How to spend five days in Madeira: the perfect itinerary

Those who visit Madeira are guaranteed to fall in love with the island. Often referred to as the Pearl of the Atlantic, it offers a delightful blend of rugged mountains, lush forests, and picturesque coastal views. This sub-tropical island is a haven for dolphin watching, adventurous outdoor pursuits, and delicious food. If you’re looking for what to do in Madeira, we’ve put together the perfect five-day itinerary that should be on the top of your bucket list!

Why should you visit Madeira?

• Great weather all year round, with temperatures rarely dropping below 18 degrees Celsius
• A hiker’s paradise, with trails suited to hikers of all levels
• Incredible landscapes, from towering mountains to turquoise coastlines
• Its small size lets travellers experience it all in a short amount of time

The best time to visit Madeira

Since Madeira, besides being a European island, is so close to Africa, the weather is very good year-round. May to September is regarded as the best time to visit, however, as it’s a small island it can get rather crowded during the peak summer months. If you’re looking for a more peaceful experience, consider visiting in spring or autumn – you may get a spot of rain, but with the average daily high temperature ranging from 18 degrees Celsius in winter to 28 degrees Celsius in summer, sunshine is usually guaranteed every month!

How to get around in Madeira

As mentioned, Madeira is a relatively small island, however, it’s not possible to explore it on foot or by public transport (unfortunately, the public transport system outside the capital of Funchal isn’t the best). If you want to see the whole island, then consider hiring a car for your stay – an extremely popular option amongst tourists. Be warned: driving in Madeira is not for the inexperienced, as steep and narrow roads await. If a road trip is not your thing, consider choosing accommodation in Funchal and booking trips and tours with expert guides.

Where to stay in Madeira

When it comes to choosing where to stay in Madeira, you’re spoiled for choice, with accommodations that cater to every type of traveller. Funchal makes the perfect base for those wanting access to the vibrant capital every evening. Here, you’ll find charming boutique hotels, luxurious resorts, and cosy guesthouses that offer easy access to local attractions. If you’re after a more tranquil experience, consider staying in the picturesque villages of Câmara de Lobos or Santana, offering traditional Madeiran charm. For adventure-seekers, the mountainous regions, such as Paul da Serra, provide unique lodges and eco-friendly stays that put you right at the heart of nature.

Your five-day Madeira itinerary

Madeira has something for everyone – the itinerary below showcases Madeira’s best highlights for those wanting to make the most of their time on this enchanting island. For a tailor-made trip, chat with our local experts who can ensure an adventure of a lifetime!

Day one: arrival and Monte Palace Tropical Gardens

You’ve arrived in Madeira! As it’s likely you’re tired from your journey, don’t plan too much for your first day. Collect your hire car or transfer to your accommodation.

For your first outing, we recommend heading to the Monte Palace Tropical Gardens. Located in the charming town of Monte, just a short cable car ride from Funchal, this garden is a must-see attraction on the island. Spanning over 70,000 sq m, the garden boasts a stunning collection of plants from around the world with a design blending elements from different cultures. You’ll find Japanese gardens with koi ponds, ornate bridges, and serene pagodas, as well as intricate tile work inspired by Portuguese heritage. Don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled for the garden’s resident flamingos!

In the evening, make your way back into the city which boasts a vibrant food scene that beautifully reflects the island’s rich culinary heritage. Start your gastronomic adventure with espada (black scabbardfish), often served with sweet banana, or sample the famous bacalhau (salted cod) prepared in various mouthwatering styles. And make sure to wash it all down with a poncha, a refreshing cocktail made from sugar cane rum, honey, and citrus juices – the perfect end to day one on your Madeira itinerary.

Day two: dolphin watching and Funchal

In the waters surrounding Madeira, you can find different species of whales and dolphins, the most common of which can be found all year round: the bottlenose dolphin and the short-finned pilot whale. Start the day early, venturing out into the ocean with a local eco-boat tour, and view the island from a different perspective. Whether you choose to depart from Funchal or another town along the coastline, many tours will also take you to a tranquil part of the island where you can spend time swimming or snorkelling. Jump back aboard and make your way back to land.

