Welcome to Madeira, a picturesque island referred to as the ‘Pearl of the Atlantic’.
From breathtaking landscapes and charming villages to rich cultural heritage, Madeira has something to offer for everyone.
If you have one week in Madeira, you’re in for a treat!
Below, I will take you on a journey through the island’s best sights and experiences with my ideal Madeira 7-day itinerary. You will enjoy a lot of everything; nature, history, mountains and coasts…
I have also included alternatives if you don’t want to drive or plan on hiking more.
So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
Visiting Madeira in 7 days – essentials to know
Is a week too long in Madeira? and is it enough?
7 days are certainly enough time to get a good taste of the island and enjoy some of its most popular sights and experiences.
During a seven-day itinerary, you can explore Madeira’s stunning landscapes, from its rugged coastlines and lush forests to its towering peaks and charming villages.
You won’t be able to see everything, but you can over part of each side of the island.
It is not too long, ideal length of stay to cover most of it is 10days to 2 weeks. So 7 days is in the sweet spot.
I think it is totally worth it, if you are flying from Europe. Compare available flights.
Do you need a car?
With 7 days, I strongly recommend renting a car for several reasons:
- to visit the fascinating off the beaten path places
- to watch sunrise or sunset
- to stop at all the Miradouros (viewpoints) to enjoy the beauty of the island
- to have more freedom to explore you favorite places, the car is the best option.
Don’t worry, it is not as crazy as some people write. Read my article about driving in Madeira.
Need to rent a car? My tips:
- Compare car rental prices on my favorite platform: Discovercars.com – one of the best customer-rated comparison sites!
- Choose the car and company you prefer (with enough power for steep roads)
- Consider their full coverage option – I always take it for peace of mind!
- This is an island, so the number of cars is limited. Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!
See my 36 tips about renting a car in Madeira.
However, if you really don’t want to drive, I have a section on Madeira without a car further down.
Watch the weather and alternate the days
With a week of traveling, you have a lot more flexibility with your program.Madeira is an island in the middle of the Atlantic, with tall mountains. Therefore, it stops the clouds.If you are looking for the sun during your Madeira travels, plan your own itinerary by day or half-day in various areas of the island, so that you can shuffle them depending on the conditions. This is what I did in the following itinerary.
And get more tips in my complete guide to visiting Madeira.
One week in Madeira: where to stay
Where to stay in Madeira for 7 days?
My preference would be to stay between 2 to 3 different places to experience different parts of the island and drive less.
- in Porto da Cruz – for 3 nights – see best rated accommodations
- in Porto Moniz for one night – see best rated accommodations
- in Funchal for 3 nights – see best rated accommodations
But I understand that not everyone likes to pack all the time to change hotels.
The best areas to stay for 7 days and explore the entire islands are:
- Funchal the capital city
- Ribeira Brava/Ponta do Sol
Check out the following driving times to better understand.
Staying in Funchal
Capital city of the Madeira Region, Funchal has a large variety of area.In the old center, you can find:
- streets with a lot of charm,
- cathedral, chapels and museums,
- easy access to the seafront and Marina,
- many restaurants,
- lots of transportation options.
There are 2 main areas to stay in Funchal:
- Around the historical town and above – here you mostly find rentals – see best rated accommodations in Funchal
- In the Lido area to the west, with all the resort hotels with pools – see best rated accommodations in the area
Some hotel suggestions:
- LUXURY – Les Suites The Cliff Bay in a stunning environment – see photos and availability
- Luxury in Old Town: Hotel the Vine, in the old center – see photos and availability
- Luxury: Hotel Savoy Palace with many pools and dining options- see photos and availability
- Boutique: Castanheiro Boutique Hotel, in the old town – see photos and availability
- Boutique: Sé Boutique Hotel, in the old center – see photos and availability
- 4 stars: Hotel Alto Lido, in the Lido area – see photos and availability
- Apartments: Market Place by Storytellers in a pedestrian street in the heart of Funchal – see photos and availability
- RENTAL – Romantic Studio – above Funchal old center with access to garden and pool – check out photos and availability
Find our more in my article about the best place to stay in Funchal.
