Madeira is one of those places that feels made for adventure. This Portuguese island is known for its dramatic mountain hikes, rugged coastline, charming towns, waterfalls, and natural swimming pools. Whether you want to hike above the clouds, road trip along cliffside roads, or relax by the ocean, Madeira has a little bit of everything.
In this guide, I’m breaking down everything you need to know to plan the perfect trip to Madeira, Portugal. So read on to plan your epic vacation!
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Mel’s Note: As many of you know, I traveled to the Azores a few years ago, and they are probably one of my favorite places I have ever been. So when I had the opportunity to visit Madeira, I was ecstatic. If you are torn between visiting the Azores or Madeira, they’re both truly incredible, so you honestly can’t go wrong!
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU VISIT MADEIRA
Best Time to Visit Madeira
The best time to visit Madeira is generally April to June or September to October. These months give you a nice mix of comfortable weather, fewer crowds, lush scenery, and great hiking conditions. Madeira has a mild climate year-round, with average temperatures around 59°F in winter to 77°F in summer, so there really isn’t a bad time to go.
For hiking, I’d choose April–June for spring blooms and greener landscapes, or September to October for warmer weather with fewer crowds. For swimming, volcanic pools, and beach weather, July to September is best since the ocean is warmest around late summer into early fall. Sea temperatures are coolest around February to April and warmest around September.
I’d say September or October is the sweet spot. The water is still warm, great for hiking and swimming, but not as crowded as peak summer.
How Many Days Do You Need in Madeira?
I explored Madeira for 10 days, and for me, that was the perfect amount of time to truly see the island. Madeira may not be huge, but there are so many different pockets to explore!
If you are an avid hiker and want to do most of the main hikes, I recommend 7 to 10 days. If you are visiting for only a few hikes, sightseeing, and a more relaxed trip, 5 to 7 days is a great amount of time. You can do Madeira in less, but this is definitely an island where more time means more hidden gems.
Where to Stay in Madeira?
Choosing where to stay in Madeira really depends on the kind of trip you want. The island is not huge, but the roads can be winding, and each area has a totally different feel. I personally recommend choosing a base that matches your travel style, or splitting your stay in two different areas if you have more than a week.
Funchal
If you like a busier downtown area with lots of restaurants, shops, bars, and easy access to tours, then stay in Funchal. This is the most convenient place to base yourself to explore the island easily.
Funchal is great for travelers who want to be close to the action, have plenty of dining options, and enjoy walking around in the evenings. It is also a good option if you do not plan on renting a car for your entire trip.
Top Hotels in Funchal
Câmara de Lobos
This is where I stayed, and I absolutely loved it. Câmara de Lobos felt like the perfect mix of peaceful and convenient. It is close to many of Madeira’s main attractions, but still far enough away from the busyness of Funchal.
The town has a beautiful bay, cute restaurants, little shops, and a more local, charming feel. I loved that it felt relaxing, but there were still plenty of places to eat and wander around. If you want something scenic, charming, and not too hectic, Câmara de Lobos is one of the best places to stay in Madeira.
Top Hotels in Câmara de Lobos
Ponta do Sol or Jardim do Mar
If you want something quieter, more romantic, and tucked away, stay in Ponta do Sol or Jardim do Mar. These areas are perfect if you want to slow down, enjoy ocean views, and fall asleep to the sound of waves at night.
Top Hotels in Ponta do Sol or Jardim do Mar
Porto Moniz
If you are staying in Madeira for more than 7 days, I recommend spending 2 to 3 nights in Porto Moniz. It is located on the northwest side of the island and is a great base for exploring the natural pools, waterfalls, lush forests, and the more rugged side of Madeira.
Because it is farther from Funchal and the south coast, I would not choose Porto Moniz as your only base for a first trip. But as a second stop, it is perfect if you want to experience a quieter and more dramatic side of the island.
Top Hotels in Porto Moniz
My Recommendation
For most travelers, I would stay in Funchal or Câmara de Lobos as your main base. If you have more than a week, split your stay and add a few nights in Porto Moniz or Seixal for a slower, more scenic experience.
