Our trip to Madeira, Portugal was a fantastic adventure. With soaring mountains and a jagged coastline, the remote vacation destination is jam-packed with stunning landscapes, exciting activities and unforgettable attractions.
Drawing from our favorite experiences, we have created a perfect 1-Week Madeira Itinerary. Our 7-day plan squeezes as much fun as possible into a weeklong trip!
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Planning a 1 Week in Madeira Itinerary
Before you begin planning your Madeira Island Travel Itinerary, you will need to consider a few things – like where to stay and if you want to drive.
We touch on these subjects later in the article, but share all our best advice in our Top Travel Tips for Madeira Island, Portugal.
While it’s often touted that a car is necessary, it’s simply not true. Our 7-Day Madeira Itinerary can be completed with or without a vehicle. We’ll show you how in our guide to Madeira Without a Car.
As you prepare your One Week Itinerary for Madeira, staying organized is key! To keep track of all the details, we recommend using our Travel Planning Printables.
Best Madeira Itinerary for 7 Days
In our One Week Itinerary Madeira we detail activities for the morning, afternoon and evening for each day of the trip. It showcases the absolute best of Madeira, Portugal for a one-week vacation.
Save, Pin or Bookmark our Madeira Travel Guide to plan your trip to Portugal!
DAY 1: Funchal
Spend the first day of your Madeira Week Itinerary in the city of Funchal. After getting settled in, set off to explore the sights of the Old Town. In the evening, get a taste of the local flavor with a meal of typical Madeiran cuisine.
MORNING: Old Town Funchal Walking Tour
Kick off your weeklong Madeira trip by getting oriented on a Guided Funchal Walking Tour. On this inexpensive 2-hour walk, learn about the history of the city and island from a local guide.
The prime sights include the Municipal Gardens, the Baltazar Theater, the Funchal Mercado, and the best Old Town pedestrian lane decorated with fabulous street art.
Lunch on Day 1
Dine like a local with an inexpensive midday meal at A Tendinha. It’s one of our favorite lunch spots in the city! Try the soup of the day (very popular with Funchal residents) or inquire about the daily special (prato do dia).
Alternatively, pop around the corner to Rustikas, another favored lunchtime restaurant that attracts locals. Featuring a simple rotating menu, they’re only open from noon until 4pm, Monday through Friday.
Foodie Tip: We absolutely loved the local cuisine on Madeira Island! The dishes are full of flavor and feature unique ingredients. We break it all down in our guide to the Top Things To Eat in Funchal.
AFTERNOON: Sightseeing in Funchal
After lunch, continue your Funchal sightseeing by exploring more of the Old Town. Walk along the waterfront, visit the Se Cathedral and relax in Parque de Santa Catarina.
If time allows, visit a top Funchal museum – like the CR7 Cristiano Ronaldo Soccer Museum or Museu Quinta das Cruzes Estate.
Otherwise, tour a historic spot like the Convento de Santa Clara or Fortaleza de Sao Joao Baptista do Pico.
Travel Tip: Use our guide of the Best Funchal Things To Do to plan your adventures!
EVENING: Classic Madeira Dinner
End the first day of your Madeira weeklong trip with a superb meal of Espetada – the island’s most famous meaty meal. The skewered beef is grilled over coals and then served hanging from a stand.
Numerous restaurants are known for this dish, but we got an insider tip to dine at Infinito Wine Bar and it didn’t disappoint!
The small and inconspicuous restaurant serves excellent fare, which is only enhanced by the authentic (and surprisingly affordable) dining experience.
Pro Tip: Make a reservation! Chances of getting a table without a reservation are slim at best.
Transit Tips for Day 1
Madeira Island visitors without a car will no problem getting around on Day 1. The heart of the city is very walkable and driving in Funchal is not necessary.
In fact, guests staying in Funchal Old Town will only need to arrange transport from the airport to their accommodation. If you are driving to Funchal, ask your hotel or host about parking.
DAY 2: West Madeira
The western side of the island is strikingly diverse and incredibly beautiful – and it’s where you will spend most of Day 2 of your One Week in Madeira Itinerary.
