Last Updated on 20/03/2024
The Portuguese island of Madeira is a tropical paradise, often referred to as the Hawaii of Europe; there are so many things to do to experience nature and the beauty of the island, whether you are looking to spend a long weekend or a week in Madeira.
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Disclaimer: My trip to Madeira was part of a press trip with Jet2 & Visit Madeira, who tailored this Madeira itinerary with many of the businesses featured. However, as always, my honest opinions are contained in this post. Thanks for supporting my content!
Whilst places like New Zealand, Costa Rica and Hawaii are most definitely on my ultimate bucket list of destinations I want to visit, Madeira is a holiday destination with lush green landscapes and magnificent waterfalls that are practically on your doorstep if you live in Europe (and if you don’t, guaranteed you will still want to visit!)
One of the best things about visiting Madeira is that it can be reached in under 4 hours from the U.K with regular Jet2 flights to Madeira and, the island can also be reached in around 2 hours flight from many other European countries.
Visited Portugal before? Trust me, Madeira is unlike other places I have visited in Portugal. Whilst there’s no denying Madeira is popular with older generations and is a frequented cruise trip location, it’s somewhat of a hidden gem to younger explorers who crave the adventure activities Madeira has to offer.
This Madeira travel blog itinerary showcases the best things to do in Madeira in 7 days (map included), from hidden waterfalls, jeep off-roading experiences to the best-loved attractions in Madeira. If you’re hoping to explore the best of Madeira without a car then this is the Madeira travel blog itinerary for you!
Somewhere on your hit list? Click the menu below to jump to a section in the blog using the Contents Quick Links:
Planning a 7 Days in Madeira Itinerary
Before visiting Madeira, it’s worth sussing out what you want to do and see to plan your 7 days in Madeira itinerary, as you are spoilt for choice for activities to fill your days.
Madeira is a charming and diverse island with plenty to offer whether you are looking to book a package holiday to Madeira, seeking a local foodie filled holiday or want to experience more adventurous activities in Madeira. How you tailor your itinerary is completely up to you, but below you will find some of my favourites from my own trip to Madeira, which can be used to tailor your own Madeira itinerary.
Madeira 7 Day itinerary
Madeira Itinerary – Day 1
For your first day in Madeira, I’ve planned a relaxing day to enable you to check in to your Madeira hotel and familiarise yourself with your surroundings.
Where to stay in Madeira for a first-time visit
If you’re wondering where to stay in Madeira without a car to ensure you still see the best of Madeira’s attractions; your best bet is in Funchal. Funchal Madeira’s capital is the best place to stay in Madeira to be central to many of the city’s activities and tours, particularly for those visiting Madeira for the first time.
There are plenty of options when it comes to Jet2 holidays to Funchal Madeira, with 5/4 star hotels in Funchal with rooftop pools, sea views and lidos, as well as top-rated restaurants.
Hotel Next Savoy Signature Funchal Madeira
The NEXT hotel is part of the Savoy Signature brand and offers guests individual rooms that vary by design, size and accommodation preferences. This brand new 4-star hotel in Funchal is in the heart of the city’s waterfront area and is within easy walking distance to all of Funchal’s attractions and tourist activities.
My ocean view room at Next Hotel reminded me of my stay at Copenhagen’s Ottilla Hotel with chic Scandinavian finishes, such as the exposed lightbulbs, wardrobe and bathroom areas with rattan detailed side tables.
Externally, Next Hotel has a rooftop pool with a retro Malibu striped bar area, which is the perfect place to grab a cocktail and soak up the sunshine with sea views over Madeira’s harbour and the city beyond.
Alternatively, head down to the first floor of the hotel and walk across the bridge to The Recharge Bar, which as the name suggests is the perfect pit stop after flying into Madeira’s Funchal airport.
Recharge Bar also offers al fresco dining into the evening (don’t miss seeing the food shared further in this post), overlooking the pool with its pretty pinstriped umbrellas. It’s also possible to swim in the Next Hotel sea lido to enjoy a dip in the sea whilst still on-site at the hotel premises.
The Next Hotel Spa offers the perfect post-flight relaxation with a number of treatments available to get you out of flight and into zen mode. Alternatively, head to the gym for a good stretch.
Needless to say, I was delighted with the room and facilities included in my stay at Next at Savoy Signature with Jet2holidays.
Want to find out more – Read my Next Hotel Review post!
Maritime History Funchal Harbour Madeira
If you’re looking to stretch your legs and get familiar with your surroundings, Funchal Harbour is a good spot to head to see the huge cruise ships docking the harbour. You won’t believe the size of them when you see them!
If you want to try out beginner paddle-boarding or kayaking, it is possible to have a try here too, which is something you may want to consider if your Madeira itinerary allows. Seeing the paddleboarders made me excited for my upcoming beach break in Cornwall and Pembrokeshire Wales, as I always take my paddleboard along with me!
Cristiano Ronaldo in Madeira
Whilst you are more likely to find Cristiano Ronaldo in Manchester UK than in Madeira at the moment (which reminds me, Manchester has been on my UK bucket list for too long), it could be said that it’s no trip to Madeira without getting a photo of Madeira’s most famous resident!
Ronaldo is hot property in Madeira and you won’t have to venture far to get a picture with Madeira’s famous sports star!
Ronaldo Statue Funchal Harbour
The full-size Ronaldo statue at Funchal Harbour is a popular Madeira photo spot with tourists, and it’s not hard to work out which aspects of the statue are photo favourites…
As you may have read on my About Me Page, for me it’s all about Becks, and I’d say Ronaldo is no Goldenballs, but as you can see from the picture above…
The Ronaldo Statue is positioned in front of the CR7 Museum, which is managed by Ronaldo’s brother and showcases Ronaldo’s trophies and numerous sporting triumphs.
The family live nearby in the grey contemporary apartment building located on the same road as The Next Hotel and you will certainly see the Santo Antonio Church located in the village the football star grew up whilst driving in Madeira.
Bordalo in Madeira Harbour
Ronaldo aside, It’s no visit to Madeira or even Portugal without seeing one of Bordalo’s street art creations.
Bordalo is a Portuguese street artist who collects trash, waste and other disused items to create animal street art; literally turning one man’s trash into another man’s treasure.
I adored seeing Bordalo’s artworks in both Porto and Lisbon, and even on my Miami city break! My favourite has to be the rabbit street art in Porto.
