Your Perfect 5-Day Madeira Itinerary:
An Unforgettable Island Adventure
Ready to experience the magic of Madeira? I've designed this 5-day itinerary based on my almost 8 years of exploring the island, combining iconic sights with local secrets. I've also included my top recommended tours and services to make booking your trip seamless and stress-free.
Pro Tip for Your Trip: The best way to explore Madeira is by renting a car. It gives you the freedom to follow this itinerary at your own pace. Would you like a FREE price quotation? Please message me here directly. I personally compare all rental companies at Madeira, so you can easily find the best price and vehicle for the island's winding roads.
DAY 1: Arrival & the charms of Funchal city.
Theme: Settling in and exploring the vibrant capital.
Today's Highlights: Old Town, Monte Cable Car, Toboggan Ride.
Morning/Afternoon (Arrival): After you pick up your rental car at the airport, drive to your accommodation in Funchal (it's only a 20-30 minute drive). I recommend staying at a central hotel like Castanheiro Boutique hotel or The Vine Hotel for a stunning city design experience.
Afternoon Exploration:
Wander Zona Velha (Old Town): Get lost in the colourful streets and admire the famous painted doors on the Rua de Santa Maria. This is also where many restaurants are located.
Mercado dos Lavradores (Farmers' Market): Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of this historic market. It's a sensory overload in the best way, however; the prices are steep and the market is known for making up fruits which do not exist.
Unforgettable Funchal Experience:
For the best views, take the Funchal-Monte Cable Car. You can book your cable car tickets online in advance to skip the queues or simply pay at arrival.
At the top, explore the stunning Monte Palace Tropical Gardens.
For a truly unique thrill, take the legendary Monte Toboggan Ride down the hill in a wicker sled. It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but be mindful; when there is a cruise the queue gets very long.
DAY 2: Volcanic pools & enchanted forests (Northwest Coast)
Theme: Nature's drama on the wild northwest coast.
Today's Highlights: Fanal Forest, Porto Moniz Pools, Seixal Beach.
Morning: Magical Fanal Forest
Start early and drive to the Fanal Forest, a mystical UNESCO laurel forest where ancient trees are often shrouded in mist. (Pro Tip: Check the webcam for Rabacal online here before you go to see the fog conditions!)
Important Note: Please be aware that the trees in Fanal are over 600+ years old and World Heritage. Therefore please respect them and do NOT climb their fragile branches as they may break, nor pin your hammock in them.
Afternoon: Ocean Pools & Black Sand
Porto Moniz Natural Volcanic Pools: Next, head to Porto Moniz to swim in these incredible natural lava pools. You’ll pay a small entrance fee for the maintained complex, which has bathrooms, changing rooms and a café.
Seixal Beach: Just a short drive away along the north coast, you'll find my favourite black sand beach on the island. This is the part which resembles Hawaii, with the black lava rock formations rising from the ocean. It's the perfect place for a swim (if the waves are calm) and stunning photos. Unfortunately this beach has become very popular through instagram, so it is unlikely that you’ll have it to yourself completely. Don't miss the Bridal Veil Waterfall (Cascata Véu da Noiva) on the road between Seixal and São Vicente – there's a viewpoint right from the road.
DAY 3: Epic Sunrise & Traditional Villages
Theme: Mountain highs and cultural insights.
Today's Highlights: Pico do Arieiro Sunrise, Santana Houses.
Pre-Dawn: A Sunrise You'll Never Forget
You'll need to wake up very early, but trust me, watching the sunrise from the summit of Pico do Arieiro (1,818m) is absolutely worth it. Simply check the sunrise time on Google and aim to be there at least 40 minutes prior, to find a good parking spot. There are 2 allocated parking places; P1 and P2, which are paid. There may be a queue at the ticketing machine, as the sunrise has become a very famous event. Please note that from P2 it’s about a 20 minute walk to the summit.