We are highlighting the must-see sights along the West Madeira Route, which can all be enjoyed in a single day.
MORNING: Cabo Giro Madeira Skywalk and Coast
Cabo Girao – a 1,900-foot-tall sea cliff – is an iconic Madeira landmark and a fantastic place to start Day 2 of your Madeira 7 Days Itinerary.
The sheer rock wall is one of the highest sea cliffs in the world – and the panoramic views stretch across the ocean and along the shoreline.
The modern Cabo Girao Skywalk – a glass-bottomed viewing deck – offers a stellar vantage point. The platform extends over the cliff’s edge, providing an unsurpassed vista of the waves crashing on the rocks below.
Ribeira Brava
The village of Ribeira Brava is along the southern shoreline of Madeira and a wonderful place to stop on the Western Madeira route.
The town’s name translates to Wild River for the rush of water that flows through the deep valley after heavy rain.
The main point of interest in Ribeira Brava is the Igreja Matriz Church that’s dedicated to Sao Bento. Dating to the 15th century, it’s lavishly decorated with 16th century paintings, Baroque embellishments and dazzling chandeliers.
Ribeira Brava is also home to the Museu Etnografico da Madeira (Madeira Ethnographic Museum), which features exhibitions on traditional island life and culture.
That said, what we liked about the village was the beautiful coastline. We grabbed pastries from Pastelaria Brava Doce Cafe (try their legendary warm beef empanadas and tasty queijadas) and ate them by the sea.
Miradouro da Eira da Achada
With mountainous terrain, Madeira boasts a massive number of viewpoints – or Miradouros as they are called in Portuguese.
One of our favorite places to take in the view along the northwestern coast is Miradouro da Eira da Achada. The vantage point offers breathtaking views.
Located in the village of Ribeira da Janela, the platform extends over two levels and there is a Bali style swing for photo fun ops. There’s also free toilets!
AFTERNOON: Porto Moniz Natural Pools and Waterfall
Marking the northernmost point of the island, Porto Moniz is a fascinating place to visit and a must for your Madeira 7-day trip. The town is famous for its natural bathing pools, which were created by volcanic lava rock.
Natural Madeira Swimming Pools at Porto Moniz
The Porto Moniz lava pools, which are filled organically with ocean water, offer the most dramatic landscape for swimming on Madeira.
There are two types of volcanic pools in Porto Moniz. We spent our time at the Natural Pools, which are free to use, but lack amenities. The nearby Porto Moniz Swimming Pools require an entry fee.
However, if you plan on staying for a few hours, the cost is worth the included amenities – such as changing rooms, showers, a café and diving board.
At either location (and on nearly every Madeira beach), we recommend wearing water shoes to protect your feet from the sharp volcanic rocks.
Other points of interest in the area are the Levada da Ribeira da Janela Walk and the Miradouro da Santinha Viewpoint.
Seixal: Black Sand Beaches and Veu da Noiva Waterfall
The coastal town of Seixal is best known for the stunning black sand beach. The fine black sand set against a backdrop of lush mountains makes it one of the best Madeira beaches.
In addition to Seixal Beach, which is great for swimming and occasionally surfing, there are also natural volcanic pools.
What impressed us most about Seixal, however, was a top Madeira point of interest: The Veu da Noiva Waterfall Viewpoint.
The water from Bride’s Veil Waterfall tumbles through a valley and spills in a long stream over a cliff and into the ocean.
It’s one of the best waterfalls in Madeira – and the view along the old coastal road offers a magnificent angle of it.
Sao Vicente
Sao Vicente is situated in a verdant valley of vineyards, Laurissilva forest, lava caves and diverse flora and fauna. It’s a wonderful region to appreciate the abundant nature on Madeira.
The town of Sao Vicente is a pretty village best known for its characteristic Nossa Senhora de Fatima Chapel that stands out among the green hills.
Other attractions are the Grutas de Sao Vicente Caves and the appealing town center, which features shops, cafes and the opulent Sao Vicente Church.
Encumeada Viewpoint and Levada Walk
The Miradouro da Encumeada Viewpoint (also called Boca da Encumeada) is an elevated vantage point in Serra d’Agua.
