Ultimate 7-Day Madeira Itinerary: Top Spots & Hidden Gems

Madeira is an absolutely stunning place (if you read my article on the 25 best things to do in Madeira island, then you already know I'm a huge fan of this little piece of heaven), and trying to fit all the amazing, incredible, and unforgettable experiences this island has to offer into a 7-day itinerary is both a challenge and an adventure I rise to!

Having been to Madeira many times myself makes me feel like I am highly qualified for this job and also in the position to say: you can do it! Ready to start your adventure around this beautiful Portuguese island? Here's my full itinerary for 7 days in Madeira.

Ultimate Itinerary for Maderia: Top Tips

Before I start this Madeira itinerary, let me share a few important notes:

1. Even though you could join a guided tour around the entire island, we made this seven-day trip by ourselves. There's a public transport network that will take you to some of the places; however, it's best if you can hire your own car.

2. I haven't added many restaurants or food stops here, but it is possible to enjoy this itinerary calmly and still try the fantastic local cuisine of Madeira.

Day 1: Madeira Velha (Old Town) + Cable Car + Monte Palace Tropical Gardens + Cabo Girão Skywalk + Curral das Freiras

The first day of your Madeira road trip starts early with a stroll around Madeira Velha (also known as Old Town), which is, in fact, the center of Madeira's capital city, Funchal.

While you are here, visit the Mercado dos Lavradores, which has exotic plants and fresh fruits. I didn't know there were so many varieties of bananas until I came here! And stop by the Rua de Santa Maria, famous for its gorgeous hand-painted doors.

From here, you can take the cable car to Monte Palace Tropical Gardens (don't buy a round-trip ticket, as you'll return in a much more exciting way).

Make sure you save some time for this part of the itinerary, as the Monte Palace is such a beautiful place with its green interior.

You'll want to explore the beautiful Japanese-style gardens and exhibitions scattered around the area and, of course, stop for some incredible photos.

Once your visit is finished, walk 2 minutes to the Carreiros do Monte, and instead of taking the funicular down, prepare yourself for a true adventure. This is one of Madeira's most popular attractions and consists of two skilled carreiros with straw hats, pushing you down rather steep streets on a wicker and wood hand-made sledge. Enjoy the fantastic views over this incredible island as you go down.

It's now lunchtime, and what better place to start than the famous restaurant Santo António in Câmara de Lobos for the best Espetada em Pau de Louro – a giant beef skewer grilled on bay laurel sticks. Make sure you start the meal with some Bolo do Caco and ask for grilled corn as a side to your delicious skewer.

After you have lunch, walk around Câmara de Lobos, a colorful town famous for its brightly painted boats, colorful buildings, and lively atmosphere—believe it or not, this was Winston Churchill's favorite painting spot every time he came to visit Madeira.

Just a short drive from Câmara de Lobos, you'll find Cabo Girão Skywalk, where you'll catch the most incredible view of the steep cliffs right below your feet! This is, in fact, one of Europe's highest cliffs, 580 meters above sea level. If you are an adventurous spirit like me, step into the glass skywalk for even more impressive views of the Atlantic Ocean and the terrace fields below.

On your way back to Funchal Old Town, you can stop at Curral das Freiras (Nun's Village) – well, technically not at Curral das Freiras because for that, you would have to go all the way down the mountains and, truth be told, the best view is from above.

Make sure you head to the viewpoint at Eira do Serrado for some unforgettable views of the little town in the middle of the mountains.

As the day ends, enjoy a cocktail or a good Madeira wine on one of Funchal Old Town rooftops and appreciate the spectacular scenery right before you.

Day 2: Levada das 25 Fontes + Serra do Fanal + Porto Moniz Natural Pools

It's now the second day of your Madeira road trip, and you will start on one of the most famous Levada hikes on the entire island: Levada das 25 Fontes. This is a refreshing out-and-back trail, it's around 5.8km and, at a good pace, will take you less than 2 hours to complete the round trip.

The path leads you through lush forests to a tall waterfall cascading from green, mossy cliffs. At this impressive waterfall, 24 smaller “fountains” flow around it, which is why the area is called the 25 Fountains.

After this morning hike, head to the Madeira Natural Park of Serra do Fanal, located in the Laurisilva forest – a UNESCO World Heritage site – and if you are lucky enough, you'll find this beautiful forest enchanted by some mystical fog.

Since you started your day with exercise, it's only fair you spend the rest of the day unwinding and fully relaxing. That's why our next stop is the natural pools of Porto Moniz on the island's north coast.