Do You Need a Rental Car to Explore Madeira?
Yes! I highly recommend renting a car in Madeira. There is so much to explore around the island, and you would really be doing yourself a disservice by not having the freedom to stop wherever you want. Some of the best viewpoints, hikes, coastal towns, waterfalls, and hidden gems are much easier to reach with your own car.
I always book through DiscoverCars because they have some of the best deals and really great customer service. Having a rental car made it so much easier to explore Madeira at my own pace, especially when driving to hikes, random viewpoints, and smaller towns outside of Funchal.
That being said, you can still visit Madeira without renting a car. If you stay in Funchal, you can book guided day trips and tours to see different parts of the island. There is also public transportation, but it can be limiting depending on where you want to go and how much you want to see.
My honest recommendation? If you feel comfortable driving, rent the car. Madeira is made for exploring, and having your own transportation gives you way more flexibility to experience the island fully.
IMPORTANT: How to Book Hikes in Madeira
Before you start planning your Madeira hiking days, it is important to know that most popular trails now require advance booking. Typically when they are labeled as “PR”.
Reserve your trail access through the official SIMplifica Madeira website. When booking, you will choose your hike, select an available time slot, and pay the required trail fee online.
I highly recommend booking the most popular hikes ahead of time. This is especially true for trails like PR1 Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo, PR6 Levada das 25 Fontes, and PR8 Ponta de São Lourenço. These are some of the most famous hikes in Madeira and can fill up during busy travel months.
The tricky part is the weather. Madeira’s mountain weather can change quickly, but permits can sell out. Because of this, it is not always realistic to wait and check the forecast before booking.
Unless you are visiting during the slower season and tickets are still available, you will most likely need to book ahead and hope for the best weather-wise.
Another helpful website to check is Visit Madeira. This is a great place to find the most up-to-date information on each hike. Trails in Madeira can close for different reasons, including poor weather, landslides, maintenance, or unsafe trail conditions.
Madeira Map
This itinerary is organized by areas that match my GoogleMaps pins, making it super easy to plan your days and add or remove days as needed. One thing to note is that Madeira’s weather is fast-changing, so I highly recommend staying flexible and switching days around as needed.
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Welcome to Madeira! Funchal (Area One – Blue Pins)
Funchal is the perfect place to kick off your Madeira trip. It has colorful streets, ocean views, great food, gardens, markets, and just enough city energy without feeling overwhelming.
Start your day by taking the cable car up to Monte. The views over Funchal and the coastline are unreal. Once you reach the top, head straight to Monte Palace Gardens.
After the gardens, you can try Madeira’s famous wicker basket sled ride. Is it touristy? Absolutely. Is it still kind of iconic? Also yes. It is one of those classic Madeira things that is worth doing once.
Once you are back in town, wander through Rua de Santa Maria, one of Funchal’s most colorful streets. You will find painted doors, restaurants, bars, shops, and a fun little buzz that makes it a great place to explore during the day or come back to at night.
Next, stop by the Funchal Market for tropical fruit, flowers, seafood, Madeira wine, and local goodies. Even if you are just browsing, it is worth a quick visit for the atmosphere. Just make sure to check the hours before you go. Hours and dates can be found here.
A few other easy stops to add to your Funchal day are the Funchal Cathedral and São João de Pico Fortress for pretty city views.
And if you love food, book a food or wine tour early in your trip. It is one of the easiest ways to try local dishes, sip Madeira wine, and learn what you should actually be ordering for the rest of your stay.
- Taste Funchal: food, wine & cultural tour
- Eating Madeira! Wine & Food Tour in Funchal
- Madeira Walking Food Tour
Welcome Hike, Porto da Cruz + Santana (Area Two – Black Pins)
Start your day with the PR11 Levada dos Balcões hike. This is one of the easiest hikes in Madeira, but the views are still incredible. The trail is short, peaceful, and leads to a beautiful viewpoint overlooking the mountains.
