Pedro DominguesDid you know that Madeira has been nominated several times as the best island in Europe?
Madeira Island is a paradise for nature and hiking lovers, and Funchal is for me one of the most spectacular cities in Portugal, full of good energy and tourist attractions to discover. Trust me, I’m Portuguese and I know pretty well my country.
In this article you can expect an itinerary to visit Madeira in 7 days, or in just 5 days or even 3 days, if you have less travel time. Here I present you the essentials not to be missed on the island, and the main things to do.
There is a lot to visit in Madeira, and the island is huge, so it is important that you have a car.
If you can, try to split your hotel stays into different regions of the island to avoid daily travel back to Funchal. If not possible, Funchal should be the base.
Check also my article dedicated to Things to do in Funchal.
Where is Madeira Island located?
Madeira is southwest of mainland Portugal. It is an archipelago formed by 4 islands located off the northwest coast of Africa. This article will be about the main one, Madeira Island, since I haven’t visited Porto Santo yet.
As a curiosity, in this blog you will also find information about other Portuguese islands, namely about 4 islands of the Azores:
- São Miguel Itinerary and Things to do in Ponta Delgada
- Terceira Itinerary and Things to do in Angra do Heroísmo
- Faial Itinerary
- Pico Itinerary
My visit to Madeira
Do you want to know how my visit was?
I visited Madeira on New Year’s Eve 2019/2020 for 5 days, and I loved the stay. The fireworks were magnificent, and worth the inflated price at the time.
Below I leave you a video that compiles the many stories I posted on instagram during this visit. As you will see, my itinerary suggestion differs a little from what I did in reality, especially with regard to the order of visit. I’ve tweaked it a bit based on my experience so you can enjoy each place even more, at the right pace.
Madeira Itinerary | Things to do in 3, 5 or 7 days
To get a general idea of the island, you should essentially focus on its coast. The interior of the island is also beautiful, so I will suggest you some trails and paths to do there.
What follows is my Madeira Itinerary recommendation for 3 days, 5 days or 7 days.
I advise you, of course, to visit Madeira during the famous annual festivities. For example, during the new year for the incredible fireworks display, or during the flower festival that takes place in spring, usually in May. If you do, you will have the opportunity to see and experience the island at its best.
Extra Tip: Before visiting any mountainous region, always check the local weather, and you can do so at the Madeira Island Portal, which has several webcams of the main spots.
Madeira Itinerary | Map with all things to do on the island
Day 1 – Black // Day 2 – Yellow // Day 3 – Green // Day 4 – Lilac // Day 5 – Red // Days 6 and 7 – Blue
Day 1 Madeira Itinerary | Visit Funchal
On the first day of this itinerary, you should focus on Funchal, capital of Madeira. You will fall in love with the city, for sure, and you will fall in love with the people of Madeira. Funchal is beautiful.
Do not use the car or public transports. Do everything on foot because that’s how Funchal should be visited. There are many things to do in Funchal!
1. Accommodation tips to stay in Funchal
Below are my suggestions for Funchal. I stayed in the first option.
| Accommodation | Score | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Pensão Residencial Vila Teresinha | 8.8 | Funchal |
| Museum House | 8.9 | Funchal |
| Travellers Pearl (Apartamentos) | 8.6 | Funchal |
| Madeira Hostel | 8.9 | Funchal |
| Savoy Palace Signature | 9.3 | Funchal |
| TURIM Santa Maria Hotel | 8.8 | Funchal |
| The Cliff Bay (Porto Bay) | 9.3 | Funchal |
| Golden Residence Hotel | 8.8 | Funchal |
| Arts In Hotel | 9.1 | Funchal |
| Enotel Magnólia | 8.8 | Funchal |
| Castanheiro Boutique Hotel | 9.3 | Funchal |
| Quinta da Penha de França | 8.6 | Funchal |
| Apartamentos Turísticos Atlântida | 8.9 | Funchal |
| Pestana CR7 Funchal | 8.8 | Funchal |
| Madeira Panorâmico Hotel | 8.7 | Funchal |
| Hotel Baia Azul | 9.1 | Funchal |
At the end of the article I will also leave recommendations for other places on the island, because if you manage to spread your stay across different areas of the island, you can optimize travel time.