These natural volcanic pools are naturally filled with ocean water and are the best spot for your afternoon – there's no sand here, so you'll have to make do by spreading your towel on the concrete.

But hey, to make up for it, the pool water is so crystal-clear you'll forget all about the lack of sand! If you can't, though, you can choose to spend the afternoon at the Porto Moniz black sand beach.

Day 3: Blue Waters of Calhau da Lapa

The third day of your Madeira road trip has arrived, and brace yourself because today is going to be absolutely spectacular! Head back to Câmara de Lobos and get a round-trip ticket on one of the boats that will take you to Calhau da Lapa.

What can I tell you about Calhau da Lapa? This hidden gem features some of the most transparent blue waters you'll find anywhere on the island, perfect for a full day of swimming, snorkeling, or just soaking up the sun. Don't miss out on ordering some lapas and fresh grilled fish from the sole restaurant at Calhau da Lapa, where they serve the most delicious grilled fresh fish.

It's further from the busier tourist spots, perfect for soaking in the island's natural beauty. However, the area is relatively small, so securing a spot for your beach towel might be a bit tricky.

At the end of the day, when you return to Câmara de Lobos, make sure to enjoy a nice dinner in this charming fishing village that has more to offer than just its colourful houses.

Day 4: Ponta de São Lourenço + Machico

Day four of your Madeira road trip starts at the easternmost point of the island: Ponta de São Lourenço (well, technically, it doesn't start there, but you'll make your way toward it). Leave your car at the car park at the entrance in Caniçal and start walking one of the most arid and rugged hiking trails in Madeira.

Throughout the hike, you'll be treated to towering cliffs and stunning ocean views that make the challenging trek worthwhile.

Due to the arid soil and lack of shade, it's best to start your hike early in the morning to avoid the midday heat. Once you arrive at Cais da Sardinha, you can treat yourself to a refreshing swim and then book a boat ride back to your starting point, wrapping up your morning adventure.

After this unforgettable experience, head to Machico and have a delicious lunch at a seaside restaurant. Here, you can savor fresh seafood and traditional Madeiran dishes while enjoying views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Then, spend the afternoon relaxing at Praia do Machico, a beautiful beach with its golden sands – a rarety around here – and calm waters. It is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy the rest of your day.

If you're up for a bit of history, visit the Capela dos Milagres, one of the oldest churches on the island, dating back to the early 15th century. The town of Machico itself is steeped in history as it was the landing site of the island's discoverers.

Day 5: Seixal Beach + Santana + Queimadas Forest Park + Levada dos Balcões

The fifth day of your Madeira road trip will start in a very unconventional way. As you make your way to Seixal Beach, make sure you pass the Taberna da Poncha to try the popular alcoholic drink of the island (it goes without saying that if you are the driver, you should skip this part).

Poncha is a traditional alcoholic drink made with aguardente de cana (sugar cane rum), honey, and lemon juice, and it is a must-try when visiting Madeira – personally, I love the passion fruit version the most. For an authentic experience, don't forget to join in on the local custom: toss the complementary peanut shells on the floor as you enjoy your drink.

After that quick stop, head to Seixal Beach to witness the raw power of the Atlantic Ocean. Located on Madeira's north coast, this beach is known for its dramatic black sand and striking cliffs.

While it's not recommended to swim due to the strong currents, the scenery alone makes it worth the visit. The contrast between the dark volcanic sand and the vibrant blue waters creates a unique and breathtaking landscape.

The next stop on this Madeira itinerary is the traditional houses of Santana. This delightful village is a must-see for its iconic triangular houses, known as palheiros. These charming, colorful, thatched-roof homes are crafted from local straw and reeds. At the center of the village, you'll find a few of these that you can actually visit – one of which is a store selling bulbs and seeds for some of Madeira's beautiful plants (needless to say, they won't probably survive the trip back).

While you're in Santana, take a stroll through the magical Queimadas Forest Park. This enchanted forest of lush landscapes and rich biodiversity is perfect for nature lovers. It's also the starting point for another two of Madeira's most famous levada hikes (if you feel like it!): the trails to Caldeirão Verde and Caldeirão do Inferno.

After lunch, get ready for more breathtaking views. Head to Porto da Cruz and take the short Levada dos Balcões hike. At the trail's end, you'll find a balcony (or balcão) offering a perfect postcard view of jagged mountain peaks. It's a stunning spot that will leave you in awe.

