7 Days Itinerary for Madeira, Portugal (With Real Tips)

If you’re planning an itinerary for Madeira, you’ve probably realized one thing already, it’s harder than it looks. The island is small, but the terrain is dramatic, the hikes are numbered PR-this and PR-that, and somehow every route seems to require more time than the map suggests.

I’ve been to Madeira twice, ten days each time. The first time I treated it like a checklist. The second time, I understood how to structure it properly.

Seven days in Madeira is the sweet spot. Long enough to hike the peaks, drive the north coast, swim in volcanic pools, and still have a slow afternoon that doesn’t feel rushed.

This Madeira itinerary assumes you’re renting a car, want clear hiking options (without guessing which PR trail to pick), and prefer thoughtful travel over chaotic zigzagging. I’ll show you how to organize your days geographically, where to base yourself, and which experiences are actually worth your energy.

Madeira in Political and Historical Context

Madeira is an autonomous region of Portugal, sitting about 600 miles off the coast of Morocco. It feels remote because it is.

The island was colonized by the Portuguese in the 15th century and quickly became a major sugar producer. That sugar economy relied on enslaved African labor before Brazil took over as Portugal’s main sugar colony. Later came wine, bananas, and eventually tourism.

Today, tourism drives most of the island’s economy. You’ll notice it most in Funchal, cruise ships docking regularly, resort areas along the coast, and neighborhoods that feel designed around short-term visitors. Outside the capital, especially along the wetter north coast, life still feels more agricultural and slower.

It’s worth knowing this because it explains the contrasts you’ll see. Madeira is beautiful, but it’s also shaped heavily by tourism infrastructure. Where you stay, how you move around, and when you visit will change your experience of it.

How Many Days in Madeira Do You Actually Need?

If you’re building an itinerary for Madeira, seven days is the sweet spot.

Could you do it in five? Yes. You’ll hit the highlights, PR1, a levada, Porto Moniz, Ponta de São Lourenço. But it’ll feel tight.

Seven days in Madeira gives you:

• Two major hikes without wrecking your legs.
• One full north coast day.
• One east coast day.
• A proper Funchal day.
• At least one slower afternoon.

Driving also takes longer than you think. The island is small, but the roads are steep, narrow, and winding. A “40-minute drive” often turns into an hour because you’ll pull over at miradouros whether you planned to or not.

If you’re torn between Atlantic islands, I’ve also compared the two in detail in this breakdown of Madeira versus the Azores.

Madeira Road Trip Logistics (Read This First)

If you take one thing from this itinerary for Madeira, let it be this: rent a car.

I tried doing Madeira without one. Within a day, I booked a rental. Outside of Funchal, buses are limited and don’t line up well with early hikes or north coast stops.

The island is small, but the driving is slow. Roads are steep and winding. A short distance can take longer than you expect, especially once you factor in parking and viewpoints.

If you’re not comfortable driving on inclines or using a manual transmission, filter for automatic early. They sell out fast.

🚗 Car Rental
I use Discover Cars because it compares local and international companies in one place, and I’ve consistently found better pricing there than booking directly. You can compare options here.

7 Days Madeira Itinerary (At a Glance)

Day 1 – Funchal 

If you’re landing in Madeira and basing yourself in Ponta do Sol, you can still make Funchal your first full day. It’s the easiest way to orient yourself, adjust to the time zone, and not overcommit physically on day one.

If you are staying in Funchal, this is your “get to know the city” day.

Morning: Zona Velha (Old Town)

Start early. By 9AM, the Old Town feels calm. By late morning, especially on cruise days, it’s noticeably busier.

Walk Rua de Santa Maria slowly. You’ll see the painted doors project, small galleries, and cafés setting up for the day. This isn’t a “tick everything off” area. It’s a wander and observe area.

Stop at:

• Corpo Santo Chapel (small, quick visit)
• São Tiago Fort (mainly for the exterior and coastal views)

You don’t need more than 1.5–2 hours here.

Mercado dos Lavradores

Go for context, not for shopping.

The fish section is worth seeing if you arrive early. You’ll likely spot black scabbard fish and tuna being prepared. It’s quick and intense.

The fruit vendors will offer samples. Be aware that prices can be high, especially for pre-cut or “exotic” fruit displays aimed at tourists. If you want produce, compare prices first.

If you visit on Friday or Saturday, the atmosphere feels more local. Midweek can feel slower and more visitor-heavy.

Monte: Gardens and Views

In the afternoon, head up to Monte.

You can drive, but the cable car is worth doing once. It gives you a clear view of how steep Funchal actually is. Try to go before 11AM or later in the afternoon to avoid peak lines.

At Monte Palace Tropical Garden, plan for 1.5–2 hours. It’s not just plants — there are viewpoints, koi ponds, tiled panels, and shaded paths that make it a solid half-day stop.