Staying in Ribeira Brava or Ponta do Sol
Ponta do Sol is famous on Madeira as being the sunniest place on the island.But it is also a charming town, with crystal clear waters, colorful buildings on the seafront and a photogenic old bridge.Ribeira is a charming town with a really practical location in the middle of the South Coast. It is great to visit the South, and it is also well located to cut to the North shore to Sao Vicente.The town has a relaxing vibe with pebble beach, beautiful church and plantations all around.
It is very central to explore the island.
Some hotel and accommodation suggestions:
- LUXURY VILLAS – Escarpa – The Madeira Hideaway – Check out photos and availability
- BOUTIQUE – Estalagem da Ponta do Sol – in a renovated farmhouse and perched on a cliff – check out photos and availability
- APARTMENT – Apartment Villa Sol II – in Ponta do Sol with Panoramic views – check out photos and availability
- RENTAL – Vila Mar Apartment, large with a nice view of the town – check out pictures and availability
- UNIQUE – 1905 Zino’s Palace, Pink hotel overlooking Ponta do Sol – check out pictures and availability
- VILLAS – Dazkarizeh73 – for an exotic ambiance in Ribeira Brava – check out photos and availability
- LOFT – Loft Paços da Vila, in the center – Check out photos and availability
- APARTMENT – Holiday Apartment Ocean View, modern with amazing terrace – check out pictures and availability
- or see best rated accommodations
And if you are looking for something else…
- For a sandy beach, Machico
easy to explore the east but longer to reach the west of the island
– See best rated accommodations in Machico - To enjoy the natural pools, Porto Moniz
but you are at one tip of the island, so it takes longer to go explore the east of the island.
– See best rated accommodations in Porto Moniz
More tips on my article about where to stay in Madeira with hotel suggestions.
7-day Madeira itinerary map
To help you get oriented, here is a map of the areas covered with this itinerary:
Driving times each of the 7 days in Madeira
I have tried to balanced as best as possible the itinerary.
If you are based in Funchal, it will take the following driving times, in several small jumps:
- Day 1 = 1h40 drive
- Day 2 = 2h30 drive
- Day 3 = 2h30 drive
- Day 4 = 0
- Day 5 = 1h30 drive
- Day 6 = 1h45 drive
- Day 7 = 0
Best things to do in Madeira over a week – planning your own
The following itinerary includes all my favorite places and things to do (see my complete list).
But if you want to create your own, I think the things you should not miss during your trip:
- the historical center of Funchal and its market
- one small village-towns such as Camara de Lobos
- one area of coastal pool made of lava – see my list
- one of the cable cars – see my list
- a small collection of viewpoints including Pico do Arieiro – see my list
- one walk along a levada (irrigation system from the mountains) – see my list
- one boat tour to find dolphins and – see my tips or check out the available tours directly.
And you can find all those stops and more, with practical information (maps, driving times, difficulty to access) in my eBook:
Plan your dream trip in Madeira thanks to my guide
- 7 maps to easily plan your itinerary
- 120+ pre-selected locations
- GPS coordinates direct to the carparks
- Tips to make the most of your time
- 260+ original photos to help you choose
Day 1 – Skywalk, Camara de Lobos and more
Driving time if staying in Funchal = 1h40
Stop 1 – Cabo Girao (Skywalk)
Head to Cabo Girao at opening time to avoid the largest crowds.
Get dizzy because, here, the cliffs reach 589m (1932ft). They are the tallest in Europe.
The locals have built a transparent platform to appreciate the height.
It is quite impressive to see the height, but apart from that, I thought the views were very limited.
Learn more in my article about Cabo Girao.
Stop 2 – Camaro dos Lobos / lunch
Stroll around the old village and the port: Camara de Lobos. The most famous in Madeira.
It is considered the most charming and I agree. Promenades that offer different views surround the tiny fishing port with colorful boats. It is worth spending half a day here, soaking in the atmosphere and maybe enjoying a delicious lunch with fresh fish.
See my article.
Stop 3 – Valley of the Nuns
For the afternoon, head inside in the mountains to enter a unique areas.
You will feel so small in the Valley of nuns a.k.a. Curral das Frieiras.
First head to the viewpoint Eira do Serrado – from higher grounds, you can see the hidden valley with giant vertical mountains surrounding the “couldron”.