Day 6: Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo + Grutas de São Vicente + Wine Tasting

Day six of your Madeira road trip adventure takes you through Madeira's stunning central mountain range on one of the island's most iconic hikes: the Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo trail. This hike connects Madeira's third-highest peak, Pico do Arieiro (1,818 meters), to its highest peak, Pico Ruivo (1,862 meters).

Begin your day early to make the most of the cooler morning temperatures and clear skies – many choose this as the perfect spot to watch the sunrise, which means waking up really early (spoiler alert, the sunrise on tomorrow's location is the best in the whole island, believe me). Organized tours are available if you prefer guided assistance, but you can choose to tackle this hike on your own (just remember the start and finish points are different, meaning you might need a lift back).

The trail spans approximately 7km (4.3 miles) one way, winding through breathtaking landscapes. You'll traverse narrow ridges, pass through tunnels carved into the mountains, and witness panoramic views of jagged peaks and deep valleys. The changing scenery keeps the hike exciting, with each turn revealing new vistas (and that's another reason to do it after the sun has risen).

Upon reaching Pico Ruivo, you'll be rewarded with the most spectacular views on the island. Standing at Madeira's highest peak, you can see the island's diverse topography spread out before you, a truly unforgettable sight.

After completing this exhilarating hike, have a well-deserved lunch and visit the Grutas de São Vicente (caves) and Volcanism Centre, followed by a wine tasting at the nearby vineyards. Madeira is renowned for its fortified wine, and this is a great opportunity to learn about its production and sample different varieties.

Alternatively, if you are feeling too tired, you can treat yourself to some relaxation at one of Madeira's luxurious spas. Many hotels and resorts offer day spa services where you can unwind with a massage or enjoy facilities like saunas and heated pools, perfect for soothing tired muscles after your hike.

Day 7: Bica da Cana Sunrise + Ponta do Sol Sunset

Imagine standing on a mountaintop, with a sea of clouds beneath you and the first light of dawn painting the sky in shades of pink and orange. That's how you are going to start the seventh and last day of your Madeira road trip at Bica da Cana.

At this viewpoint, you'll be offered panoramic views of Madeira's stunning mountainous landscape, often covered by a blanket of clouds that create a surreal, dream-like atmosphere.

As the sun begins to rise, the entire scene is bathed in a golden glow, making it a truly unforgettable sight. On some lucky mornings, you might even hear the soft melodies of “Wonderful World” played on a grand piano by a local musician, adding an extra layer of magic to the moment.

To make the most of this experience, arrive early to find a good parking spot and secure your place closer to the clouds.

After experiencing the mesmerizing sunrise at Bica da Cana, head to the secluded haven of Fajã dos Padres for the rest of your morning and the early afternoon. Accessible by a thrilling cable car ride, this hidden gem offers stunning coastal views.

Once you arrive, take a stroll through the orchards and vineyards, where you can see a variety of tropical fruits growing. The beach at Fajã dos Padres is perfect for a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters or simply relaxing on the pebbled shore and soaking up the sun.

Enjoy lunch at the local restaurant where you order fresh seafood and traditional Madeiran dishes while enjoying the ocean views. As the afternoon draws to a close, take the cable car back up, relishing the last glimpses of this serene paradise.

End your day the right way by watching the sunset from one of Madeira's stunning south coast viewpoints. Ponta do Sol and Miradouro do Rabaçal are perfect spots to witness the sun's descent, offering breathtaking vistas as the sky turns a palette of vibrant hues.

After the sunset, treat yourself to a delightful dinner at a local restaurant in Ponta do Sol or nearby Calheta. Indulge in Madeiran cuisine, with fresh seafood, traditional flavors, and local specialties.

Start with the lapas (limpets) and follow with peixe espada com banana (scabbard fish with banana – sounds weird, but it's a rather surprisingly good combination), paired with a glass of Madeira wine to toast to a trip filled with unforgettable experiences.

More Time? Here Are More Things to Do in Madeira

While this 7-day Madeira itinerary covers many of the island's highlights, plenty of other incredible experiences await if you have more time to spend on the island. Here are some recommendations:

• Plan a trip to Porto Santo Island, known for its long, golden sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. It's a perfect spot for relaxing, sunbathing, and swimming. The island also offers hiking trails, historical sites like the Christopher Columbus House, and excellent opportunities for diving. You can either spend a few days here or plan a day trip from Madeira Island.
• A boat tour to see dolphins and whales is a must-do activity. Madeira's waters are rich with marine life, and many tours offer the chance to see these magnificent creatures up close. The tours often provide fascinating insights into the marine ecosystem, making them both educational and thrilling.
• Explore the island's rugged terrain and beautiful canyons with guided canyoning tours. It's an exhilarating way to see Madeira's waterfalls and gorges.
• Try paragliding to get a bird's eye view of Madeira's stunning landscapes. Soaring above the island, you'll get unparalleled views of the coastline, mountains, and forests.
• End your day at Ponta do Garajau for a spectacular sunset. This viewpoint offers breathtaking views over the ocean and is home to the iconic Cristo Rei statue, a smaller replica of Rio de Janeiro's Christ the Redeemer. The combination of the stunning views, the statue, and the setting sun creates a magical atmosphere, making it the perfect spot to conclude your day.