You can take the traditional wicker toboggan ride down if you want the novelty. It’s short, touristy, and surprisingly fast. Fun once. Not essential.

Late Afternoon: Promenade Walk

Walk part of the seafront promenade toward Praia Formosa.

This stretch feels more local than the Old Town. Pebbly beach, joggers, families, people sitting with coffee. It’s a good way to reset after a structured sightseeing day.

Dinner Strategy

Avoid restaurants with aggressive hosts and laminated menus in eight languages.

Walk a few streets back from the main tourist strips. Look for smaller, family-run spots or places filled with locals around 7–8PM.

If you try poncha, pace yourself. It’s stronger than it tastes.

Want a deeper introduction to Madeiran flavors? This small-group food, wine and culture walking tour in Funchal is a solid way to understand what you’re actually eating and drinking on the island.

Day 2 – Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo (PR1) (and alternative option) 

This is the hike people picture when they think about Madeira. Sharp ridgelines. Stairs carved into cliffs. Clouds rolling below you.

If the weather is good and you’re reasonably fit, do it. If the weather is bad, skip it. Madeira’s mountains don’t reward stubbornness.

Option 1: PR1 – Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo

Distance: about 10–12 km round trip
Time: 5–6 hours
Effort: Hard

This trail connects Madeira’s two highest peaks. It’s a mix of stairs, narrow ridgelines, tunnels, and steady elevation changes. It’s not technically difficult, but it’s physically demanding.

You start at Pico do Arieiro, already high above the island. Within minutes, you’re on a narrow ridge with nothing but sky and rock around you. It’s dramatic immediately.

Go early. Sunrise is worth it here. Arrive at least 30 minutes before sunrise to park and layer up. Even in summer, it’s cold at elevation.

A word of advice: check the weather. I learned this the hard way on the Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo hike. I was on the island’s highest peak, but all I saw were clouds and rain. I thought any hike was better than no hike. I was wrong. When visibility disappears, so does most of what makes this trail special.

Easier alternative: Start from Pico Ruivo Side

If you want the summit without committing to the full ridge, drive to Achada do Teixeira and hike up from there.

It’s shorter, less exposed, and more straightforward. You still reach the highest point on the island without committing to the full PR1 route.

After the Hike: Curral das Freiras

On your way down, stop at a viewpoint overlooking Curral das Freiras (Nun’s Valley). It’s a quick detour and gives your legs a break after hours of stairs.

If you would like to do a different hike, here is a great resource to see your options and plan accordingly.

Day 3 – Levada Day (Choose Your Adventure)

After yesterday’s elevation and stairs, today is about a different kind of hiking.

Before choosing a trail, here’s something that confused me the first time I came to Madeira.

All the official hikes are labeled “PR” followed by a number. PR stands for Pequena Rota, meaning small route. These are government-classified and maintained trails, and they vary wildly in difficulty. PR1 is not the same experience as PR6. The number doesn’t tell you how hard it is.

Most of these levada trails follow irrigation channels that are nearly 600 years old. They were engineered to carry water from the wet north to the drier south so settlers could grow sugar cane – an industry that relied heavily on enslaved labor and became a blueprint for plantation economies elsewhere. What feels like a peaceful forest walk today was once infrastructure for extraction and survival.

You don’t need to carry that weight while hiking. But it’s part of what you’re walking through.

You have two strong options.

Option 1: PR6 – 25 Fontes (Rabaçal Area)

Distance: ~9 km round trip
Effort: Moderate
Style: Classic levada walk

This is the hike most people mean when they say “levada.” You’re walking alongside an irrigation channel carved into the mountain centuries ago to transport water from the wetter north to the drier south.

The path is relatively flat compared to PR1. You move through forest, along cliff edges, and eventually reach a cluster of waterfalls known as 25 Fontes. You can combine this with the nearby Risco waterfall if you want to extend the day.

It’s popular. Go early, ideally before 8AM, or expect groups.

This is a good choice if:

• Your legs are still sore from yesterday.
• You want scenery without constant elevation gain.
• The mountain forecast isn’t stable enough for high peaks.

Option 2: PR9 – Levada do Caldeirão Verde

Distance: ~13 km round trip
Effort: Moderate but long
Style: Forest + tunnels

PR9 feels quieter and more immersive. You walk through the Laurisilva forest and pass through multiple narrow tunnels. Bring a headlamp or use your phone light, some sections are pitch dark.

The trail is mostly flat but longer than PR6. The payoff is a dramatic waterfall pouring down a vertical wall at the end.

I liked this one because it felt less crowded and more atmospheric. It’s not dramatic in the ridge-line sense. It’s slow, green, and steady.

Choose PR9 if:

• You don’t mind distance.
• You’re comfortable walking through tunnels.
• You want fewer people.