2. Summary of things to do in Funchal
- Go to Monte on the cable car.
- Visit Monte Palace Madeira.
- Stop at Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Monte (church).
- Use the basket carts to go back to Funchal city center.
- Discover Rua de Santa Maria and its awesome urban art.
- Visit Praça do Município and Funchal Cathedral. Don’t forget the church that for me is the most beautiful in funchal: Igreja do Colégio.
- Buy something at Mercado dos Lavradores (Farmer’s Market)
- Find Avenida Arriaga and the municipal garden.
- Taste the famous poncha, “bolo do caco” with butter, and don’t forget the sugarcane honey cake (bolo de mel de cana, in portuguese).
- Visit the CR7 museum.
- Walk the sea promenade (Avenida do Mar) and discover Funchal Marina.
Optional things to do in Funchal:
- Visit São Tiago Fort.
- Visit Madeira Botanical Garden.
- For those who want to try other types of drinks, try nikita, made of beer, pineapple ice cream and white wine. Ladies, I’m sure you’ll like it!
- Visit Baltazar Dias Municipal Theater.
- Visit Adegas de S. Francisco (wine cellars) and taste Madeira Wine.
- São Lourenço Palace and Esperança bookstore.
- Fortress of São João Baptista do Pico
- Visit Bordal embroidery store.
I will detail next the 2 things I liked the most in Funchal, with a complete photo report!
3. Things to do in Funchal: up to Monte
The best way to go up to Monte is using the cable car, and for that the prices are €11 one way and €16 round trip. Buy a one-way ticket, and if your goal is to visit the Botanical Garden, you’ll have to use a second cable car, for which there are combined tickets.
I didn’t visit the Botanical Garden nor did I ride this second cable car. I visited Monte Palace Madeira instead, at the top of the hill, and I chose it due to the elements of Japanese culture present in it, in addition to the very interesting exhibitions:
- The various tiles that depict the History of Portugal.
- Over 1000 sculptures from Zimbabwe
- There is also a collection of minerals from Portugal, Brazil, South Africa, Zambia, Peru, Argentina and North America.
I was mostly fascinated by the minerals!
If I think you should visit the Botanical Garden? Of course you do, but I think it’s just optional.
Basket carts are not optional, however the prices are a little inflated because they are a huge attraction in Funchal, and you will certainly have to wait in line.
They are made of wood and go down the road without wheels, maneuvered by two boys from Carreiros do Monte. Prices are €25 for one person, €30 for two and €45 for three. Children don’t pay! It’s a fun experience, and will undoubtedly be one of the highlights of your visit to Madeira. For me it was! 😉
4. Things to do in Funchal: The doors of Santa Maria Street
There is a very famous street in Funchal for the art on its doors. It’s a pity that many of these entrances are for cafes and bars, which means some paintings are covered on normal working days because the doors won’t be closed.
I managed to see and photograph them all, because on New Year’s Eve these places close. Below are the ones I liked the most:
Day 2 Madeira Itinerary | Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo Hike
For the second day I recommend an amazing hike, and that’s all.
In my opinion, you should take a guided tour because it is long, difficult and you will not want to return to the point of origin after reaching Pico Ruivo.
I paid €45 for my guided tour. Sounds expensive, but remember it’s a full day tour. Get Your Guide has tours prepared for this type of activity, and you can click on the following link to see one of the possibilities: Tour Picos da Madeira. Viator is also a great possibility, being part of TripAdvisor group: Tour with Viator.
Why do I think it’s worth it and why did I take this tour?
- they come to pick you up at the hotel;
- they take you to Pico do Arieiro;
- you always have a guide accompanying you;
- they will pick you up from Achada da Teixeira, so you don’t have to return to Pico do Arieiro. That way, the Hike turns out linear.
In total, the hike is about 10 km: 7 km from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo + 3 km from Pico Ruivo to Achada da Teixeira. In the end they took the group to a typical Santana house, and we stopped at a bar on the way to Funchal for a refreshment. I drank a nikita that contains beer, pineapple ice cream and white wine.