Bordalo’s Madeira artwork is located in Funchal Harbour and is very appropriately designed as a fish. There is also another iconic Bordalo artwork located in Câmara de Lobos, which you may want to see if you love Bordalo’s street art as much as I do!
Nini Design Center Funchal Harbour
Forged into the rock of the port of Funchal, The Design Centre depicts the history of Madeira through the artistic work of artist Nini Andrade Silva. The small museum tells the story of how the island has developed over the years, the culture and the people of Madeira, as well as the area’s long maritime history.
From a visitor’s perspective, it can be a little baffling to ascertain the meanings behind the artwork in the museum, therefore it’s best to speak with those who work in the Design Center to talk you through the individual artworks. Artistic work aside, The Design Center is a popular place to dine for an a la carte restaurant experience, whilst enjoying the views over Funchal harbour. DC Atelier Restaurant is located on the first floor of The Design Center, and has a menu that takes on a creative interpretation of traditional Madeiran dishes; as you can see from the beautiful presentation of the dishes I enjoyed below:
Dinner at DC Atelier Restaurant at The Design Center is priced at the upper end of the price range but offers diners a more exclusive dining experience over Funchal Harbour.
Enjoy a Madeira Sunset Cruise with Onda Solar Tours
A sunset boat tour is a perfect way to finish off a day in Madeira and is a particularly relaxing way to end your first day in Madeira.
Onda Solar Tours operates Madeira’s only solar-powered ocean boat, and it is not only kinder to the environment, but being solar-powered, it’s so quiet; meaning you can sit back and relax listening to the ocean waves lulling the boat along, rather than a noisy engine!
Onda Solar Tours takes visitors on a private boat tour around the Madeira coastline, enabling guests aboard to see the island from a different perspective, as well as witness the best sunset views of Madeira by boat. You may even be lucky and see dolphins swimming, which often happens on their tours from what I have seen on Instagram.
Our Onda Solar Sunset Tour embarked from Calheta Marina, located on the Southwest coast of the island and is a place Madeirans say is where the sun is always shining! Famous for its black sand beaches and dramatic cliffs, there are also plenty of scenic spots on the drive down to Calheta.
If your Madeira itinerary allows, why not also check out the pretty town of Calheta and Praia da Calheta Beach, which due to Madeira’s volcanic landscape is one of the only sandy beaches in Madeira with sand imported from North Africa.
Alternatively, you have the option to visit Jardim do Mar, Ponto do Sol or Paul do Mar on your sunset boat tour (the latter is featured further on in this post to give you more flexibility to plan your own Madeira 7 day itinerary!)
Sit back and soak up those Madeiran sunset views, with a Madeiran wine cocktail in your hand (of course!) The team can also provide some light snacks such as a platter of meat and cheeses upon request (which may incur additional costs on booking). Our guide Mario proudly presented his grandmother’s homemade fig jam, which tasted delicious and added some homemade Madeiran tradition to our tour – thanks Mario’s grandmother if you’re reading this!
An Onda Solar Sunset Tour is a great way to relax after a day of exploring and finding your feet in Madeira (even if like me, your sea legs fail you), and the views are simply stunning!
Madeira Itinerary Day 2
Exploring Funchal Madeira’s Capital
The second day of this Madeira itinerary is all about exploring Madeira’s capital Funchal and the best way to do this is with a Funchal walking tour!
Normally, I would recommend a free Madeira walking tour, however, the city has had a spate of unqualified tour guides cropping up, seemingly offering little facts or value to tourists. Therefore, in order to gain the best experience of Madeira, armed with all the best things to see and do along the way, I recommend booking a tour with Madeira Official Tourist Guides. Our guide Célia was incredible, I came away with so much knowledge of the city and as you can see from my Instagram Stories, Célia has a great sense of humour too (which adds to the fun of a city tour in my opinion!)
Traditional Madeira Cake and Sweet Treats in Funchal
Start your day with a visit to the Mercado dos Lavradores, a traditional farmers’ market located in the heart of Funchal. On the way to the market, why not stop off for a coffee at UauCacau and enjoy some chocolates too! Pssst, they have an award-winning passion fruit flavoured chocolate, but the peanut butter one tastes incredible too!
If your sweet tooth is geared more towards cakes and biscuits, then a visit to Fábrica Santo António is a must. Founded in 1893, Fábrica Santo António was the first producer of cakes and biscuits in the region, and today it’s a great stop for those who want to tuck into some traditional Madeira honey cake (which I must add, tastes nothing like the “Madeira cake” I’ve eaten in other places in the past!) The best part is, buying cake at Fábrica Santo António you have the option to package your cake in one of these beautiful traditional cake tins, which makes for the most perfect Madeira souvenir.
Mercado dos Lavradores – Madeira Food Market
Visiting the Mercado dos Lavradores early is a must as the fish market, in particular, sells out very quickly and getting there early enables a peek of all the fish specialities caught off the mainland of Madeira, such as black scabbard (with its eel-like appearance), tuna and codfish.
The flower and fruit stalls are beautiful – However, a word of warning – do not be coerced into buying fruit from the market as the cost is so high that native Madeirans buy from the fruit shop across from the market, rather than in the market itself. Whilst in other European countries it may be cheaper to buy from markets rather than shops, this is not the case for fruit in the markets of Madeira. Fruit is very expensive in Madeira as local farmers only have a few fruit trees, which whilst producing higher quality, come at a MUCH HIGHER price. In terms of traditional Madeiran fruit, small silver bananas are classified as the best Madeiran bananas and are also suitable for diabetics. Of course, how you choose to spend your money in Madeira is completely up to you, but if you do choose to buy fruit from the Madeira market, don’t be surprised if you’re landed with a hefty bill once the fruit is bagged and weighed. I would recommend checking the price beforehand.
Our press trip group enjoyed a Madeira fruit tasting experience up the stairs from the fish market in a fruit deli/wine shop area to try some of the fruit specialities on offer including:
- Brazilian pitanga cherry, which has a very sour taste
- Moralilio (known as English tomato) is used to make jam and jelly. Given the name due to its popularity with English settlers in Madeira.
- Passion fruit (purple made into a lacquer, orange made into a sweetener). It’s no trip to Madeira without trying a passion fruit Poncha (made with honey sugarcane, which I’ll cover later in this post!)
- Custard Apples (come from Spain) and have the most creamy vanilla flavour. Traditionally, Madeirans scoop the custard apple out and eat it like ice cream, which sounds great to me!
