7 days in Madeira - The perfect itinerary for the island of Madeira
Come with us on an unique journey, in the heart of nature and in the middle of the ocean, surrounded by some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world!
Yes, this is Madeira, the island of eternal spring! You will find next the complete guide with all the important information about this island, together with a complete route, a 7-day itinerary that covers all the most amazing places of Madeira!
Content
- What to do in Madeira - daily itinerary
What you need to know about Madeira
The most important thing you need to know about Madeira is that it is a dream destination! Fascinating and spectacular, with its colors, views and living nature, Madeira will conquer you from the first moment.
But, of course, you also need other useful information:
- Madeira is an island in the Madeira archipelago, in the Atlantic Ocean. It belongs to Portugal, but it is also entitled as an autonomous region.
- The official language is Portuguese, and the currency is the euro.
- Madeira is a destination that can be visited all year round. With average temperatures between 15 degrees (winter) and 25 degrees (summer), Madeira is always full of tourists. However, our preference, and our recommendation for you, is to come here in the winter months, precisely to shelter yourself from the cold felt in most European countries. Also, the summer months are much more crowded.
- The temperature is perfect in Madeira, but the weather can be changeable, and there is no shortage of rainfall either. Live webcams are available all over the island, so you can see what the weather is like in a certain location on the island
If you want to find out more such organizational information about Madeira, don't miss this article: Madeira - Everything you need to know before visiting Madeira, the island of eternal spring.
How to get around in Madeira
By car in Madeira
We opted for the simplest and most flexible option to discover Madeira, and I recommend you the same: we rented a car for the entire stay. We paid 50 euros/day, with all taxes included, without credit card, without guarantee and with free cancellation. Search on rentalcars.com or Google for the perfect option for you!
Madeira is a mountainous island, there are many steep hills. If you are not a very experienced driver, I recommend a car with an automatic transmission from the start!
By taxi / Bolt in Madeira
If you decide not to rent a car, don't panic! There are also solutions for tourists without a car: buses, taxis, but most importantly, organized tours.
And the good news is that here you also have the option of ride sharing services - Bolt is also valid in Madeira!
By bus in Madeira
Madeira has a network of public transport throughout the island. If you are interested in this option, here is a link that will give you more details about public transport in Madeira: https://www.flatio.com/blog/moving-around-madeira-island-by-bus-everything-you-should-know.
With organized tours / day trips in Madeira
Even if a rented car offers you a certain flexibility, day trips can also offer a good option to discover Madeira in its entirety.
Below I leave you a list of organized tours with which you can reach all the important places of the island:
What to do in Madeira - daily itinerary
And now, let's move on to the actual program. The itinerary is based on our experience in Madeira, following our trip from the beginning of December, and covers all the important points of interest: hiking, levada, beaches, natural pools, cities, etc.
Slide the panel on the top left of the map below to see all the points, day by day.
If you want to see the complete list of all the tourist sights and points of interest in Madeira, I have prepared this article for you: What to do in Madeira - TOP 20 most beautiful places to visit.
Day 1 – Pico do Arieiro, Pico Ruivo
We start the adventure in Madeira with the most important tourist attraction - Pico do Arieiro and Pico Ruivo!
Miradouro da Eira do Serrado + Nun’s Valley
We start in the morning from Funchal towards Pico do Arieiro, and on the way we meet the beauty of Madeira for the first time. We stop at Miradouro da Eira do Serrado, a viewpoint at over 1000 meters, from where we admire the entire view of the area, together with Nun’s Valley. Afterwards, we continue our way to the famous Pico do Arieiro.
Pico do Arieiro
Pico do Arieiro (1818 meters), together with Pico Ruivo (1862 meters) are the highest peaks in Madeira and the highlights of the island (pico means peak)!