It sits 3,300 feet above sea level. On clear days, views encompass both the north and south sides of the island.
After taking in the view, we headed out on the PR17 Pinaculo e Folhadal Levada Walk that begins just below the miradouro.
Levadas are a system of irrigation canals that have long been used to bring water to drier areas. The paths alongside the canals are now popular Madeira hiking trails.
Driving down from the viewpoint at Encumeada, the mountain pass extends south before rejoining Ribeira Brava, offering sensational mountain vistas along the way.
EVENING: Favorite Local Food for Dinner in Funchal
After a long day of sightseeing, tuck into a local favorite: Prego Bolo do Caco. The massive sandwich is stacked high with a piece of thinly sliced steak, veggies and sauces.
Then the ingredients are hugged between two warm pieces of Madeira’s signature sweet potato bread, Bolo do Caco.
We suggest upgrading the already fabulous sandwich to a Prego Especial, which offers more meat toppings and a fried egg. It’s an absolutely exceptional combination!
Our preferred restaurant for Prego Especial is Casa do Bolo do Caco, but they do close rather early. Still, nearly every snack bar in Funchal sells these hearty sandwiches.
Tips for Touring Madeira West
We have outlined the best sights to see on the west side of Madeira for Day 2 of your trip – and there are a few different ways to get to them.
Travelers who are confident driving, that will allow for the most freedom and flexibility. Those without a car can join one of the top-rated West Madeira Tours from Funchal.
This is the option we took – and we had an utterly enjoyable and relaxing day. The tours are affordable and make stops at the prime sightseeing spots!
DAY 3: Beautiful Madeira Gardens
On Day 3 of your 7 Days in Madeira, travel to the flourishing hills just above Funchal. There you’ll discover two of the best attractions on Madeira Island: Monte Palace Tropical Garden and Madeira Botanical Gardens.
MORNING: Botanic Gardens of Madeira
One of the best things about Madeira, Portugal is the array of bright flowers and colorful plants that cover the island.
The Madeira Botanical Gardens provide the perfect introduction to the local flora, as well as offering a glimpse of plant species from around the world.
Paths weave around the hillside location, making it easy to explore. Not to be missed are the patchwork of plants in the ‘Choreographed Garden’, the shaded palm paths and the blossoming exotic plants.
Cable Car to Monte
A great way to get from the Botanic Garden to the town of Monte – which is the next stop on our Madeira Trip Itinerary – is with a ride on the Botanical Garden Cable Car.
The cable car between the Botanical Gardens and Monte extends about 1 mile and whisks passengers between the two stations in under 10 minutes.
Lunch in Monte with a View
Before rushing off to see the sights in Monte, savor the view while you enjoy a simple lunch at Local Shop.
The modest menu features salads, sandwiches and cakes (at fair prices). If you’re ready for an adult beverage, they have Portuguese Craft Beer,too!
AFTERNOON: Monte Palace Tropical Gardens and Sled Ride
Once you are nourished, make your way to Monte Palace Gardens – the most spectacular in Madeira.
The extensively manicured gardens encompass 17 acres of densely covered hillside, boasting exotic trees, colorful flowers, themed areas along with displays of artwork.
Some of our favorite places are Central Lake (and the nearby pink flamingoes), the Traditional Santana House, the alley of Hydrangeas and the Oriental Gardens.
Additionally, we thoroughly enjoyed the Portuguese tiles that decorate the park and the art exhibits in the Monte Palace Museum.
We highly recommend using the provided map to plot a route through the Monte Palace grounds to ensure you don’t miss a thing, like the included wine sample!
Monte Exploration
Monte is a pleasant little hill village, and it’s well worth wandering around for a bit before heading back down to Funchal.
The top attraction is the lavishly decorated Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Monte church that sits atop a hill. It’s also the final resting place of Charles I, the last Emperor of Austria and King of Hungary.
If time allows, stop by two other beautiful chapels in Monte: Santa Maria Chapel and Chapel of the Immaculate Conception.
Madeira Toboggan Ride
You have a few options to get from Monte to Funchal: Cable Car, Bus or Toboggan (which is the historic mode of transit down the hill).