Day 4 – North Coast: Porto Moniz + Seixal

The north coast feels different immediately. It’s greener, wetter, and less polished than the south. The mountains drop straight into the ocean. Roads curve tightly along cliffs. You’ll understand quickly why driving takes longer here.

Start early. This is one of the longer driving days of the week.

Stop 1: Porto Moniz Natural Pools

Porto Moniz is known for its volcanic swimming pools formed by hardened lava rock.

There are two areas:

• The paid complex with facilities, lifeguards, and changing rooms.
• The more natural, free pools nearby.

If you want structure and calmer entry points, use the paid pools. If you prefer something rougher and less regulated, the free side works.

Arrive before 10AM if you want space. By midday, especially in summer, it fills up. You can spend 1-2 hours here. 

Check the ocean conditions before getting in. Atlantic currents are strong. If locals aren’t swimming, I don’t swim.

Stop 2: Seixal Beach

From Porto Moniz, continue east toward Seixal.

This is one of the only true black sand beaches on the island. The contrast of dark sand, green cliffs, and blue water is sharp and dramatic without trying too hard.

It’s a good place to slow down. Swim if conditions allow. Sit. Don’t over-schedule this.

There are small cafés nearby for a simple lunch. Nothing fancy, but solid and casual.

Optional Stops Along the Way

You’ll pass multiple miradouros (viewpoints). Pull over when it feels worth it. Some of the best views on this island are unplanned.

If you have extra time and energy:

• Stop in São Vicente for a short walk through the village.
• Or detour inland slightly toward Ribeiro Frio if you skipped it earlier.

This day is less about “doing” and more about experiencing Madeira’s scale. The north coast feels wilder than Funchal. It also feels less built around visitors, even though tourism still touches everything.

Day 5 – Santana + Laurisilva + Fanal

Today is about the island’s older identity, before hotels and cruise ships. Start in Santana.

Santana Houses

The triangular, thatched-roof houses are symbolic. They’re also small.

You don’t need half a day here. Thirty minutes is enough to walk through, take photos, and understand the architectural style. It’s one of those stops that’s culturally relevant but doesn’t require depth.

Go early if you want fewer tour groups.

Ribeiro Frio and the Laurisilva Forest

From Santana, drive toward Ribeiro Frio.

This is where you start to see Madeira’s Laurisilva forest up close. It’s a remnant of the ancient subtropical forests that once covered large parts of Southern Europe. Today, it’s protected and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

If you want a short, low-effort walk, this is a good place to stretch your legs without committing to another long hike.

For context on the protected area and why it matters, you can read more about the Laurisilva forest

Fanal Forest

Fanal is the stop that people either rush through or miss entirely.

Most visitors park, take photos of the misty trees near the lot, and leave. Walk past that.

Cross the open field. Move slightly uphill. The trees get stranger and more spaced out. The silence gets heavier.

Fog is ideal here. Midday sun flattens the mood. If you can time this for late afternoon or a misty morning, it feels completely different.

Bring layers. The microclimate shifts fast.

Day 6 – Ponta de São Lourenço (PR8)

This is Madeira’s east coast peninsula hike. It’s completely different from the forest and mountain days. No shade. No lush greenery. Just exposed cliffs and ocean on both sides.

When I did this hike, we went for sunrise.

We started walking as the sky lightened, and for the first hour it felt like we had the entire peninsula to ourselves. Just wind, cliffs, and the sound of the ocean hitting the rocks below.

On the way back, it looked like a guided group convention had formed behind us.

That’s the reality here. If you start late, you will be in a line. And personally, I don’t hike to stand in a queue on a dirt path. If you want this trail to feel wild, you need to be early.

What to Expect

Distance: ~8 km round trip
Time: 2–3 hours
Effort: Moderate

The trail is mostly exposed. There’s little shade, and the wind is strong. On some sections, it’s constant. Bring layers even if it’s warm elsewhere on the island.

The terrain is a mix of dirt paths and stone steps. It’s not technical, but there’s steady up and down movement.

There’s a café near the far end of the trail, but don’t count on it being open early if you’re doing sunrise. Bring water.

After the Hike

If you still have energy, head to Machico for a relaxed lunch.

Or drive a little further to Prainha, one of the few sandy beaches on the island. It’s small and quieter than most of the south coast.Affiliate box or any extra infomration that might be helpful.

Day 7 – Boat Tour or Do Nothing

You’ve hiked peaks. You’ve driven the north coast. You’ve dealt with wind, stairs, and steep roads.

Today is flexible on purpose.

You can go out on the water. You can taste wine. Or you can sit somewhere quiet and stop optimizing your vacation.

Option 1: Whale & Dolphin Watching from Funchal

Madeira’s deep Atlantic waters make it one of the better places in Europe to spot dolphins and whales. Sightings are common, but not guaranteed. That’s part of it.