After your hike, you can make a quick stop at Ponte da Ribeira da Metade before heading toward the coast. This area is lush, green, and gives you that classic Madeira mountain scenery.
Next, visit Porto da Cruz, a small coastal town known for its rugged ocean views and relaxed feel. This is a great place to slow down, walk by the water, and enjoy lunch. I recommend stopping at A Pipa Restaurant & Bar for a casual meal in town.
After lunch, spend the afternoon visiting some of the most spectacular viewpoints in this area. Miradouro do Guindaste offers beautiful coastal views, but Miradouro da Rocha do Navio may have been one of my favorites. The cliffs, ocean, and dramatic waterfall here are seriously unreal.
From there, head toward Santana to see the famous Santana Traditional Houses. These colorful A-frame homes are one of Madeira’s most recognizable sights. They are a fun and easy stop, especially if you want to learn more about the island’s history and traditional architecture.
If you really want to hike more, check out PR9 Levada do Caldeirão Verde. This is a much longer hike, so plan accordingly.
Eastern Madeira + PR8 Hike (Area Three – Purple Pins)
This area of Madeira is all about rugged coastal scenery, ocean views, and one of the island’s most unique hikes.
Start your morning with the PR8 Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço hike, located on the eastern tip of Madeira. Unlike the lush green levada hikes found throughout the island, PR8 has a much drier, more dramatic landscape with volcanic cliffs, rocky coastline, and wide-open ocean views almost the entire way.
There is very little shade on this trail, so I recommend starting early, bringing plenty of water, and reserving your hiking ticket in advance. The trail can get hot quickly, especially on sunny days.
Near the end of the hike, you can stop at Casa do Sardinha for a snack, drink, or light lunch before heading back. As you get closer to Casa do Sardinha, you may come across someone selling boat tickets for the ride back toward the parking area. This is a fun option if you want to skip hiking the trail back. We decided to do it, and it was such a great way to end the hike and cool off. Plus, I was honestly not mad about avoiding the walk back!
After the hike, head to Machico, one of Madeira’s oldest towns, for a slower afternoon by the coast. Wander through the town, walk along the waterfront, and enjoy lunch at O Gala, a great spot to refuel after a morning on the trail.
PR1 Hike: Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo (Area Four – Green Pins)
The PR1 hike from Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo is one of the most famous hikes in Madeira, and it is absolutely worth adding to your itinerary. This trail takes you through dramatic mountain views, steep stairs, tunnels, narrow paths, and some of the highest peaks on the island.
PR1 is considered moderate to difficult, with lots of elevation change and some exposed sections. If you are afraid of heights, parts of this hike may feel intense, but SO worth it.
The only way to do this hike now is one-way, starting at Pico do Areeiro and hiking toward Pico Ruivo, the highest point in Madeira. From there, hikers continue down to Achada do Teixeira, where you can prebook transportation back to the Pico Do Areeiro starting point.
IMPORTANT: You need to book your PR1 hiking permit in advance through the SIMplifica Madeira portal. Since permits can sell out, especially during busy months, it is not always realistic to wait and check the weather before booking. Unless you are visiting during the slower season and tickets are still available, you will most likely need to book ahead and hope for the best weather-wise.
Because this hike is one-way, I recommend booking a shuttle transfer in advance so you do not have to worry about getting back to your car. You can also book organized hiking tours if you do not want to deal with the logistics, parking, or transportation.
What to bring: hiking shoes, layers, rain jacket, water, snacks, headlamp or flashlight, sunscreen, offline map, and your hiking permit confirmation.
Madeira’s South Coast (Area Five – Maroon Pins)
Madeira’s south coast is one of the sunniest areas of the island and is perfect for a relaxed day of coastal towns, viewpoints, waterfalls, swimming spots, and an optional levada hike.
Start or finish your day in Porto de Câmara de Lobos if you are not already staying nearby. This colorful fishing village is one of Madeira’s most charming towns and became famous after Winston Churchill painted here during his visit to the island. The waterfront is lined with fishing boats, restaurants, and bars, making it a great place to wander, grab lunch, or stop for a drink. If you end your day here, Pier One Grill Terrace is a great spot for sunset and dinner.