- Fruit of Paradise Cheese Plant! Without a doubt the most surprising fruit we tasted, I was baffled why my own cheese plant doesn’t produce the same high-quality fruit! But before I marched off to the garden centre requesting a refund, our guide Célia informed us that cheese plants do not produce fruit if the temperature is under 15oc, which let’s face it, is a fairly warm temperature for us in the U.K.
This top floor area is also a place where you can enjoy Madeira wine and traditional Madeira cake for around 4 euros, as well as Poncha, which also comes in a number of varieties.
From the market, wander through the colourful streets of Funchal, taking in the colonial architecture whilst admiring the blooming bougainvillaea and beautiful year-round African tulip trees adorning the city. The tulip trees reminded me of my favourite Choice tulips from Holland’s Keukenhof Tulip Gardens and are a pretty addition to the already beautiful city.
Explore Funchal Old Town (Zona Velha)
Funchal’s old town dates back to the 15th century and is a labyrinth of narrow streets, with a little chapel or plaza on nearly every corner.
Here you will also find an array of small bars and restaurants, and even the most unkeen eye will not fail to notice the beautifully painted doors that the old town has become known for over the past decade.
Admire The Painted Doors Rua de Santa Maria Funchal
Almost every doorway along Rua de Santa Maria is adorned with the most beautiful artwork, so much so that the street has been dubbed “The Street of Painted Doors.”
The painted doors project in Funchal’s old town began in 2010 and was curated by local artist José Maria Zyberchem and other artistic collaborators to turn Funchal’s old town into an outdoor artistic hub.
There’s something quite charming about walking the cobblestone streets of Funchal’s old town whilst admiring the pretty doorways.
Just when you think you’ve discovered the most beautiful door, you will discover more that capture your attention along the way, making this route quite literally a walking art gallery. Our Madeira Tour Guide, Célia, explained that as the popularity of the painted doors grew so did the artistic value, with it not being uncommon for painted doors to be sold on like traditional paintings.
Even The Duck House Funchal has its own aptly and very beautifully painted door, which I do not recall seeing when I visited the Brighton branch.
Lunch at Santa Maria Restaurant Funchal
Whilst admiring the many pretty painted doors of the old town in Funchal, don’t walk by and miss visiting Santa Maria Restaurant.
Whilst there are a good number of international restaurants in Funchal, one of the best ways to experience local cuisine is by eating out in one of the many restaurants serving traditional Madeiran food. Santa Maria Restaurant is a Funchal old town restaurant that combines both history and tasty traditional Madeiran food.
This restaurant, which has a hostel to the rear (a very nice one going by the website photos) was a former primary school, which coincidentally was attended by our guide Celia’s Mother.
The menu offers a variety of sushi, as well as Madeiran cuisine, including traditional dishes such as Bolo do caco (a flatbread), Espetada (meat skewers), and a variety of locally caught seafood, which provides the opportunity to try some of the fish specialities seen at the Madeira food market. Just don’t let the appearance of the fish you saw at the market deter you from choosing these in the restaurant!
I chose the confited codfish (as I was deterred by the eel-like appearance of the black scabbard), but had serious food envy when I saw some of the others being served the black scabbard (espada preto) fillet served with a banana and passion fruit sauce.
Though, you are guaranteed a delicious meal whatever you choose for your main (as you can see below):
Whilst it could be said we were too full for dessert, we weren’t quite ready for our fantastic food at Santa Maria to end.
We shared the dessert degustation (a trio of desserts from the dessert menu) and chose the passion fruit mousse, gin ice cream with lime and homemade tiramisu, which were all delicious.
Word of the wise – tuck into the gin ice cream early on as you may find yourself drinking a shot of gin! Though, not a bad way to end a meal on your Madeira holiday!
After a leisurely lunch and a little wander around the old town, it was time for our next activity.
Take the Monte Cable Car Funchal
If you weren’t distracted by Madeira’s multitude of painted doors, you may have noticed Monte (a mountain overlooking the city of Funchal). If you’re not feeling energetic enough to walk up to Monte village (I certainly wasn’t after that magnificent Madeiran meal), there is a cable car that will take you most of the way, and then you can enjoy a lovely walk through the gardens to the top.
Whilst I suppose I could have hiked…, the best way to see the breath-taking Madeira coastline is from the Monte cable car ride, which takes you almost 580 metres above sea level and, is where you will be rewarded with some of the most stunning panoramic views over Funchal and the Atlantic Ocean.
As you climb the mountain, the city of Funchal spreads out before you and the view is simply stunning.
I can’t wait to revisit and do the Monte cable car at sunset!
Monte cable car tickets cost 12.50 euros for a one-way ticket (you’ll be going down a different way so choose a one-way ticket). Though, it is possible to combine a ticket with the Monte gardens.
Monte Palace Tropical Gardens
If you’ve longed to visit the palace gardens in Funchal, a trip up to Monte is a great opportunity to visit these as well.
Monte Tropical Gardens are part of the Monte Palace and are home to over 2,000 different plant species. There are also several walking trails for visitors to explore, as well as a restaurant and gift shop. Another pretty place to visit inside the gardens is the mineral collection entitled ‘Mother Nature’s Secrets’, which has an extensive collection of sparkling crystals and unique rock formations to browse.
This indoor exhibition is also a welcome escape from the rain if the heavens open!
Inspiration for the gardens comes in a variety of forms, with traditional Portuguese tiles imported from the tile museum in Lisbon, Asian inspired walkways and pagodas, decorative statues from Zimbabwe, and after all my time visiting cities Rotterdam, The Hague, Eindhoven and Den Bosch, I quickly pointed out a statue in Mondrian’s famous colours and design!
The views from the top of the Monte Palace gardens down to Funchal and the sea beyond are particularly breathtaking.
The waterfall and oriental walkways provide the most ideal Madeira photo spots, and our group thoroughly enjoyed capturing each other whilst browsing the gardens.
The Monte Palace Tropical Gardens were a real highlight for me and are somewhere I could have spent hours pottering around the vast gardens, with a huge number of koi carp, as well as, different plants and trees to see from all over the world.
Before you head back to the cable car, there’s another fun way to reach Funchal…
Jump aboard the Madeira Toboggan Ride!
Another highlight and a definite must-do during a week in Madeira is the Madeira sledge ride!