- Plan your climb on the two peaks - Pico do Arieiro and Pico Ruivo - from the very first day. It is the number 1 attraction in Madeira, the highlight of the island, and it is absolutely mandatory to get here and catch the peaks in good weather, with a clear sky - or at least, not in rainy and foggy weather! The weather is very changeable here, and it would be a shame, if you don't inform yourself, to miss the two "peaks" because of the weather.
There are two car parks near Pico do Ariero: the upper car park, where the parking time is limited to one hour, and which fills up quite quickly, and a car park a little further, 10 minutes' walk away, where there is no time limit . Both parking lots are free.
Arriving at the base of the peak of Pico do Arieiro, you will find a restaurant, toilets and souvenir shops.
Pico Ruivo
Pico Ruivo is not as accessible and you cannot go directly by car. To reach the top you need to hike, either from the parking lot at Achada do Teixeira (PR 1.2 Vereda do Pico Ruivo,, 3 km each way), or directly from Pico do Arieiro (PR1 Vereda do Pico do Areeiro – 7 km each way). I invite you to discover in this article all the details about how you can reach both peaks and what routes you have in the area: Tourist attraction no. 1 in Madeira – Pico do Arieiro and Pico Ruivo – The complete guide.
We chose to go by car the first time to Pico do Arieiro, and then to go by car to the parking lot at Achada do Teixeira, from where, following the hiking trail PR 1.2 Vereda do Pico Ruivo, with a length of 3 km, we climbed the second peak, Pico Ruivo.
We arrived here at sunset, which made everything much more special! To be up there, above the mountains, the clouds, the ocean, to have such a view with the sunset, it was a dream! Believe me, tears of emotion are inevitable in such moments.
If you don't have a car, you can join a group trip: the car will pick you up from your hotel (Funchal), drop you off at Pico do Arieiro early in the morning, and pick you up from the Achada do Teixeira parking lot in the evening, after you've crossed route PR 1 (Pico do Arieiro – Pico Ruivo 7 km) and PR 1.2 (Pico Ruivo – Achada do Teixeira 3 km) – 10 km in total. One such hike would be this: Funchal: Sunrise Hike from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo.
Levada dos Balcões
Because we chose to go by car from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo, on our way we passed Levada dos Balcões (Start/finish point: Ribeiro Frio), where we stopped for a short hike.
Levada are those very popular routes in Madeira, created along the irrigation canals built years ago. There are many such routes that you can follow in Madeira, of different lengths, but of medium difficulty. I will recommend some levadas that you must not miss, being the most popular and famous:
PR 11 Levada dos Balcões it is a short and easy route, only 3 km round trip. absolutely recommended to anyone. The "balcony" at the end is recognized for the multitudes of birds that have their nests here. So, if you want to admire them up close, don't forget to take a bag of seeds with you to give to the birds. Surely, the children will be very excited about this meeting.
If you decide to do the Pico do Arieiro – Pico Ruivo route (PR 1) on foot, you can come to this levada on another day!
Day 2 – Southern Madeira
Day two comes with new beautiful places in Madeira, more precisely in the south of the island.
Cabo Girão Skywalk
One of the most visited places in Madeira is the Cabo Girão Skywalk. This is a platform built on the edge of the rock, with access to an absolutely superb panorama - from here you can see very well the city of Funchal, the coast of the island and the Atlantic Ocean.
And if you are brave, walk directly on the glass of the Skywalk platform! Here you will overcome any fear of heights!
An entrance ticket costs 2 euros.
Levada Nova / Levada do Moinho
One of the most beautiful hikes in Madeira is the one offered by the combination of two levadas - Levada do Moinho, respectively Levada Nova.
The route starts in the town of Ponta do Sol, near the Lombada church, on PR 7 Levada do Moinho. The path takes you through the most beautiful landscapes, with a superb view, being located at a height and having a panorama of the surrounding ridges and the Atlantic Ocean.