And then, visit the village of Curral das Frieiras. Appreciate the perspective from the bottom of the valley and taste the famous chestnuts!
Day 2 – Best views ever: Pico do Arieiro and more
Driving time if staying in Funchal = 2h30
Stop 1 – Pico do Arieiro
Get up early and go watch the sunrise at Pico do Arieiro.
Plan to arrive at least 30minutes before to see the colors changes and hopefully see the sun rise over the clouds. If you feel like it, do some of the hike towards Pico Ruivo. You can walk 1h one way for a 2h return a hike and see a lot. Learn more.
If you plan on doing the entire hike, the rest of the day would have to be skipped…
Stop 2 – Verada dos Balcones
This is an easy walk that gives you a feel for what Madeira is all about:
- You get to a viewpoint with the mountain peaks
- From the viewpoint, you can also see the lush valley all the way to the sea
- There are many birds
- The area is covered with ancient trees and lush vegetation
- There is a section of the walk along a levada, which is great for those who can’t do one of the big levada walks.
- 3Km (2mi) return – Plan 1h for plenty of pictures
Stop 3 – Santana traditional houses
Drive north to one of the largest attractions in Madeira, the Park is an ethnographic village where you can learn more about the culture, traditions and crafts.
The most appreciated feature is the set up inside old traditional houses with triangular thatched rooftops.
You can also explore the whole park with gardens and a lake.
Finish the day with my favorite cable car.
First enjoy the view from the top. The green mountains dropping into the deep blue sea are spectacular!
And, as you ride down to sea level, you will be able to several waterfalls.
In my opinion, it has be best scenery. You can even see a traditional Santana house in the gardens.
The name Rocha do Navio’ refers to the sinking of a Dutch ship in the nineteenth century.
Learn more on my Rocha do Navio article.
Day 3 – Northwest coast lava
Driving time if staying in Funchal = 2h30
Stop 1 – Fanal Forest
Crazy tortuous ancient trees… what’s not to love???
On the Paul da Serra plateau, you can find the Unesco Natural Heritage site of the Laurissilva forest. Here you discover hilly meadows and crooked trees. It is quite enchanting.
The island and much of Southern Europe used to be covered by this native forest. In Madeira is one of the largest patches left.
You can hike around, or just look at the trees not far from the carpark.
It is even better, if it is in the mist. It would feel mystical! But so far, I have only seen it under a blue sky…
Stop 2 – Porto Moniz
Bring your swimsuit. After this long hike, you deserve to go swim in the Porto Moniz Natural pools surrounded by lava. A wonderful and unusual experience.
There are 2 areas: the ones that have been made smoother for public use and the more natural ones, near the fort.
I recommend first enjoying them on foot: the long strips of lava, the shades of blue and green, the island in the background.
But then, make sure to get into the water (seawater). The place is ideal for those who love swimming and the views are mesmerizing. Such a relaxing place to swim.
However, don’t swim between 10am and 3pm, when groups are visiting on day trips. I recommend staying later and even spending the night to have a more peaceful experience.
See my complete guide.
Stop 3 – Ribeira da Janela
You next stop is Ribeira da Janela.
It is very easy to park at the bottom near the beach.
There is a staircase to a viewing platforms to enjoy the rocky pillars in the sea.
Or you can walk on the beach for a better look, but wear proper walking shoes, the rocks are unstable.
Learn more.
Stop 4 – Seixal
Your next stop is Seixal.
It has a black sand beach which is clearly the most beautiful beach on the island.
Plus it has natural pools with a lava arch.
It is what I imagine when thinking of an old volcanic island: smooth black sand with steep cliffs with lush vegetation.
There is even a small waterfall on the beach!
Learn more
Stop 5 – Miradouro Veu da Noiva
Enjoy the drive back with some viewpoints such as Miradouro Veu da Noiva for the waterfall.
The drive from Porto Moniz back to Porto da Cruz is 1h10.
I don’t drink coffee 
But I also like other drinks and sweets!
Do you like the free content you find on my blog? All my tips and practical information, without intrusive advertising…
Day 4 – Relaxing day in Funchal
Driving time if staying in Funchal = 0
Stop 1 – Historical Funchal
Explore downtown Funchal.