From there, head to Cabo Girão Skywalk, one of the highest sea cliffs in Europe. The glass platform looks straight down over the cliffs and ocean below, and tickets can easily be purchased onsite.
Continue along the coast toward Ponta do Sol, one of the sunniest towns in Madeira. This small coastal town has a laid-back feel and is a great place to slow down, walk by the ocean, or grab a coffee.
One of the most iconic roadside stops in this area is the Waterfall of the Angels, where water flows directly over the road. It is a quick stop, but definitely one of those classic Madeira photo spots.
Levada Nova + Levada do Moinho Loop
If you want to add a hike to this day, I highly recommend the Levada Nova + Levada do Moinho loop. This was actually my favorite hike I did in Madeira. The views are incredible, and I recommend doing the full loop if you have time. This hike does not currently require a permit, but I still recommend using AllTrails because some parts of the trail are not clearly marked.
For more views, stop at Miradouro da Terra Grande and nearby lookout points along the way. Afterward, try poncha, Madeira’s popular rum-based drink, at Poncha Tavern.
If time permits, end your day cooling off at Doca do Cavacas Natural Pools, an oceanfront swimming spot with beautiful coastal views. (These were closed when I visited.)
Western Madeira + PR6 Hike (Area Six – Yellow Pins)
This area of Madeira is perfect for a slower day exploring coastal towns, adding in a waterfall hike, and ending with sunset drinks.
Start your morning by visiting some of Madeira’s quieter coastal towns, such as Jardim do Mar. This quaint little village was one of my favorite places to wander. Take your time walking through the small streets and along the oceanfront boardwalk. It has a peaceful, local feel and is a great spot to slow down and enjoy the coast.
If you are looking to add a hike to this day, plan to do the PR6 Levada das 25 Fontes hike. This is one of Madeira’s most popular levada hikes and takes you through lush forest scenery to a beautiful waterfall area. You do need to book your hiking pass in advance, so make sure to reserve it before your visit.
After the hike, stop for lunch at Calheta Green before continuing your day along the west coast.
End your day with sunset drinks at Pukiki Cocktail Bar. It is a fun and unique spot to grab a cocktail and enjoy one of Madeira’s beautiful west coast sunsets.
Northern Madeira (Area – Seven Orange Pins)
Northern Madeira feels completely different from the sunnier south coast.
This side of the island is greener, moodier, and more dramatic. You will find waterfalls, cliffs, forests, volcanic pools, and incredible ocean views.
Start your day at Miradouro da Garganta Funda. This viewpoint overlooks one of Madeira’s most impressive waterfalls. It is a quick stop, but the views are worth it.
Next, head to Teleférico das Achadas da Cruz. This cable car takes you down a steep cliffside toward the ocean. The ride is short, scenic, and unforgettable.
Afterward, make your way toward Porto Moniz. On the way, stop at Bar 101 for lunch. This is a great casual stop for a burger.
If you are feeling adventurous, add Adrenaline X-Treme Adventures to your day. This is a fun option for travelers who want something more wild.
You can also visit Fanal Forest, one of Madeira’s most magical landscapes. This ancient forest is known for its twisted trees and foggy atmosphere. This is the one place you actually want the fog (we didn’t)!
As you explore, stop at Miradouro Ilhéus da Ribeira da Janela. This viewpoint has beautiful views of Madeira’s dramatic coastal rock formations.
End your day in Porto Moniz. This town is famous for its volcanic natural swimming pools. Spend the afternoon soaking in the pools and relaxing by the ocean. Then, stay for sunset along the coast.
For dinner, book Portus Villa. This was the best meal I had in Madeira!
If you are visiting Madeira for more than 7 days, stay 2 to 3 nights in Porto Moniz or nearby Seixal Beach. This gives you more time to explore the orange and brown pins.
São Vicente + Seixal (Area Eight – Brown Pins)
This area of northern Madeira is perfect for a slower day filled with coastal views, wine, charming towns, and black sand beaches.