I do strongly advise NOT to park your car on the side of the roads toward Pico do Arieiro, since busses also need to pass and they may (accidentally) scratch your car or require to call in for a towtruck if it does not fit. Remember, it may have fitted a bus when you parked the car, but if one parks, more follow, creating congestion.Don't want to drive the winding roads in the dark? Consider booking a transfer with Get-To-Hikes. It's a hassle-free way to experience this Madeira Must-See and when using my code ‘THEMADEIRATRAVELISTA’ you’ll receive a lovely discount.
Late Morning: Santana's Iconic Houses
After the sunrise, drive to the village of Santana to see the famous triangular, thatched-roof houses. You can see some preserved examples right in the town center.
Afternoon Option (Choose Your Adventure):
For Hikers: Tackle part of the famous PR9 - Levada do Caldeirão Verde, a stunning walk that leads to a majestic waterfall and still my favourite hike. Start here. Also for this hike there is a paid parking at the start, with public toilets and a cafe. Please do not park your car on the side of the very narrow road.
For a Scenic Drive: Explore the north coast, stopping at viewpoints like Miradouro da Rocha do Navio.
DAY 4: Waterfall Hikes & Cliffside Sunsets
Theme: The legendary levada’s and the end of the island.
Today's Highlights: 25 Fontes Hike, Ponta do Pargo Sunset.
Morning: The Legendary Levada Walk
Hike the PR6 - Levada das 25 Fontes. This is one of Madeira's most popular trails, leading through a green heather forests to a beautiful lagoon with 25 springs. It's a must-do! Start here. You can check the island’s live webcams here before heading out and after your hike you may enjoy a homemade cake at the Rabaçal Nature Spot Cafe, where there is also a paid transfer back to the parking.
Important: The parking lot at Rabaçal fills up quickly. I highly recommend booking a transfer from Funchal with Get-to-Hikes.
Afternoon & Evening: West Coast Serenity
Drive towards the westernmost point, stopping in the charming cliffside villages of Prazeres or Jardim do Mar for a coffee or late lunch. I highly recommend the cute little XS Cafe in Prazeres, nearby the church, for their coffee’s and home made cakes.
End your day at the Ponta do Pargo Lighthouse for what is often the most spectacular sunset on the island, as you watch the sun dip below the Atlantic horizon.
DAY 5: Ocean Giants & Departure
Theme: A final farewell from the sea.
Today's Highlights: Whale Watching, Last Meal with a View.
Morning: Whale and Dolphin Watching
Depending on your flight time, book a morning whale and dolphin watching tour. Madeira's waters are rich with marine life. I've personally had great experiences with Rota dos Cetáceos, the seabiologists which depart from Funchal Marina. Since they study the animals, they can get very close in their zodiak and if you’re lucky enough to encounter the right group of dolphins, you may even swim with them! Most tours last about 2 hours.
Book your trip directly on their website here and when using my code ‘THEMADEIRATRAVELISTA’ you’ll receive a lovely discount. I recommend the 09:00 am trip, since that’s when there are almost no other boats at sea yet.
Final Taste of Madeira:
After your tour, enjoy one last unforgettable meal with an ocean view at for example the Beerhouse. Although the name may not be as charming, their cuisine is amazing as well as their harbour and city views.
Afternoon: Drop off your rental car at the airport and begin your journey home, filled with incredible memories of Madeira.
If your flight is earlier or the weather predictions for your holiday may not be as great, I recommend booking the dolphin trip earlier in your holidays, so that in the case of rough weather conditions, your tour may be rescheduled to a later date.
Ready to Explore Madeira with Ease?
Loved this itinerary but want even more detail? My Ultimate Madeira Travel Guide includes:
Detailed 3, 5, 7 and 10 day itineraries.
Customizable Google Maps links with all these locations pinned.
My personal restaurant index with the best spots in every region.
In-depth hiking guides and backup plans for rainy days.
An interactive map which can be used online and offline.
Click Here to Get Your Digital Guide Instantly!
Safe travels and enjoy every moment on my favorite island!
— The Madeira Travelista