Monte Toboggan Sledges, which are basically wicker chariots on wooden skis, were first used in the 1800s to quickly transport people to Funchal from Monte.
The quirky tradition is a popular Madeira tourist activity today. Each sled has two Carreiros – men dressed in white and donning straw hats – who push, pull and steer the sled.
These creaky contraptions can reach up to 30 miles per hour as they skid downhill past cars and pedestrians, which can be thrilling or terrifying (or both) for passengers!
EVENING: Espada com Banana for Dinner
Once you are safely back in town, set off to enjoy typical Madeiran seafood: Espada com Banana.
Espada is the Black Scabbard Fish that swims in the deep ocean surrounding Madeira. When lightly fried, the taste is mild and the fish flaky.
It’s most often served as a boneless filet that is topped with local bananas. It may sound odd, but it’s utterly satisfying!
Most restaurants serve at least one version of Espada, but A Bica – which attracts both locals and tourists – is a good option.
Transit Options for Day 3
Well-linked with public transit – no car is necessary for these adventures. To start off, we recommend using the local bus or taxi to get from Funchal to the Botanic Garden.
After your visit, hop on the cable car from the Botanic Garden to Monte. Ambitious travelers can opt to hike between the two destinations. The trek takes about 2 hours.
After visiting the sights in Monte, you can choose to take the Funchal Cable Car (a nearly 2.5-mile-long gondola ride), the public bus or Toboggan.
Riding the Toboggan is undoubtedly an unusual thing to do in Madeira, but it’s also pricey. Additionally, the ending point leaves you with at least a 30 minute walk (or a taxi ride) back to the Funchal City Center.
DAY 4: East Madeira
Next up embark on one of the best Madeira day trips and discover the sights awaiting you to the east.
The eastern side features some of the island’s most staggering viewpoints. We are highlighting the top Madeira east attractions that you’ll want to seek out.
MORNING: Machico Village and Viewpoints
Stop by the lazy seaside village of Machico to start your exploration of Madeira East. The town marks the spot where discoverers João Gonçalves Zarco and Tristão Vaz Teixeira landed in 1419.
A statue of Teixeira stands in the main square in front of the Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Conceicao (which is worth a peek inside, as well).
The main attraction in Machico, however, is the yellow sand beach, Praia de Machico. The soft sand (which was imported from Morocco) provides a super place to spread out a towel and perhaps even take an invigorating swim.
A boardwalk stretches along the strand and extends south to Sao Roque Beach, which has the typical rocky shore.
The small Forte de Nossa Senhora do Amparo and the pretty Praceta 25 de Abril tree-lined lane are all things to see while in Machico. For coffee and breakfast pastries, check out Deus do Sol across from the church.
Ponto do Rosto and Sao Lourenco Peninsula
The Sao Lourenco Peninsula marks the easternmost point of Madeira. The rocky and jagged escarpment extends like a tenacle stretching into the ocean.
Miradouro da Ponta do Rosto is an excellent perch for views of the rock formations. On clear days it even offers a glimpse of Porto Santo Island to the north.
The Vereda da Ponta de Sao Lourenco trail takes walkers out along the headland to the point for yet another amazing view.
The fully exposed trek is ranked as one of the best Madeira walks and takes about 2.5 hours to complete. If you don’t have time today, Day 5 is all about hiking!
Portela Viewpoint
Miradouro da Portela sits at an elevation of about 2,200 feet. The grand vista encompasses soaring mountains, deep valleys, small villages and the tranquil sea.
Penha d’Aguia – or Eagle Rock – is the most prominent formation visible from Portela. It stands alone at an astounding 1970 feet and is an important Madeira landmark.
Faial and Miradouro do Guindaste
Long a quiet, rural village, Faial is known for its rich soil that produces the tastiest fruits and vegetables on the island.
It also boasts one of the best coastlines in northeastern Madeira, marked with staggering sea cliffs. Miradouro do Guindaste is a great place to get a good look at the fabulous shoreline.
You can scramble up to a natural viewpoint or step onto the glass-bottomed piers that extend over the water.
Faial also lures travelers with a few other notable spots – including a natural swimming pool and bathing complex, a fun go-karting track and the Fortress of Faial.