I am not a city person, I prefer nature. But I have to admit that I was pleasantly surprised by the old center of Funchal.
It has a lot of charms with lots of trees lining the streets.
You should take the time to just stroll around, appreciate the buildings and enjoy the vibe.
Notice:
- The market Mercado dos Lavradores full of fruits, vegetables and flowers (closed Sundays) in a building from 1940
- Rua de Santa Maria and its Street Art
- The Façade of the Jesuit’s college
- The cathedral, built in the 16th century and striking
- Visit the old winery of Blandy’s
- Relax on the waterfront
- The CR7 museum if you are a fan of Cristiano Ronaldo
- …
More ideas in my article about the best things to do in Funchal.
Stop 2 – Dolphins and Whales
Go on a boat tour to spot dolphins and whales.
A great number of whales pass through Madeira each year. Research says that 28 different species of the 78 known can be seen on this island, from various dolphin species to great blue whales.
Tours are running year round. The highest quantity of species is from April to September.
Learn more
See available tours:
- Catamaran tour including swimming under Cabo Girao – See options & availability
- Speed boat tour – See details & availability
- Swim with dolphin tour – See details & availability
Need to rent a car in Madeira?
My tips:
- Compare prices on my favorite platform: Discovercars.com – one of the best rated comparison sites!
- Choose a car with enough power for the mountain roads
- And choose a car not too big, to easily manoeuver
- Consider their full coverage option – it for peace of mind!
- Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!
Day 5 – Volcanic East Coast
Driving time if staying in Funchal = 1h30
Stop 1 – Ponta de Sao Lourenço
Ponta de Sao Louranço is the best place on the island to admire the volcanic origin of Madeira.
You walk along the famous “dragon tail” of Madeira surrounded by bare landscapes and colorful rocks.
Along the hike there are many viewpoints with steep cliffs, sea stacks and magnificent views towards the sea or back toward the island.
You can do as much as walking you want on the trail and turn around. It is impressive and colorful!
You can just admire the views near the carpark or walk as long as you want along the hike.
The entire hike is 6.4km/4mi which means 3 to 4h to the Sardinha Café and return.
If you can, I strongly recommend the hike, it is phenomenal!
Stop 2 – Enjoy the viewpoints around Machico
As you drive back south, you can enjoy lunch in the town of Machico and drive around to some beautiful viewpoints:
- Miradouro F.A. Nobrega
- Miradouro da Queimada
- Miradouro de Machico
I normally prefer views of nature rather than cities. But I really enjoyed the Miradouro Francisco Alvares Nobrega. There are several viewpoints above the town of Machico, but this one has the best views:
- On the left, you can see deep into the valley with all the orange roofs,
- in front of you, you can see the golden sand beach (imported sand) and the marina,
- and to the right (not in the picture), you see towards the peninsula Ponta de Sao Lourenço.
Stop 3 – Ponta do Garajau
Head south to Ponta do Garajau also known as Teleferico do Cristo Rei.
Ponta do Garajau is a clear promontory sticking out from the cliffs.
It makes the eastern end of the bay of Funchal.
It is a great combination of attractions that will please many visitors:
- First, there is the 14m statue Cristo Rei facing the ocean (not a copy of the Brazil one, this was inaugurated before!)
- Second, a staircase leads to the end of the promontory for beautiful views
- Third, you can take a cable car down to a beach
Alternative, if you did not hike in the morning
If you did not hike in the morning, you can spend more time in Machico.
You can enjoy some beach time and walk around the relaxed town.
And you can adda garden around Funchal. Not the Monte Palace which you will visit on Day 7, but either the Botanical Garden or the Jardines Palheiro.
Day 6 – Levada and sun
Driving time if staying in Funchal = 1h45
Stop 1 – 25 Fontes Levada
Wake up early to enjoy the famous hike: 25 Fontes. This is the most famous Levada walk in Madeira.
Head down in the valley to reach the Levada (traditional irrigation channel) and follow the path in lush vegetation.
It leads to a small lagoon and many tiny waterfalls crying on a wall, hence the name of 25 springs.
Plus, on that same path, you can also enjoy a quick detour to the Risco waterfall, dropping 100m (330ft) on the side of the mountain.
