Overview
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5 Day Madeira Itinerary
Five days is a great amount of time to get a taste of everything Madeira has to offer. This itinerary has you covered from amazing hikes along scenic levadas and magical laurel forests to exploring cozy villages and soaking in incredible coastal views. This itinerary is a shortened version of our 7-day Madeira itinerary if you have a little less time to explore this beautiful island.
One of the best things about Madeira is its small size, making it easy to explore. You can stay in one spot—like Funchal—and take day trips around the island. Or, if you’d like to experience different areas more deeply, you could split your stay between two regions, such as the north and south or east and west.
It’s a pretty full schedule but there’s just so much beauty to see on the island! However, this 5-day itinerary is super flexible, so you can completely adapt it to match your interests or the weather predictions. Madeira’s microclimates mean it might be sunny in one area while cloudy in another, so staying flexible lets you make the most of your trip and chase the sun!
Funchal
Most people arrive in Madeira by plane, so your adventure will likely begin at Funchal Airport. If flying isn’t your favorite thing, maybe close your eyes during landing: the runway stretches out over the ocean, which makes for a pretty thrilling arrival!
Since you’re starting in Funchal, it’s the perfect place to spend your first day soaking up the vibe of the island’s capital. Grab your rental car at the airport (you’ll definitely want one for this trip!) and head straight into the city to start exploring.
Funchal is a charming and colorful city that’s perfect for exploring on foot, you won’t need your car just yet. You can stroll through the cozy streets and soak up the atmosphere. One of the must-visit places in Funchal is the stunning Monte Palace Gardens, with its tropical plants, lovely ponds, and stunning views. We highly recommend taking the cable car there!
Another place you have to visit is Funchal Old Town, where you’ll find narrow streets, painted doors, and plenty of spots to sit back with a glass of Madeira wine or a cold drink on a sunny terrace.
Looking for more tips on Funchal? Check out our guide to discover all the best spots in Funchal for an amazing first day!
Hotels
Find the best places to stay in Funchal and enjoy a comfortable trip.
Funchal
Funchal
Funchal
via Booking.com
PR1 Pico de Arieiro or Southern Madeira
The second day of this 5-day Madeira itinerary depends on what you prefer and how much you want to hike during this trip.
Option 1: PR1 Pico de Ariero to Pico Ruivo
If you’re into hiking and feeling adventurous, you can go for PR1, the famous trail from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo. It’s one of the most stunning hikes on Madeira, but it’s also tough and best for experienced hikers. The views along the way are incredible, so it’s worth it if you’re up for the challenge.
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.
We have added sunset at Pico de Arieiro later in this itinerary, so on this second day you can either choose option 2 below or 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.
Option 2: Southern Madeira
Not quite ready for a demanding hike? No worries! Instead, you can spend the day exploring some of Madeira’s cozy coastal villages in the south of the island.
One of these charming spots is Câmara de Lobos, a colorful fishing village that even inspired Winston Churchill to paint. Take a stroll around the harbor, soak in the lively atmosphere, and maybe treat yourself to a glass of poncha, Madeira’s famous local drink.
Next, make your way to Cabo Girão, one of Europe’s highest sea cliffs. The glass-floored skywalk here offers some amazing views of the coastline and the ocean far below your feet.
For lunch, you can head to Fajã dos Padres, a remote coastal place you can only reach by a steep cable car ride or boat. There are lush gardens, a pebble beach, and a cozy restaurant serving fresh, local dishes in a very unique setting.
In the afternoon, you can visit Ponta do Sol, a picturesque village famous for its golden light and laid-back vibe. Wander through the streets, relax on the beach, sip a coffee, check out the Waterfall of the Angels (Cascata dos Anjos), or simply enjoy the beautiful scenery.
If you skip PR1 today, don’t worry about missing out on Pico do Arieiro! We’ve included it later in the itinerary at sunset, which is truly magical and a must-see while you’re here. Plus, there’s another, easier PR hike coming up, so you can decide how much hiking feels right for you on this trip.
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Whale watching, Santana & PR9
On the third day of this Madeira itinerary, it’s time to explore the island’s amazing marine life with a dolphin and whale-watching safari. Spotting these incredible creatures in the wild is an unforgettable experience, and Madeira is one of the best places to do it. We recommend scheduling this activity in the morning or opting for a beautiful sunset trip, leaving plenty of time during the rest of the day for a hike.
