Factora, MD. After a bowel movement, always wipe from front to back to avoid spreading bacteria. Put on new underwear every day, and if you use disposable undergarments, change those whenever they’re soiled.

If you have recurrent UTIs, your doctor may recommend other treatments to prevent them, such as topical estrogen cream to thicken your vaginal wall or medications for urinary retention.

Editor’s Note:  This article also appeared in the June 2024 issue of  Consumer Reports On Health .

Ashley Abramson

Ashley Abramson is a freelance writer focused on health and psychology. In addition to Consumer Reports, she's written for the New York Times, the Washington Post, and the Guardian. She lives in Milwaukee with her husband, two young sons, and their pair of pups. When she's not writing, she enjoys good food, movies, and the Lake Michigan views down the street.

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