Option 1 – Shuttle down and back – walk only from the Rabaçal Forestry House – 5km return (3.1mi)
Option 2 – No shuttle, add 2km (1.24mi) in each direction
Option 3 – Adding the loop to Risco Waterfall adds 1.6km (1mi) return
See my complete guide to this hike
Stop 2 – Ponta do Sol
Ponta do Sol is famous for being the sunniest place in Madeira.
But it is also very charming with the beach and the colorful buildings on the seafront.
Plus, there are the remains of the Royal path that surrounded the whole island and the bridge that connected to the pier. It is very photogenic and offers great perspectives on the town and the cliffs.
Parking can be difficult to find.
After you hike, relaxing on the beach can feel great!
Learn more
Alternative, if you did not hike in the morning
If you are not able to complete the hike in the morning, you can add the exploration of the southwest coast.
You can head to the charming villages of Jardim do Mar and Paul do Mar.
And you can do a short walk through banana plantations: Rota da Banana in Madalena do Mar (Banana Route RB1)
- Very short walk starting in the village
- You can walk as little as 10min or explore for 30 minutes
- Allows you walk in the middle of the banana plantations with the irrigation systems
- Fun walk
Day 7 – Gardens & fun
Driving time if staying in Funchal = 0
Stop 1 – Take the Cable car up to Monte
Take the cable car to high above town.
There is cable car that connects the Funchal waterfront and the Monte area, as well as from the Monte area.
It flies over the city offering 360° views of the town.
Stop 2 – Admire the church, views and tiny municipal garden
The center of the Monte area is home to the church Our Lady of Monte Church and its impressive stairs. It is striking with its grand staircase.
This is also the place where the exiled Emperor of Austria Charles I is buried.
Below its West side is the small but charming Monte Municipal garden at 550m of elevation and home to centennial trees as well as exotic and indigenous species (free access).
Stop 3 – Monte Palace Tropical Garden
There you can visit one of the gardens.
Madeira is s also famous for its man-made natural beauty a.k.a. its gardens. There are several in Funchal, but if you have time only for one, I strongly recommend the Monte Palace Tropical Garden.
Lush vegetation surrounds the walking paths that lead to water feature, stones, sculptures, tiles, museums and various structures.
It is a fascinating place to explore and it can take all day!
Stop 4 – Sled Ride
Get back downtown by enjoying a toboggan sled ride.
It is one of the most unique experiences in Madeira. Very unusual.
You are sitting in a basket and transported down the steep streets back to the center of Funchal.
And how are you breaking, may you ask… well, 2 men in traditional costumes will use their feet to balance, steer and brake the ride.
You can find all those stops and more, with practical information (maps, driving times, difficulty to access) in my eBook:
Plan your trip to Mallorca:
7 days in Madeira without a car
I don’t have a one week itinerary without a car. As I said, I really think it is worth is to rent a car.
However, I understand if some of you don’t feel comfortable driving. In that case:
- Check out my itinerary for 5 days in Madeira without a car in this other article
- And add some resting days or some hikes (also listed in the same article)
Or you can check out all my favorite tours in Madeira for you to book.
Some of my favorites are:
- the hop-on hop off bus to explore Funchal and Camara de Lobos – See hop-on hop-off tickets
- the day trip to Porto Moniz and the Fanal Forest, lava and trees! – See details, availability & book
- Eastern Madeira with Pico de Areirio and the Santana Thatched houses – See details, availability & book
And the dolphins and whales tours:
- Catamaran tour including swimming under Cabo Girao – See options & availability
- Speed boat tour – See details & availability
- Swim with dolphin tour – See details & availability
Your other options are:
- to use the public transportation, which can be slow because of the many stops
- or use the taxis, they have touristic routes for set prices.
Alternatives for hikers
Madeira has some of the most fascinating hikes I have every done.
Between high mountain peaks, lush levada walks and bare landscape.
If you want o enjoy more hikes, you can see my complete list with all my favorite hikes.
One that I recommend adding to your itinerary is Levada do Caldeirao Verde (PR9)
This other famous Levada walks in Madeira starts at the Parque Floresta das Queimadas. It is a long flat walk in lush vegetation. It leads to a tall waterfall known as Caldeirao Verde.
