Planning a trip to the Hawaii of Europe and wondering what are the best things to do in Madeira? In this article, we share our 7 day Madeira itinerary that explores the entire of this amazing Portuguese island. Featuring hikes, culture and fantastic food – all types of travellers will enjoy this itinerary. Sounds good? Read on!

We will never forget our first glimpse of Madeira in the taxi on our way from the airport. The dramatic hillsides and tropical plants felt so far removed from the Europe we know. It’s true what they say, it really is the Hawaii of Europe. 

Located a few hundred miles off the coast of West Africa, Madeira is a Portuguese island that packs a punch. This volcanic island has the reputation of being very popular with the older generation, however, older definitely means wiser in this case. Admittedly we were the youngest people on our flight but we are so confused why there is not more of a buzz about Madeira. It’s an Instagrammers’ paradise, a nature lovers’ utopia, a family-friendly wonderland – you get the picture. 

Madeira was so breathtaking, we haven’t stopped talking about it. So much so, that Jack’s parents booked a trip there a couple of months later. We are even fantasising about living there one day. 

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Contents

• What to pack
• Where to stay
• How to get around Madeira
• Day 1 – Funchal, Madeira
• Day 2 – Funchal, Maderia
• Day 3 – Porto Santo
• Day 4 – North West Madeira
• Day 5 – Southern Madeira
• Day 6 – Madeira’s East Coast
• Day 7 – Central Madeira

Essential Travel Tools
Flights: Skyscanner
Transport: 12GoAsia
Accommodation: Booking.com
Tours: Viator/Klook
Car hire: Discover Cars

What to pack

Dubbed the “island of eternal spring”, Madeira offers year-round, mild temperatures with the driest season being April-September and the wetter season being October-March. That being said the weather is prone to fluctuations due to having four micro-climates. Whilst it might be cracking the flags in Funchal, higher in the mountains could be experiencing a heavy downpour. 

Pack the swimwear, cute dresses, t-shirts and shorts, but also bring layers such as a jumper, a waterproof/windbreaker, and maybe even a woolly hat. The most important thing to pack is sensible shoes because this island is hilly. Even the capital city of Funchal is hilly. Hiking boots or trainers; make sure you wear comfortable shoes with decent grip. We chose to take our trail trainers as they are lighter than hiking boots.

Bringing a refillable water bottle is also a good idea. The tap water is safe for drinking in Madeira, so you don’t have to waste money on numerous plastic bottles during your trip. Bring one that helps keep your water cooler for longer to ensure you have a refreshing drink during those hikes. 

Where to stay on Madeira

For our trip, we stayed at Four Views Baia which offers panoramic views over Funchal, spa facilities and an excellent breakfast buffet. We preferred staying within Funchal as the road network on the island is so well connected, it didn’t take us longer than an hour to get anywhere. We also liked that Funchal had a lot of food options on offer.

How to get around Madeira

We recommend hiring a car for the trip. For the best car hire deals, use this link. 

Now, you may have read some scary things about Madeira being awful to drive around, but that was not our experience. Yes, the roads are steep and windy but take them slowly. Everybody else is. And better to be slow and safe than sorry. The roads, highways and tunnels are all well-maintained and speed controlled. That being said, our tip would be to hire an automatic car especially if you are slightly nervous about driving. This was our first time hiring a car and driving on the other side of the road and having an automatic just meant there was less to stress about. 

There are public buses that can take you to the main hubs on the island or you could use the local taxis. Alternatively, you could book full-day tours and have the transport taken care of.

Day 1 – Funchal, Madeira

Take this day to get your bearings of Funchal.

Ronaldo Statue

Stroll along the marina and take a picture with the Ronaldo statue outside the CR7 museum. If you fancy it, the museum is €5pp entry, however, we chose to sit on a bench on the marina and enjoy some gelato instead. 

Blandy’s Wine Lodge

Why not sample the island’s famous tipple at Blandy’s Wine Lodge? This family-run wine lodge is one of the oldest, with 200 years of experience producing Madeira Wine. Learn more about the history and the process of making the unique wine on a premium guided tour (€11pp).  Any tour that finishes with a free tasting ranks highly in our book! Enjoy two sweet and dry tasters in the lodge’s bar area and maybe buy yourself a bottle to bring home.

