Madeira Itinerary: 5 Days (or a Week) on the Island

Madeira packs a lot into a small island: mountain summits above the clouds, levada walks through ancient forests, natural lava pools, cliff-top villages and a charming capital. Here’s our 5-day Madeira itinerary, with a car, plus how to stretch it to a week.

Quick answer: Day 1: Funchal. Day 2: sunrise hike from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo. Day 3: the west (Cabo Girão, Porto Moniz pools, 25 Fontes). Day 4: the east (Ponta de São Lourenço, Santana, Caldeirão Verde). Day 5: Monte, the toboggan and a whale-watching trip. Remember: book your trail slots on the SIMplifica portal.

Day 1: Funchal

The Mercado dos Lavradores, the painted doors of the Zona Velha, the cathedral and the marina, with a Madeira wine tasting at Blandy’s. See things to do in Funchal.

Day 2: The peaks

Drive up to Pico do Arieiro for sunrise and hike the PR1 to Pico Ruivo (now one-way only, so arrange a pickup), or walk the easy Balcões levada. Trail fees: €10.50 for the PR1, €4.50 for most others. See Madeira levada walks.

Day 3: The west

• Cabo Girão skywalk (€5) and Câmara de Lobos.
• Ponta do Sol, the sunny southwest.
• Porto Moniz natural lava pools (€3).
• 25 Fontes and Risco levada walk from Rabaçal (PR6), if you have the energy.

Day 4: The east and north

• Ponta de São Lourenço (PR8), the wild eastern peninsula, early before the heat.
• Machico and its golden beach.
• Santana’s triangular houses.
• Caldeirão Verde levada (PR9) through the laurel forest, with a headtorch for the tunnels.

Day 5: Monte and the sea

• The cable car to Monte, the Monte Palace Tropical Garden (€18) and the wicker toboggan ride down (€30 for one, cash).
• Whale and dolphin watching from Funchal in the afternoon. See trips.

With a week

• Add a day trip to Porto Santo’s golden beach by ferry or plane.
• Add a rest day by the pool and another levada.

Tips

• Hire a car; the roads are steep and winding but good.
• Check the weather and webcams for the peaks.
• Book trail slots and popular trips in advance.

Where to stay: the best hotels in Madeira. With kids: Madeira with kids. More: the Madeira travel guide.

See also: the best tours in Madeira.

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