AFTERNOON: Santana Village and Mountain Views
Santana is one of the popular places to stop during a tour of Eastern Madeira. The main draw is the recreated village of traditional homes right in the center, and they are delightfully charming.
The characteristic dwellings – with sloped, thatched roofs, white exterior walls and bright red doors – were once popular in rural Madeira.
Other reasons to visit Santana is the Madeira Theme Park (which combines history, culture and entertainment) and the enticing coastal viewpoints.
There are several restaurants in Santana, which are a good option for a midday meal. As we wanted to explore the town, we picked up items from a grocery store and ate our picnic lunch with a view.
Ribeiro Frio Forest Park and Hikes
Nestled within the island’s interior, Ribeiro Frio is set in the midst of a vast forest of indigenous Laurissilva trees.
Located within Madeira Natural Park, it is the largest forest of its kind remaining on the island. It has been listed by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage Site for its Outstanding Universal Value.
Two of the most popular hiking trails on Madeira begin in Ribeiro Frio: Vereda dos Balcoes and Levada do Furado.
The Vereda dos Balcoes Madeira Hike is a short, flat and winding trail that leads to a sensational viewpoint. The vista is surrounded by forest-covered mountain peaks that look otherworldly.
The 2-mile roundtrip hike takes less than an hour. We highly recommend including it in your East Madeira exploration; it’s one of our favorite viewpoints.
The Levada do Furado Trail is one of the top rated Levada walks on Madeira – but requires the better part of a day to complete.
The one-way 7-mile trail connects Ribeiro Frio to Portela – but when visiting Ribeiro Frio you can opt to hike an out-and-back section for the experience.
One other sight in Ribeiro Frio is the small trout farm. Here they breed trout and then re-introducing them into the island’s waterways.
Pico do Arieiro
A must-see on your Madeira Itinerary, Pico do Arieiro stands at 5,965 feet and is the third-tallest peak on the island.
The view from the top is nothing short of amazing. Mountaintops can be seen in every direction, often peering out from above the clouds.
The challenging but popular hike, called the Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo Trek, begins at the viewpoint and culminates at Pico Ruivo – the tallest mountain on Madeira at 6,105 feet.
Travelers don’t need to take the hike to feel immersed in the beauty of the place. Pico do Arieiro is a major tourist attraction on the island.
The peak hosts a restaurant, café, bathrooms (small fee required) and (unfortunately) a massive, bulbous military radar.
Cristo Rei Statue
Located along the southern shoreline east of Funchal, the Madeira Cristo Rei Statue is quite a sight.
Standing at 49 feet overlooking the sea from the top of a cliff, the statue resembles Christ the Redeemer in Rio and the Lisbon Cristo Rei – but it actually pre-dates both of them!
In addition to looking up at the gigantic effigy, you can also hop on a cable car for a ride down to Praia do Garajau beach or trek out on the staircase to the viewpoint below the base of the cliff.
EVENING: Seafood Specialties and Local Libations
For dinner settle into a meal of delicious Madeiran seafood specialties at Peixaria no Mercado in Old Town Funchal. They are known for their fresh fish and squid carbonara.
Afterwards, cap off the night with a round of potent Poncha – the local ‘Fisherman’s Drink’ made with sugarcane rum and fruit juices. The nearby Rei da Poncha is a favorite spot to sample this iconic drink.
How To Tour East Madeira without Driving
Driving on the mountainous east side of the island can be quite taxing. Those who don’t want the hassle of being behind the wheel can join a guided East Madeira Tour.
The excursion we joined was heaps of fun! It allowed plenty of time for taking in the sights and the guide regularly provided interesting commentary and informative facts.
DAY 5: Hike Madeira
Today on your 1 Week Madeira Itinerary, lace up those shoes and stretch your legs on one of the island’s best hikes!
There is a wide range of treks to choose from, so pick a hike that jives with your personal fitness level and ambition.
MORNING: Choose the Best Madeira Hike
There are many, many hiking trails on Madeira Island. That said, there are three very popular trails with varying degrees of difficulty that we recommend choosing from.
