Ultimate Madeira Itinerary (10 Days)
We created this Madeira 10-day itinerary, for you to spend the first 6 days on the southern side of the island and the final 4 days in the north. But if you decide to stay the entire time in Funchal (see all hotels), as we did, you can also change the order of the days. However, if you like a change of scenery, you could spend the last 4 days in a hotel in Porto Moniz, in the north.
Day 1: Arrival in Funchal
Start your day early in the capital city of Madeira, Funchal — an island-style version of Lisbon! Wander the city’s beautiful mosaic streets and squares, soaking up the street art at Rua de Santa Maria before cafes open.
Read more: Best Things to do in Funchal
Tip: Funchal Market is also a must-see spot on your Madeira 10-day itinerary. However, if you’re visiting on a Friday or a Saturday, we recommend visiting as soon as you wake up. This is because these days, it’s packed with fruits and veggies, and it gets busy after 10 AM.
Gardens in Funchal
Next up, begin your cable car adventure through the city! Fly high above the roofs as you head up into the hills to Monte Palace Gardens (open from 9.30 AM).
These stunning tropical gardens are some of the most beautiful we’ve ever seen; you’ll find a mixture of Mediterranean and Asian influences. There’s also plenty of beautiful flora and fauna, from towering palm trees to foreign plants.
Tip: Book a sled ride for an exciting way to return down the hill to Funchal! These wicker basket toboggans, operated by traditional Carreiros, have been operating in the city for many years.
Got more time on day 1 of your Madeira itinerary? You can also take the cable car to Madeira Botanical Gardens. Although it’s beautiful, Monte Palace Gardens is the more impressive garden if you’re short on time.
History and Culture in Funchal
After lunch, discover some of Funchal’s most beautiful historical buildings. For example, the stunning gilded interior of the Cathedral or the epic Sao Joao do Pico Fortress, once the watchtower for pirate attacks. The views from up here are particularly breathtaking, best seen at sunset.
Afterward, experience some of the fantastic food Maderia has to offer! Try delicacies such as Poncha, a strong alcohol made from rum, honey, and sugar, or Espada, a very random fish dish made with bananas (surprisingly delicious!). You can book a food tour or reserve one of our favorite restaurants in Funchal:
- Restaurant Informal
- Kampo
- Il Vivaldi
- Basmati
- La Ao Funda
- Brunch Club (try the pancakes!)
- Ciao Pizzeria
- Fala Fala
- Akau
- ComTradições
Summary: Madeira Day 1
- Rua de Santa Maria
- Funchal Market
- Monte Palace Gardens
- Funchal Cathedral
- Sao Joao de Pico Fortress
- Food Tour
- Optional: Madeira Botanical Gardens
Where to Stay in Funchal
Funchal may be a small city, but it’s quite steep! Therefore it’s best to base yourself close to the main attractions. Many people choose to stay in the Old Town to be among the beautiful old buildings, historical sights, and quaint restaurants. However, if you’re looking for something more tranquil, choose a hotel in Monte, a green area on the outskirts with easy access to the center.
Tip: We stayed at Hotel Cajú and Viola Market Studios
Day 2: PR1 Hike (Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo)
Spend day 2 of your Madeira 10-day itinerary on the most epic hike in Europe! This jaw-droppingly beautiful trail takes you to the peak of Ruivo, the island’s highest point. Follow narrow pathways balanced on sheer ridges, climb up mountain staircases, and pass through rocky tunnels.
The 4-5 hour hike from Pico do Ariero to Pico Ruivo rewards you with the most spectacular views. As you summit above the clouds, you really feel as if you’re on top of the world.
Find out everything there is to know about the Pico do Arieiro Hike on Madeira
Best Time to do the PR1 Hike
We were told that the best time to do this hike was early in the morning to avoid crowds. Unfortunately, this wasn’t the case, and we were following behind a long line of people throughout the trail. We decided to return to do the hike at sunset, and, on the contrary, we had the mountain entirely to ourselves!
Please note that the hike takes about 8 hours both ways. Alternatively, you can join an organized excursion with a pick-up from Achada Teixeira (a bit further from Ruivo).
