Quick Overview
Day 1 – Explore Funchal & Monte
Morning
Start your Madeira adventure in Funchal, the island's vibrant capital.
Visit:
- Farmers Market (Mercado dos Lavradores)
- Old Town (Zona Velha)
- Painted Doors Project
- Funchal Marina
Take time to enjoy a local coffee and traditional pastel de nata.
Afternoon
Ride the famous cable car to Monte.
Highlights:
- Monte Palace Tropical Garden
- Stunning views over Funchal Bay
- Church of Nossa Senhora do Monte
For a traditional experience, descend using the famous Monte Toboggan Ride.
Evening
Enjoy dinner along the waterfront and watch the sunset over Funchal Bay.
Optional Experience
👉 Sunset Catamaran Cruise
Day 2 – Discover East Madeira & Santana
This is one of the most scenic days on the island.
Stops Include
Pico do Areeiro
One of Madeira's highest peaks with incredible cloud formations.
Ribeiro Frio
Short walk to Balcões Viewpoint.
Santana
Visit Madeira's iconic traditional thatched houses.
Guindaste Viewpoint
Glass platforms overlooking dramatic coastal cliffs.
Ponta de São Lourenço
Madeira's unique volcanic peninsula.
Best Option
Many visitors choose a guided East Madeira Tour to enjoy the island without worrying about driving.
Recommended Experiences
👉 East Madeira Tour
👉 Santana Jeep Tour
Day 3 – Mountains & Levada Walks
No Madeira itinerary is complete without experiencing its famous hiking trails.
Morning
Arrive early for sunrise if weather conditions allow.
The views above the clouds are unforgettable.
Or
Choose one of Madeira's famous levada walks:
Easy
Moderate
Popular
Forest Experience
What to Bring
- Hiking shoes
- Water
- Light jacket
- Sun protection
Recommended Activity
👉 Guided Levada Walks in Madeira
Day 4 – Porto Moniz & West Madeira
This route showcases some of Madeira's most famous landscapes.
Stops Include
Câmara de Lobos
Traditional fishing village.
Cabo Girão Skywalk
One of Europe's highest sea cliffs.
Ribeira Brava
Beautiful coastal town.
Paul da Serra
Madeira's high plateau.
Porto Moniz
Natural volcanic swimming pools.
Seixal
Often considered Madeira's most beautiful beach.
São Vicente
Picturesque north coast village.
Recommended Experience
👉 West Madeira Tour
👉 Porto Moniz Jeep Tour
Day 5 – Dolphins, Whales & Coastal Beauty
Madeira is one of Europe's top destinations for whale and dolphin watching.
More than 25 species have been recorded in Madeira's waters throughout the year.
Recommended Activity
👉 Dolphin & Whale Wacthing Tours in Madeira
Morning
Join a dolphin and whale watching trip.
Possible sightings:
- Common dolphins
- Bottlenose dolphins
- Pilot whales
- Sperm whales
- Sea turtles
Afternoon
Visit Câmara de Lobos.
Try:
- Poncha
- Fresh seafood
- Local Madeira wine
Optional Upgrade
👉 Luxury Catamaran Cruise
👉 Private Yacht Charter
Day 6 – Ponta de São Lourenço Hike
One of Madeira's most iconic hikes.
Distance
Approx. 7 km round trip
Difficulty
Moderate
Duration
3–4 hours
Recommended Activity
👉 Ponta de São Lourenço Guided Hike
Why You Shouldn't Miss It
Unlike the green Laurissilva Forest, Ponta de São Lourenço offers:
- Volcanic landscapes
- Sea cliffs
- Panoramic ocean views
- Unique flora
It feels completely different from the rest of Madeira.
Afternoon
Relax at:
- Machico Beach
- Caniçal
- Prainha Beach
Day 7 – Hidden Gems & Relaxation
Your final day is perfect for exploring places many visitors miss.
Options
Fanal Forest
A mystical forest famous for ancient trees and foggy landscapes.
Achadas da Cruz Cable Car
One of Europe's steepest cable cars.
Rocha do Navio
Spectacular coastal scenery.
Ponta do Pargo
Visit Madeira's westernmost lighthouse.
Jardim do Mar
One of Madeira's most charming villages.
Relaxing Alternative
Book a spa day or enjoy a leisurely boat trip along Madeira's south coast.
Where to Stay During Your 7 Days in Madeira
Best Base for Most Visitors
Funchal
Perfect for:
- Restaurants
- Tours
- Shopping
- Nightlife
- Easy access to island attractions
Alternative Areas
Caniço
Quieter and close to the airport.
Calheta
Sunny climate and beautiful marina.
Porto Moniz
Ideal for nature lovers.
Do You Need a Car?
Yes, If:
- You enjoy road trips
- Want flexibility
- Plan multiple hikes
No, If:
Madeira's tour network makes it easy to explore without driving.
Best Time to Follow This Itinerary
Spring (March–May)
Flowers, waterfalls and ideal hiking conditions.
Summer (June–September)
Warm weather and ocean activities.
Autumn (October–November)
Fewer crowds and pleasant temperatures.
Winter (December–February)
Excellent winter sun destination.
Recommended Madeira.Best Experiences
Boat Trips
Explore Madeira's coastline from the sea.
👉 https://madeira.best/category/things-to-do/ocean/boat-trips
Dolphin & Whale Watching
One of Madeira's most popular experiences.
👉 https://madeira.best/category/things-to-do/ocean/dolphin-whale-watching
Levada Walks & Hiking
Discover Madeira's UNESCO-listed Laurissilva Forest.
👉 https://madeira.best/category/things-to-do/land/trekking-levada-walks
Jeep Tours
Reach hidden corners of the island.
👉 https://madeira.best/category/things-to-do/land/jeep-safari
Canyoning
Perfect for adventure lovers.
👉 https://madeira.best/category/things-to-do/land/canyoning
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 7 days enough in Madeira?
Yes. Seven days is considered the ideal amount of time for first-time visitors and allows you to explore the island's main highlights without rushing.
What is the best month to visit Madeira?
April, May, June, September and October offer excellent weather, fewer crowds and fantastic hiking conditions.
Can I visit Madeira without renting a car?
Absolutely. Many visitors explore Madeira using guided tours, transfers and organized excursions.
What are the must-see places in Madeira?
Pico do Areeiro, Porto Moniz, Santana, Cabo Girão, Ponta de São Lourenço, Fanal Forest and Funchal are among the island's top attractions.
Is Madeira good for hiking?
Madeira is considered one of Europe's best hiking destinations, with hundreds of kilometers of levadas and mountain trails.
Final Thoughts
If you're visiting Madeira for the first time, this 7-day itinerary offers the perfect balance of adventure, nature, culture and relaxation. You'll experience breathtaking mountain landscapes, world-famous levada walks, volcanic coastlines, charming villages and unforgettable moments at sea.
One week is enough to fall in love with Madeira — and chances are, you'll already be planning your next visit before you leave. 🌿🌊⛰️