MadCuba

After the tour, it’s time for some dinner. We loved MadCuba and would highly recommend this place for your itinerary. The food was delicious and reasonably priced at around €8 per main. The service was also excellent with our server being very enthusiastic and passionate about the food. We also took advantage of happy hour with 2-for-1 margaritas for €5 and enjoyed a very giggly walk back to the hotel.

Day 2- Funchal, Madeira

Now the sightseeing starts.

Funchal Farmers’ Market

Start your day by visiting the famous farmers’ market. You are met with vast arrays of beautiful flowers with the stall owners dressed in traditional outfits. The market has two floors; on the first floor are flowers and beautiful arrangements of fresh fruit and vegetables. Sample the unusual custard apple and famous Madeiran banana. Upstairs are stalls full of souvenirs and cork trinkets. Peer over the balcony overlooking the fish market and its traders. It’s best to see this during the morning when the fish comes in fresh from the daily catch.

Rua de Santa Maria

Right next to the market is Rua de Santa Maria. This is a funky, little, cobbled street where each door is beautifully decorated with different designs. It was originally formed as part of the Madeiran Open Door Arts Project and provides a stunning backdrop for some Instagram snaps. 

Cable Car

In this neighbourhood, you can access the cable car up to Monte Palace and the Botanical Gardens. With a journey time of 15 minutes and costing €18pp for a round trip (or €12.50 single), this pleasant ride offers incredible views over Funchal as you climb to 550m above sea level. Once at the top, either turn left to visit Monte Palace or turn right to go on a second cable car to the Botanical Gardens.

Monte Palace

We chose Monte Palace.

The entrance is €12.50pp and includes a tasting of Madeira wine at the coffee shop. Monte Palace Tropical Gardens is astounding and we easily spent a half-day exploring every twist and turn. We visited in spring when all the flowers were in bloom but this is a year-round attraction.

There is a museum displaying African sculptures and artwork, as well as a large collection of centuries-old, Portuguese tiles dotted along the walkways and grand archways. A massive influence on the gardens is Chinese and Japanese culture as seen in the statues, pagodas, koi ponds and plant life. It really does transport you to Asia with its clever design and architecture.

After your visit, you may want to descend the mountain on one of Madeira’s famous wicker toboggans (€30 for two). This is where two men dressed in straw boater hats and white tops and trousers cling onto the back of the basket, as you career down the hill. We skipped this one but it’s supposed to be an exhilarating experience.

Prima Caju 

Once back in the city centre, grab a late lunch at Prima Caju. This is a very Instagram-friendly, healthy spot to eat but its substance definitely matches its style. We enjoyed some pancakes, salmon and avocado on toast, a wrap and two smoothies – all of which was delicious and only cost £22. 

Day 3 – Porto Santo

Now, what Madeira offers in lush greenery, Porto Santo offers in long stretches of golden sand.

The ferry to Porto Santo leaves Funchal once a day, early in the morning and takes 2 and a half hours to reach its destination. It costs around €75 each way but is quite luxurious, with comfortable seating, cafes and even some shops on board. The alternative way of getting to Porto Santo would be flying which takes around 25 minutes but costs twice as much. Most visitors are visiting on a day trip, catching the evening ferry back to Madeira, but there are also hotels on the island in case you wish to extend your stay. 

Being 11km long and 6km wide, Porto Santo isn’t a large island but still offers a bus and taxi service. It also offers hire for cars, scooters or bicycles so you can explore beyond the main beach. 

Porto Santo Beach

The island is famous for its 9km stretch of golden, soft sand beach. Here you can rent a sun lounger and an umbrella and while away hours reading, tanning and sipping cocktails from one of the nearby bars. Or have a dip in the crystal clear waters to cool off. The water is usually pretty calm so you can enjoy a swim or even a snorkel. 

Porto Santo Natural Pools

If like us, you can’t sit on a beach for too long, there are plenty of other things to see and do on the island. Seek out some of Porto Santo’s natural pools such as Porto dos Frades or Porto das Salemas.

