Overview
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7 day Madeira itinerary
Seven days is an excellent amount of time to explore Madeira. With this 7-day Madeira itinerary, you’ll experience many of the island’s highlights, from hiking along breathtaking levadas and exploring lush laurel forests to enjoying charming towns and incredible coastal views. However, there’s so much to discover on the island that you could easily stay a few extra days if you wish. If you’re short on time, you can also follow this 5-day Madeira itinerary (coming soon).
One of the great things about Madeira Island is its compact size, which allows you to stay in one place, such as Funchal, and use it as a base to explore the entire island. Alternatively, you could split your stay between two locations—such as north vs. south or east vs. west—to get a better feel for Madeira’s diverse regions.
Since you can easily base yourself centrally, this one week Madeira itinerary is flexible. Feel free to adjust and switch up the days based on the weather or your own preferences. Thanks to its microclimates, Madeira often offers sunshine in one area while another might be cloudier, so staying adaptable can make your trip even more enjoyable.
Day 1: Funchal
When you arrive in Madeira by plane, your adventure starts the moment you land at Funchal Airport. The airport is pretty special because its runway partly stretches over the ocean, adding some excitement to the landing! Since you’re already in Funchal, it’s the perfect place to spend your first day of this 7-day Madeira itinerary exploring the island’s lively capital.
You can pick up your rental car at the airport (we really recommend renting one for this trip!) and then head into the city.
Rent your car in Madeira!
Funchal is a cozy and colorful city with lots of things to do. You don’t need your car yet to explore it. Just walk around the cozy streets and enjoy the island vibe. Make sure to visit the beautiful Monte Palace Tropical Garden, where you’ll find amazing plants, ponds, and great views. Another must-see is the Old Town, with its cute streets, painted doors, and places to sit and enjoy some Madeira wine or a cold drink on a terrace.
Want to know more about Funchal’s best spots? Check out our Funchal guide for all the details to make your first day awesome!
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Day 2: PR1 Pico de Arieiro
On the second day of this 7-day Madeira itinerary, it’s time to go hiking in the island’s beautiful nature! The PR1 hike from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo is one of the most famous hikes on the island, with some insane views along the way.
Note: Unfortunately, most of the PR1 hiking trail is currently closed due to forest fire damage. But don’t worry, you can still visit Pico do Arieiro, which is one of the trail’s highlights, especially at sunrise or sunset. The views from up here are absolutely magical, with the clouds rolling through the peaks.
The rest of the day, you can enjoy one of the many other PR hikes or non-PR hikes on the island. Madeira is packed with incredible trails, so you’ll have no trouble finding an amazing alternative.
Day 3: Cayoning, Serrado viewpoint, Ribeiro Frio & PR11
For an epic start to the third day of your Madeira itinerary, you can go canyoning. If there’s one activity you can’t miss on Madeira, this is it. You’ll rappel down waterfalls, splash through moderately cold streams, and explore hidden canyons.
In the afternoon, you can soak in some of Madeira’s most beautiful viewpoints. Start with a visit to the Eira do Serrado viewpoint, where you’ll get an amazing view of the valley below and the tiny, remote village of Curral das Freiras (Nun’s Valley). If you’re up for a challenge and have some time left, you can take the Nun’s Trail, which leads you right down to the village itself. It’s steep but totally worth it for the experience.
In the afternoon, you can soak in some of Madeira’s most beautiful viewpoints. Start with a visit to the Eira do Serrado viewpoint, where you’ll get an amazing view of the valley below and the tiny, remote village of Curral das Freiras (Nun’s Valley). If you’re up for a challenge and have some time left, you can take the Nun’s Trail, which leads you right down to the village itself. It’s steep but totally worth it for the experience.
Wrap up the day with a visit to Ribeiro Frio and the short PR11 trail to the famous Balcões viewpoint. The walk is easy, and at the end, you’ll be rewarded with a magical view of forests and dramatic peaks. Keep an eye out for Madeira’s friendly little birds, which often come close at the viewpoint! Just make sure to arrive at least an hour before sunset, because the sun disappears behind the mountains a bit earlier here.
Day 4: Northern Madeira & Fanal Forest
Day 4 of this Madeira road trip itinerary takes you to the dramatic and scenic northern side of the island. You can start your day in São Vicente, where you can visit the iconic Saint Fatima Chapel viewpoint, with some stunning views of the village, surrounding mountains, and the Atlantic Ocean. You might notice that this region of Madeira has a different feel, with lots of vineyards and something a bit more mystical and perhaps even rougher.
Next, you can head to Seixal, home to the famous black sand beach and its gorgeous natural pools.
From there, drive to Porto Moniz and take a swim in the natural pools carved out of volcanic rock. It’s the perfect place to take a break and have a refreshing swim if you haven’t done so yet in Seixal. Also worth a stop in the area is Ribeira da Janel, famous for the largest watercourse within the island.
On your way to the north in the morning or after visiting all these spots, you can drive across the Paul da Serra plateau, a high-altitude plain. Here, you should definitely visit Fanal Forest, a magical laurel forest filled with ancient, moss-draped trees that seem to come straight out of a fairytale. This place is often even more mysterious and interesting on a foggy day compared to a sunny day. The great thing about this region is that it can be beautifully sunny along the coast while perfectly foggy and mystical up on the plateau.
