Madeira

Airport transfer to Funchal (FNC, 18 km west)(30 minutes)

Pre-book a transfer or grab the Aerobus (line 53, ~€5) to the city centre, or a taxi (~€25 fixed fare). Bolt also operates on the island.

Check in around the Lido / Sé area(45 minutes)

Base yourself near the Lido promenade (hotel strip) or central Sé for walkable evenings.

Stroll the Zona Velha (Old Town) painted doors(1.5 hours)

Walk Rua de Santa Maria to see the Projeto Arte de Portas Abertas painted doors. Cobbled and atmospheric in the late afternoon.

First poncha and bolo do caco at a tasca(1 hour)

Try Taberna Ruel or any Zona Velha tasca — poncha (sugarcane spirit, honey, lemon) and garlic-buttered bolo do caco, €2-4 each.

Mercado dos Lavradores early visit(1.5 hours)

Open Mon-Sat from 7AM; go before 10AM to dodge crowds. Browse custard apples, passion-fruit varieties, and the toothy black scabbard fish (espada).

Teleférico cable car to Monte(20 minutes)

From Funchal harbour to Monte, €18 return / €12.50 one-way. Glides over banana terraces with sweeping bay views.

Monte Palace Tropical Garden(2 hours)

Koi ponds, Portuguese tilework, and Asian sculpture gardens. Entry €12.50; open daily 9:30AM-6PM.

Carros de Cesto wicker toboggan ride(30 minutes)

Straw-hatted carreiros steer a wicker sled down the steep Monte streets, ~€30 for two. Then bus 20/21 or a taxi back into town.

Dinner in the Old Town(1.5 hours)

Grilled espada com banana (scabbard fish with fried banana) is the classic pairing — most Zona Velha restaurants do it well.

Pre-dawn drive/taxi to Pico do Arieiro car park(45 minutes)

Drive up from Funchal (~40 min) to the 1,818 m car park for sunrise above the clouds. Arrive early — parking fills fast.

PR1 ridge hike toward Pico Ruivo(6 hours)

Point-to-point is 6-7 hours with stairs and unlit tunnels (headtorch essential). Many do the out-and-back as far as energy allows. Free access.

Rest and refuel at Pico Ruivo shelter(45 minutes)

The Casa de Abrigo do Pico Ruivo serves simple snacks and poncha — earned at 1,862 m.

Evening recovery in Funchal(2 hours)

Light dinner near the Lido and an early night — legs will be done.

Cabo Girão Skywalk(45 minutes)

Glass-floored platform 580 m above the sea, ~20 min west of Funchal. Free; open ~8AM-7PM. Go early to beat tour buses.

Câmara de Lobos fishing harbour(1 hour)

Churchill painted here. Have a mid-morning poncha at one of the harbour-side bars where the drink was popularised.

Drive the ER101 to Porto Moniz via Seixal(1.5 hours)

Tunnels and waterfall-splashed old road sections; pause at Seixal's black-sand beach and the Véu da Noiva viewpoint.

Porto Moniz natural volcanic pools(2 hours)

Lava-rock tidal pools filtering the Atlantic surf. Developed-pool entry ~€1.50. Lunch on grilled fish overlooking the basins.

Return drive via Paul da Serra plateau(1.5 hours)

Climb the high moorland plateau back toward Funchal — often misty and otherworldly.

Lazy morning in Funchal(2 hours)

Sleep in, coffee and pastel de nata along the Avenida Arriaga or the marina.

Drive west to Calheta's golden-sand beach(1 hour)

Madeira's coast is rocky, so Calheta's imported-sand beach (~45 min west) is the easiest swim spot. Calm, sheltered bay.

Mudas Madeira Contemporary Art Museum(1 hour)

A striking concrete museum on the cliff above Calheta — optional, ~€5, great views even from the café terrace.

Visit a sugarcane distillery (Engenhos do Norte / Calheta)(1 hour)

Taste rum agrícola and aguardente de cana at the source — the spirit behind poncha.

Drive to Rabaçal and take the shuttle minibus(1 hour)

Park at Rabaçal on the Paul da Serra; a paid minibus (~€3) ferries you down the narrow access road to the trailhead.