1. Sunrise at Pico do Arieiro
Groups are limited to a maximum number of people and I was picked up from the hotel at dawn to see the sunrise at Pico do Arieiro. From there, it was a 4-hour hike to Pico Ruivo.
The two peaks (Pico do Arieiro and Pico Ruivo) are the highest points in Madeira. The walk starts at 1800 meters of altitude and then goes down to 500 of altitude, before returning to 1800. From Pico Ruivo it was another 1 hour walk to Achada da Teixeira.
It was hard! In total, it took 5 hours of walking.
Take a lot of water with you, take comfortable shoes, and use warm clothes, because at the beginning of the day it can be cold, depending on the time of year, and due to the high altitude.
On clear days you will have the best landscapes in Madeira along the entire route. I did the hike on a day without a single cloud, but I believe that with some clouds it will be even more epic, as you will walk above them, and you will find it amazing.
Extra Tip: If you decide to do the trail by yourself, then I advise you to observe the weather before going there, and you can do it at Portal da Madeira.
2. The magnificent views on the way to Pico Ruivo
The route is magnificent and one of the best I’ve done so far. It goes through several tunnels excavated in the rock and in the mountain, and you have several viewpoints along the way. In some stages, you pass through narrow paths next to ravines.
Watch my video at the beginning of this article to get a better idea of what awaits you.
Pico Ruivo is the third highest point in Portugal, surpassed only by Mount Pico on the island of Pico in the Azores and by Serra da Estrela in mainland Portugal.
3. Arrival to Pico Ruivo and descent to Achada da Teixeira
Next to Pico Ruivo, before the final climb, there is a café with a terrace to recharge your batteries. The only way they have to take the products there is on their backs, up the mountain, so it is normal to find a bottle of water at 6€, for example. Take advantage of the place to gain new spirits, but watch out for prices that are highly inflated.
4. Visit to a typical house of Santana
After the hike, I visited a typical Santana house and then returned to Funchal. Take the opportunity to rest, go for a dip in the sea, stay in the hotel pool (if you have one), or simply sleep: recover all your energy for the days to come.
Day 3 Madeira Itinerary | West Coast of the island
For day 3 you will need a car: rent it online. You will have to start very early to visit everything I propose. You will visit the left part of the island, along the coast, and drive on awesome scenic roads!
1. Pico de Barcelos Viewpoint
Pico de Barcelos is a fantastic place to observe Funchal from afar and I advise you to make it your first quick stop of the day.
2. Eira do Serrado Viewpoint
Eira do Serrado is a fantastic viewpoint to see Curral das Freiras, a village situated in a deep valley on the island of Madeira. “Freiras” means “Nuns”, so the name of this place has its origin in the fact that the nuns of the Convent of Santa Clara took refuge here in the 16th century, when Madeira was constantly attacked by pirates. It was difficult to access due to its location in the middle of these mountains and cliffs, so they were somehow safer there.
3. Curral das Freiras (optional)
Today it is easy to access this village in Madeira through the tunnel built in 2004.
I have not visited it, and I believe that Eira do Serrado is more than enough, but the views from there to the mountains that surround it are worth mentioning: perhaps you will understand why the nuns took refuge there in the past!
4. Câmara de Lobos
Câmara de Lobos Bay is a very beautiful place. The colorful boats, the small cove, the beach, the promenade and the surrounding landscape are worth a visit. It was one of the places that stayed in my memory the most, and that’s why I include it in this Madeira Itinerary.
Did you know that the name of this place comes from the huge amount of sea lions existing on the south coast of Madeira when it was discovered by the Portuguese in the 15th century?
5. Cabo Girão Viewpoint
Cabo Girão is one of the best known and most famous viewpoints in Madeira, and also one of the most beautiful. It has a small suspended glass platform, therefore transparent, which allows you to walk and observe the vertical cliff of the highest cape in Europe, at 580 meters above sea level. There is a chapel of Nossa Senhora de Fátima nearby that you can visit.