A great way to explore this part of the island is by joining a guided jeep tour. You don’t need to worry about navigating narrow roads or finding parking and your guide might take you to some of the hidden spots of the island!
Day 5: Whale watching and PR 18 Hike
On the fifth day of this Madeira itinerary, it is time to discover the unique marine life of Madeira by going on a dolphin and whale-watching safari. You can schedule this activity based on what suits you best: morning, late afternoon, or even a magical sunset trip. Seeing whales and dolphins in the wild is an unforgettable experience, and Madeira is one of the best places to do it.
Depending on the timing of your safari, spend the other part of your day exploring some of Madeira’s beautiful, easy hikes on the eastern side of the island. A great option is the PR18 hike, which is not too long and mostly flat but still offers stunning views.
Day 6: PR9 Levada do Caldeirao Verde, Santana and Cristo Rei
On day 6, it’s time to walk one of Madeira’s most scenic hikes, the PR9 Levada do Caldeirão Verde. This trail takes you alongside a levada (water channel), through the lust forest, past waterfalls, and leads to the stunning Caldeirão Verde waterfall. The hike is moderate, with some narrow sections and tunnels, so don’t forget to bring a flashlight and sturdy shoes!
While you’re on the east side, make sure to stop at the charming traditional Santana houses, with their bright colors and unique triangle-shaped roofs. It’s a perfect spot for some photos and a bit of local history.
If you staying in Funchal, you can make a stop at Cristo Rei on your way to or from the hike. It is an iconic statue of Christ on a cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. From this viewpoint, you get some incredible views of the ocean and the rugged cliffs of the island.
Day 7: Camara de Lobos, Cabo Girao, Faja dos Padres & Ponta do Sol
On your final day, you can explore more of Madeira’s beautiful south beyond Funchal. A must-visit place is Câmara de Lobos, a colorful fishing village that inspired Winston Churchill’s paintings. You can stroll through the harbor, enjoy the charming atmosphere, and maybe sip on a local poncha, Madeira’s famous drink.
Next, head to Cabo Girão, one of the highest sea cliffs in Europe. There’s a glass-floored skywalk from where you have a thrilling view of the coastline and the ocean far below.
For a unique lunch, you can go to Faja dos Padres. This remote coastal place can only be reached by the super steep cable car or by boat. There are lush gardens, a pebble beach, and a small restaurant serving fresh, local food at a very unique location.
In the afternoon, visit Ponta do Sol, a picturesque village known for its golden light and relaxed vibe. It’s the perfect place to wander, spend some time at the beach, grab a coffee, have a look at the Waterfall of the Angels (Cascata dos Anjos), or simply enjoy the scenery.
How to get to Madeira
The main and most convenient way to reach Madeira is by flying into Funchal Airport (Madeira Airport), which is the island’s international gateway. There are direct flights to Madeira from cities like Lisbon, Porto, London, Frankfurt, and many others. If you’re coming from outside Europe, you might have to connect through one of the larger European cities like Lisbon. You can easily book your flights on Trip.com or Skyscanner.
It is also possible to take a ferry or cruise to Madeira, but flying is simply the quickest and easiest way.
Flight deals
How to get around for this Madeira itinerary
The best way to get around for this Madeira itinerary is to rent a car. The island’s roads are well-maintained, and having a car gives you the flexibility to adapt your itinerary and the freedom to explore at your own pace, including remote areas and scenic spots that aren’t easily accessible by public transport. While there are buses in Funchal and taxis available for short trips, renting a car is the most convenient option, especially if you plan to visit more remote locations or go on hikes.
An alternative option is combining public transport, taxis, and/or organized tours to explore the island without a car.
Rent your car in Madeira!
Where to stay
For this 7-day Madeira itinerary, the best place to stay is Funchal. It’s a great base, as everything on the island is easily accessible from here. That’s what we did too, staying at the lovely Quintinha São João! For more tips on the best areas to stay, check out our Funchal guide.
If you’d like to divide your trip into two areas and explore it one side at a time, you can also stay in Santana, Seixal, or Porto Moniz, for example.
Hotels
Find the best places to stay in Funchal and enjoy a comfortable trip.
Funchal
Funchal
Funchal
via Booking.com
Best time to visit
Madeira is a year-round destination with its mild, subtropical climate. Spring (March to May) is the perfect time for this Madeira itinerary if you want to see the island at its most colorful, with flowers in full bloom and fewer crowds compared to summer. It is not without reason that Madeira is sometimes called the Flower Island. For warm, sunny weather ideal for hiking, swimming, and outdoor activities, the best time to visit is between May and September. The period from April to October is also the best for whale and dolphin watching.
The wettest months are November to February, but rain is usually brief, with plenty of sunny moments. In December you can enjoy a festive atmosphere with stunning Christmas lights and spectacular New Year’s Eve fireworks.
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Win-Win for everyone
Did you know that, if you buy or book something through our links, we receive a small commission?
However, you still pay the same and therefore have no extra costs! So a win-win for everyone. This way, we can continue to add even more travel inspiration and tips to this blog for your next adventure. Thanks a lot!