Levada das 25 Fontes walk(3.5 hours)

About 11 km round trip, 3-4 hours, mostly flat along the channel through moss-draped laurel forest to the pool fed by 25 springs.

Risco Waterfall detour(45 minutes)

A short branch off the main route to a tall cascade against a fern wall — well worth the extra legs.

Return to Funchal and farewell poncha(1.5 hours)

Back to the city for a relaxed dinner — try the Mercado area or a Zona Velha restaurant once more.

Checkout and drive east to Baía d'Abra trailhead(45 minutes)

The Ponta de São Lourenço trailhead is conveniently near the airport, so you can hike before a later flight. Free parking.

Ponta de São Lourenço peninsula trail(2.5 hours)

About 8 km round trip across treeless red-ochre cliffs and turquoise coves. Fully exposed — bring water and a hat.

Quick lunch in Caniçal or Machico(1 hour)

Fresh fish near the eastern villages, or Machico's small town beach for a last sea view.

Drive to FNC airport for departure(30 minutes)

The peninsula sits just east of the airport — short final transfer. Allow buffer for car rental return.

Airport transfer to Funchal (FNC, 18 km west)(30 minutes)

Aerobus line 53 (~€5), a fixed-fare taxi (~€25), or Bolt. Pre-booked transfers are easy too.

Check in around the Lido / Sé area(45 minutes)

Base near the Lido promenade or central Sé for walkable evenings.

Stroll the Zona Velha painted doors(1.5 hours)

Rua de Santa Maria's Projeto Arte de Portas Abertas painted doors — best in the late-afternoon light.

First poncha and bolo do caco(1 hour)

Taberna Ruel or any Old Town tasca — poncha and garlic-buttered bolo do caco, €2-4 each.

Mercado dos Lavradores early visit(1.5 hours)

Open Mon-Sat from 7AM; arrive before 10AM. Custard apples, passion-fruit, and the black scabbard fish (espada).

Teleférico cable car to Monte(20 minutes)

Harbour to Monte, €18 return. Floats over banana terraces and the bay.

Monte Palace Tropical Garden(2 hours)

Koi ponds, tilework, and Asian gardens. €12.50; daily 9:30AM-6PM.

Carros de Cesto wicker toboggan ride(30 minutes)

Straw-hatted carreiros steer you downhill, ~€30 for two. Bus 20/21 or taxi back to town.

Dinner in the Old Town(1.5 hours)

Grilled espada com banana is the local classic.

Pre-dawn drive/taxi to Pico do Arieiro car park(45 minutes)

Up to the 1,818 m car park for sunrise above the clouds. Arrive early — parking fills.

PR1 ridge hike toward Pico Ruivo(6 hours)

6-7 hours point-to-point with stairs and unlit tunnels (headtorch essential). Free access.

Rest at Pico Ruivo shelter(45 minutes)

Casa de Abrigo do Pico Ruivo serves snacks and poncha at 1,862 m.

Evening recovery in Funchal(2 hours)

Light dinner near the Lido and an early night.

Jardim Botânico da Madeira(2 hours)

Terraced botanical garden above town, ~€7.50. Reach it by the Botanical Garden cable car (separate from the Monte one) for added views.

Lunch — prato do dia(1 hour)

Order the daily lunch menu (€8-12) at a local restaurant rather than à la carte; great value.

Madeira Story Centre or CR7 Museum(1 hour)

Island history at the Story Centre, or the Cristiano Ronaldo museum on the marina (~€5) for football fans.

Sunset along the marina and Avenida do Mar(1.5 hours)

Easy seafront wander; gelato or a Madeira wine at a terrace bar.

Cabo Girão Skywalk(45 minutes)

Glass floor 580 m above the sea, ~20 min west. Free; open ~8AM-7PM. Go early.

Câmara de Lobos harbour and poncha(1 hour)

Colourful fishing harbour where Churchill painted; the poncha here is famous.