At the end of the Levada do Moinho route, you have the option either to return on the same route, or to come back on another route, on Levada Nova. We recommend the second option, to admire the area from another perspective. In addition, this way you have the opportunity to reach the famous levada waterfall.
The route is medium, but not recommended for those with a fear of heights!
Cascata dos Anjos si Ponta do Sol
Cascata dos Anjos, or Angels Waterfall, is one of the most Instagrammable places in Madeira.
It is a waterfall that pours directly over the road, splashing, during this time, the cars and people driving on the road.
In fact, this is a secondary road, with forbidden access, where only residents are allowed to drive. But that didn't stop curious tourists from coming to visit this waterfall.
If you are prepared with a bathing suit, take a picture of yourself standing directly under the waterfall and upload it on social networks. Guaranteed you will have a lot of likes and comments!
The waterfall is located on the edge of the town of Ponta do Sol, so if you get to Cascata dos Anjos, don't hesitate to go to the charming town. Ponta do Sol has a good vibe, with all the beach and the ocean cliff!
Praia da Calheta
After such a hike and a long day, take a few moments to relax on one of the most beautiful beaches in Madeira, Praia da Calheta.
Day 3 – Eastern Madeira
For the third day, I suggest going to the easternmost point of the island of Madeira, Ponta de São Lourenço.
Cristo Rei
On the way to the easternmost point, if you leave from Funchal, you will pass by Cristo Rei, the statue of Jesus Christ. A different tourist attraction, which brings a little bit of Rio de Janeiro and Brazil. If you're on the way, it's worth stopping for 10 minutes and admiring the surroundings, the view from above, and going down the steps of the landscaped path to observe the statue from afar.
PR8 Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço
After Pico do Arieiro and Pico Ruivo, for us Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço was the most wonderful place in Madeira.
The route PR 8 Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço leads to the easternmost point of the island and has a length of 8 km round trip, of medium difficulty. The route is very well maintained and it has beautiful views: the ocean, rocky coasts, rich vegetation and the sound of waves complete this wonderful landscape on the edge of Madeira Island. It is one of the places you cannot miss!
If you don't have a car, you can get to PR 8 Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço with an organized tour: Madeira: Best of the East Tour from Funchal.
Day 4 – Levada das 25 Fontes
A new day, a new hike! You must know that Madeira is the island of hiking, and you must enjoy every day and explore the beauties of this island, especially if you are the type of active traveler who likes the nature!
PR6 Levada das 25 Fontes
Fontes means fountain, and as its name says, Levada das 25 Fontes, this is the Levada of 25 fountains.
The route, although not very short, 8.6 km round trip, is considered a moderate one, and the landscapes along the levada are wonderful. It is by far one of the most popular levadas in Madeira.
Keep in mind that, once you arrive at the parking lot, there is a minibus that can take you to the beginning of the trail, a distance of 2 kilometers. It runs every 10 minutes, the ticket costs 5 euros round trip and is paid in cash to the driver.
And if you don't have a car, you can reserve your place on such a tour: Madeira: Rabaçal 25 Fountains Levada Walk & Cabo Girão.
The Fanal Forest
You know those horror movies, where the action takes place in a mysterious setting, in a scary, mystical forest, where you feel like you can cut through the penetrating fog with a knife?
Well, this place is the Fanal forest. Not necessarily the witness of a horror movie, but the setting and the atmosphere are perfect for such a show!
The Fanal Forest in Madeira is recognized for its mystical air. And this is due to the fog that frequently envelops the centuries-old trees in the forest. It is a unique place, especially when the thick fog appears, and it is one of the most famous locations of the island.
If you want to catch the Fanal forest during the fog, plan your visit here according to the weather forecast. But, if you are "unlucky" and have good weather and sunshine, you should know that the forest is also wonderful in the day light! And it is a very good place to reconnect with nature, to admire the vivid green of the forest with laurel trees and to enjoy the peace.