Start your day exploring São Vicente, a small town surrounded by lush green mountains and dramatic cliffs. It is a great place to wander, grab coffee, and see a quieter side of Madeira.
One of the prettiest stops in this area is Capelinha de Nossa Senhora de Fátima. This small chapel sits above São Vicente and offers one of the most beautiful church viewpoints on the island.
Afterward, head to Quinta do Barbusano Winery for Madeira wine with a view. You can pre-book a tasting, or simply walk in and enjoy a glass or bottle. The setting is gorgeous and makes this such a fun stop between sightseeing.
If you are not completely hiked out, this area also has great trail options. Check out PR16 Levada Fajã do Rodrigues or PR17 Pináculo e Folhadal for a more adventurous afternoon.
Then, make your way to Seixal, one of the most scenic beach towns in Madeira. Seixal is famous for its black sand beach, dramatic cliffs, and moody northern coastline.
Spend the afternoon at the famous black sand beach, Praia do Porto do Seixal. You can also soak in the Seixal Natural Pools. You can also add nearby viewpoints like Miradouro do Véu da Noiva, Miradouro de São Cristóvão, or Miradouro Ilhéus da Ribeira da Janela if you want more coastal views.
Other Things to Do in Madeira
If you have extra time in Madeira, there are a few other activities worth adding to your itinerary. These are great options if you want a break from hiking or want to experience the island from a different perspective.
Go Whale or Dolphin Watching
Madeira is an amazing place for whale and dolphin watching because the island is surrounded by deep Atlantic waters. Many tours leave from Funchal, but you can also find boat trips from areas like Calheta and Machico.
This is a great activity if you want to see Madeira from the water. You get beautiful coastline views, a relaxing boat ride, and the chance to spot dolphins, whales, turtles, or other marine life.
Most tours last a few hours, making this an easy activity to fit into your itinerary. I would book this early in your trip in case weather or sea conditions require you to reschedule.
Take a Day Trip to Porto Santo Island
If you want a totally different island experience, consider taking a day trip to Porto Santo Island. While Madeira is known for dramatic cliffs and lush mountains, Porto Santo is famous for its long golden sand beach and calmer, beachy feel.
The easiest way to get there is by taking the Porto Santo Line ferry from Funchal. The ferry ride takes about 2.5 hours each way, so this is definitely a full-day trip. Porto Santo Line also offers one-day cruise options, which can make planning easier.
Once you arrive, spend your day relaxing on the beach, walking around Vila Baleira, grabbing lunch, or renting bikes to explore more of the island.
You can also fly from Madeira to Porto Santo, but for most travelers, the ferry is the easiest and most scenic option.
If you have more than a week in Madeira, Porto Santo is a fun add-on. It gives you a completely different vibe from the main island and is perfect for a hotter beach day.
Final Thoughts on Visiting Madeira
If this blog helped you, my Done-for-You Madeira Digital Itinerary makes it even easier. It turns all the best stops, hikes, viewpoints, restaurants, and routes into a simple day-by-day plan you can follow on your trip.
Madeira is one of those destinations that truly has a little bit of everything. You can hike above the clouds, swim in volcanic pools, explore quiet coastal towns, and road trip through some of the most dramatic scenery in Europe.
This itinerary is meant to be flexible, so you can easily switch the days around based on your schedule, weather, hiking permits, and travel style. If you only have a few days, pick the areas that excite you most. If you have more time, slow it down and enjoy each part of the island without rushing.
If you are staying in Madeira for more than 7 days, I highly recommend splitting your stay between different areas of the island. This gives you a better feel for Madeira and makes it easier to explore the north, west, and east sides.
I hope this blog post helps you plan the perfect trip to Madeira and inspires you to add these insane islands to your travel list! If you use this itinerary, tag me on Instagram @Mels_Scene, and I will happily share your trip on my stories.
If you need any help planning or have any questions, please comment below or message me on my contact page! I would love to hear how your trip went, too.
Which hike, town, or area of Madeira surprised you the most?