I must admit, I had seen pictures and videos of this wicker sledge ride online and being the wimp that I am, I wasn’t sure if I would chicken out! But, I am so glad I didn’t! After all, I had already conquered the bucket lifts of Lake Maggiore during my time in Italy, so the Madeira sledge would be no problem!
The Madeira toboggan ride is a popular activity among locals and tourists alike, and it’s a great way to experience the beauty of Madeira because you get to see a great view of the island (albeit, rather fast-paced at speeds of up to 38km per hour) from the comfort of sledge ride seat!
A sledge ride down to Livramento is over 2km and is great fun for all the family, whatever your age. My friend Anna and I were certainly giggling all the way down to Livramento!
Operated by Carreiros do Monte, the Monte toboggan wicker sledges have been transporting locals and tourists for over 100 years. In fact, these sledges were the first transportation in Portugal in the 19th Century and were used as a faster means to transport aristocratic members of society to Funchal below.
These days, they have quickly become one of the most popular tourist attractions in Madeira and I can see why!
Hats off to the carreiros (sledge drivers) who push, stop and manoeuvre the wicker sledges using only ropes and their rubber-soled boots to transport countless tourists down to Livramento – I had asked whether it was possible for them to cart me all the way back up there as I enjoyed it so much…but alas, I must do this sledge ride again on a return holiday to Madeira!
Don’t miss out on enjoying this thrilling Madeira toboggan ride down to Livramento, it certainly is one of the best things to do in Madeira!
The Madeira sledge ride costs 25 euros for 1 person, 30 euros for 2 people, 45 euros for 3 people and is free for under 5’s.
Note – the sledge takes you to Livramento and it takes around 15 minutes to walk back down the hill to Funchal.
Enjoy Madeira Wine Tasting at Blandy’s Wine Lodge
After an exhilarating Madeiran sledge ride, I’m sure you’ve worked up the thirst for a drink!
With that in mind, why not end your day with a wine tasting at Madeira’s oldest wine producer, Blandy’s.
The best place to try different varieties of Madeira wine is at the Madeira Wine Museum located in Blandy’s Wine Lodge, which is positioned between the old town and Funchal harbour, making it the perfect pitstop and place to unwind after the infamous sledge ride.
Blandy’s Wine Lodge is a restored 17th-century wine lodge, and was once a monastery, hospital and prison! A visit here offers the opportunity to sample some of Madeira’s finest wines.
Madeira wine is (you’ve guessed it, from Madeira) and became the first fortified wine in the world after wine-makers discovered the wine garnered a much more aromatic and flavourful taste after being transported at varying temperatures on long sea voyages.
The wine tasting experience starts with a tour of the wine lodge and history of Blandy’s Wine Company, from the wine pressing stage, heating stage to fortify the wine and improve its taste, to the development of the wine over time, which must remain in barrels for a minimum period of 3 years (20 years for vintage Madeira wine!)
The ideal temperature for Madeira wine is 18-22oc and once uncorked can still taste impeccable for at least a year.
The tour takes you through Blandy’s wine lodge, where you can view vats that hold up to 9,000 litres of wine and then end the tour by tasting Blandy’s award-winning wines.
Celia, our guide, explained that Madeirans store their wine in crystal decanters when having guests over and will serve the medium-dry Madeira wine (golden colour produced over 5 years) first, with a selection of cheeses and, the sweet Madeira wine (dark colour) with strawberries or chocolate.
All I need to do now is find a native Madeiran willing to invite me over…!
Run out of room in your suitcase? The best part is you can pay for your Blandy’s wine at the wine lodge and pick it up in the airport shop once you’ve passed through departures so you can take your wine on the flight as duty-free! Great, if you’re like me and already crammed way too much in your airline cabin bag!
Madeira Itinerary Day 3
Day 3 of our Madeira one week itinerary (and quite possibly day 4) is all about exploring Madeira’s best views and outdoor activities.
Hopefully, you’re ready to get exploring and don’t have a sore head from all the Blandy’s Madeira wine!
Madeira Adventure Activities
Regardless of whether you are an adrenaline junkie or prefer your travels at a slower pace; to truly experience the best of Madeira you need to check out Madeira’s adventure activities and beautiful outdoor spaces.
There’s a Madeira travel itinerary to suit everyone, whether you want to try:
- canyoning in Madeira
- coasteering
- mountain biking
- hike levadas
- kayak and snorkel tour
- scuba diving
- Find Madeira’s waterfalls.
Pick an adventure to suit your own Madeira itinerary – just promise me you won’t spend all your time in the city!
Madeira Sunrise Jeep Tour with Madeira Mountain Expeditions
There’s no better way to start the day than a sunrise jeep safari tour in Madeira. Particularly, when the tour guide is armed full of warm blankets, has a big smile and has breakfast in tow, so all you need to do is sit back and enjoy the ride!
I’m certainly no morning person, and if you gave me a choice between seeing sunrise or sunset, I’d probably choose sunset every time. But, I must say, there is something quite special about seeing the sun creep out of its nighttime slumber, as you’re circling higher along the winding streets of Madeira’s mountains looking down on the city lights below.
It was 6 am and our group were on route to check out one of Madeira’s most popular viewpoints, Pico do Arieiro, an impressive 1818 metre high mountain and the 3rd highest peak on the island of Madeira.
I’d had high hopes for seeing the breathtaking views from Pico do Arieiro from seeing pictures of Madeira on Instagram, which literally shows the view from this point above the clouds, something that’s always baffled me! How is it that you can climb so high on the mountains in Madeira that you are looking down on the clouds…?!! Mind-blowing!
But alas, sadly, I would have to wait for another time to enjoy this Madeira Instagram spot as the elements were not on our side (following the snow in Madeira from the previous week, which was still evident as we climbed higher up the mountain by jeep) and the fog was too dense for us to adequately see the view from the top.
As it was just after 6 am in the morning, part of me had a glimmer of hope that this may give cause for me to roll back into bed (as you can probably tell, I try and find the positives from every situation I come across), but I was equally pleased that all was not lost with the jeep tour.
Our Madeira Mountain Expedition guide Ricardo looked out on the horizon, checked the weather and knew exactly where to take us to see other spectacular viewpoints in Madeira, which was something he navigated so quickly we waved to other tours still on route to the peak as we descended below.