If you don't have a car, you can reach the Fanal forest on an organized tour: Funchal: Porto Moniz, Fanal Forest and Cabo Girao Jeep Tour.
Day 5 & 6 – North of the island
For the next two days, I would prefer not to divide them into hours, and this is because everyone has their own speed when visiting new places.
That is precisely why, for these two days, I suggest you discover the entire northern half of the island, starting from the east and ending in the west and stopping at all the points of interest along the route. I will mention the stopping points below, in their order on the map:
Miradouro do Guindaste
The traditional Santana Houses
In addition to the rich nature, Madeira also has a history and culture behind it, and from a tourist point of view, these are best represented by the traditional Santana Houses. They are a symbol of cultural heritage and an image of the island's rural past.
The houses are open and can be visited for free, inside there are various local products for sale.
If you don't have a car, you can reach the traditional houses in Santana in an organized tour: Madeira: Best of the East Tour from Funchal.
Ruins of St. George
Miradouro da Beira da Quinta
Miradouro Veu da Noiva
The natural pools of Seixal
Natural pools are pools of water formed naturally in volcanic rocks and then filled with ocean water.
The natural pools of Seixal are smaller than those in Porto Moniz, but equally interesting and less crowded.
Entry is free to these pools.
Black sand beach in Seixal
Near the swimming pools is the beach of Seixal, a beach with volcanic black sand.
Ribeira da Janela
An interesting place in Madeira, located in the north of the island between the two resorts with natural pools, is Ribeira da Janela. It is a rock with a very strange shape, located on a wild beach.
The natural pools of Porto Moniz
The natural pools of Porto Moniz, the most famous in Madeira, are a series of pools created next to each other, in a totally natural setting.
Entrance to the complex of natural pools costs 3 euros.
Porto Moniz is, moreover, a resort, with numerous accommodation places and restaurants for tourists who come here especially for these pools.
If you don't have a car, you can reach the natural pools in Porto Moniz on an organized tour: Funchal: Porto Moniz, Fanal Forest and Cabo Girao Jeep Tour.
Farol da Ponta do Pargo & Miradouro da Garganta Funda
If we have already mentioned the interesting places in the north, east and south of the island, we cannot leave out the western part either.
The westernmost point of Madeira is at Farol da Ponta do Pargo, the lighthouse located at the edge of the island, with an absolutely superb view. I recommend you spend an afternoon here, to capture the sunset in all its splendor.
Nearby is the Miradouro da Garganta Funda, a viewpoint of an absolutely enormous waterfall.
Day 7 - Funchal
Funchal is the capital and largest city of Madeira, with a population of 100,000 inhabitants.
It is very elegant and chic, a city with a good vibe and a continuous holiday atmosphere. It is worth setting aside a few hours, maybe even a whole day, to discover the good energy of this island city.
Some unmissable sights in Funchal would be Jardim Monte Palace Madeira, a beautiful tropical garden, Carreiros do Monte, Funchal's famous toboggan, the old center with the port area and Rua de Santa Maria, the city's botanical garden or the Cristiano Ronaldo museum.
I invite you to discover more about Funchal in the following article: A day in Funchal, the capital of Madeira - TOP 6 things to do in Funchal.
Where to stay in Madeira
The accommodation location chosen by most tourists traveling to Madeira is in the area of Funchal. You can choose the capital of the island as a starting point for most touristic attractions in Madeira. The advantage is that from here you can reach any point of the island by car, and if you don't have a car, you can take guided tours or buses directly from Funchal. Besides that, in Funchal you have a wide variety of restaurants and shops.
The accommodation we had was this: Belvedere Boutique – Adults only - is also our number 1 recommendation! The rooms start from 79 euros/night, but must be booked in advance! And if you have the chance, book the apartment with the terrace, it's absolutely incredible! I leave you some pictures below! We paid 90 euros/night for the biggest apartment in the building.