Drive ER101 to Porto Moniz via Seixal(1.5 hours)

Tunnels, the Véu da Noiva waterfall viewpoint, and Seixal's black-sand beach.

Porto Moniz natural volcanic pools(2 hours)

Lava-rock tidal pools, entry ~€1.50. Grilled-fish lunch overlooking the basins.

Return via Paul da Serra plateau(1.5 hours)

Misty high moorland drive back toward Funchal.

Drive to Rabaçal, take the shuttle minibus(1 hour)

Park at Rabaçal; paid minibus (~€3) down the narrow access road to the trailhead.

Levada das 25 Fontes walk(3.5 hours)

~11 km round trip, 3-4 hours, mostly flat to the pool fed by 25 springs.

Risco Waterfall detour(45 minutes)

Short branch to a tall cascade over a fern wall.

Dinner back in Funchal(1.5 hours)

Relaxed evening in the Mercado area or Zona Velha.

Drive east to Baía d'Abra trailhead(45 minutes)

Free parking at the trailhead near the island's eastern tip.

Ponta de São Lourenço peninsula trail(2.5 hours)

~8 km round trip across treeless red-ochre cliffs and turquoise coves. Fully exposed — water and a hat.

Lunch and swim in Machico(1.5 hours)

Madeira's first capital, with an imported-sand town beach for a dip and fresh-fish lunch.

Caniçal whale museum (optional)(1 hour)

Museu da Baleia traces the island's whaling history and Atlantic cetaceans, ~€10.

Early drive to Fanal(1.5 hours)

Aim for early morning when the capacho mist is most likely. A careful drive (or 4WD) on the plateau road is needed.

Wander the gnarled laurel grove at Fanal(2 hours)

Moss-draped, twisted trees half-lost in fog — free and open access. Surreal, quiet, and atmospheric.

Short Levada do Fanal walk(1.5 hours)

An easy flat levada loop through the forest for those wanting more time on foot.

Lunch at a plateau or Porto Moniz tasca(1 hour)

Hearty espetada (beef skewers on bay-laurel sticks) and bolo do caco.

Porto Santo Line ferry from Funchal(2.5 hours)

About 2.5 hours each way, from ~€40 return. Book ahead in summer; check the timetable for a day-return slot.

Relax on the 9 km golden beach(4 hours)

One long, gently shelving sandy beach famed for its therapeutic sand. Loungers and beach bars at Vila Baleira.

Lunch in Vila Baleira(1 hour)

The island's small main town; grilled fish and a cold Coral beer steps from the sand.

Evening ferry back to Funchal(2.5 hours)

Return crossing; sunset over the Atlantic if you catch a later boat.

Madeiran cooking class(3 hours)

Book a small-group class (several run from Funchal) to make bolo do caco, espetada, and a passion-fruit poncha — often starting with a market shop.

Blandy's Wine Lodge tasting(1.5 hours)

Historic lodge in central Funchal; guided tour and tasting of fortified Madeira wine (Sercial to Malmsey), tours from ~€8.

Easy afternoon in the Jardins do Almirante Reis(1 hour)

Quiet seafront gardens; coffee and people-watching.

Dinner pairing Madeira wine with dessert(1.5 hours)

Finish with bolo de mel (honey cake) and a glass of sweet Malmsey.

Drive to Queimadas, Santana(1.5 hours)

Park at the Queimadas Forest Park with its thatched A-frame casas; trailhead for PR9.

Levada do Caldeirão Verde walk(4 hours)

~13 km round trip, 4-5 hours, with several dark unlit tunnels (headtorch essential) to a deep waterfall pool.

See Santana's thatched houses (casas de colmo)(45 minutes)

The triangular A-frame thatched cottages the village is famous for — a few are open to visit.

Drive back to Funchal(1 hour)

Return over the mountains; quiet dinner in town.

Drive west to Calheta golden-sand beach(1 hour)

Imported-sand beach in a sheltered bay (~45 min west) — calm, easy swimming.

Mudas Madeira Contemporary Art Museum(1 hour)

Cliff-top concrete museum, ~€5, with a café terrace and big sea views.

