One Week Itinerary in Madeira Portugal
Madeira Itinerary 7 days
Crafting the perfect Madeira holiday can be an exhilarating journey in itself. If you're considering Madeira for your next adventure, look no further. This comprehensive guide presents a one-week itinerary that encompasses the best places to visit in Madeira has to offer. Let's dive in!
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Practical Information:
Location: Madeira Island, in Portugal, enchants with its natural beauty and unique features. Comprising a diverse landscape, including rugged mountains, lush forests, and stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, Madeira Island is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventurers. The airport is located in Funchal, the main city of the Island.
Transportation & Exploration: to get around Madeira Island, it's advisable to rent a car. Public transport is available, but is going to be quite difficult to reach remote places. You can rent your car online on Rentalcars website.
Weather: The climate on Madeira Island is mild throughout the year, making it a pleasant destination in any season. Here's an overview of the average temperatures in Madeira:
-- Summer (June to August): average temperatures range from 22°C to 26°C (72°F to 79°F) in coastal areas, with warmer temperatures in inland areas.
-- Autumn (September to November): temperatures gradually begin to cool, with average temperatures ranging from 19°C to 24°C (66°F to 75°F). Rainfall may increase slightly during this season, especially in November.
-- Winter (December to February): Madeira experiences mild winters, with average temperatures ranging from 16°C to 20°C (61°F to 68°F) in coastal areas. Higher elevations may experience cooler temperatures, and there's a higher chance of rainfall.
-- Spring (March to May): Temperatures start to warm up in spring, with average temperatures ranging from 17°C to 21°C (63°F to 70°F). Spring is a beautiful time to visit Madeira, with blooming flowers and lush vegetation.
Accommodation: Funchal stands as the primary tourist hub of Madeira Island, boasting a diverse array of accommodation options that cater to all preferences, from opulent luxury hotels to charming and intimate guesthouses. Opting for a week-long stay in Funchal was a deliberate choice, given the island's compact size and convenient accessibility, allowing for seamless exploration. Alternatively, one could opt to split their week between Funchal and the enchanting Port Moritz, right on the other side of the island. I stayed at Vilas Maria.
Best places to visit in Madeira:
1 - Funchal Itinerary
Funchal, the capital of Madeira Island, is a captivating destination with a unique mix of history, culture, natural landscapes, and outdoor activities. Must see:
Mercado dos Lavradores: start your day by visiting Funchal’s central market, where you can admire and purchase local products like exotic fruits, fresh fish, flowers, and crafts. A typicality is the banana, a specific species present only in Madeira. In the morning there will be also fish markets, look for the typical fish called "Espada", you will find it only here as it swims in the deep ocean.
Sé Cathedral: visit the 15th-century Gothic cathedral, one of the city’s oldest and most iconic buildings.
Zona Velha (Old Town): stroll through the picturesque streets of the Old Town, admire the painted doors, and stop at one of the many local restaurants for lunch.
Evening: 5. São Tiago Fortress: Visit this historic yellow fortress, which now houses the Museum of Contemporary Art.
Madeira Botanical Garden: discover the rich biodiversity of Madeira by visiting these beautiful gardens with a vast collection of exotic and native plants.
Monte Palace Tropical Garden: Take the cable car to Monte to visit these spectacular gardens, offering panoramic views of the city and the sea.
Camara de Lobos: explore this picturesque fishing village, next to Funchal, which inspired Winston Churchill with its beauty and tranquil bay. End the day with dinner in one of the local restaurants, enjoying the view and the relaxed atmosphere of the village.
2 - Pico Do Areiro to pico ruivo hike
Pico do Arieiro and Pico Ruivo are two of the highest peaks on Madeira Island, Portugal. Pico do Arieiro stands at 1,818 meters (5,965 feet), making it the third-highest peak, while Pico Ruivo is the highest point on the island at 1,862 meters (6,109 feet) above sea level.
The hike between Pico do Arieiro and Pico Ruivo is one of the most popular and scenic on the island, offering breathtaking views of Madeira's dramatic landscape. The trail takes you through rugged terrain, along narrow paths, and through tunnels carved into the rock. It's not an easy hike, but the stunning vistas make it well worth the effort. Both peaks are accessible by car, but many visitors prefer to hike between them to fully experience the beauty of Madeira's mountains. I highly suggest doing this trail, while coming back to the peaks by car at sunset or sunrise. Here’s a brief overview of the hike:
Trailhead: The hike starts at Pico do Areeiro, where there is a car park.
Length: Approximately 12.2 km (7.5 miles) round trip.
Difficulty: Moderate, with some steep sections and uneven terrain.
Duration: 4 hours round trip.
3 – Ponta de São Lourenço hike
Ponta de São Lourenço is a stunning natural reserve located on the easternmost tip of Madeira Island. This unique peninsula is renowned for its dramatic landscapes, breathtaking views, and diverse flora and fauna. Ponta de São Lourenço is accessible by car from Funchal, the capital of Madeira. The drive takes about 45 minutes. You can also take a bus, though renting a car or joining a guided tour offers more flexibility.
The Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço trail is a well-maintained path that offers stunning coastal views, rugged cliffs, and unique geological formations. Here’s a brief overview of the hike:
Trailhead: The hike starts at Baía d’Abra, where there is a car park.
Length: Approximately 7 km (4.3 miles) round trip.
Difficulty: Moderate, with some steep sections and uneven terrain.
Duration: 2-3 hours.
Highlights of the hike include:
Panoramic Views: the trail offers spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean, with clear visibility on a good day.
São Lourenço Point: The easternmost point of Madeira, offering incredible vistas and photo opportunities.
4 - NaturaL Pools of Porto Moniz
Porto Moniz, located on the northwestern tip of Madeira, is renowned for its natural volcanic pools and stunning coastal scenery. I suggest visiting the Natural Swimming Pools, located on the northwestern tip of Madeira, which is renowned for its natural volcanic pools and stunning coastal scenery. In 2018, CNN elected it as one of the 52 best beaches in the world.
The pools are open all year round between 9 am and 5 pm during the winter and 9 am and 7 pm during the summer.
Entrance fee:
3€ - Citizens over 3 years old, per entry;
Free - Children aged 3 and under;
€0.50 - Citizens with a Municipality Card with the SX, RJ or RB, PM, and AC series, per entry;
€1.50 - Citizens with a student card, or card 65, per entry;
Free - Citizens with a disability card with a degree equal to or greater than 60%
5 - Achadas da Cruz Cable Car
Achadas da Cruz is a hidden gem on the northwest coast of Madeira, known for its dramatic landscapes and the thrilling cable car ride that descends steep cliffs to the coastal area below. The ticket fee:
€3.00 - Standard Ticket - 1 Trip
€5.00 - Standard Ticket - 2 Trips (Round Trip)
€1.00 - Card +65 - 1 Trip
€2.00 - Card +65 - 2 Trips (Round Trip)
€0.50 - Farmer card from Calhau das Achadas da Cruz
€1.00 - Student Card - 1 Trip
€2.00 - Student Card - 2 Trips (Round Trip)
€2.00 - Reduced Mobility Card - 2 Trips (Round Trip)
€1.00 - Reduced Mobility Card - 1 Trip
€1.00 - Municipal Card - 2 Trips (Round Trip)
6 - Miradouro Garganta Funda
The walk to the Garganta Funda Waterfall viewpoint begins at Pedregal. It is an easy and short route, about 600 meters long (one way only). On arrival, visitors face a scenario with unique contours, featuring the grand waterfall, around 140 meters high.
7 - Levada do caldeirao Verde &
Levada 25 fontes
The Levada do Caldeirão Verde and Levada das 25 Fontes are two iconic levada walks on the beautiful island of Madeira, both offering stunning natural scenery and the opportunity to explore the island's lush landscapes.
Levada do Caldeirão Verde
This trail takes you through lush laurel forests, tunnels, and stunning mountain landscapes, culminating in a breathtaking waterfall.
Trailhead: The hike starts at Queimadas Forest Park, where there is a car park. It ends at Caldeirão do Inferno.
Length: Approximately 17.4 km (11 miles) round trip.
Difficulty: Moderate, with some steep sections and uneven terrain.
Duration: 6 hours.
Levada das 25 Fontes
This trail offers breathtaking views, lush vegetation, and the highlight of the 25 natural springs (Fontes).
Trailhead: The hike starts at Rabaçal (E.R. 105), where there is a car park. It ends at 25 Fontes.
Length: Approximately 8.6 km (5.34 miles) round trip.
Difficulty: Moderate.
Duration: 3 hours.
8- Santana
Santana, located on the northeastern coast of Madeira, is known for its picturesque landscapes, traditional thatched-roof houses (casas de colmo), and beautiful natural scenery. Stop by for a quick tour.
9 - Cascata dos Anjos
The Angels Waterfall, known as Cascata dos Anjos, is one of Madeira's unique natural attractions. Located near the coastal village of Ponta do Sol, this waterfall cascades directly onto the old coastal road (ER101), creating a picturesque and refreshing experience for visitors. The waterfall flows directly onto the road, so you can drive through it or park nearby and walk to the waterfall.
10 - Risco Falls
Risco Falls (Cascata do Risco) is a stunning waterfall located in the Rabaçal area of Madeira, known for its lush landscapes and breathtaking views. This waterfall is a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers.
Sharing the initial part of the trail with Levada das 25 Fontes, Levada do Risco trail starts on regional road ER 105, in Rabaçal. The trail is 1.5 km long.
Levada do Risco is a trail of easy difficulty and with an estimated duration of 2 hours. It is at an altitude of about 1000 metres, thus offering access to unobstructed views over Madeira's natural heritage.
I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Madeira. It’s less crowded than many other European destinations, though it is becoming more popular, and it's relatively affordable. The locals are incredibly friendly, and the food is excellent. I highly recommend this destination.