6. São Vicente: chapel and volcanic caves
Cross the island to the north coast, right through the center of the island, using the Encumeada Tunnel. On the way, if you want, stop at Taberna da Poncha, but I don’t consider it mandatory. In São Vicente you will have to visit the chapel in the photo below, so take a 15-minute walk there, and then turn left and head towards Porto Moniz. São Vicente also has some volcanic caves that I haven’t visited but that you might like to try.
7. Véu da Noiva Viewpoint (bride’s veil)
Before arriving at this viewpoint, you will marvel at some fantastic places in Madeira. I went through some stretches that were open of the old ER101, but the most certain thing is that you won’t find any of them open due to the frequent occurrence of landslides and because the road is indeed dangerous. If you want to venture out, do so at your own risk: remember that you will be driving on narrow roads and seaside ravines.
Véu da Noiva Viewpoint is located before arriving at Seixal and allows you to observe from afar a waterfall that descends where the ER101 road used to be. This stretch of road is closed precisely because it has collapsed there.
8. Seixal Beach and “Slug pool”
Seixal is a possible stop on the way to Porto Moniz and you can enjoy the natural pool called Slug pool or Poça das Lesmas in Portuguese. 😀 As I prefer the ones in Porto Moniz, I consider this stop only optional, but there are some very interesting caves to photograph nearby.
The view next to Seixal beach is also incredible, so stop by if you have time.
9. Ribeira da Janela
I liked the small tunnels of Ribeira da Janela and the characteristic islets by the sea. You can climb to a higher position to see these islets from another perspective, and even stop at the Eira da Achada viewpoint for nice views over the north coast of the island. It’s a quick stop you should make if you have time before Porto Moniz.
10. Porto Moniz Natural Pools
Porto Moniz is one of the most interesting stops on this day. Stay here for a few hours and make the most of these natural pools of volcanic origin: a great place to cool off on Madeira Island!
In Porto Moniz there is also the Madeira Aquarium, which I have not visited, and a magnificent view over Ilhéu Mole and the heliport. I believe that if you want to divide your stay in Madeira Island into different regions, Porto Moniz is an excellent option.
11. Achadas da Cruz Cable Car
On the outskirts of Porto Moniz, be sure to at least admire the view from the cable car access to Achadas da Cruz. If you have time for that and don’t suffer from vertigo, go down there and visit the village!
12. Garganta Funda waterfall
Garganta Funda Waterfall (or Deep Throat Waterfall) is one of the most impressive in the whole of Madeira. It’s 140 meters tall! 😉 On the west coast of the island, between Porto Moniz and Ponta do Pargo, you can take a short walk called Vereda da Garganta Funda, to the viewpoint.
13. Ponta do Pargo – to watch sunset
Ponta do Pargo is for me one of the best places to see the sunset on the island: the colors are magnificent in the late afternoon.
Ponta do Pargo is the westernmost part of the island, and is named after the species of fish called “pargo” that is abundant there. I guarantee you won’t be the only person enjoying the end of the day there, as the place exudes tranquility, and that’s what makes it worth the visit.
Day 4 Madeira Itinerary | Towards Ponta de São Lourenço
If on the third day you were exploring the west side of the island, on the fourth day you will be on the east side, and you will have one more hike to do, this time at Ponta de São Lourenço. See what I have in store for you and I’ll let you choose where you want to start, whether in Ponta Delgada or next to Funchal.
1. Neves Viewpoint and Pináculo Viewpoint
These two viewpoints, Miradouro das Neves and Miradouro do Pináculo, are mandatory stops to enjoy fantastic views of Funchal and its gigantic bay.
2. Christ the King of Madeira Island
Next stop on this Madeira itinerary is Christ the King, located at Ponta do Garajau, next to Caniço. It is a sculpture of Jesus, with open arms, 14 meters high. The curious thing about this statue is that it was inaugurated in October 1927, before all others in the world, even before Brazil’s Christ the Redeemer, which is a wonder of the modern world. It’s obvious that it doesn’t compare in terms of size and beauty, but it was a pioneer! What about that? 😉
3. Francisco Álvares Nóbrega viewpoint and city of Machico
Francisco Álvares Nóbrega viewpoint is an excellent place to observe Machico before heading down to the city. This city was very important in the history of Madeira, and it has one of the few sandy beaches on the island, in this case artificial sand, so you should stop and spread your towel there. I visited the island of Madeira at the end of December, and I took my first bath of 2020 right there: the water was very pleasant, and for me it was the best beach on the island!
