Three days is enough for Funchal, one big levada (25 Fontes or Caldeirão Verde) and a sunrise at Pico do Areeiro. Five days adds the east (São Lourenço peninsula) and the north coast loop via Santana and Porto Moniz. Seven days adds Porto Santo, the west coast, and a slow second levada day. Hire a car for any plan longer than 48 hours — buses do not reach most highlights.
3-day itinerary — the long weekend
Best for a Thu→Sun trip from London, Manchester or Lisbon. Fly in late evening, fly out evening of day 3.
Funchal old town & sunset
- •Morning: Mercado dos Lavradores, Rua de Santa Maria street art, Sé Cathedral.
- •Lunch: bolo do caco + espetada in the old town.
- •Afternoon: cable car up to Monte, gardens, toboggan ride down to Livramento.
- •Sunset: Pico dos Barcelos or Câmara de Lobos for poncha.
Eat: Tasca Literária Dona Joana Rabo de Peixe, Armazém do Sal.
Sleep: Funchal centre — walkable, near the marina.
Pico do Areeiro sunrise + west coast
- •05:30: drive to Pico do Areeiro for sunrise (1,818 m). Above the clouds 60% of mornings.
- •Optional: walk the PR1 ridge towards Pico Ruivo (booked timed slot, €10.50).
- •Late morning: Cabo Girão skywalk + Câmara de Lobos.
- •Afternoon: Porto Moniz natural lava pools (free side or paid complex).
- •Drive back via the VE1 expressway — under an hour from Porto Moniz to Funchal.
One big levada + flight
- •Choose one: Levada das 25 Fontes (3-4h, waterfalls, busiest), Levada do Caldeirão Verde (5h, tunnels), or Vereda dos Balcões (1h, family-friendly viewpoint).
- •Pre-book a paid PR slot at simplifica.madeira.gov.pt the night before.
- •Afternoon: late lunch at Santana A-frame houses or back in Funchal.
- •Evening flight from FNC — allow 90 minutes from Funchal centre.
5-day itinerary — the sweet spot
Adds the east peninsula and a full north-coast loop. The plan most repeat visitors recommend for first-timers.
Funchal old town & sunset
- •Morning: Mercado dos Lavradores, Rua de Santa Maria street art, Sé Cathedral.
- •Lunch: bolo do caco + espetada in the old town.
- •Afternoon: cable car up to Monte, gardens, toboggan ride down to Livramento.
- •Sunset: Pico dos Barcelos or Câmara de Lobos for poncha.
Eat: Tasca Literária Dona Joana Rabo de Peixe, Armazém do Sal.
Sleep: Funchal centre — walkable, near the marina.
Pico do Areeiro sunrise + west coast
- •05:30: drive to Pico do Areeiro for sunrise (1,818 m). Above the clouds 60% of mornings.
- •Optional: walk the PR1 ridge towards Pico Ruivo (booked timed slot, €10.50).
- •Late morning: Cabo Girão skywalk + Câmara de Lobos.
- •Afternoon: Porto Moniz natural lava pools (free side or paid complex).
- •Drive back via the VE1 expressway — under an hour from Porto Moniz to Funchal.
East: Ponta de São Lourenço + Machico
- •Walk PR8 to the eastern tip of the island (3h return, exposed, no shade).
- •Lunch at Casa do Sardinha if open, or back in Caniçal.
- •Afternoon: Prainha (Madeira's only natural sand beach) or Machico old town.
- •Sunset at Miradouro da Ponta do Rosto.
North loop: Santana, São Vicente, Porto Moniz
- •Santana A-frame houses (quick stop) → Faial viewpoint.
- •Drive the ER-101 old north road through São Jorge and São Vicente.
- •Lunch in São Vicente or Seixal.
- •Seixal black-sand beach + Véu da Noiva waterfall viewpoint.
- •End at Porto Moniz lava pools, dinner with the sunset.
One big levada + flight
- •Choose one: Levada das 25 Fontes (3-4h, waterfalls, busiest), Levada do Caldeirão Verde (5h, tunnels), or Vereda dos Balcões (1h, family-friendly viewpoint).
- •Pre-book a paid PR slot at simplifica.madeira.gov.pt the night before.
- •Afternoon: late lunch at Santana A-frame houses or back in Funchal.