See availability for your self-guided PR1 hike (transfers also included)
Day 3 of your Madeira 10-Day Itinerary: South Coast
Camara de Lobos
After a night of well-deserved rest after your hike, start the day slow in the relaxing beach town of Camara de Lobos! Firstly, wander the cobbled streets admiring the pretty whitewashed houses with red roofs before checking out the fascinating street art on Rua São João de Deus.
Cabo Girão Skywalk
After breakfast, drive 10 minutes to the famous Cabo Girão Skywalk. This glass-bottomed viewpoint sits atop the tallest cliffs in Europe (580 meters high)! It might make you weak at the knees, but the views from here are fantastic.
Tip: The best time to visit the Cabo Girão Skywalk is at the end of the day when the light is softest. However, if this doesn’t fit your itinerary, visit the skywalk in the morning and choose another viewpoint for the evening.
No car, no problem! Book your hop-on hop-off bus tickets here (30 different stops on the south coast)
Lunch in Ponta do Sol
From Cabo Girão Skywalk, drive another 20 minutes to Ponta do Sol, a colorful coastal town famous for having the most hours of sunshine annually! Choose one of the waterfront restaurants and dine on some delicious seafood before beginning your coastal hike to the Waterfall of the Angels.
Restaurant Recommendation: Sol Poente Restaurant (even better at sunset!)
Waterfall of the Angels
Next up, discover this stunning waterfall that cascades directly over the cliffs, its water plunging onto the coastal road below. In the past, you could also drive directly underneath, a bit like nature’s own carwash! However, these days, only residents are allowed to pass through. Don’t let that stop you, though; you can still park the car nearby and walk to the waterfall for a refreshing shower.
Note: It only takes 25 minutes to walk from Ponta do Sol to Angel Falls. However, please note that the falls can get busy and chaotic during the day, especially in summer. For this reason, it’s best to visit during sunset for beautiful light and minimal crowds.
The 3.5 circular route hugs the water channel, worming its way along the cliff edges (don’t worry, there are railings to keep you safe). At one point, it also passes underneath a pretty waterfall, where you can stand for a moment and appreciate the refreshing spray.
Tip: If you choose to hike Levada Nova, head there straight after lunch from Ponta do Sol. After you’ve finished, you can drive to Angel Falls for sunset—perfect timing!
Day 4: Whale Watching or Canyoning
For something thrilling on your Madeira 10-day itinerary, reserve a spot on an excursion in nature, such as whale watching or canyoning.
For those who are keen to catch a glimpse of some epic marine life, the biodiverse waters of Madeira are teeming with pilot whales, sperm whales, and the playful bottlenose dolphin. You might also spot the Blue Whale (Apr-Oct), the largest mammal ever living on planet Earth!
Back on land, the rugged and dramatic landscapes of the island are ideal for the adrenaline-pumping activity of canyoning. Join a canyoning tour and learn to rappel down cliffs, waterfalls, and sheer gorges.
Sunset at Funchal Doca do Cavacas Pools
The Doca do Cavacas is a set of stunning volcanic natural pools conveniently located just 10 minutes outside Funchal. After an action-packed day, spend the late afternoon/early evening winding down at the rock pools. There are also magnificent views of the coastline from here!
Opening times and entry fee: A day ticket costs 5.50 EUR. The pools are open from 10 AM to 8 PM. However, always check ahead of your visit, as they can be closed when the sea is too rough.
Summary: Madeira Day 4
- Whale Watching Tour
- Canyoning
- Doca do Cavacas Natural Pools
Day 5: PR8 Hike Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço
Day 5 of your Madeira 10-day itinerary is all about discovering the stunning eastern part of the island. Rise before dawn and head directly for the Miradouro da Ponta do Rosto, the best spot for sunrise on the island! This beautiful spot looks out onto a spectacular rock, facing across the curving coastline.
PR8 Hike Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço
Not far from the viewpoint (just a short 5-minute drive further), begin your daily hike: the sensational PR8 Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço. This 6-km circular route follows along the east coast, traversing the orange volcanic rock and arid cliff-top landscapes; this part of the island is far drier and wilder due to the strong winds.
Note: Allow 2.5-3 hours for this hike; it is best done in the morning or later in the afternoon, especially during the summer when temperatures are at their highest. You’ll also need to pay a small entry fee of 1 EUR to hike the trail — well worth it!
If you don’t have a car, you can take bus 113 from Funchal directly to the start of the hike.