Porto Santo Hikes

Alternatively, you might want to tackle a hike. The Vereda Pico Branco & Terra Chã Hike is one of the more popular routes. At a manageable 5km length, this hike still offers incredible views at the summit.

We also recommend PS PR2 Vereda do Pico Castelo, taking you up the 437m high peak to offer panoramic views of the island.

Pico de Ana Ferreira

There are also a few stunning viewpoints to stop at like Miradouro das Flores and Miradouro da Portela. Another breathtaking sight is Pico de Ana Ferreira. This organ-pipe-shaped rock formation is slightly reminiscent of Giant’s Causeway. Up close, these unique columns will tower above you. It truly is a memorable and remarkable sight to behold. There is also a hike nearby taking you to some caves for more amazing views and photo opportunities. 

After all this exploring, catch the evening ferry back to Maderia. Returning to the glistening lights of Funchal’s city is the perfect way to finish the perfect day. 

Day 4 – North West Maderia

On this day you will get the ultimate moody vibes – but in a good way.

Fanal Forest

The first port of call is Fanal Forest; a dreamy forest in the clouds. This is weather dependent as you want it to be foggy to get the atmosphere of the place. The best chance of fog is during the morning. It is also a stunning place to visit when clear as there are walking routes you can follow but the true magic is in the mist.

The ground is mossy, the laurel trees are crooked and the cows are curious, it’s like walking through a fairytale. Be warned as you cannot see far ahead and it’s easy to become disorientated. But there’s something fun about getting lost. 

Miradouro do Veu da Noiva

After the magical misty forest, head towards the coast. The rugged coastline of northern Madeira feels worlds apart from the sunnier southern shores. Our next stop shows this in all its glory. Miradouro do Veu da Noiva is a point where you can view a waterfall cascading into the Atlantic below.

At the base of the waterfall lies the remains of the road that used to cling to the cliff edge before a landslide tore it down. Now the waterfall is only visible from this viewpoint.

Seixal

Travelling further along the road, you will come into the town of Seixal. Here you will find a breathtaking black sand beach. With the lush, green mountains as a backdrop and the wild, blue Atlantic crashing against the soft, black sand, this beach is one of the best we have ever visited. The scenery is captivating.

Whether you relax on the beach or dare to swim in the sea, this is a must on your Madeira bucket list. This is also an excellent place to watch the sunrise. There are also toilet and shower facilities as well as a cafe so no need to rush this stop.

Porto Moniz

Finally, head over to the north-westernmost point to the charming Porto Moniz. Porto Moniz is well known for its natural coastal pools surrounded by lava rock. Entrance is free however it can be chilly as the pools are filled by the sea. When we came the tide was high and very rough but we still enjoyed watching the waves crashing against the rocks.

If the more natural pools don’t appeal, there is also a lido pool complex in town which offers changing facilities and safer swimming conditions. After enjoying the pools, the town also has an aquarium and João Baptista Fort to explore. 

Day 5 – Southern Madeira

Madeira is famous for its hikes.

Levada das 25 Fontes

Most people are coming to the island to tackle at least one and the Levada das 25 Fontes hike is one of the more popular ones.

At 11km total hiking distance, this trail offers beautiful views of waterfalls and emersion into nature. It is also worth adding the extra 1km to your hike to take the fork to Risco Waterfall. This waterfall plunges 100m down the cliffside, providing a glorious sight whilst taking a breather. Retrace your steps and go back to the main trail. Everything is sign-posted and the paths are well maintained.

Many travellers say one of their favourite parts of the hike is the way the trees arch over the footpaths, creating crooked tunnels with their branches.

Finally, you will reach the 25 Fontes where 25 streams flow down the waterfall wall into a central basin. Only the brave will tip their toes into the freezing waters. This route is extremely popular so we recommend starting early in the morning if you want to miss the crowds. 

Anjos Waterfall

Once you have returned to the Rabacal car park, we recommend heading to the Anjos Waterfall. This is a waterfall that cascades onto the road below. You used to be able to drive your car into the stream, however, the road was closed when we went and instead we walked through the tunnel to the falls. Tourists were enjoying running through the waterfall and taking snaps in their swimwear. 