Historical Note: Did you know that it was on Machico beach that in July 1419 João Gonçalves Zarco and Tristão "das Ilhas" landed for the first time on Madeira Island, thus giving rise to the Portuguese Discoveries? Curiosity: Did you know that the artificial sand present on the beaches of Machico and Calheta comes from the Western Sahara desert, in Morocco?
4. Pico do Facho Viewpoint
In my opinion, Pico do Facho viewpoint is one of the most extraordinary on the island for several reasons:
- You have a privileged view of the entire Ponta de São Lourenço.
- You can see the deserted islands of Madeira in the distance (Ilhéu Chão, Deserta Grande and Bugio).
- You can see Porto Santo on clear days.
- You can see Machico.
- And of course, you can watch the planes take off and land at Madeira airport.
Five spectacular attractions in a single viewpoint, not to mention the stray cats that make this place their home. They are fed regularly, as I’ve heard.
5. Caniçal Pier, Whale Museum and Prainha (optional)
In Caniçal and surroundings I recommend the pier, where you can see its giant boats, and also the whale museum where you can study the history of whaling in the seas of Madeira.
A little further on, at the entrance to Ponta de São Lourenço, you can access the sandy beach of Prainha do Caniçal, or simply observe it from a distance, if you have already taken a dip in Machico.
6. Ponta de São Lourenço
Ponta de São Lourenço will be a highlight on your trip to Madeira. It is very different from the rest of the island, it is not green, the terrain is arid, it has fabulous colors and the shape is absolutely incredible. You can go on a very easy and quick trail there, 7km long, already considering the return trip.
Tip: you have the possibility to analyze the entire PR8 trail with the street view function of google maps.
After finishing the walk, you have several viewpoints in the region to continue enjoying Ponta de São Lourenço: I recommend Ponta do Rosto viewpoint and Ponta do Bode viewpoint.
7. On the road from Porto da Cruz to Ponta Delgada
I’m not talking about Porto da Cruz here, because I believe that with the trail I suggested before, you will not have time for this village. The road between Porto da Cruz and Ponta Delgada is not to be missed, however!
Fortim do Faial viewpoint – optional
While you drive on that road, don’t forget to stop at Fortim do Faial viewpoint with a very beautiful view over the village of Faial and also Ponta de São Lourenço in the distance.
Santana and the traditional houses of Madeira
Make no mistake: the famous traditional houses of Madeira Island, which you can easily visit next to Santana City Hall, are not habitable, in fact they are shops where you can buy regional products.
There aren’t many houses either, just 4 or 5, but they are pretty cool.
If you want to see more of these typical houses, drive around a bit and you will still see some of them in the backyards of larger houses, such as the one I showed earlier in this article (day 2 of this itinerary!).
São Jorge Viewpoint – optional
São Jorge viewpoint is an excellent observatory for Ponta de São Jorge. It’s not the most interesting on the island, so I leave it as an option.
Beira da Quinta Viewpoint
I really liked this viewpoint, key point to admire the region of Arco de São Jorge. The viewpoint is beautiful, and it is also on the way while you are driving on this road, which for me is mandatory.
Bom Jesus de Ponta Delgada – optional church
I finished the day next to the church of Bom Jesus in Ponta Delgada, but it’s optional.
Day 5 Madeira Itinerary | The rest of Madeira Island Coast
The fifth day should be divided into discovering the rest of the coast of the island (Calheta area), and walking along one of the famous levadas (trails).
1. Paul da Serra and Fanal Forest
I recommend that you start the day by going to the mountains next to Paul da Serra. This region of Madeira has beautiful landscapes, only surpassed by those found near Pico do Arieiro and Pico Ruivo.
Then drive to Fanal, but make sure it is foggy there, because that’s the best weather to have in Fanal for it to look creepy and moody. If you like walking and you have enough time to do it, think about PR13 – Vereda do Fanal and PR14 – Levada dos Cedros.