Before or after your whale-watching safari, you can explore one of Madeira’s most beautiful trails, the PR9 Levada do Caldeirão Verde. This hike follows a levada (water channel) through the forest, past waterfalls, and ends at the breathtaking Caldeirão Verde waterfall. It’s a moderate trail with a few narrow sections and tunnels, so don’t forget sturdy shoes and a flashlight!
While you’re in the area, take some time to visit the charming traditional Santana houses. These bright, triangle-shaped cottages are unique to Madeira and are a lovely spot for photos and a little peek into the island’s history and culture.
Tickets
Discover all activities and tours in Madeira and reserve your spot!
Canyoning, Balcões viewpoint, Pico de Arieiro
For an epic start to the fourth 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 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!
Wrap up your day by heading to Pico do Arieiro for one of the most magical sunsets you’ll ever experience. Arrive at least an hour before sunset to secure a parking spot and find the perfect spot to see the sun disappear. For us, it was truly one of the most unforgettable sunsets we’ve ever witnessed, with the sun setting behind the dramatic mountain peaks and the clouds rolling through the valleys below.
Northern Madeira & Fanal Forest
The last day of this Madeira Itinerary is all about exploring the dramatic and scenic northern side of Madeira. You can visit São Vicente and the stunning Saint Fatima Chapel viewpoint. From here, you’ll get incredible views of the village, the surrounding mountains, and the Atlantic Ocean. This area of Madeira has its own unique vibe, with plenty of vineyards and a slightly more rugged, mystical feel.
After São Vicente, make your way to Seixal, known for its beautiful black sand beach and natural swimming pools. It’s a perfect spot to relax and take in the beauty of Madeira’s northern coastline.
Besides São Vicente and Seixal Porto Moniz is worth a visit too on the northern side of the island. Here you can take a dip in the famous Porto Moniz Natural Pools carved out of volcanic rock. It’s the perfect spot to relax and cool off, especially if you skipped swimming in Seixal earlier.
Either on your way to the north in the morning or after exploring these highlights, you can drive across the Paul da Serra plateau, Madeira’s highest high-altitude plain. While you’re there, make sure to visit the mystical Fanal Forest, a magical laurel forest with ancient, moss-covered trees that feel like something out of a fairytale, especially when it’s covered in fog. The great thing about this region is the contrast: you can enjoy sunshine along the coast and then step into the atmospheric fog up on the plateau.
A great way to explore this part of Madeira is by joining a guided jeep tour. It’s a great option to avoid navigating narrow roads or searching for parking, and your guide might even show you some hidden gems that are off the beaten path!
How to get to Madeira
Flying into Funchal Airport is the easiest and most common way to reach Madeira. There are direct flights to Madeira from main cities like Lisbon, Porto, London, Frankfurt, and more. If you’re traveling from outside Europe, you might need to connect through a larger city like Lisbon. You can easily book your flights on sites like Trip.com or Skyscanner.
While it’s also possible to take a ferry or cruise to Madeira, flying is by far the fastest and most convenient option.
Flight deals
How to get around
We highly recommend renting a car for this Madeira itinerary. The roads are in great condition, and having your own wheels lets you explore the island at your own pace. Five days isn’t enough to see everything on public transport. With a car, you’ll have the freedom to check out remote spots and stunning views that are harder to reach by bus. While there are buses in Funchal and taxis for short trips, renting a car is definitely the most convenient choice to get the most out of your trip.
Where to stay
The best area to stay for this 5-day Madeira itinerary is Funchal. It’s an ideal base since everything on the island is easily accessible from here. By staying in one place, you won’t have to worry about changing hotels, giving you more time to explore! We stayed at Quintinha São João and had a lovely stay. For more tips on the best areas to stay, check out our Funchal guide.
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 thanks to its mild, subtropical climate. Spring (March to May) is an ideal time to visit if you want to see the island in full bloom, with colorful flowers and fewer crowds than in summer. It’s no wonder Madeira is often called the “Flower Island.” For warm, sunny weather perfect for hiking, swimming, and outdoor activities, the best time to go is between May and September. This period is also great for whale and dolphin watching, from April to October.
The wettest months are November to February, but the rain usually comes in short showers, and there are plenty of sunny breaks. In December, you can enjoy a festive vibe with beautiful Christmas lights and the island’s famous 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!
