Madeira 🌿
"The island of eternal spring with dramatic cliffside trails."
Madeira is a hiker's paradise with its famous Levada trails and the challenging Picos mountain range. A rental car is essential to navigate the steep, misty mountain passes and coastal tunnels.
A rugged mountain adventure combining famous Levada walks, dramatic coastal drives, and the high-altitude peaks of the Atlantic's 'Floating Garden.'
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1 · Arrival in Funchal & Botanical Beauty
Morning — Arrive in Funchal and pick up your rental car. Check into your hotel and take a light stroll through the Funchal Marina and Avenida Arriaga.
Afternoon — Visit the Mercado dos Lavradores to see exotic fruits and flowers, then take the cable car up to Monte. Visit the Monte Palace Tropical Garden for stunning botanical displays and tile art.
Evening — Walk down to the Old Town (Zona Velha) for dinner. Try 'Espada com Banana' (Black Scabbard fish with banana) at a local restaurant on Rua de Santa Maria.
💡 The wicker toboggan ride from Monte is touristy but iconic; skip it if you want to save $30.
Day 2 · Valley of the Nuns Exploration
Morning — Drive to Eira do Serrado for a dramatic view into a volcanic crater. Hike the downhill trail from the viewpoint into the village of Curral das Freiras.
Afternoon — Explore the Curral das Freiras (Nun's Valley) village. Sample the local chestnut cake and cherry liqueur (Ginja) produced in the valley.
Evening — Sunset at Pico dos Barcelos for a panoramic view of Funchal. Enjoy a relaxed dinner of 'Espetada' (beef skewers on laurel wood) at an authentic steakhouse.
💡 Park at the Eira do Serrado hotel and follow the signs for the 'Vereda' path.
Day 3 · North Coast & Volcanic Pools
Morning — Drive the scenic northern coast road towards Porto Moniz. Stop at the 'Véu da Noiva' waterfall. Go for a swim in the Natural Volcanic Pools of Porto Moniz.
Afternoon — Drive back through the high plateau of Paúl da Serra, stopping at the UNESCO-protected Fanal Forestry station to see the ancient, misty Laurel trees.
Evening — Relax in Porto Moniz. Dine on fresh seafood overlooking the Atlantic as the waves crash against the lava walls.
💡 Bring a swimsuit and towel; the natural pools close if the swell is too high.
Day 4 · Waterfalls and Western Cliffs
Morning — Hike the Levada das 25 Fontes and Risco Waterfall. This is one of Madeira's most famous hikes, featuring lush greenery and multiple springs.
Afternoon — Drive to the West Coast to see the lighthouse at Ponta do Pargo. Experience one of the most beautiful sunset spots on the island at the cliff's edge.
Evening — Stay overnight in the charming village of Jardim do Mar or Calheta. Enjoy a Poncha (traditional rum drink) at a local surf bar.
💡 Arrive at the Rabaçal parking lot before 9:00 AM to beat the tour buses.
Day 5 · The Roof of Madeira Hike
Morning — The Big One: Hike from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo. This is a challenging ridge walk between the island's highest peaks with breathtaking views.
Afternoon — Drive to Santana to see the traditional thatched 'A-frame' houses. Continue to the Ribeiro Frio Forest Park to see the trout farm and a short walk to the 'Balcões' viewpoint.
Evening — Return to Funchal for your final nights. Toast to the trip with a glass of 10-year-old Madeira Wine at Blandy’s Wine Lodge.
💡 Check the mountain webcams (netmadeira.com) before driving up to ensure you're above the clouds.
Day 6 · The Dragon's Tail Peninsula
Morning — Enjoy a slow morning in Funchal. Visit the Santa Clara Convent or do some last-minute shopping for embroidery and cork products.
Afternoon — Drive to the easternmost tip, Ponta de São Lourenço. Hike the dramatic, arid peninsula trail—a sharp contrast to the lush interior.
Evening — Farewell dinner in the seaside town of Caniçal for fresh limpets (lapas) and bolo do caco (garlic bread). Return car to airport.
💡 Ponta de São Lourenço has no shade; bring plenty of water and sunscreen.