Lunch Overlooking the Peninsula
Time your hike so you can enjoy a late lunch at Casa do Sardinha Sea Spot Cafe, a small eatery with one of the best views in Madeira! It’s located at the end of the peninsula, meaning you can only reach it on the PR8 trail or by boat — a true hidden gem on your Madeira itinerary. There’s also a tiny beach where you can relax and swim, so don’t forget to pack your swimsuit.
Opening Times: 10 AM – 6 PM (reserve your table online).
Summary: Madeira Day 5
- Sunrise at Miradouro da Ponta do Rosto
- PR8 Hike
- Late lunch at Casa do Sardinha
RB1 Hike
Start day 6 on the RB1 Hike in Madelena do Mar, a village with the most extensive banana plantation on the island. This short route of approximately 1.5 km takes around 20-30 minutes, following a trail through the trees and offering beautiful views across the plantations and coastal cliffs. It’s a lovely walk on your Maderia 10-day itinerary!
You’ll also find plenty of watersports on offer here, as well as sunbeds, parasols, and restaurants. Because of these amenities, Calheta is a great place to stay in Madeira! (see all hotels in Calheta)
Tip: Have dinner in Calheta at Manifattura Di Gelato restaurant and enjoy a cocktail beforehand at Pukiki, a Hawaiian-style bar with incredible ocean views.
To reach this spectacular sight, follow the Levada irrigation channel on a 9 km round trip, which takes roughly 3 hours. In addition to seeing the 25 Fontes at the end, you’ll also have the option to leave the trail halfway for the Risco waterfall (well worth it if you have time).
From the parking lot (location here), it’s a 2 km walk to the beginning of the hiking trail. However, if you want to conserve energy, you can also take the shuttle bus, which costs 5 EUR for a return ticket. Please note that they only accept cash.
Summary: Madeira Day 6
- RB1 Hike Banana Plantation
- Calheta Beach
- Optional: PR6 Hike Levada das 25 Fontes
Fanal Forest
Set your alarm early to begin your day among the twisting trunks of Fanal Forest, home to trees that are said to be over 800 years old! However, the real magic comes when the fog rolls in, creating one of the most fairytale-like settings you’ll ever see. Most likely to occur first thing in the morning, the mist swirls between the gnarly trees, roots, and branches.
Teleferico das Achadas da Cruz
Next, get up high on the unforgettable Teleferico das Achadas da Cruz, one of the steepest cable cars in Europe! Flying down the cliffs at a 45-degree angle, with a jaw-dropping 98% incline, this cable car takes you down to fields of wildflowers and the wild Atlantic Ocean.
Note: The cable closes between 12 PM and 1 PM and can be shut during adverse weather. Because of this, always check for updates online so you can plan your visit accordingly.
Porto Moniz Pools
Spend the afternoon at Porto Moniz Pools, a 25-minute drive further north from the cable car. These shimmering volcanic pools have varying water depths and are perfect for relaxing and snorkeling.
Read more about visiting the Porto Moniz Natural Pools.
These pools are more commercialized than others in Madeira. However, because of this, there is a cafe, locker rooms, and even a diving board for thrillseekers.
Miradouro Ilheus da Ribeira da Janela + Sao Vicente Church
Set your Google Maps route back to Funchal and make two stops along the way.
First, drive to Miradouro Ilheaus da Ribeira da Janela, just a five-minute drive from Porto Moniz. This is one of the most iconic viewpoints on the island, looking onto several uniquely shaped rocks that protrude from the ocean floor. The early evening is the perfect time to visit when the formations are bathed in a golden glow.
The next stop before Funchal is Sao Vicente, a small coastal village home to one of the most scenic churches in Europe! Behind town, a small green hill emerges from the valley floor, embedded with steps leading up to the charming whitewashed church. Climb the 200 steps in time for sunset for a fantastic view on your Madeira 10-day itinerary.
Summary: Madeira Day 7
- Fanal Forest
- Teleferico das Achadas da Cruz
- Porto Moniz Pools
- Miradouro Ilheaus da Ribeira da Janela
- Sao Vicente Church
Where to Stay in Porto Moniz
If you’ve decided to leave Funchal behind for a few nights of northern scenery, Porto Moniz is the perfect spot to base yourself for the rest of your trip. It’s a lot quieter than Funchal, but it still has plenty of great hotels and restaurants. It’s also located close to many of the top things to see on the final days of your Madeira itinerary.