Each of these trailheads are located in places visited on the previous day’s tour of East Madeira, which might help you determine which hike you will most enjoy.
Easy Hike – Levada do Furado: Ribeiro Frio to Portela Walk
The 7-mile hike from Ribeiro Frio to Portela on the Levada do Furado trail is one of the best easy hikes on Madeira Island.
The trail is mostly flat, until the end when there is a steep descent into Portela. Most of the way is shaded, with some occasional clear views of the surrounding mountains.
This route is best done one-way, so no car is necessary. From Funchal, take the bus to the trailhead in Ribeiro Frio, complete the walk and then hop on a bus in Portela to get back. Alternatively, visitors can join a guided hike with provided transportation.
Moderate Hike – Vereda da Ponta do Sao Lourenco
The moderate Vereda da Ponta do Sao Lourenco hike allows trekkers to reach the true easternmost point of Madeira Island.
Although the trail is only about 4.5 miles roundtrip, it is completely exposed. The stifling sun and unrelenting wind can make this trek difficult at times.
The Sao Lourenco Trail is best reached by car or guided tour with included transport. That said, a bus can be used to get from Funchal to the trailhead, but it is a long and slow ride.
Difficult – Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo: Peak to Peak Madeira
Perhaps the most challenging hike on Madeira, the Pico to Pico Trail links the island’s tallest and third-tallest peaks.
The hike features narrow paths, steep staircases, dark tunnels – and absolutely astounding views in every direction. It can be completed as an out-and-back or one-way trek.
The Peak to Peak Hike trailhead can be reached by car, tour or bus (which is very limited). With a car, park at the Pico do Arieiro viewpoint and set off on an out-and-back hike.
You can also join a guided tour or utilize a drop off/pick up service to complete the Madeira Peak to Peak one-way hike at their own pace.
AFTERNOON: Swim in Funchal
To cool off after your hike, head back to Funchal and take a relaxing dip in the sea. The best place to go swimming near Funchal Old Town is the Barreirinha Swimming Complex.
An entry fee is required, but it includes sunbeds and an umbrella – plus a lifeguard on duty. From the platform, swimmers can dive right into the ocean for a refreshing swim!
EVENING: Best Burgers on Madeira
Take a break from typical Madeiran fare and join the global burger craze. Almost all Funchal snack bars serve hamburgers (like Bela 5).
A favorite local burger spot is Hamburgueria do Mercado – which has two locations; one in the city center and one on a waterfront pier. The burgers are big, tasty and well-priced.
That said, our favorite spot for a gourmet burger is Hamburgueria 351 Bistro, which is located on a side street in the resort district of Funchal.
You can build your own burger, but we found their recommended combinations to be phenomenal. Plus, they have a nice selection of craft beer from Portugal!
DAY 6: Valley of the Nuns, Wine & Sunset Cruise
Spend Day 6 of your Madeira One Week Itinerary experiencing a variety of popular activities. Take a morning trip to Valley of the Nuns – one of the Madeira must-see places.
Be back in Funchal by the afternoon to learn about (and sample) some of the famous Madeira Wine. Then, join fellow travelers and set sail on a stunning sunset cruise.
MORNING: Nuns Valley
Snuggly tucked into a deep ravine in the mountains north of Funchal, Valley of the Nuns (or Curral das Freiras) is one of the most interesting places to visit on Madeira.
The small community was established shortly after the island was founded – and according to one story – is where nuns took refuge when pirates raided Madeira in the 1500s.
Rather than heading straight for town, we suggest starting your visit from far above at the Miradouro Eira do Serrado.
From the viewpoint, find the trailhead and embark on a steep downhill hike to Nuns Valley, marveling at the ever-changing vistas along the route.
Once in the valley, take time to visit the pretty church and walk through the small cemetery. Then sample the famous chestnut products, like Creamy Chestnut Soup, Chestnut infused Queijadas or even a Chestnut Liqueur!
Getting to Valley of the Nuns
You can reach Nuns Valley by car, bus or half-day organized tour. If you want to make the hike from the viewpoint down into town like we did, you should travel by bus.
Just make sure to take a bus that goes to Miradouro Eira do Serrado (as some bypass the viewpoint and go straight into town).