2. Levada das 25 Fontes + Levada do Risco
After Fanal, the goal will be to make levada of the 25 fountains (PR6). Through this trail, you will discover some of the most impressive waterfalls on the island of Madeira, especially if you include Levada do Risco part of the walk.
3. Paul do Mar » Jardim do Mar » Calheta » Angels Waterfall » Ponta do Sol » Ribeira Brava
In the afternoon, return to the coast of Madeira. Visit Paul do Mar, Jardim do Mar, and then Calheta Beach. On the way to Ponta do Sol, pass by the well-known Angels Waterfall, falling directly on the road where you are going to drive. I really liked this region of Ponta do Sol, but I ended the day in Ribeira Brava.
Days 6 and 7 Madeira Itinerary | Other Hiking possibilities in Madeira Island, or Porto Santo
To the 5 days previously exposed, add the next two to complete the itinerary of things to do in Madeira Island in 7 days.
Now that you know the beautiful coast of Madeira, and the main cities and villages, if you have two more days on the island you should visit more in the interior and go hiking in other places.
You can even choose to end your trip in Porto Santo: I leave it up to you. None of what I’m going to recommend I’ve done yet, but it’s in my plans for when I return to Madeira.
1. PR11 Levada dos Balcões
PR11 Levada dos Balcões is only 1.5 km long and therefore has a low difficulty. The views seem to be spectacular next to Ribeiro Frio, a region that I haven’t included in the itinerary so far. It is very common to find tourists feeding the small birds near the Viewpoint: watch the video below:
2. PR9 Levada do Caldeirão Verde
PR9 Levada do Caldeirão Verde is of medium difficulty, about 12 km round trip, and seems to be impressive due to the tunnels, the waterfall and the lagoon.
3. PR6.2 Levada do Alecrim
I have already mentioned Levada do Risco and Levada das 25 Fontes, but there is also Levada do Alecrim, in Rabaçal, which takes you to Lagoa do Vento (wind lagoon)!
4. Levada do Moinho or Levada Nova
Another trail with waterfalls, tunnels and levadas, departing and arriving in Ponta do Sol region.
5. Hike to Água D’Alto Waterfall
This is another beautiful waterfall, this time in the Faial region. The trail is relatively small and easy to go for.
6. Porto Santo
I haven’t visited Porto Santo yet, but when I do, my idea is to go there by ferry, from the main island: Portosantoline exists for that.
About 60km separate the islands, which results in a crossing of 2h30m. In summer, the boats are more regular, and you can check the timetables and prices on the link above to the official website. As for things to do in Porto Santo, be sure to visit Vila Baleira, Ponta da Calheta, Porto Santo Beach, Zimbralinho Beach, Pico de Ana Ferreira and Flores Viewpoint.
Preparing for a Trip to Madeira Island
Note that: All tools I will mention next, I use in my own travels to make my own reservations and travel cheaper.
Flights and Travel Insurance to visit Madeira
For researching the best flights, I recommend using Skyscanner or Google Flights. They are awesome to compare prices and conditions between different companies and schedules.
I also recommend that you take out travel insurance for your stay in Madeira, as it is a nature destination where you will certainly want to go hiking. Shit happens, and you should always opt for prevention.
Madeira Island Festivities (When to visit?)
It might be interesting to coincide your flight with one of the many annual events on Madeira Island, the two most famous being the Flower Festival and the New Year. I visited in the new year!
- The Carnival (friday to tuesday).
- The Flower Festival, in May, whose origin dates back to the mid-20th century. The event lasts 4 days, with processions, flower exhibitions, flower carpets and lots of music.
- The Wine Festival, usually in September, which seeks to remember Madeiran traditions and habits related to wine production. The center of Funchal is filled with decorations on the theme.
- Christmas and New Year – Considered as one of the best in the whole world.
