Madiera Island

5-day trip to Madeira, followed by a list of other nearby islands in the Madeira Archipelago.

(Two  options)

Option 1 – Arrival possibly by Portugal ferry

Day 1: Arrival and Funchal Exploration

• Morning:
  • Arrive in Funchal, the capital city of Madeira.
  • Check into your accommodation.
  • Visit the Farmers’ Market (Mercado dos Lavradores) for local produce and handicrafts.
• Afternoon:
  • Explore the Old Town (Zona Velha) and its painted doors.
  • Take a cable car ride to Monte for breathtaking views.
• Evening:
  • Dine at a local restaurant and try Madeiran specialties like Espetada (meat skewers) or Scabbard fish with banana.

Day 2: East Madeira Adventure

• Morning:
  • Drive to Ponta de São Lourenço, a rugged peninsula with stunning coastal trails.
  • Enjoy hiking and panoramic views of cliffs and the Atlantic Ocean.
• Afternoon:
  • Visit Machico, the island’s oldest town, for a relaxing lunch and beach time.
• Evening:
  • Return to Funchal and relax at your hotel.

Day 3: Levada Walk and Forest Exploration

• Morning:
  • Hike along the Levada do Caldeirão Verde, a lush trail through the Laurisilva forest (UNESCO World Heritage Site).
• Afternoon:
  • Explore the Queimadas Forest Park and enjoy picnic spots.
  • Stop by the Santana Traditional Houses, charming triangular thatched cottages.
• Evening:
  • Dinner at a cozy mountain restaurant serving local wines.

Day 4: West Madeira and Scenic Drives

• Morning:
  • Head to Cabo Girão, one of Europe’s highest sea cliffs with a glass-floored viewpoint.
  • Visit Câmara de Lobos, a picturesque fishing village loved by Winston Churchill.
• Afternoon:
  • Explore Porto Moniz for its volcanic natural pools.
• Evening:
  • Return via the scenic Encumeada Pass.

Day 5: Pico Ruivo and Departure

• Morning:
  • Hike to Pico Ruivo, the highest peak in Madeira, for sunrise or early morning views.
• Afternoon:
  • Relax at a local café in Funchal or visit Blandy’s Wine Lodge to learn about Madeira wine.
• Evening:
  • Depart from Madeira with cherished memories.

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Madeira 5-Day Travel Itinerary  (Option 2)

Day 1: Arrival in Funchal

• Morning:
  • Arrive at Cristiano Ronaldo Madeira International Airport.
  • Check into your hotel or accommodation in Funchal.
  • Stroll through Funchal’s Old Town (“Zona Velha”) and explore its colorful painted doors.
• Afternoon:
  • Visit the Mercado dos Lavradores (Farmers’ Market) to sample local fruits, flowers, and Madeiran culture.
  • Explore the Madeira Story Centre to learn about the island’s history.
• Evening:
  • Enjoy a traditional Madeiran dinner with espetada (grilled meat skewers) and bolo do caco (garlic bread).
  • Option: Taste local Madeira wine.

Day 2: Nature and Adventure

• Morning:
  • Take the cable car from Funchal to Monte for stunning views of the city and coastline.
  • Visit the Monte Palace Tropical Garden and Church of Our Lady of Monte.
  • Descend using the famous Monte Toboggan Ride (a wicker sled ride guided by locals!).
• Afternoon:
  • Explore the Botanical Gardens of Madeira.
  • Visit the Cristiano Ronaldo Museum (CR7 Museum) if you’re a football fan.
• Evening:
  • Walk along Funchal’s marina and enjoy a seafood dinner at a waterfront restaurant.

Day 3: East Coast Highlights

• Morning:
  • Drive to Pico do Arieiro, one of Madeira’s highest peaks, for an unforgettable sunrise and hiking opportunities.
  • Visit the colorful, traditional Santana Houses in the village of Santana.
• Afternoon:
  • Explore the Madeira Theme Park in Santana.
  • Stop by the Porto da Cruz area to sample local sugarcane rum (rum tasting available at Engenhos do Norte).
• Evening:
  • Return to Funchal for a relaxed evening.

Day 4: West Coast and Levada Walk

• Morning:
  • Visit Câmara de Lobos, a charming fishing village.
  • Head to Cabo Girão Skywalk, one of Europe’s highest sea cliffs with a glass-floor viewing platform.
• Afternoon:
  • Hike a Levada Walk, such as Levada das 25 Fontes or Levada do Caldeirão Verde. These are Madeira’s famous irrigation channels with lush scenery and waterfalls.
  • Drive to Porto Moniz to relax in the natural volcanic lava pools.
• Evening:
  • Stay overnight in the Porto Moniz area or return to Funchal.

Day 5: South Coast and Relaxation

• Morning:
  • Visit the golden-sand beach of Calheta, a rare find in Madeira.
  • Optional: Go dolphin and whale-watching from Funchal’s marina.
• Afternoon:
  • Tour a local banana plantation.
  • Stop by Ponta do Sol for a quiet seaside village experience.
• Evening:
  • End your trip with a sunset view from Ponta de São Lourenço, the easternmost point of the island.

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Nearby Islands in the Madeira Archipelago

1. Porto Santo Island
   • Known for its long, golden sandy beaches.
   • Highlights: Porto Santo Beach, Christopher Columbus House Museum, and water sports.
   • Accessible via ferry or a short flight from Funchal.
2. Desertas Islands
   • A group of uninhabited islands known for their dramatic landscapes and wildlife (e.g., monk seals).
   • Accessible by boat for day trips; permits are required for some areas.
3. Savage Islands (Ilhas Selvagens)
   • A nature reserve with restricted access, known for its biodiversity and seabird colonies.
   • Best suited for scientists or eco-tourism enthusiasts with pre-arranged tours.