Morning tours usually have calmer seas. If you’re prone to seasickness, take something beforehand and avoid going on an empty stomach. The smaller, faster boats are more thrilling but bumpier. Catamarans are steadier.

Look for operators that follow responsible wildlife guidelines and keep distance from animals. Ethical marine tours won’t chase or crowd pods.

🐳 Whale & Dolphin Watching Tour: You can check availability and time slots here

Option 2: Guided Madeira Wine Tour

Madeira wine has a long export history tied to colonial trade routes. It’s fortified, strong, and not subtle.

A guided tour gives you context behind the production process and lets you taste properly instead of randomly ordering a glass at dinner.

🍷 You can explore a guided wine tasting experience here

Option 3: Sit at the Beach and Do Absolutely Nothing

This is the part people resist. You don’t need to “maximize” Madeira. You don’t need to leave saying you saw every viewpoint.

Go back to Seixal. Sit in Ponta do Sol. Order coffee. Read. Swim if conditions allow. Let the week settle. And if you’ve structured the first six properly, you’ve already earned this one.

Where to Stay in Madeira (My Honest Opinion)

Where you stay in Madeira changes your experience more than you think. If you’re renting a car, you have flexibility. If you’re not, your options narrow quickly.

Base Yourself in Ponta do Sol (My Pick)
If you’re renting a car, stay in Ponta do Sol.
It’s central enough to reach the west coast, north coast, and central mountains without long backtracking days. It’s quieter than Funchal. The sunsets are better. The pace feels slower.
You avoid cruise ship crowds. You avoid resort-strip energy.
This is where I’d stay again.

Recommended stay in Ponto do Sol: We got this apartment with an ocean view and would 100% stay here again.

Stay in Funchal Only If You Need Convenience
Funchal makes sense if you’re not renting a car and prefer city energy in the evenings. It’s the most convenient base for tours and public transport. It’s also the most built-up part of the island.
If you stay here, I’d avoid the large resort-heavy Lido strip and look for something closer to São Pedro or the Old Town for better walkability.

Recommended stays in Funchal: Belvedare Boutique is the perfect mix of in the city centre but also quiet enough to get more island vibes. It has incredible view from the apartment on the first floor – you can see the city, ocean, mountains!

Porto Moniz (For a Split Stay)
If you don’t want long north coast driving days, consider spending 1–2 nights near Porto Moniz.
Waking up near the lava pools before day-trippers arrive changes the experience completely. It also makes Day 4 much more relaxed.
This works well if you don’t mind moving accommodations mid-trip.

Recommended stays in Porto Moniz: Waves Song – Cottage is a spacious, well-located home near Porto Moniz’s natural pools, with a relaxing terrace, homemade wine, fresh produce from the garden, and warm hospitality—my only regret was not staying longer!

The Mistake Most People Make in Madeira

Madeira looks compact on a map, so people plan it like a city break.

It’s not.

It’s a terrain-first island. Your experience is shaped more by elevation, weather, and driving time than by distance. Two hikes that look close together can feel like different climates. A cloudy morning in the mountains can mean full sun on the coast.

If I were planning this week again, I’d build in flexibility around the mountains. Swap peak days based on forecast. Move levadas if needed. Treat the island like a living landscape, not a fixed checklist.

That’s the real takeaway.

Structure your days geographically. Start early when something is popular. Leave space between hard hikes. And don’t underestimate how much better Madeira feels when you’re not racing it.

If you’re deciding between Atlantic islands, my breakdown of Madeira and the Azores will help you choose based on terrain and travel style, not just photos. And if Madeira is one stop in a bigger Europe route, my guide to planning a two-week Europe trip will help you piece it together without burning out.

If this kind of planning feels useful, join my newsletter. I share new routes, updated itineraries, and the small logistical details that make or break trips like this.

The Mistake Most People Make in Madeira

Madeira looks compact on a map, so people plan it like a city break.

It’s not.

It’s a terrain-first island. Your experience is shaped more by elevation, weather, and driving time than by distance. Two hikes that look close together can feel like different climates. A cloudy morning in the mountains can mean full sun on the coast.

If I were planning this week again, I’d build in flexibility around the mountains. Swap peak days based on forecast. Move levadas if needed. Treat the island like a living landscape, not a fixed checklist.

That’s the real takeaway.

Structure your days geographically. Start early when something is popular. Leave space between hard hikes. And don’t underestimate how much better Madeira feels when you’re not racing it.

If you’re deciding between Atlantic islands, my breakdown of Madeira and the Azores will help you choose based on terrain and travel style, not just photos. And if Madeira is one stop in a bigger Europe route, my guide to planning a two-week Europe trip will help you piece it together without burning out.

If this kind of planning feels useful, join my newsletter. I share new routes, updated itineraries, and the small logistical details that make or break trips like this.