This walk is pretty special. First, there are the weeping walls with green vegetation. And it is also an adventure, because you have to make your way through 5 tunnels. Some of them are quite long and very dark. Kids love it! Adults have mixed feeling, especially when they bump their head…
This waterfall walk can also be completed with a loop to a canyon and other waterfalls known as Caldeirao do Inferno, which is quite impressive (although difficult to photograph).
- Once again, I think early morning is best. I arrived at sunrise and was first at the carpark.
There was absolutely enough light on the trail and I was alone to enjoy the beautiful scenery and the silence. What a blissful moment! (the return was more frustrating with all the people talking lol). - To Caldeirao Verde – 13km/8mi return – 5h30 return
To Caldeirao do Inferno – add 4,4km/2,7mi return – add 2h return (worth it!) - Here again, if you don’t have transportation or want the services of a guide, you can opt for a guided walking tour.
Check out the options
Alternative for adrenaline seekers
You can also replace a half days with a new activity!
Option 1 – Go canyoning
Enter deep in the mountains, waterfalls and lush nature.
Have fun and push your limit, to connect better with your surroundings!
See availability and book
Option 2 – Go Scuba diving
Even beginners, can enjoy a moment of pure bliss underwater. Scuba-diving allows you to explore an entire new world.
See availability
Option 3 – Go Mountain Biking
Enjoy a ride in the subtropical laurel forest. Have to best of both worlds: a sport adventure and a guided tour to learn more about the flora and fauna.
See availability
Option 4 – Go Coasteering
The seas, the cliffs and your adrenaline… Coasteering is one of the new sport that takes on a journey along a coast. Strong swimmer only.
See availability
Option 5 – Learn to surf
Always wanted to know the feeling of gliding on a wave? Now is your time to try!
See availability
FAQs
What’s the best time of year to visit Madeira?
Madeira is a year-round destination with mild temperatures, but the best time to visit is between May and October when the weather is warm and sunny.
Learn more in my article about the best time to visit Madeira.
How do I get to Madeira
You can fly directly to Madeira’s Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport (FNC) from several major cities in Europe, including Lisbon, Porto, London, Paris, and Amsterdam.
But some flights will have stop-over in Porto or Lisbon.
Check out the available flights.
Can I swim in the ocean in Madeira?
Contrary to most European islands, Madeira is not a beach destination.
Yes, there are several beaches and natural pools in Madeira where you can swim. However, the water can be cold, so be prepared for that.
The main beaches are Machico, Seixal and Praia da Calheta. Learn more about the beaches.
The main natural pools are at Seixal and Porto Moniz.
More info in my article.
What’s the local cuisine like in Madeira?
Madeira has a rich culinary tradition with dishes like espetada (meat skewers), bolo do caco (a type of bread), and the famous Madeira wine. Seafood is also a staple of the local cuisine.
What should I pack for a week in Madeira?
Bring comfortable shoes for walking, sunscreen, a swimsuit, and light clothing for warm weather. You may also want to bring a light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings and mountain experiences.
Best to bring layers of clothes to adapt to conditions during the day as you go up and down and drive around.
Want to see more of the best Madeira offers?
- 42 Madeira travel tips to plan an unforgettable trip – read article
- Where to stay in Madeira – best areas – read article
- 35 best things to do in Madeira – read article
- The best landscapes in Madeira in 40 pictures – read article
- The 7 cables cars in Madeira and their amazing views – read article
- 10 best hikes & levada walks in Madeira – reach article
- Tips to rent a car and drive around Madeira – read article
- 12 Madeira Hidden Gems – read article
- 4 Madeira Natural Pools (and 6 coastal alternatives) – read article
- 18 best beaches in Madeira – read article
- 7 best Madeira boat tours & trips – read article
Planning a trip to Madeira?
Check out my travel guide to help you plan:
Plan your dream trip in Madeira thanks to my guide
- 7 maps to easily plan your itinerary
- 120+ pre-selected locations
- GPS coordinates direct to the carparks
- Tips to make the most of your time
- 260+ original photos to help you choose
And keep track of your own trip!
Want to see more of MADEIRA?
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