Below is a list of accommodations in Madeira, all rated above 9. They are located in Funchal, Santana, Porto Moniz or Sao Vicente:
Accomodation in Funchal
- Solar do Ribeiro - from 110 euros/night
- Central – São Pedro Boutique - from 75 euros/night
Accomodation in Santana
- Solar Arco de São Jorge - from 80 euros/night
- Hotel Quinta Do Furao **** - from 180 euros/night
Accomodation in Porto Moniz
- Aqua Natura Bay **** – from 150 euros/night
- CASA CAROTO – from 90 euros/night
Accomodation in Sao Vicente
- Casa Da Piedade - from 130 euros/night
- Quinta Vale Vitis - from 100 euros/night
Where to eat in Madeira
Madeira has a diverse cuisine, influenced by Portuguese gastronomy, and very rich in fish. Besides that, Madeira is also famous for the tropical fruits found here, such as papaya, mango or passion fruit.
And of course, pasteis de nata, the famous Portuguese dessert, could not be missing!
Below is a list of the most famous and popular restaurants in Madeira, according to TripAdvisor.com, which no gourmet is allowed to miss:
- Restaurante Alta Vista – Funchal
- Restaurant & Grill Muralha – Ribeira Brava
- Restaurant Vila do Peixe – Michelin restaurant – Camara De Lobos
- La Vaca Negra – Funchal
How much did our trip to Madeira cost
We can say that Madeira is not an expensive destination. Of course, you need a certain budget, for the plane, accommodation and rental car, but life on the island is not expensive - most of the activities, such as hiking, panoramic points, beaches, are free.
We traveled in December 2023, and the costs were as follows:
- Flight ticket 80 euros / person + 100 euros for a hold bag, direct flight Budapest – Madeira, with Wizz Air -> 260 euros / 2 people (130 euros/person)
- Accommodation: 90 euros/night x 7 nights = 630 euros / 2 people (315 euros / person). This was our accommodation in Funchal: Belvedere Boutique – Adults only
- Rented car: 50 euros / day * 7 days + gas approximately 120 euros => 470 euros / 2 people (235 euros / person)
- Entrance tickets (Jardim Monte Palace Madeira 15 euros, Madeira Botanical Garden 8 euros): 23 euros / person -> 46 euros / 2 people
The rest of the expenses were on food and souvenirs. Roughly, 30-40 euros was the amount spent by one person on food for a whole day.
In total, with transport, accommodation, entrance tickets and rental car, without the additional expenses of food, shopping or traveling to Budapest, the price paid for a 7-day holiday in Madeira was approximately 700 euros per person..
Tips & Tricks Madeira
At the end, I have prepared a list of tips and recommendations that every traveler to Madeira must keep in mind when they arrive here:
- Plan your climb on the two peaks - Pico do Arieiro and Pico Ruivo - from the very first day. It is the number 1 attraction in Madeira, the highlight of the island, and it is absolutely mandatory to get here and catch the peaks in good weather, with a clear sky - or at least, not in rainy and foggy weather! The weather is very changeable here, and it would be a shame, if you don't inform yourself, to miss the two "peaks" because of the weather.
- Watch the live webcams – As I said, the weather is quite changeable, very capricious sometimes. If, for example, it rains in Funchal, in Porto Moniz, in the northern part of the island, it can be sunny. That is precisely why you should constantly watch the live webcams and "hunts" for the good weather on the island.
- Although it is a small island and the infrastructure is very good, it can take quite a long time to move from one part of the island to another. A distance of 20 km feels completely different here. That's exactly why, plan your route in advance and know what you have to visit along the way.
- And last but not least, enjoy the colors! The sunrises, sunsets, flowers, greenery. Don't miss at least one sunset or sunrise on Pico Ruivo or Pico do Arieiro! The name of the island of eternal spring is rightly deserved!
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Tourist attraction no. 1 in Madeira – Pico do Arieiro and Pico Ruivo – The complete guide
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