Tips for Accommodation in Madeira
In addition to the ones related with Funchal, here you have some recommendations for other places on the island where you can stay overnight:
| Accommodation | Score | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Aqua Natura Madeira | 9.1 | Porto Moniz |
| Hotel Euro Moniz | 8.8 | Porto Moniz |
| Aqua Natura Bay | 9.2 | Porto Moniz |
| Casa das Videiras | 8.9 | Seixal |
| Saccharum Hotel Savoy | 9.3 | Calheta |
| Casa da Capelinha | 9.1 | Ponta Delgada |
| Casa da Piedade | 9.1 | São Vicente |
| Solar da Bica | 9.4 | São Vicente |
| Pestana Quinta do Arco | 8.7 | Arco de São Jorge |
| Herdade do Pedregal | 9.2 | Ponta do Pargo |
| Hotel Quinta do Furão | 9.3 | Santana |
| Albatroz Beach | 9.4 | Santa Cruz |
| Santa Cruz Village Hotel | 8.9 | Santa Cruz |
| Sentido Galomar | 9.0 | Caniço |
Rent a Car or go on a tour to visit Madeira?
Personally I recommend renting a car. And you can do that by searching the Discover Cars search engine for the best offer on the dates of your trip.
If you don’t want to rent a car, you can always opt for full-day organized tours, and for that I use get your guide, Viator or civitatis on my trips, which are usually of great quality. You can always check the ratings and comments of those who have already taken the tours. Below you have some suggestions, all with Get Your Guide, Viator or Civitatis.
Excursions with Get Your Guide: 1 - Catamaran Dolphin and Whale Watching 2 - Full Day Tour to Porto Moniz 3 - Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo Hike 4 - Best of Madeira West 5 - Best of Madeira East 6 - Canyoning at Ribeira do Cidrão 7 - Northwest 4x4 Madeira Tour 8 - Funchal old Town Walking tour 9 - Garajau Snorkel and Kayak
Excursions with Viator: 1 - Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching 2 - Madeira Food and Cultural Tour 3 - Madeira Island West Tour 4 - Old Funchal Walking Tour 5 - 2 Day tour of Madeira Island 6 - Canyoning Experience in Madeira Island
Excursions with Civitatis: 1 - Madeira 2 day tour 2 - Swim with dolphins in Madeira 3 - East Madeira Tour 4 - West Madeira Tour
What to eat and drink in Madeira Island?
Madeira is a gastronomic paradise. On your visit, you cannot miss the following snacks on a gastronomic tour of the island:
- Bolo do Caco with garlic butter – You can eat it with other things, but I recommend it very hot with melted butter.
- Bolo de Mel da Cana – A sweet cake made with honey
- Bananas and other tropical fruits from Madeira
- “Lapas” at Praia Formosa
- The Madeiran skewer (“espetada” in Portuguese)
To drink
- Coral Beer
- Nikita
- Poncha, of course, the most traditional one.
- Madeira Wine
Finished?
- Follow me on Instagram or facebook.
- Leave a comment below with your feedback. Was this a useful Madeira Itinerary?
Have a nice time visiting Madeira!
Other Itineraries and Travel Guides in Portugal
- N2 Portugal Road Trip Itinerary
- São Miguel Itinerary and Travel Guide (Azores)
- Terceira Itinerary and Travel Guide (Azores)
- Pico Itinerary in Azores
- Faial Itinerary in Azores
- Minho | Northern Portugal Itinerary
- Porto Itinerary and Travel Guide
- Things to do In Braga (Minho)
- Things to do in Guimarães (Minho)
- Things to do in Viana do Castelo (Minho)
- Peneda Gerês National Park Itinerary
- Douro Valley Itinerary
- Trás-os-Montes Itinerary
- Things to do in Bragança
- Montesinho Natural Park Itinerary
- Douro International Natural Park Itinerary
- Things to do in Aveiro
- Things to do in Coimbra
- Things to do in Leiria
- Things to do in Fatima
- Things to do in Nazaré
- Things to do in Peniche
- Things to do in Évora (Alentejo)
- Things to do in Beja (Alentejo)
- Algarve Road Trip Itinerary
- Things to do in Lagos (Algarve)
- Things to do in Portimão (Algarve)
- Things to do in Faro (Algarve)
- Things to do in Tavira (Algarve)