Miradouro do Cabo Girao

Continuing further along the coast towards Funchal you will reach Miradouro do Cabo Girão. This is the highest cliff skywalk in Europe at 580m high. The glass balcony hangs off the mountainside, daring you to stand over the vertical drop to the sea below. 

Offering panoramic views of the southern coast of Madeira, it’s hard to believe this attraction is free. There are also facilities here such as toilets, a cafe and a shop.

Le Bistrot Jacaranda

Finish your day by trying the local dishes. One of Madeira’s delicacies is fried scabbard fish with banana. In our opinion, it was a bit weird and the waiter at Le Bistrot Jacaranda agreed. We much preferred Espetada, cubed steak cooked on a skewer over the grill coated in garlic butter and Poncha, sugarcane alcohol with sugar, honey and lemon.

Day 6 – Madeira’s East Coast 

Now’s the turn of the eastern side of the island and it starts with an amazing hike. What blew us away about Madeira were the differing, dramatic landscapes each hike showed us. We’ve already seen beautiful waterfalls and forests shrouded in fog, now is the turn of the semi-arid east coast. 

Vereda da Ponta de Sao Lourenco

PR8 Vereda da Ponta de Sao Lourenco is one of the most popular hikes on the island. This 6km trail meanders along the cliffs of Madeira’s easter peninsula. Whilst the elevation isn’t too bad on this one, being so exposed means the wind can literally sweep you off your feet. Please don’t let that put you off. The views this trail provides are glorious. The different layers in the burnt orange rocks were beautiful.

Along the hike, there are many points to stop and take in the stunning views whether it’s out to sea, ahead to the islets or back to Funchal. There is also a path that will take you down to a beach, a lovely spot to have a paddle and have a break from the trail.

Make sure to come early for this one as it’s one of the more popular hikes and the parking can get very busy along the road.

Machico Beach

Afterwards, head on into Machico and enjoy the only white sand beach on Madiera. The lush sand has been imported from Morocco and provides a welcome place to relax after your morning walk.

Further along the beach, Baia Beach Club is a great choice to refuel. After our hike, we were starving and engulfed the huge portion of pasta served there.

Use the rest of the day to explore Machico, a sweet seaside town, or seek out the various viewpoints on Google Maps on your way back to Funchal. They will honestly never get old. 

Day 7 – Central Maderia

This was my favourite day of our week in Madeira. I know I keep banging on about the views but oh my the views. And it was so rewarding. 

Initially, we had planned to do the Pico do Ariero to Pico Ruivo hike which is about 6-8 hours and requires a torch. That was until we released that in March, there’s actually snow on the mountains and we definitely had not packed to hike through the snow for 8 hours. When we do return to Madeira, we fully intend to complete this hike. However, the alternative hike we did up Pico Ruivo was still incredibly rewarding without being extremely challenging. 

Pico Ruivo

PR1.2 Pico Ruivo starts at the Achada do Teixeira car park. It was basically empty when we arrived in the mid-morning and covered in fog but by the early afternoon, it was packed. The hike was 5.5km long and about two and a half hours in total. There wasn’t too much of a steep incline however there were steps during the last half of the trail.

Our hike was made even more atmospheric when the fog would lift and we would have glimpses of the valley around us.

At the top of the highest peak in Madeira, you can see for miles. You can see the sea and the surrounding peaks, little towns in the valleys. It was just so beautiful. This is definitely an activity we encourage you to add to your own Madeira itinerary. 

Another highlight was sitting in the cosy cafe just off the car park and tucking into a warm slice of freshly baked banana cake.

Levada dos Balcones

Apparently, one hike wasn’t enough for us on this day. Whilst in the area, visit Levada does Balcones. This hike is about a mile each way through the stunning forests, out onto a balcony overlooking the valley. It’s a really easy hike to complete and provides excellent views of the glorious landscape. However, it is also one of the more popular routes. As it was the afternoon when we visited, cars lined the road and coaches were pulling up full of tourists.

Conclusion

And that’s it. That’s the end of our week on Madeira. 

We are sure you will absolutely love Madeira. It truly was a place that took our breath away and we have been recommending it to family and friends since returning. 

If you have any more recommendations on where to go in Madeira, please add them to our comments box below 🙂

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• The Best 10 Things To Do On São Miguel, Azores