- •Evening flight from FNC — allow 90 minutes from Funchal centre.
7-day itinerary — the full island
Adds Porto Santo and a slower second levada day. Includes one weather buffer.
Funchal old town & sunset
- •Morning: Mercado dos Lavradores, Rua de Santa Maria street art, Sé Cathedral.
- •Lunch: bolo do caco + espetada in the old town.
- •Afternoon: cable car up to Monte, gardens, toboggan ride down to Livramento.
- •Sunset: Pico dos Barcelos or Câmara de Lobos for poncha.
Eat: Tasca Literária Dona Joana Rabo de Peixe, Armazém do Sal.
Sleep: Funchal centre — walkable, near the marina.
Pico do Areeiro sunrise + west coast
- •05:30: drive to Pico do Areeiro for sunrise (1,818 m). Above the clouds 60% of mornings.
- •Optional: walk the PR1 ridge towards Pico Ruivo (booked timed slot, €10.50).
- •Late morning: Cabo Girão skywalk + Câmara de Lobos.
- •Afternoon: Porto Moniz natural lava pools (free side or paid complex).
- •Drive back via the VE1 expressway — under an hour from Porto Moniz to Funchal.
East: Ponta de São Lourenço + Machico
- •Walk PR8 to the eastern tip of the island (3h return, exposed, no shade).
- •Lunch at Casa do Sardinha if open, or back in Caniçal.
- •Afternoon: Prainha (Madeira's only natural sand beach) or Machico old town.
- •Sunset at Miradouro da Ponta do Rosto.
North loop: Santana, São Vicente, Porto Moniz
- •Santana A-frame houses (quick stop) → Faial viewpoint.
- •Drive the ER-101 old north road through São Jorge and São Vicente.
- •Lunch in São Vicente or Seixal.
- •Seixal black-sand beach + Véu da Noiva waterfall viewpoint.
- •End at Porto Moniz lava pools, dinner with the sunset.
Slow levada + west coast villages
- •Second levada: Levada do Rei (forest, quiet) or Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço if you skipped it.
- •Afternoon: Calheta marina + black-sand beach (imported), Jardim do Mar village.
- •Optional: Paul do Mar surf check.
Porto Santo day trip
- •Lobo Marinho ferry from Funchal — 2h 15m, departs 08:00, returns 18:00.
- •Or 15-min Binter flight (€60-€90 return when booked early).
- •9 km of golden sand, lunch at Vila Baleira, swim, sunset back in Funchal.
Funchal slow morning + flight
- •Specialty coffee at Akua or Beanaffair.
- •CR7 Museum (30 min), Funchal botanical garden, or Quinta do Palheiro gardens.
- •Last lunch at Mercado dos Lavradores, then FNC.
Before you go
- ✓ Hire a car — book 4-8 weeks ahead for the cheapest rates.
- ✓ Pre-book any PR trail at simplifica.madeira.gov.pt (mandatory since Jan 2026).
- ✓ Check live levada conditions 24h before your walk day.
- ✓ Pack layers — sea level is 20 °C while Pico do Areeiro can be 5 °C and windy.
- ✓ Arrange your airport transfer or pick up your car at FNC.
FAQ
Is 3 days enough for Madeira?
Three days is enough for Funchal, one sunrise at Pico do Areeiro and one major levada — but you will only see the south-central slice. Hire a car for at least one of the three days.
Is 5 days enough for Madeira?
Five days is the sweet spot for most first-time visitors. You get Funchal, two levadas, sunrise at Pico do Areeiro, the east peninsula and a full north-coast day with Porto Moniz.
Is 7 days too long for Madeira?
No. Seven days lets you add Porto Santo (day trip) and a slower second levada day, and gives you a weather buffer if a north-coast day gets rained out.
Do I need a car for a Madeira itinerary?
Yes for anything longer than 2 days. Buses run between major towns but not to the trailheads, viewpoints or the north-coast back roads. Compact petrol from €25-€45/day off-peak.
What is the best base for a Madeira road trip?
Funchal for first-timers (everything within 60 minutes' drive). Calheta if you want quiet, sun and a beach. Ponta do Sol or Jardim do Mar for digital nomads and surfers.
When should I visit Madeira?
April-June and September-October for the best balance of weather, prices and trail conditions. December-February for winter sun and the world-famous Funchal New Year's fireworks.