The Best Itinerary of Madeira: How to spend 1 week in Madeira

Explore the lush landscapes, rugged coastlines, and charming towns of Madeira Island with the best itinerary of Madeira for one week. With stays in Funchal, Porto Moniz, and Santana, you’ll experience the diverse beauty of the island while enjoying comfortable accommodations. Along the way, discover hidden gems that many overlook but are truly stunning! It is also possible just to stay in Funchal and travel to the other locations, although you might not have time to see some key locations.

Practical Travel Tips When Travelling in Madeira

• Best Time to Visit: Madeira is a year-round destination, but the best times are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild, and the island is less crowded.
• Transportation: Renting a car is the best way to explore the island at your own pace, especially for reaching remote areas. Rental cars typically cost €30-€60 per day, with fuel expenses around €40-€60 for the week.
• Packing Essentials: Bring comfortable hiking shoes, layers for varying weather conditions, and a swimsuit for the natural pools and beaches.
• Currency: The currency is the Euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's always good to have some cash on hand for smaller purchases in rural areas.
• Dining: Try traditional dishes like espetada (beef skewers), lapas (limpets), and bolo do caco (garlic bread). Madeira wine is also a must-try!

PS: If you have some extra time, spend a couple of days relaxing at Porto Santo, another island close by with great beaches. In any case, here comes this amazing Madeira itinerary.

Funchal (2 nights) - The Best Itinerary of Madeira

✅ Accommodation in Funchal:

• Hotel Quinta da Casa Branca
• Highlights: Boutique hotel with beautiful gardens and modern amenities.
• Price: €150-€200 per night.

✅ Activities in Funchal:

• Explore Funchal Old Town: Wander through the narrow streets of the Zona Velha, admire the painted doors, and visit the Mercado dos Lavradores.
• Visit Madeira Botanical Garden: Discover the diverse flora of Madeira, with stunning views over Funchal.
• Monte Palace and Toboggan Ride: Take the cable car to Monte Palace and descend in a traditional wicker toboggan.
• Madeira Wine Lodge: Visit the Blandy’s Wine Lodge to learn about Madeira wine production and enjoy a tasting.
• Cathedral of Funchal (Sé Catedral): Explore this beautiful 15th-century cathedral, known for its impressive wooden ceiling and historical significance.
• Lido Promenade: Enjoy a relaxing walk along this scenic coastal path, dotted with cafes and swimming spots.

✅ Hidden Gems in Funchal:

• Jardim do Amparo: A lesser-known garden in Funchal that offers a peaceful retreat with beautiful flowers and ocean views.
• Rua de Santa Maria: While the street itself is popular, explore the small, often overlooked alleyways branching off, where you’ll find quiet art galleries and local shops.

✅ Dining in Funchal:

• Restaurant Armazém do Sal
• Specials: Fresh seafood, traditional Madeiran dishes.
• Average Price: €30-€50 per person.

✅ Transportation:

• Rental Car: Picking up a rental car in Funchal is highly recommended for easy travel around the island. Major rental companies like Hertz, Europcar, and Sixt operate on the island.
• Cost: Rental cars typically range from €30-€60 per day, depending on the vehicle type and season.
• Fuel: Madeira is relatively small, so you might need around €40-€60 worth of fuel for the entire week, depending on your travel distance.

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Porto Moniz (2 nights) - The Best Itinerary of Madeira

✅ Accommodation in Porto Moniz:

• Aqua Natura Madeira Hotel
• Highlights: Oceanfront hotel with direct access to the natural pools.
• Price: €90-€130 per night.

✅ Activities in Porto Moniz:

• Cabo Girão Skywalk: Visit one of the highest sea cliffs in Europe, with a thrilling glass-floored skywalk.
• Ribeira Brava and Ponta do Sol: Explore these charming coastal towns, known for their beautiful beaches and relaxed atmosphere.
• Porto Moniz Natural Pools: Swim in volcanic rock pools filled with crystal-clear seawater.
• Laurisilva Forest: Hike through Madeira's UNESCO-listed Laurisilva Forest, a relic of the ancient subtropical forests that once covered Europe.