A short drive later, Ricardo pinpointed a secluded viewpoint where we could watch the sunrise as we tucked into our breakfast selection of fruit granola prepared for us by Vantastic Food Truck. Food filled and slightly more alert, we embarked on a series of delightful viewpoints and it was at this point the off-roading adventure really began!
We diverted off the main road onto a muddy track, when Ricardo swiftly manoeuvred into 4-wheel drive, just as I was thinking “it’s gonna be a bumpy ride…!” Are you with me, Harry Potter fans?!!
I’d always wanted to try jeep off-roading and the tour enabled us to check out the skills of the drivers, whilst enjoying the Madeira viewpoints.
Tyres covered in mud and a lot of giggles along the way, we then drove back onto some normal roads to get to our next stop. Though, we didn’t get too far along the route without Ricardo pointing out some of Madeira’s habitat (with pit stops to sniff samples of mint and eucalyptus) as well as admiring the beautiful flowers of Madeira, including the wild Arum Lily pictured below:
Not long after, we arrived at a stunning viewing point on a cliff edge and scrambled out of the jeep to admire the sights and views below. Some of the jeeps also enable you to stand and poke your head out along the drive to experience the epic views from the roof of the jeep!
Views aside, the real highlight for me was listening to Ricardo’s stories along the way as he talked animatedly about the damsels in distress he’d rescued over the years and his former pet goat named Raul, who we all came to know and love from his tales during the excursion.
In fact, Ricardo’s passion for his role, and the many viewpoints in Madeira, including the natural habitat around the island was something that stuck with all of us on the trip and made for such a memorable day that it didn’t matter that the weather wasn’t playing ball for our visit to Pico do Arieiro (somewhere I’ll certainly visit when I return to Madeira and of course, book a trip with Ricardo!)
View over Santa Cruz from Caminho da Morena
One of the viewpoints we stopped at on our jeep tour was Caminho da Morena to admire the views over Santa Cruz.
Surrounded by clifftop flowers, this viewpoint has breathtaking valley views, as well as views over the entire city of Santa Cruz and, the red rooftops of the houses below contrasted beautifully against the bright green hills of the valley.
Cristo Rei Statue Madeira View Point
Before visiting the Cristo Rei statue, Ricardo had informed us that the head of Jesus had recently been struck by lightning in a storm (with a hole in the back of his head), therefore I wasn’t sure whether it would be a good omen for us to visit the statue during our Madeira tour…but, let’s just say I am glad we did!
After seeing the Cristo Rei statue during a city break in Lisbon, I had no idea that there was another Cristo Rei statue located in Madeira too. When I pointed this out, our jeep tour guide Ricardo was quick to advise that the Cristo Rei statue in Madeira is in fact older than the Cristo Rei statue in Lisbon.
The statue of Jesus Christ was a gift from the people of mainland Portugal to the people of Madeira as a sign of thanks for sparing the island from destruction during WWII.
There are a number of scenic spots to capture your Madeira photos at the Cristo Rei viewpoint, including the beautiful stairway into the ocean.
To get to the statue, you can either take a scenic walk (which takes around 1.5 hours) from Funchal or do a tour like we did to see a variety of Madeira viewpoints.
Our next stop Curral das Freiras is also somewhere rather holy and is otherwise known as Nun’s Valley!
View over Curral das Freiras from Eira do Serrado
Before our arrival at Eira do Serrado, Ricardo took us to this beautiful hidden waterfall.
Madeira has so many hidden waterfalls tucked away on ordinary little lanes like this one and it was truly breathtaking to see. It reminded me of all the waterfalls in Iceland I had seen.
Check out my Instagram Reel to see this waterfall in its full glory.
Further along our Madeira tour, we stopped at a viewpoint from Eira do Serrado to take in the stunning views over Curral das Freiras.
Whilst it is possible to get the bus and walk up from the village to the viewpoint, I’d say in order to do this you would need to be a certified mountain goat! So do yourself a favour and book a tour, as it’s worth noting the roads to the viewpoint are quite windy and steep to drive in addition.
Eira do Serrado is a designated viewpoint in Madeira, with a large car park and facilities. In order to get up to the viewpoint, you need to take approximately 100+ steps to get to the top, but it is certainly worth it once you see the views below. For those unsteady on their feet or unable to climb the steps, the views are still pretty impressive from the cafe restaurant.
The Eira do Serrado viewpoint offers unparalleled views over the pretty mountain village of Curral das Freiras, otherwise known as “Nuns Valley” which is nestled into the heart of the Madeiran mountainscape. Ricardo told us the tales about the village nickname “Nuns Valley”, which comes from 1566 when nuns from the Santa Clara convent fled from pirates in Funchal and sought refuge in the valley. The mountain roads to Curral das Freiras were treacherous, but the Nuns used this to their advantage to seek solitude in the mountains and, a village was born in this basin-shaped village, which is thought to have been created from an extinct volcano.
With incredible views of the valley below, the village of Curral das Freiras looks like a postcard scene with a backdrop of rolling hills and mountains – Is it me or does the road look like a mini Scalextric…?
I absolutely loved our Madeira adventure tour by 4×4 and would recommend it to anyone visiting Madeira to see the best views in Madeira with a guide to explain the history and significance of the areas visited.
The Madeira Sunrise Jeep Tour with Madeira Mountain Expeditions is a great way to start your day – not only do you get a chance to witness a Madeira sunrise, but the knowledgeable and passionate tour guides will take you to some hidden viewpoints on the island that you would be unlikely to find by yourself.
Enjoy a chestnut meal at Sabores do Curral
Before our jeep day of adventure was over, we all (Ricardo included) enjoyed a drink and meal at Sabores do Curral restaurant in Curral das Freiras, a place that has an impressive view of its own!
Whilst the village of Curral das Freiras may have gained its name from nuns, another thing the village is famous for is its chestnuts!
Chestnuts, unlike other nuts such as pine nuts that I’ll cook and eat regularly, generally remind me of The Christmas Song “chestnuts roasting on an open fire…” and are not something I would even think of eating outside the Christmas months. To be honest, I wouldn’t go out of my way to order a dish on a menu that has chestnuts, so you can just imagine my lack of enthusiasm when I was advised I was going to be served an entire menu of chestnut based dishes…
But, I often find the meals we enjoy the most are the unexpected ones that challenge our taste buds and encourage us to try new things we may not normally have ordered. That was certainly the case at Sabores do Curral.