These activities and destinations are just a few more reasons to stay longer or return to Madeira for another visit.

Where to Stay on Madeira Island

Choosing the right place to stay can truly make your adventure with this Madeira itinerary even more unforgettable. Luckily, Madeira has a fantastic variety of accommodations to suit every taste and budget.

Here are some of the top spots to find your perfect home away from home on this beautiful island:

Luxury Hotels

($$$) Reid's Palace, A Belmond Hotel: Located in Funchal, this 5-star hotel offers luxurious rooms with sea-view balconies, an outdoor pool, lush gardens, a kids' club, fitness center, and multiple dining options.

($$$) Savoy Palace – The Leading Hotels of the World: In the heart of Funchal near Marina do Funchal, this 5-star oasis offers stunning views, unique on-site gastronomical experiences, and personalized services, creating a true blend of luxury and pleasure.

Mid-Range Hotels

($$) Castanheiro Boutique Hotel: Located in the historic center of Funchal, Castanheiro Boutique Hotel offers a charming stay with beautifully designed rooms, a rooftop pool with panoramic views, and private parking.

($$) Hotel Alto Lido: Located just 500 meters from the beach, this 4-star hotel offers modern rooms with private balconies, a year-round outdoor pool, an indoor pool, a fitness center, room service, and a 24-hour front desk.

($$) Acqua Nature Bay: Madeira’s UNESCO Heritage Protected Forest and popular waterfalls are just 10 minutes away by car from this 4-star hotel in Porto Moniz, and the natural lava rock swimming pools are only 30 meters from the hotel. Amenities include an outdoor pool, a spa, and a fitness center.

Budget Hotels

($) Estalagem Da Ponta Do Sol: Perched on a cliff in Ponta do Sol, this 4-star hotel offers ocean-view rooms, an infinity pool, a restaurant, a bar, free private parking, and a complimentary shuttle service, all just 300 meters from the beach.

($) Apartammentos Turísticos Atlântida: Situated in Funchal, you'll find these spacious, well-equipped apartments with kitchen facilities, private balconies, and easy access to local attractions.

Ultimate Itinerary for Madeira – Frequently Asked Questions

📆 Is seven days enough in Madeira?

Absolutely! Seven days in Madeira is enough to make you fall in love with this island. You can hike the lush Levada trails, explore the charming streets of Funchal, visit the stunning botanical gardens, and still have time to relax on the beach. If you're a hardcore hiker or a history buff, you might wish you had more time, but a week is plenty to get a good taste of Madeira's magic.

🚕 Is Visiting Madeira Without a Car Possible?

Definitely! Spending 7 days in Madeira without a car is totally doable and can actually be quite fun. The island's public transport is reliable and covers most tourist hotspots. Buses can get you to many beautiful locations, and numerous tours offer hotel pick-ups.

If you are not renting a car, staying in Funchal is a smart move as it's a hub for transport and has a lot to offer right on your doorstep. Walking around the city is a joy, and for further-flung adventures, taxis, and organized tours have got you covered.

However, not having your own car has its downside, as some remote spots on the island are not accessible without it, so you might miss out on a few hidden gems.

🧳 What to pack for a week in Madeira?

Think layers and versatility. Bring your trusty hiking shoes for those levada walks, light and breathable clothes for the warm days, and a waterproof jacket because Madeira likes to be surprised by a bit of rain now and then. Don't forget your swimwear for those gorgeous beaches and natural pools. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are must-haves to protect you from the sun.

Evenings can get chilly, especially in higher altitudes, so a warmer layer is a good idea. And, of course, your camera or smartphone to capture all those stunning views!

Ultimate Itinerary for Madeira – Final Words

Remember to take things at your own pace. This itinerary is designed to offer a mix of natural beauty, rich cultural experiences, and moments of relaxation. While exploring Madeira, don't hesitate to stay a bit longer at spots that capture your heart or deviate from this Madeira itinerary to discover hidden gems.