Madeira itinerary planning can feel overwhelming at first – especially when you realize how much this small Atlantic island has to offer. From dramatic mountain peaks and lush levada walks to volcanic pools, charming coastal villages, and scenic road trips, Madeira easily deserves at least one full week. Based on my personal experience, 10 days is ideal if you want to explore at a relaxed pace.
If you’re short on time, a 7-day Madeira itinerary is absolutely doable – but it requires smart planning and a bit of prioritization. In this guide, I’ll walk you through both a 7-day and a 10-day Madeira itinerary, including my favorite hikes, viewpoints, and road trip routes, plus practical tips to help you adjust the plan to your own travel style.
Best for:
✓ First-time visitors to Madeira
✓ Nature lovers & hikers
✓ Scenic road trip fans
✓ Travelers planning 7–10 days on the island
Scroll down for the complete 7 and 10 day itinerary.
Why this Madeira itinerary works:
- Perfect balance of hiking, sightseeing & relaxation
- Designed for a road trip (but adaptable without a car)
- Includes my personal favorite viewpoints & levada walks
- Flexible: easy to adjust based on weather & fitness level
Please note, this post may contain affiliate links.
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Useful information
Quick Checklist – Before You Go
✔ Rent a car for maximum flexibility ✔ Pack layers – Madeira has microclimates ✔ Plan hikes flexibly based on weather ✔ Book whale watching in advance (seasonal) ✔ Don’t overpack each day – driving takes longer than expected
How Much Time Do You Really Need in Madeira?
Because Madeira is located far out in the Atlantic Ocean, it’s not an ideal long-weekend destination. In my opinion, one week is the bare minimum, while 10 days allows you to explore without rushing. With two full weeks, you could even add a short trip to Porto Santo.
Distances on Madeira are short, but steep mountain roads and endless hairpin turns slow everything down. That’s why accommodation choice matters more here than you might expect – even if you’re renting a car.
I personally enjoy driving in Madeira’s jaw-dropping landscapes, but if you’re sensitive to winding roads, it’s worth minimizing daily driving time.
Porto Santo Island, Madeira – travel guide and attractions
Getting Around Madeira – Car, Tours or Public Transport?
To truly experience Madeira’s hidden gems, renting a car is highly recommended. While Funchal and a few central areas are accessible by bus, many viewpoints, levada hikes, and coastal roads are best reached independently.
That said, if you don’t want to drive:
- Guided tours cover many highlights
- Whale watching & city tours are easy without a car
- You can combine buses + organized excursions
Car rental – Tip
Search and book a car on one of the popular search portals and find the best deal for you!
One of my favorite search sites is Discovercars.com, because there are no hidden costs, you can cancel the reservation for free if your travel plans change, and last but not least, they offer rental cars at very reasonable prices. The filters allow you to select the type of card you want to use, the amount of the deposit and the payment terms.
Where to Stay in Madeira
Madeira offers everything from lively resort towns to quiet mountain villages. However, I don’t recommend staying in the north or high in the mountains, even in summer – weather can be unpredictable.
- South Coast: sunnier, better restaurant & hotel options
- North Coast: wilder & less crowded, but cooler and wetter
👉 Winter travel tip: Always choose the south coast.
Where to Stay in Madeira – Best Areas & Hotels
Are you looking for a 4- or 5-star hotel with an excellent rating?
Pestana, the Portuguese hotel chain!
With five decades of history, the Pestana Hotel Group is the largest Portuguese multinational group in the tourism industry. The hotel chain opened its first hotel in Madeira in 1972, the Pestana Carlton Madeira.
Currently it also offers accommodation in other the European countries, as well as in America and Africa, with more than 100 hotels and 12,000 rooms.
Pestana has 18 hotels on the archipelago, of which 15 are located in Madeira and 3 in Porto Santo.
DOWNLOAD MY FREE MADEIRA BUCKET LIST FOR YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE
madeira map
7-Day Madeira Itinerary
This 7-day Madeira itinerary balances hiking days with sightseeing and relaxation. Arrival day is intentionally light.
Quick overview
7 nights / 8 days
Day 1 – Arrival & Easy Exploration
Day 2 – Funchal & South Coast Highlights
Day 3 – São Lourenço Peninsula & Beaches
Day 4 – West & Northwest Madeira Road Trip
Day 5 – Pico Ruivo hike (Madeira’s highest peak)
Day 6 – Flexible Nature or Rest Day
Day 7 – Levada das 25 Fontes & Fanal Forest
Day 8 – Departure & Extra Time in Funchal
Remember! From 1 January 2026, reservations are mandatory for hiking trails. Entrance fee: €4.50. When paying online, you must reserve a date/time in advance on the official website.
Day 1 – Arrival & Easy Exploration
Arrive in Madeira
- Arrival at the hotel (usually afternoon)
- Explore your accommodation area
- Optional evening walk in Funchal if time allows
Atlantic Festival – Every Saturday in June, there are fireworks over Funchal Bay, accompanied by music and a great variety of colors.