First up, we had chestnuts roasting on a…pan with a sugarcane syrup, which gave the chestnuts a sweet caramelised texture and was washed down with a sparkling wine cherry brandy cocktail.
Next up, the chestnut soup is served in two varieties (one chunky and one creamy). I was served the creamy version, which has a strong chestnut flavour, but overall is not too dissimilar to the cream of mushroom soup I consume at home. Despite finishing the bowl, it was not a starter that I would necessarily order again, but the best was yet to come!
Believe me, when I say, the mains were incredible and are worth a trip to Sabores do Curral on their own. We enjoyed chestnut chicken with chorizo and a creamy dijon mustard sauce AND, pork loin with roasted chestnuts in a Madeira wine syrup sauce. The mains were accompanied by vegetables and salted boiled potatoes. The portions were generous, but were so tasty we devoured the lot!
It was like eating a Madeiran roast dinner and I was here for it! Just when we thought the meal couldn’t get any better, Sabores do Curral brought out the desserts, which you may have guessed were also chestnut themed!
We enjoyed a traditional Portuguese pasteis da nata (chestnut flavoured, of course) and it was good to taste one again after so long since my long weekend in Lisbon a couple of years ago. The chestnut cheesecake was great too, but the real winner was the frozen chestnut dessert.
Many visitors to Sabores do Curral may only stop off for a coffee and a cake to admire the views from the restaurant viewing platform, but honestly, you do not want to miss these chestnut based dishes Curral das Freiras is famous for!
Not convinced you with the chestnuts? Do not fear there are other options on the menu too!
Madeira Itinerary Day 4
After a day exploring some of Madeira’s best viewpoints by jeep, you might be thinking I’m nuts to be suggesting more Madeira adventure activities for day 4 (and maybe after consuming all those chestnuts I am!) But it really is not a visit to Madeira without fitting in at least one hike!
The combination of the volcanic landscape and a subtropical climate has resulted in a diverse range of walking trails in Madeira, which are a big draw for many visitors to the island. In all honesty, Madeira is a hikers’ paradise with a huge variety of trails to suit all levels of fitness and experience. There are a variety of day hikes and multi-day treks to choose from, with routes taking in a mix of coastal trails, levadas (Madeira’s irrigation canals), awe-inspiring mountain peaks and lush green valleys.
If you’re a keen hiker, then a week is definitely not enough time to explore all the hiking trails on offer in Madeira. However, with a bit of planning, you can easily fit a few hikes into a Madeira 7-day itinerary (if you want to).
Hopefully, you are ready to embark on a Madeira hiking adventure for day 4 of your Madeira itinerary!
Best Levada Walks in Madeira
Some of the best hikes in Madeira centre around levadas. And, If you’ve not visited Madeira before, you’re probably thinking what is a levada? I certainly didn’t know what a Madeira levada is before my own trip to the Portuguese island.
Levadas are a series of man-made irrigation channels that were first built in the 15th century to transport water from the wetter, north-facing slopes of Madeira island to the drier south. The water from Madeira waterfalls and peaks cascades down into narrow irrigation channels to be transported across the island, enabling water to reach Madeira’s remote mountain villages and be used to water crops on farms in Madeira’s valleys.
Of course, these days, there are also hydroelectric plants that work alongside the levadas to produce 30% of the island’s electricity, but the original concept of Madeira’s levadas is still honoured today, and makes for some incredible hiking trails in Madeira.
There are over 2000 miles of levadas on Madeira, crisscrossing their way around the island and offering a beautiful way to explore the countryside, whether you want a short, easy stroll or a full day hike; there is a Madeira levada walking trail to suit all levels of fitness and experience.
For those visiting for a short time, it may be worth checking out easy levada walks in Madeira and you’ll be pleased to know I have just the right levada hiking trail for you!
Hiking Vereda do Larano Walking Trail with Madeira Adventure Kingdom
Our group embarked on a coastal levada hike from the east side of the island to the city of Machico, guided by Liana from Madeira Adventure Kingdom, who not only picked us up from the hotel, but also very kindly lent me a rucksack to carry my lunch.
I have to admit, the hiking part of our Madeira itinerary was an aspect that concerned me the most as I’m not as fit as I’d like to be and, whilst I have enjoyed recent hiking adventures, including the Wales Brecon Beacons Four Waterfalls Trail; I do like to hike at my own pace.
But, I needn’t have worried as the Vereda do Larano walking trail is mostly flat with only very slight inclines and offers the most beautiful coastal views of the east side of the island.
The length of the hike depends on where you start the trail. You can choose to do the whole hike starting in Machico, which will take you along the Levada do Caniçal to Vereda do Larano with Porto da Cruz as the finish point. This will be 13 kilometres one way, so you either have to hike 13 kilometres back to your car in Machico. However, our group were dropped off at a small car park in Larano, Porto da Cruz, not far from the cable car, to begin our 5km trail. Liana explained starting here gives us immediate access to the most beautiful part of the trail, and I certainly couldn’t contest when I saw the view for myself.
Whilst considered to be one of Madeira’s easy levada walks, the Vereda do Larano trail takes you over 5km of rugged coastal landscape with impressive views out into the ocean and green forest areas. On a clear day, you can even see Pico do Arieiro and Pico Ruivo clearly in the distance.
This coastal trail path with a rocky cliff-top view is particularly beautiful in the morning light and has views all the way out to Ponta da São Lourenço. Starting the trail in the morning enables you to enjoy the views with fewer people on the path, as well as make the most of the incredible photo opportunities the landscape has to offer.
As we hiked, Liana pointed out a number of Madeira’s plants, flowers and trees (including laurels, wax myrtle and varying types of heather), as well as some interesting facts about the island’s history; making for a very enjoyable and informative coastal walk in Madeira. During our walk, we even heard the song of the Madeiran Firecrest bird, a small bird with a very distinct call that is the national bird of Madeira. The Firecrest is the second smallest bird in Europe, weighs just 7 grams and is so small our group had to stand completely still for a few minutes to actually see it.
The Vereda do Larano walking trail is varied, taking you along exposed volcanic ash and basalt cliffs to dense forest areas, offering beautiful views, as well as insight into the habitat and landscape of Madeira.
The walk takes between 2-3 hours to complete, which left us with plenty of time for a spot of lunch at a viewpoint, before our descent over Machico.
This is a great half-day hike and a wonderful way to experience some of Madeira’s natural scenery, without having to trek for hours on end. The Vereda do Larano trail is a great option for those wanting a relatively easy, but beautiful, coastal hike during their 7 days in Madeira.
