Madeira rewards those who hire a car and explore beyond Funchal. Book levada walks and whale watching in advance — these sell out in peak season. Use Funchal as your base for the whole trip.
Day 1 — Funchal Arrival & Old Town
Arrive, settle in. Evening walk through Funchal Old Town — the painted tile facades of the cathedral, the covered market (Mercado dos Lavradores closes at 3pm, so visit the next morning), the seafront promenade. Dinner: espetada (skewered beef) at a traditional restaurant in the Old Town.
Day 2 — Funchal in Depth
Morning: Mercado dos Lavradores — tropical fruits, flowers, dried fish. Cable car to Monte (extraordinary city and bay views). Monte Palace Tropical Garden. Monte toboggan ride back down (a Madeira tradition since 1850). Afternoon: Botanical Garden. Evening: Funchal seafront bars and wine bar for Madeira wine tasting.
Day 3 — Levada Walking
Guided levada walk — PR1 Levada do Caldeirão Verde (13km, 3.5 hours, through the UNESCO laurisilva forest to a stunning 100m waterfall) or the shorter PR6 Levada das 25 Fontes (25 springs route). Book the guided tour in advance — the trails require navigation and some sections are narrow clifftop paths. Return to Funchal for dinner.
Day 4 — Whale & Dolphin Watching
Morning whale watching tour (3 hours from Funchal marina). Madeira has some of Europe's best whale watching — sperm whales, pilot whales and several dolphin species are regularly spotted year-round. Afternoon: rest, swim at the Lido sea water pools or explore the Creative Hub (MUDE) in Funchal.
Day 5 — East Madeira
Drive east: Caniçal (last active whaling village in Europe until 1981 — small whaling museum), Ponta de São Lourenço (dramatic 8km peninsula walk — the island's most dramatic eastern tip), Machico (where Portuguese explorers first landed in 1419 — beach and fort). Return via Santa Cruz.
Day 6 — North Coast & West
Drive north via the Paul da Serra plateau (vast upland plateau — otherworldly on a misty morning). São Vicente sea caves. Ribeira Brava market town. Cabo Girão viewpoint — Europe's second highest sea cliff (589m) with a glass skywalk. Return to Funchal via the coastal road.
Day 7 — Pico do Arieiro Sunrise & Santana
Early start: drive to Pico do Arieiro (1,818m) for sunrise above the clouds — one of Madeira's most extraordinary experiences. Return for breakfast. Morning: Santana traditional A-frame thatched houses and Queimadas forest park levada. Afternoon: Faial dramatic north coast. Return to Funchal. Farewell dinner.
Days 8–10 (Extended Stay)
For a 10-day trip: Day 8 — Porto Moniz (natural lava pools on the northwest tip, dramatic coastal scenery). Day 9 — Pico Ruivo hike (highest point in Madeira at 1,862m — hike from Achada do Teixeira, 2 hours return). Day 10 — Porto Santo island (40-minute ferry from Funchal — 9km golden sand beach, the only real beach in the archipelago).
Book Madeira Tours Now
Levada walks and whale watching sell out in peak season
Browse Madeira Tours →Essential Tips
- ✔ Car hire: Essential — book before arrival. Roads are narrow and dramatic but manageable. Don't attempt without a car
- ✔ Levada walks: Book guided tours — navigation apps don't always work in the forest and some paths require local knowledge
- ✔ Whale watching: Book 48 hours ahead in summer. Morning tours (calmer seas) preferred
- ✔ Pico do Arieiro: Check weather before driving up — it can be in cloud. Clear mornings are best
- ✔ Porto Santo ferry: Book in advance in summer — it's popular and the island day trip is unmissable
FAQs
How many days do you need in Madeira?
5 days covers Funchal, a levada walk, whale watching and the east. 7 days is ideal for the full island. 10 days adds Porto Santo and the best hikes.
Do I need a car in Madeira?
Yes — strongly recommended. Public buses exist but are slow and don't reach many of the best viewpoints and walks. Car hire from €25–40/day.
Is Madeira good for hiking?
Excellent — one of the world's great hiking destinations. The levada network offers 2,500km of trails through extraordinary landscapes for all ability levels.