Day 2 – Funchal & South Coast Highlights
Morning:
- Funchal city walk (old town, markets, etc.)
- Botanical Gardens and cable cars
- Wicker Toboggan Sled Ride
Afternoon:
- Câmara de Lobos
- Cabo Girão Skywalk
- Ponta do Sol
Optional:
- Banana Route walk
- Jardim do Mar and Paúl do Mar
- Whale watching tour
If you are following the 10-day itinerary, split this day into two. This way you will have more time for the island’s capital and the south coast. Believe me, it’s worth it.
Madeira Cable Car Guide – 7 Scenic Rides for the Best Views
Day 3 – São Lourenço Peninsula & Beaches
Morning:
- PR8 Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço hike
Afternoon:
- Cristo Rei statue
- Ponta do Garajau
- Praia do Garajau or Machico beach
Day 4 – West & Northwest Madeira Road Trip
This coastal road between São Vicente and Porto Moniz is one of the most scenic drives on the island.
Full-day scenic drive:
- Ponta do Pargo and Lighthouse
- Achadas da Cruz (cable car)
- Porto Moniz natural pools
- Ribeira da Janela beach & viewpoint
- Miradouro da Eira da Achada (one of my absolute favorites!)
- Seixal natural pools
- São Vicente
Day 5 – Pico Ruivo hike (Madeira’s highest peak)
Option A:
- Watching the sunrise at Pico do Areeiro
- PR1 hike: Pico do Areeiro → Pico Ruivo (if open)
Option B:
- PR1.2 hike: the shorter hike to Pico Ruivo
- Combine with Santana village and Miradouro do Guindaste
Read my Complete guide to the Pico Ruivo hike
Day 6 – Flexible Nature or Rest Day
Suggestions:
- Valley of the Nuns (Curral das Freiras)
- PR11 Vereda dos Balcões (short walk)
- Ribeiro Frio Trout Farm
- Beach time
If you previously chose the PR1 hiking route, here is the opportunity to visit the east coast of the island
- Santana
- Miradouro do Guindaste
Day 7 – Levada das 25 Fontes & Fanal Forest
Morning:
- PR6 / PR6.1 – 25 Fontes & Levada do Risco
Afternoon:
- Fanal Forest short walk
- Viewpoints: Miradouro da Bica da Cana, Lombo do Mouro
Day 8 – Departure & Extra Time in Funchal
- Last-minute shopping or walk in Funchal
- Transfer to airport
- Fly home
Popular programs
Why do I recommend Get Your Guide website or app? Because it offers free cancellation. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund!
Best Time to Go to Madeira – Weather, Seasons & Travel Tips
10-Day Madeira Itinerary
If you have more time, this 10-day Madeira itinerary spreads the same highlights more comfortably and adds extra villages, beaches, and viewpoints.
Days 1–7 follow the same structure as above with more rest & buffer time. If you follow the 10-day itinerary, split the 2. day (Funchal sightseeing and the south coast) into two days. Believe me, it’s worth it. Then let’s continue with day 8….
Quick overview
9 nights / 10 days
Day 1 – Arrival & Easy Exploration
Day 2 – Funchal & Botanical Gardens
Day 3 – São Lourenço Peninsula & Beaches
Day 4 – West & Northwest Madeira Road Trip
Day 5 – Pico Ruivo hike (Madeira’s highest peak)
Day 6 – Flexible Nature or Rest Day
Day 7 – Levada das 25 Fontes & Fanal Forest Day 8 – South Coast Highlights
Day 9 – Levada do Caldeirão Verde hike and Santana
Day 10 – Departure & Extra Time in Funchal
Day 8 – South Coast Highlights
Morning:
- Câmara de Lobos
- Cabo Girão Skywalk
- Ponta do Sol
- Calheta sandy beach
Afternoon:
- Anjos waterfall
- Banana Route walk
- Jardim do Mar and Paúl do Mar
- And many viewpoints along the way
Day 9 – Levada do Caldeirão Verde hike and Santana
Morning:
- PR9 Levada do Caldeirão Verde hike
Afternoon:
- Santana traditional houses
- Rocha do Navio viewpoint and cable car
- Explore nearby villages or Camacha
Stop by one of my favorite restaurants in Porto da Cruz: PIPA RESTAURANT & BAR
Day 10 – Departure & Extra Time in Funchal
- Last-minute shopping or walk in Funchal
- Transfer to airport
- Fly home
Explore more Madeira travel tips on my blog – Check it Now
Need help planning your trip?
Here are my favourite sites to use when planning my trips:
Find your flight: Kiwi or use the airline’s direct website
Book your Hotel: Booking.com and Airbnb
Search for a rental car: Discovercars
Stay Connected Anywhere: Airalo eSIM
Book an unforgettable experiences: GetYourGuide website.
Source: Wandering Linda
Photos: Wandering Linda
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