You now have the rest of the day to explore the capital. Founded over 500 years ago, Funchal boasts a fascinating history that is evident in its well-preserved architecture and historical landmarks. Wander through the Old Town (Zona Velha), with its narrow cobblestone streets, colourful buildings, and lively atmosphere. Art lovers will appreciate the Painted Doors Project, where local artists have transformed old doors into vibrant works of art. For wine lovers, visit Blandy’s Wine Lodge (a family business for seven generations) for a quick glass, or join a tasting where every guest can enjoy a wide selection of blended and dated Madeira wines, all aged using the traditional canteiro method.

Day three: a day of hiking

Madeira is a dream come true for outdoor enthusiasts and hikers, with so many trails to choose from! From all-day mountain escapades to gentle levada treks, there’s something for everyone. All who visit should take advantage of the island’s diverse landscapes and strap on their boots. Here are a few to choose from:

1. Madeira’s most iconic hike is undoubtedly Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo (PR1). This breathtaking trail takes you through scenic mountains, rugged terrain, and impressive landscapes that will leave you awe-inspired. Offering spectacular views, it’s a popular hotspot to watch the sunrise, but arrive early to guarantee your spot in the car park. If you’re a confident hiker, and happy to take on this challenging 12km route, then aching legs the day after are certainly worth it.
2. Want to witness the jaw-dropping views from the Pico Ruivo (the highest mountain on Madeira) without having to spend the whole day hiking? Then the shorter Vereda do Pico Ruivo (PR1.2) trail is best for you.
3. Unique to the island of Madeira, levada trails allow hikers to follow the 3,000km of irrigation channels that were built during the 15th to 20th centuries to distribute water from the wetter regions of the island to the drier areas. Levada do Rei (PR18) is probably one of the lesser-known levada hikes the island offers; it takes you through lush greenery and the famous Laurissilva Forest (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), under a waterfall, and through tunnels carved into the rock.

Day four: Porto Moniz and the Fanal Forest

Today, make your way to the northwest point of the island. On the coastline of Porto Moniz, you can find waterside restaurants, lots of sunshine, and natural pools – the undisputed calling card to this region. These volcanic formations allow easy entry to the crystal-clear seawater with ample places for you to sit, relax, and simply enjoy the magnificent views around you. A small entrance fee keeps the pools pristine for visitors.

After a relaxing morning, nearby in the region you’ll find the Fanal Forest. This mythical forest is home to ancient laurel trees from the lauraceae family), some of which are over 500 years old. They are covered in moss and lichen, giving the forest a primaeval, almost otherworldly appearance. As the fog comes rolling in and you feel like you’re on another planet, be sure to grab your camera to snap a few memorable shots.

Day five: secret beaches and Ponta de São Lourenço

The final day of this Madeira itinerary takes you to another climate (again). Ponta de São Lourenço is a dramatic and scenic peninsula located on the eastern tip of Madeira (and conveniently around 20 minutes away from the airport). Providing a stark contrast to the lush, green interior of the island, this desert-like landscape extends right into the Atlantic Ocean, providing beautiful panoramic views.

Here you can hike to the end of the peninsula, or make a stop at São Lourenço Beach, a secret rocky spot just off the main trail. This stunning peninsula is also a treasure trove of endemic plants and vibrant bird species, as a protected nature reserve! Keep your eyes peeled for soaring seabirds like the charming Cory’s shearwater and the elusive Madeiran storm petrel, as they glide gracefully overhead.

The perfect five days in Madeira have now come to an end. Make your way back to the airport for your safe flight home. Say goodbye to incredible views as you fly over the island.

If you have the time:

If you plan to extend your Madeira itinerary and have the time to venture to more of the island’s highlights, here are some more suggestions:

• Seixal Beach: located on the northern coast of Madeira, the beach is famous for its unique black sand formed from volcanic materials, creating a striking contrast with the turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
• Cabo Girão Skywalk: jutting out of the side of some of the highest cliffs in Europe (580m above sea level), this glass walkway offers incredible views of the Madeira coastline, Funchal, and the town of Câmara de Lobos.
• Madeira Botanical Garden: combine this garden with your trip to the Monte Palace Tropical Gardens, as it’s only another cable car away from here. You’ll find harmonious forms, contrasting colours, and more that 2,000 exotic plants.

Make it happen

Has our five-day Madeira itinerary got you feeling inspired to explore this unique Portuguese island? Get in touch with our local Madeira experts, who can help craft your next tailor-made trip!