Engenhos do Norte / Calheta distillery tasting(1 hour)

Taste rum agrícola and aguardente de cana at the source of poncha.

Sunset and dinner in Calheta marina(1.5 hours)

Marina-side fish dinner before the drive back.

Morning in Ribeira Brava(1 hour)

Pretty south-coast town with a pebble beach, baroque church, and seafront cafés.

Drive up to Encumeada Pass viewpoint(45 minutes)

The high saddle where, on clear days, you can see both the north and south coasts at once.

Levada do Norte gentle walk(2.5 hours)

A flat, scenic levada section near Encumeada through eucalyptus and laurel — easy after the bigger hikes.

Last poncha tour in Funchal's Old Town(1.5 hours)

Compare passion-fruit vs. classic lemon poncha at a couple of Zona Velha tascas.

Checkout and last Mercado dos Lavradores shop(1 hour)

Pick up vacuum-packed Madeira honey cake, embroidered linens, and bottles of poncha mix or Madeira wine.

Coffee on the Avenida Arriaga(45 minutes)

A final pastel de nata under the jacaranda trees (purple bloom in spring).

Drive east toward FNC airport(30 minutes)

Allow buffer for rental-car return at the airport.

Departure from Cristiano Ronaldo Airport (FNC)(30 minutes)

Famously dramatic clifftop runway — window seat recommended.

Airport transfer to Funchal (FNC, 18 km west)(30 minutes)

Aerobus line 53 (~€5), a fixed-fare taxi (~€25), or Bolt.

Check in around the Lido / Sé area(45 minutes)

Base near the Lido promenade or central Sé for walkable evenings.

Stroll the Zona Velha painted doors(1.5 hours)

Rua de Santa Maria's Projeto Arte de Portas Abertas — best in late-afternoon light.

First poncha and bolo do caco(1 hour)

Taberna Ruel or any Old Town tasca, €2-4 each.

Mercado dos Lavradores early visit(1.5 hours)

Open Mon-Sat from 7AM; before 10AM. Custard apples, passion-fruit, and espada (scabbard fish).

Teleférico cable car to Monte(20 minutes)

Harbour to Monte, €18 return, over banana terraces.

Monte Palace Tropical Garden(2 hours)

Koi ponds, tilework, Asian gardens. €12.50; daily 9:30AM-6PM.

Carros de Cesto wicker toboggan ride(30 minutes)

Carreiros steer you downhill, ~€30 for two. Bus 20/21 back.

Dinner in the Old Town(1.5 hours)

Espada com banana, the local classic.

Jardim Botânico da Madeira(2 hours)

Terraced botanical garden, ~€7.50; reach it by its own cable car for views.

Blandy's Wine Lodge tasting(1.5 hours)

Central Funchal; guided tour and Madeira-wine tasting from Sercial to Malmsey, from ~€8.

Lunch — prato do dia(1 hour)

Daily lunch menu (€8-12) for the best value.

Sunset along the marina and Avenida do Mar(1.5 hours)

Easy seafront wander; gelato or a Madeira wine on a terrace.

Pre-dawn drive/taxi to Pico do Arieiro car park(45 minutes)

To the 1,818 m car park for sunrise above the clouds; arrive early.

PR1 ridge hike toward Pico Ruivo(6 hours)

6-7 hours point-to-point with stairs and unlit tunnels (headtorch essential). Free.

Rest at Pico Ruivo shelter(45 minutes)

Casa de Abrigo do Pico Ruivo at 1,862 m — snacks and poncha.

Evening recovery in Funchal(2 hours)

Light dinner near the Lido; early night.

Cabo Girão Skywalk(45 minutes)

Glass floor 580 m above the sea, ~20 min west. Free; ~8AM-7PM. Go early.

Câmara de Lobos harbour and poncha(1 hour)

Colourful fishing harbour where Churchill painted; famous poncha.

Drive ER101 to Porto Moniz via Seixal(1.5 hours)

Tunnels, Véu da Noiva viewpoint, Seixal's black-sand beach.

Porto Moniz natural volcanic pools(2 hours)

Lava-rock tidal pools, entry ~€1.50; grilled-fish lunch.