For the return trip to Funchal, pick up a bus at the stop across from Restaurante Sabores do Curral.
AFTERNOON: Madeira Wine Tasting and Tour
After an active morning, spend the afternoon learning all about the island’s unique wine at Blandy’s Madeira Wine Lodge.
The Blandy’s Wine Tour details the history of the sweet beverage, the production and its influence on Madeira and the world.
Blandy’s offers a range of different tasting options and tours, or you can skip it and just go straight to the bar or their onsite wine store!
EVENING: Madeira Sunset Cruise
As the sun starts to head toward the horizon, hop aboard a catamaran for a breathtaking sunset cruise.
The journey typically begins by sailing along the coastline to the east, where dolphins are often spotted. Then, the boat sails west toward the imposing sheer cliff wall of Cabo Girao.
Anchoring here, you can jump from the boat into the sea for a swim. On the return voyage, watch a glorious sunset while out on the sea.
The sunset catamaran cruise we took was a highlight of our trip – and we believe it’s a must for your Madeira 7-Day Itinerary!
DINNER: Rua de Santa Maria in Funchal
End your sixth day in Madeira on Rua de Santa Maria. Lined with restaurants and bars – and decorated with street art – the lane is incredibly atmospheric at night.
Dine at Restaurante Taberna Ruel and order a traditional Madeira dish that you have yet to try.
Or enjoy fine dining at the nearby Restaurante do Forte, where they offer both a set menu and a la carte choices. You can even purchase themed packages that include pick-up in a vintage car!
DAY 7: Fishing Village, Coastal Walk & Beaches
Complete your Madeira 7 Day Itinerary by leisurely enjoying the coastline near Funchal. Visit a colorful fishing town, walk along a shoreline path and go for a swim in the sea.
MORNING: Camara de Lobos Fishing Village
A charming coastal village, Camara de Lobos is a fun place to visit. Brightly painted boats bob in the harbor and there are a handful of waterfront cafes and restaurants to take in the scene.
The town also has a few attractions, like the pretty Nossa Senhora da Conceicao Chapel, a Winston Churchill statue and a Printing Press Museum.
However, we think the real reason to go to Camara de Lobos is for the gorgeous views. From the elevated Jardim do Ilheu Park, you have a grand view of Cabo Girao and the coastline.
AFTERNOON: Madeira Coastal Walk and Beaches
As we’re sure you’ve figured out by now, one of the best things about Madeira Island is the coast!
A fun way to enjoy that shoreline is walking the pedestrian path that connects Funchal to Camara de Lobos. The route passes by interesting rock formations, black sand beaches and a few cafes along the way.
The 325-foot-long Tunel das Pocas do Gomes, which is located on the south end of Formosa Beach, is a highlight of the trek. The deep, dark and wet tunnel features a cove that opens directly to the sea.
Madeira Beaches in Funchal
Although Madeira is a tropical holiday destination, actual beaches are few and far between. Most of the shoreline is craggy – and most beaches consist of unwelcoming black, volcanic rocks.
That said, these beaches are unique – and a must-see during your stay. The Black Rock Praia Formosa is the most popular beach near Funchal – and it is right on the coastal walkway.
We preferred the Doca do Cavacas Natural Pools on the southeastern end of Formosa Beach. A fee is required to enter, but they have sun loungers, umbrellas, and naturally protected pools for swimming.
We can’t think of a better way to wind down your stay than with an ocean swim at the Funchal Natural Pools!
EVENING: Petiscos Dinner
For dinner on the last night of your Madeira Itinerary, enjoy a typical Portuguese style meal of petiscos, which are small plates for sharing, like tapas.
The casual meal is fun – and you can linger while reminiscing about your week on Madeira Island.
Our top pick for a petiscos meal is Tas’ca Principal, which features a garden-like atmosphere in the heart of Funchal.
If there is no space at Tas’ca Principal, try Taberna Madeira, which also features petiscos plates.
Those who want to celebrate the last day of their One Week Madeira Vacation with an upscale affair should make reservations at Casal da Penha, Armazem do Sal or Chalet Vicente.