And I can promise you, you will certainly see some sights along the trail!
Ponta da São Lourenço View Point Madeira
The viewpoint of Ponta da São Lourenço is located so close to the end of the Vereda do Larano trail that it would be rude not to visit, so before heading back to Funchal we drove to this scenic spot.
The drive itself is very pretty, as you skirt along the coast heading east. There are a number of lay-bys and viewpoints to stop at along the way to take in the views, so make sure you leave enough time to enjoy the journey too.
Ponta da São Lourenço is a protected area of Madeira and the coastline here is very different from the rest of Madeira, with deep red-coloured cliffs due to the iron oxide in the lava. The water is also crystal clear, making for a beautiful contrast against the red cliffs.
The dramatic coastline of Ponta da São Lourenço reminded me of Game of Thrones and I could have sat admiring the panoramic views of the wild, rugged coastline for some time.
If you have time to explore, there are a few different routes you can take once you reach Ponta da São Lourenço, all of which lead to different viewpoints or beaches, including a short walking trail to a viewpoint that overlooks a series of small, secluded beaches far below.
With a number of different trails to follow and viewpoints to discover, you can easily spend a couple of hours here exploring. Just make sure you bring your camera, as the views really are incredible!
Machico, Praia de Machico and Santana
If your Madeira itinerary allows you to have more time to explore the areas nearby, why not explore Machico or Praia de Machico (considered one of the best beaches in Madeira, and a sandy one at that!)
We didn’t get a chance during our trip, but I thought I’d share it here in case you had time and wanted to squeeze trips to these places on your own itinerary.
Another place I wish we had time to visit on our Madeira trip is the famous houses in Santana. Santana is a charming village located a few kilometres outside of Funchal and is known for its traditional thatched-roof houses, which look absolutely adorable in the photos I’ve seen on Instagram.
The drive from Machico to Santana takes around 20 minutes, and bus number 103 takes around 30 mins if you’re exploring Madeira using public transport.
Dinner at Next Hotel Recharge Bar
After another day of exploring and enjoying Madeira’s adventure activities, a chilled evening is called for in Next Hotel’s aptly named Recharge Bar (somewhere I had been dying to dine at since checking out the beautiful hotel decor on day one!)
This time I got to see the dining area in ambient lighting with heated lamps fired up, whilst enjoying alfresco dining overlooking the pool area. Is it just me or does dining al fresco really make it a holiday experience?!! After all, it’s only very occasionally we get to dine al fresco in the U.K. so it’s always something I look forward to when on holiday.
The menu at Recharge Bar is a mix of healthy vegan meals, fish and meat dishes inspired by iconic Hawaiian cuisine. Move over sushi, these days it’s all about the Hawaiian raw fish poke bowl, which has been popular in Hawaii for decades and coincidentally I ordered for my starter.
Now I must say, for a starter, the portion sizes are extremely generous and I was already kicking myself for not discovering this delicious dish on the menu when I first arrived at Next Hotel following my morning flight.
The tuna poke bowl came with sesame seeds, chives, mango, avocado, furikake and rice, with large cubes of tuna and a delicious array of flavours.
Similarly to al fresco dining, I always love eating fish when I’m on my holiday as it always tastes so much fresher than when I’m at home and for this reason, I couldn’t resist ordering salmon for my main meal.
Find out more about dining and staying at Next Hotel Madeira in my Next Hotel Review post!
After dining at Next Hotel, the fun does not have to end there, on certain evenings there is a DJ playing where you can relax, dance and sip cocktails; all within the comfort of the hotel.
Drink a Poncha Madeira’s National Drink
Further along the road to the hotel, there is a pub aptly named “The Pub” and “Pub Number 2”, which are places where you can enjoy a famous Madeiran Poncha!
If you haven’t already tried a Poncha; Madeira’s National drink, then you don’t have to look far to try one. Traditionally, a firm favourite with Madeira’s fisherman, it is not unusual for some bars to name the original Poncha (sugar cane rum with lemon juice and sugar) as a Fisherman’s Poncha or Pescador on some menus. The fisherman drank poncha to keep them warm on cold nights out at sea – and I can tell you this poncha does pack a punch! But hopefully, no hairs on my chest…!
Of course, being so popular, there are other flavoured ponchas to try during your week in Madeira, such as a Regional Poncha (sugar cane rum, orange juice, lemon juice and sugar or honey), Tangerine Poncha (tangerine, orange juice, sugar and brandy).
Unsurprisingly, there’s also a Passion Fruit Poncha, which is the one I should have chosen, being the sweetest of the ponchas (sugar cane rum, passion fruit pulp, sugar or honey).
In more recent times, local bars have been coming up with their own poncha cocktail concoctions, served with spirits such as vodka and even absinthe! So you may even be able to enjoy a poncha for every night you’re in Madeira…Though, unlike apples and with these lethal cocktail concoctions, a poncha a day may not keep the doctor away!
Madeira Itinerary Day 5
If you’re anything like me, you want a holiday to include a beach day, then you’ll be pleased to know today’s adventure includes some downtime and a relaxing day at the beach. After all the Madeira adventure activities this week you’ve earned it! Especially, if you’ve indulged in some ponchas too!
Best Beaches in Madeira
As I mentioned earlier in this post, due to the natural volcanic landscape there are very few sandy beaches in Madeira and those located on the island are man-made with imported sand.
For those who enjoy spending time in the sun, there are plenty of opportunities to do so on Madeira. Beaches like Praia Formosa and Calheta offer stunning views, and I’ve already mentioned, Calheta and Praia de Machico are among some of the only sandy beaches in Madeira.
So ready to explore beyond Madeira beaches to do what native Madeirans do and enjoy a beach break in Porto Santo?!! Let’s go!
Porto Santo Beaches
The small island of Porto Santo is located just off the coast of Madeira and is known for its beautiful white-sand beaches – a perfect place to relax and soak up the sun.
The beaches here are often described as the most stunning beaches in Portugal, so well worth a visit during your 7 days in Madeira if your itinerary allows.
Madeira Porto Santo Ferry
Take the Porto Santo Ferry from Funchal to Porto Santo, to enjoy the island’s white sandy beaches or various golf courses.
The ferry ride takes around 2 hours and there are a few different companies offering this service.