PR9 Levada do Caldeirão Verde
From Funchal, drive towards the start of PR9 Levada do Caldeirão Verde, located within the Queimadas Forestry Park. The hike takes around 4 hours, following irrigation channels through lush forest and fern-covered grounds before reaching the mammoth waterfall of Caldeirão Verde, which falls from a height of approximately 100 meters.
Getting there: From Funchal, it takes about 50 minutes – 1 hour to reach the start of the trail. We recommend arriving by 8 AM to make the most of the day.
Although these used to cover the island, only a handful are left here in this village, which are now used as souvenir shops. Some are thought to be a couple of hundred years old!
Lunch tip: Grab a bite at the garden restaurant ‘Restaurante A Chave‘ in Santana!
Optional Hike: PR11 Levada dos Balcões
This afternoon hike is a short 1.5-hour walk at a leisurely incline (3km return), so it’s easy to fit into your schedule for day 8. The forested trail brings you to one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Madeira, where a balcony provides a panoramic view across the mountains. You can also see Pico do Areiro on a clear day!
Getting there
From Santana, it takes around 30 minutes to reach the beginning of your afternoon walk. On the way, choose the scenic route by the beautiful old bridge Ponte da Ribeira d’Ametade (here is the exact location). The scenic moss-covered bridge crosses a deep forested valley, making it a great place to grab some photos or drone shots.
Madeira Itinerary Day 9: Seixal Pools
Seixal Beach has to be one of the most beautiful beaches you’ll visit on your Madeira itinerary. It’s also the perfect spot for sunrise, when the soft light hits the dramatic cliffs, making the verdant green mountains look particularly vibrant.
Restaurant Tip: We recommend having breakfast or lunch with the most epic view at Snack-Bar Avista Navios.
Afternoon: Scenic Road Trip
Before you head back to Funchal for the evening, take a scenic road trip along the north coast (taking just under an hour) and stop off at these 3 incredible viewpoints:
- Véu da Noiva Viewpoint. Located just on the edge of Seixal Town, this beautiful viewpoint looks onto the Véu da Noiva Waterfall. Watch as the silky falls plunge down the green cliffs into the sea, giving it the name: ‘bride’s veil’. You can also visit the viewpoint on this epic jeep tour of Madeira!
- Guindaste Viewpoint. Drive 10 more minutes along the road to Guindaste Viewpoint, the perfect place to end the day at sunset. The glass walkways protrude from the cliffs, offering panoramic views of the coastline and a knee-shaking perspective of the ocean 85 feet below. On the opposite side, there’s another angle.
Summary: Madeira Day 9
- Seixal Beach
- Seixal Pools
- Véu da Noiva viewpoint
- Miradouro da Rocha do Navio
- Guindaste Viewpoint
On your route to the airport, stop off at the famous Cristo Rei statue just 20 minutes outside Funchal. The giant 49-foot-tall statue of Jesus towers above the cliffs, looking over the ocean and back onto the bay of Funchal. You also have the option to take the cable car down to Gurajau Beach if you want to have a quick swim before your flight.
Where to Stay Madeira
We recommend staying in a hotel in Funchal for your 10-day Madeira itinerary. However, if you’d like a change of environment, choose a hotel in Porto Moniz, a northern village.
Wherever you choose, Madeira has a range of accommodations, whether charming boutique hotels, luxurious beach resorts, or lively hostels. Here are some other great accommodations on the island:
How Many Days on Madeira?
With so much to see and do in Madeira, you could easily stay for up to a month. In fact, many digital nomads choose to base themselves here for that very reason! However, 10 days in Madeira is still enough to see all the most beautiful sights on the island. We do recommend having a day of flexibility in your Madeira itinerary, as you might not always be able to land on the island.
How to Visit Madeira for 10 Days
Madeira is a small place with just one airport serving the island: Madeira Cristiano Ronaldo Airport (yes, the famous footballer was born here!). Although there are regular flights from all around Europe, flight options definitely increase in the summer months.
It is worth noting that the runway on the island is short, and the often strong winds make this for a slightly hair-raising landing. However, hundreds of planes land here weekly, so please don’t worry. It might be possible that the winds are too strong, and you’ll have to retry the next day.