Return via Paul da Serra plateau(1.5 hours)

Misty high moorland drive back to Funchal.

Drive to Rabaçal, take the shuttle minibus(1 hour)

Park at Rabaçal; paid minibus (~€3) down the access road.

Levada das 25 Fontes walk(3.5 hours)

~11 km round trip, 3-4 hours, mostly flat to the pool fed by 25 springs.

Risco Waterfall detour(45 minutes)

Short branch to a tall cascade over a fern wall.

Dinner back in Funchal(1.5 hours)

Relaxed evening in the Mercado area.

Madeiran cooking class(3 hours)

Small-group class to make bolo do caco, espetada, and passion-fruit poncha, often starting with a market shop.

Lunch from your own cooking(1 hour)

Eat what you prepared with the group.

Madeira Story Centre(1 hour)

Island history and culture in the Old Town, ~€10.

Easy evening on the seafront(1.5 hours)

Gelato and a quiet Madeira wine on the Avenida do Mar.

Drive east to Baía d'Abra trailhead(45 minutes)

Free parking near the island's eastern tip.

Ponta de São Lourenço peninsula trail(2.5 hours)

~8 km round trip across red-ochre cliffs and turquoise coves. Fully exposed — water and a hat.

Lunch and swim in Machico(1.5 hours)

Madeira's first capital, with an imported-sand town beach.

Caniçal whale museum (optional)(1 hour)

Museu da Baleia, whaling history and Atlantic cetaceans, ~€10.

Early drive to Fanal(1.5 hours)

Aim for early-morning capacho mist. Careful driving (or 4WD) on the plateau road.

Wander the gnarled laurel grove(2 hours)

Twisted, moss-draped trees half-lost in fog — free, open access, surreal.

Short Levada do Fanal walk(1.5 hours)

Easy flat levada loop through the forest.

Lunch at a plateau or Porto Moniz tasca(1 hour)

Espetada (beef skewers on bay-laurel sticks) and bolo do caco.

Porto Santo Line ferry from Funchal(2.5 hours)

~2.5 hours, from ~€40 return. Book ahead in summer.

Check in at Vila Baleira(45 minutes)

The island's small main town, steps from the 9 km beach.

Afternoon on the golden beach(3 hours)

Long, gently shelving sand famed for its therapeutic minerals — Madeira's best swimming sand.

Seafront dinner in Vila Baleira(1.5 hours)

Grilled fish and a cold Coral beer by the water.

Cycle or e-scooter the beach road(2 hours)

Rent a bike (~€10/day) and roll the flat 9 km coast road past the beach bars.

Casa Colombo – Museu do Porto Santo(1 hour)

Christopher Columbus reputedly lived here; small museum, ~€2.

Pico do Castelo viewpoint(1.5 hours)

Short drive/hike to the pine-clad hill for island-wide views.

Sunset and slow dinner(2 hours)

Watch the sun go down over the sand, then a relaxed meal.

Morning ferry back to Funchal(2.5 hours)

Return crossing; pick up the rental car at the harbour.

Drive west to Calheta golden-sand beach(1 hour)

Imported-sand beach in a sheltered bay (~45 min west), calm swimming.

Mudas Madeira Contemporary Art Museum(1 hour)

Cliff-top concrete museum, ~€5, café terrace with sea views.

Engenhos do Norte / Calheta distillery tasting(1 hour)

Rum agrícola and aguardente de cana — the spirit behind poncha.

Drive to Queimadas, Santana(1.5 hours)

Park at Queimadas Forest Park with its thatched A-frame casas; PR9 trailhead.

Levada do Caldeirão Verde walk(4 hours)

~13 km round trip, 4-5 hours, several dark tunnels (headtorch essential) to a waterfall pool.

Santana thatched houses (casas de colmo)(45 minutes)

The triangular thatched cottages the village is known for; a few open to visit.

Drive back to Funchal(1 hour)

Return over the mountains; quiet dinner.

Bordal embroidery workshop visit(1 hour)

See traditional Madeira embroidery (a centuries-old craft) being made at a Funchal atelier; small showroom.