Tips for Getting around on Day 7
We feel the best way to plan Day 7 is with public transit. Take a morning bus to Camara de Lobos and tour the town on foot. Then walk along the coastal path back toward Funchal.
Stop at either Praia Formosa or Doca do Cavacas Natural Pools for an afternoon swim. Finally, complete the walk back to Funchal or catch a bus from the Rua Ponta da Cruz D1A stop.
That said, visitors can also take the Funchal Hop On Hop Off Bus to Camara de Lobos – or join a Private Tuk Tuk Taxi Tour.
Madeira Itinerary Map
Use this link to Google for a detailed map of Madeira marked with all the sights on our One Week Itinerary.
Madeira Itinerary Travel Tips
Now that you know how to plan your Madeira 1 Week Itinerary, we have some final advice to make your vacation a breeze.
We provide even more details and information about the trip planning process in our Travel Tips for Madeira article.
Best Time To Go to Madeira Island
In our opinion, there is not a bad time to take a vacation to Madeira, Portugal. The weather is typically mild, but there are pros and cons to visiting in every season.
Bear in mind that summer is the busiest (and most expensive) time to visit. Warm temperatures are ideal for fun at sea and the mountains can be cool.
We were there in Autumn, with hopes of cooler weather making for ideal hiking. However, an unusual warm spell (+90F for 10 days) left us utterly uncomfortable. (And, we made the mistake of booking accommodation without air conditioning!)
Winter is the off-season. However, the island hosts a fantastic festive celebration that takes place from the beginning of December through the New Year (with an epic fireworks show).
For our next trip to Madeira, we would like to visit in spring. With the weather just warming up – but the island not yet in full tourist mode.
How To Get to Madeira, Portugal
As you may have guessed, the best way to get to Madeira Island is by plane! However, it’s also possible to arrive by cruise ship or via ferry from Porto Santo.
The Funchal Airport Madeira (FNC), also called Cristiano Ronaldo International, is the only airfield on the island. The most frequent flights are from Lisbon and Porto.
When looking for your flight to Madeira, we recommend starting your search on Skyscanner. Before you get started, however, be sure to read our Top Tips for Finding Cheap Airfare.
Getting from Funchal Airport to the City Center
The Funchal, Madeira Airport is conveniently located just 8 miles east of the city. Visitors can get to Funchal by taxi, pre-booked transport or the Aerobus Madeira Airport Bus.
Getting Around Madeira
Throughout our 7-day itinerary, we talked a lot about how to get around. We had decided early on not to drive on the island. For us, it was the right decision.
Between walking, public buses and organized tours, we were able to easily see top attractions. That said, visitors who prefer driving have plenty of options for renting a car. Before reserving a vehicle, be sure to read our tips for How To Get Cheap Rental Rates.
Where To Stay in Madeira
Madeira Island is a major tourist destination – and a wide range of accommodations are offered in nearly every town and village. For our 7-Days Madeira Itinerary we believe it’s best to stay in Funchal.
You have plenty of choices when it comes to Madeira hotels in the heart of the capital city. Here’s a few of our top picks.
- Classy: Belmond Reid’s Palace Hotel
- Chic and Stylish: Barcelo Madeira Hotel
- Great Value: Hotel Orquidea
- Budget Dorm: 29 Madeira Hostel
We recommend starting your search on Booking.com, where you can find options in a range of prices for your week-long Madeira trip. For more hacks, use our Guide to Finding the Best Hotel Rooms.
What To Pack for your Madeira Itinerary
Our final tips are about what to pack – but before you do, download our FREE Packing Checklist!
- The Right Shoes: From cobblestones to hiking trails, you will need a good pair of travel shoes for your Portugal Vacation!
- Sun Protection and Insect Repellent: Both sunscreen and bug spray are essential for your trip and overpriced once you arrive.
- Travel Camera: Capture the beauty of Madeira with a real camera! We use a DSLR Canon Rebel for quality photos.
- Day Pack: Bring a good day bag to carry everything you will need for your sightseeing adventures.
- Trip Insurance: If you don’t already have insurance, check the affordable rates and robust coverage at World Nomads.
Start planning your trip to Portugal! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want additional advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
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