Tip: If you don’t have a car on your Madeira 10-day itinerary, you can take the Aerobus easily to the center of Funchal in just 30 minutes. Buses leave approximately every half an hour, costing 6 EUR for a single or 10 EUR for a return. (see the full schedule here)
Getting Around on Your Madeira 10-Day Itinerary
By Car
Renting a car is the ultimate freedom for getting around this fantastic island! It allows you to easily reach the most remote areas, whether for a sunrise beach swim or a moonlit forest hike.
Note: Car rental can get booked quickly in Maderia, so book well in advance.
We recommend to rent a car in Madeira through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here.
Important Driving Info
The highways in Madeira are fantastic, connecting towns all across the island, particularly the south, north, and east. The west has slightly fewer highway options as it goes around a large mountain, so your route may take longer.
Tip: Some parking garages in Funchal close between 2 AM and 6 AM, so bear this in mind, particularly if you’re planning a sunrise mission.
By Bus
If you don’t want to hire a car for your Madeira itinerary, don’t worry! The yellow local buses go everywhere on the island, connecting the main coastal villages and top sites.
In addition, on the south coast, the buses are hop on and hop off, making it even easier to explore (tickets cost 1.95 EUR). However, you can get them even cheaper if you load multiple journeys onto a Giro travel card. You can find machines to do this in Horarios do Funchal or the Anadia Shopping Center. (See the full bus schedule)
Book your hop-on hop-off bus tickets here (30 different stops on the south coast)
Organized Tour
Another great option is to join organized day tours, which are great for accessing the hiking routes you can’t reach by public transport. Tours go around the island and, depending on the activity, also include return transportation and a guide.
How Big is Madeira?
Madeira is just 55 km long and 23 miles wide. Because of its small surface area, it only takes 4 hours to drive around the island! That means the distances on your 10-day Madeira itinerary will never be too long. For example, most days, you’ll spend a maximum of an hour in the car.
How Much Does 10 Days in Madeira Cost?
Considering Madeira is an island (usually more expensive), it’s very affordable, especially when compared with destinations like Ibiza, Mallorca, or the Canary Islands.
It also has a lot of variety, meaning you can easily find something to match your budget, whether you want a 5-star hotel in Funchal or a reasonably-priced group tour. Although cards are accepted, it’s always a good idea to have cash on you, especially if you’re using public transport and parking ticket machines.
Madeira Itinerary: Best Restaurants
Maderia has some fantastic local delicacies that are a must-try on your trip. Enjoy sweet Poncha rum and honey-soaked cakes (Bolo de Mel). If you dare, you can also try the strange (but delicious) fish and banana dish! Some of our favorite places to eat in Funchal are:
- Restaurant Informal
- Il Vivaldi
- Basmati
- La Ao Funda
- Brunch Club (great pancakes)
- Ciao Pizzeria
- Fala Fala (veggie)
- Akau
- Art Food Corner
- ComTradições
Some other great spots to eat on the island are:
- Manifattura Di Gelato Restaurant (Calheta)
- Muralha Terrace (Ribeira Brava)
- Snack-Bar Avista Navios (Seixal)
- Calheta Green (Calheta
- Restaurante A Chave (Santana)
- Maktub Pub (Paul do Mar)
Tip: Tap water is available everywhere on the island, so bring a reusable water bottle and travel plastic-free!
Best Time to Visit Madeira
Known as the island of eternal spring, Madeira’s subtropical climate means consistently good weather. In fact, temperatures rarely drop below 15 degrees °C! We visited in late March/early April, and the days were warm and clear—perfect for exploring.
Although the south coast is generally sunny, Madeira is unique in that you can have all types of weather in one day! For example, if you’re hiking in the mountains, the weather can change from sun to showers quickly. Because of this, always be prepared with extra layers and a raincoat. You can also check the weather on the live webcams all around the island.
By purchasing through our links, you support us at no additional cost.
Thank you for your support. ♥️
- Find Hotels via Booking.com
- Find a Rental Car via Sunny Cars
- Find Flights to Madeira via Skyscanner
- Get a Travel Insurance via Heymondo
- Book Tours & Attractions via GetYourGuide
- Book a Bus/Train/Transfer via 12Go
Looking for more travel information? Plan a chat with us for personalised travel advice or get an answer from the Salt in our Hair Travel Community on Facebook.