✅ Hidden Gems in Porto Moniz:

• Levada do Moinho and Levada Nova: In Ponta do Sol, these less-traveled levadas offer stunning views of the valleys and waterfalls without the crowds.
• Seixal Black Sand Beach: Just north of Porto Moniz, this beach offers a unique experience with its volcanic black sand and fewer tourists compared to the natural pools.

✅ Dining in Porto Moniz:

• Restaurante Orca
• Specials: Fresh fish and seafood, with ocean views.
• Average Price: €25-€40 per person.

✅ Transportation: Drive from Funchal to Porto Moniz (approx. 1.5 hours) along the scenic coastal roads.

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Santana (2 nights) - The Best Itinerary of Madeira

✅ Accommodation in Santana:

• Hotel Quinta do Furão
• Highlights: Stunning views of the cliffs and ocean, surrounded by vineyards.
• Price: €100-€150 per night.

✅ Activities in Santana:

• Santana Traditional Houses: Visit the iconic thatched-roof houses that are a symbol of Madeira.
• Faial and Porto da Cruz: Explore the rugged north coast, with stops in these picturesque villages.
• São Vicente Caves: Explore the volcanic caves and learn about the island's geological history.
• Vereda do Areeiro: Hike one of Madeira’s most stunning trails, which connects Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo, offering breathtaking views of the rugged mountain landscapes. This challenging but rewarding hike is a must for nature enthusiasts.

✅ Hidden Gems in Santana:

• Rocha do Navio: A hidden cable car ride from Santana takes you down to a secluded coastal area with stunning ocean views and a small beach. Perfect for a quiet picnic and some light hiking.
• Miradouro da Portela: A lesser-known viewpoint offering breathtaking panoramic views over Porto da Cruz and the surrounding landscapes.

✅ Dining in Santana:

• Restaurante Quinta do Furão
• Specials: Local cuisine with stunning views of the cliffs and ocean.
• Average Price: €30-€50 per person.

✅ Transportation: Drive from Porto Moniz to Santana (approx. 1 hour), passing through lush landscapes and dramatic coastal views.

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Funchal (2 nights) - The Best Itinerary of Madeira

✅ Activities in Funchal:

• Ponta de São Lourenço: Hike this scenic peninsula, known for its dramatic cliffs and sweeping ocean views.
• Machico: Visit Madeira's second-largest town, with a beautiful bay and historical significance as the island's first settlement.
• Funchal Farmers’ Market: Buy local produce, including Madeira’s famous wines, fruits, and handicrafts.
• Relax in Funchal: Spend your last day enjoying the city’s cafes, shops, and the seaside promenade or take a half a day trip to Caniçal.

✅ Hidden Gems in Funchal:

• Levada dos Maroços (Mimosa Valley): Near Machico, this lesser-known levada offers beautiful views of terraced fields, lush valleys, and the occasional tunnel.
• Praia da Prainha: A small, secluded beach near Caniçal, east of Funchal, offers a peaceful spot away from the crowds, with clear waters and soft sand.

✅ Dining in Funchal:

• Restaurante Uva
• Specials: Gourmet dining with panoramic views of Funchal.
• Average Price: €35-€55 per person.

✅ Transportation: Drive back to Funchal from Santana (approx. 1 hour), ensuring time to enjoy the scenic Ponta de São Lourenço along the way.

Departure: Return your rental car in Funchal and transfer to the airport for your flight home.

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Madeira Awaits

This 8-night adventure through Madeira Island offers the perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and hidden gems. From exploring the vibrant streets of Funchal to hiking the breathtaking Vereda do Areeiro and relaxing in the volcanic pools of Porto Moniz, this journey captures the island's true essence.

Whether you’re a nature lover, a culture enthusiast, or just seeking a unique getaway, this is the best itinerary of Madeira to make the most of your trip and create unforgettable memories. 🌄🌊🍷

Tip: Prepare for your Madeira adventure, from itinerary planning to budget management!🇵🇹 Download free for Android or for iOS.