Lunch with Madeira wine pairing(1.5 hours)

Match a dry Sercial with fish and a sweet Malmsey with bolo de mel (honey cake).

Photographia – Museu Vicentes(1 hour)

A historic photography studio museum capturing old Madeira; charming and quiet.

Easy seafront evening(1.5 hours)

Sunset on the Avenida do Mar with gelato.

Morning in Ribeira Brava(1 hour)

South-coast town with a pebble beach, baroque church, and seafront cafés.

Encumeada Pass viewpoint(45 minutes)

The high saddle where, on clear days, you see both coasts at once.

Levada do Norte gentle walk(2.5 hours)

Flat, scenic levada section through eucalyptus and laurel.

Dinner in Funchal(1.5 hours)

Relaxed evening back in town.

Sunrise at Miradouro do Guindaste / Penha de Águia(1.5 hours)

Drive northeast for first light over the towering Penha de Águia (Eagle Rock) sea cliff near Faial.

Vereda do Larano coastal cliff walk(3 hours)

A dramatic, less-trodden cliff trail between Larano and Boaventura/Porto da Cruz, ~10 km, sweeping ocean drops.

Lunch in Porto da Cruz(1 hour)

Fishing village with a small distillery (Engenho do Norte) and surf-pounded shore.

Return and edit photos over a poncha(1.5 hours)

Wind-down evening back in Funchal.

Slow morning and brunch(2 hours)

Sleep in; brunch at a Funchal café off the Avenida Arriaga.

Whale and dolphin watching trip (optional)(3 hours)

Boat tours leave the marina (~€40-50); sperm whales, pilot whales, and several dolphin species are common off Madeira.

Lido sea-pool swim(1 hour)

Relax at the Lido or Doca do Cavacas natural sea pools on the west side of town.

Casual dinner near the marina(1.5 hours)

Low-key seafood and an early night.

Drive to Boca da Corrida, Curral das Freiras side(1.25 hours)

Park at the Boca da Corrida trailhead above the valleys; quieter than Arieiro.

Hike toward Pico Grande(4 hours)

A scenic ridge-and-valley route with views into the Nuns' Valley; turn back at energy's limit. Free, exposed in places.

Lunch in Curral das Freiras(1.5 hours)

The dramatic 'Nuns' Valley' village, famed for chestnuts — try chestnut soup, liqueur, and cake.

Eira do Serrado viewpoint on the way out(45 minutes)

Vertiginous overlook of Curral das Freiras ringed by peaks.

Drive to Ponta do Pargo lighthouse(1.5 hours)

The island's westernmost point; small lighthouse museum and clifftop café with whale-spotting benches.

Jardim do Mar village wander(1 hour)

Sleepy cobbled surf village clinging to the cliffs, with a seafront promenade.

Lunch and swim at Paul do Mar(1.5 hours)

Fishing village reached by a spectacular cliff road; fresh lapas (limpets) and fish.

Sunset back along the south coast(1.5 hours)

Drive home as the light goes gold over the Atlantic.

Levada dos Tornos walk(2.5 hours)

An easy, leafy levada in the hills just above Funchal, passing tea-house gardens — a soft last hike.

Tea at the Hortensia or Jasmin tea house(1 hour)

Garden tea houses along the Tornos route serve scones and herbal teas with valley views.

Final Mercado dos Lavradores shop(1 hour)

Stock up on Madeira honey cake, embroidered linens, poncha mix, and bottles of Madeira wine.

Farewell poncha crawl in the Old Town(1.5 hours)

Compare passion-fruit, tangerine, and classic lemon poncha across a few Zona Velha tascas.

Checkout and easy morning coffee(1 hour)

Final pastel de nata on the Avenida Arriaga under the jacarandas.

Last swim or stroll at Machico beach(1 hour)

Conveniently near the airport for a final dip or seafront walk.

Drive to FNC airport and return rental car(30 minutes)

Allow buffer for the car-rental return.

Departure from Cristiano Ronaldo Airport (FNC)(30 minutes)

The dramatic clifftop runway — window seat recommended for a last island view.