Whilst there are some small charters to Porto Santo, the Porto Santo Line Ferry is the cheapest option and they also have a bar on board where you can buy drinks and snacks, which can keep you occupied during the journey.
Word of the wise – I learned my lesson from my Miami boat trip to The Bahamas. Make sure you ask for seasickness tablets as soon as you get on board and take one before the boat departs.
If like me, in terms of sea legs, you’re better off tuning into Below Deck than being aboard yourself – you’ll be pleased to know you can fly to Porto Santo from Madeira.
It goes without saying, prices are higher to book a flight to Porto Santo than by taking the ferry, but the flight there takes only 40 minutes, giving you more time to soak up the sun on Porto Santo beaches!
Once you arrive in Porto Santo, there are a few different ways to get around the island. You could rent a car for the day, or there is a local bus that runs between the main towns of Vila Baleeira and Machico. If you’re staying in a Porto Santo hotel or resort, they may also offer a shuttle service to and from the ferry terminal.
Once you arrive at the beach, there are a few different activities to keep you entertained. You could go for a swim, sunbathe on the sand, try your hand at stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking, or go for a walk along the coastline.
And if you want to stay on the beach all day, there are a few different places where you can rent sun loungers and umbrellas. There are a number of different restaurants and cafes located near the beach, so you can grab a bite to eat with beautiful views out to the sea.
In the afternoon, take a walk around the island’s capital, Vila Baleira. The town is home to a small number of restaurants and bars, as well as a few shops where you can buy souvenirs and grab something to eat before heading back to Funchal.
Madeira Itinerary Day 6
The penultimate day of your Madeira itinerary is all about pottering around in Madeira’s quaint villages and seaside towns, soaking up the last of the sunset views, with good food, of course!
Exploring Câmara de Lobos
Câmara de Lobos is a charming fishing village, made famous by Winston Churchill, who was known to spend many happy holidays here painting the harbour. Something I can picture myself, after seeing his passion for painting depicted in Netflix’s The Crown.
Visiting Câmara de Lobos also offers another opportunity to see artwork from Portuguese Street Artist Bordalo. Bordalo’s seal art work is located at the harbour of Câmara de Lobos.
You can take a hop on/off sightseeing bus to Câmara de Lobos or one of the various tours on offer.
Got a taste for a Madeira poncha? Venda do André in Câmara de Lobos is one of the best places to drink poncha in Madeira and opened over 70 years ago. Known to be frequented by many Portuguese celebrities, Venda do André has retained its original decor and is a must-visit to enjoy the fisherman’s drink in a fisherman’s village.
For those of you that want to continue exploring the best hikes in Madeira. Hike Vereda do Fanal for arguably the best view of Madeira on a clear day. This hike will take you to the top of Fanal in around 2 hours, and is understood to be a great hike for all levels. Though it’s worth noting, Fanal Forest is known as Madeira’s fairytale forest, due to the dense fog casting an eerie view over the twisted trees growing here. But, the fog may well have cleared if you visit in the late afternoon.
Then drive down to Paul do Mar for a sunset drink and dinner, but not before visiting Cascata dos Anjos…
Cascata dos Anjos – The Angel Waterfall
Before visiting, I had seen pictures of Cascata dos Anjos, known as the Waterfall of Angels on Instagram, but as I had not seen it on our Madeira itinerary I did not think I would get to see this beautiful waterfall myself.
One of the best things about visiting Madeira is the waterfalls in Madeira can be found in the most unexpected places; meaning wherever you choose to visit there is most likely a wonderful waterfall to see nearby.
Our group were on route to a sunset dinner in Paul do Mar, when our Windsor Tours Driver Roberto pointed out this beautiful waterfall cascading onto the road ahead of us.
We scrambled out of the minibus to take a closer look and to make the most of this famous Madeira Instagram spot.
It was good to see visitors making use of the Great British queuing system, but we had dinner to get to…So after nabbing our shots, we climbed aboard the minibus, just before a group arrived in swim gear with palm leaves to capture their own shots.
Our driver Roberto took great pleasure in splashing the group with the window wipers as the waterfall hit the roof and windows of the minibus (as you can see from my Madeira Instagram Story Highlights)…
Sunset Dinner at Maktub Paul do Mar Madeira
As the saying goes, the best things come to those who wait and this is a sunset spot for dinner you do not want to miss!
When it comes to the best places to eat in Madeira, Maktub is a must-visit for those who want to enjoy locally caught Madeiran fish with a sunset view. Booking a table at Maktub is a must as this small reggae restaurant is a popular spot with locals and tourists alike.
On arrival, you may think you’ve entered a colourful surf shack selling surfer tees, souvenirs and where you can book a lesson or two – but, rest assured, this is a hidden gem for dining!
The menu at Maktub Paul Do Mar is small, but I generally think the best ones are, as it means the dishes are perfected by the chefs to give diners the best experience. It’s the delightful creation of dishes and dining experiences that really makes dining at Maktub a real treat!
I almost felt like I was enjoying a holiday in the Caribbean!
Our group enjoyed the 2-course Fish Experience tasting the catch of the day. Located in a fisherman’s village enables the restaurant to use seasonal fish that the fisherman have actually caught that day, giving customers a fresh seafood experience, which results in less food waste for the fisherman.
The most surprising and best thing about dining at Maktub is that the fish is prepared at your table, which not only makes for an exciting dining experience but also gets diners involved in the cooking preparation of the meal.
Our host talked us through the 3.5-kilo red snapper fish and fresh tuna we would be enjoying for our evening meal, before preparing it right in front of us.
As the snapper was such a beast, Maktub kindly prepared an additional ceviche course of red snapper, lime, onions, ginger and orange juice, whilst the remainder of the snapper was being cooked.
It was my first time trying a ceviche dish, which is essentially raw fish cured in fresh citrus juices and I absolutely loved it! Such a fresh and zingy dish with a great flavour to cure the fish – it certainly won’t be the last time I dine on ceviche!
As we were devouring the extra treat of a ceviche course, our host was thinly slicing the tuna carpaccio and beautifully plating it on a bed of olive oil decorated with flower petals.
Equally as beautiful and delicious are the Maktub cocktails, and we all sipped on a selection of passion fruit mojitos and caipirinhas, which got us in high spirits as the reggae beats played out over the restaurant speakers.
Almost too beautiful to eat, the tuna carpaccio almost melted on the tongue and was enjoyed along with the most delicious cheese covered in salt and seasoned with olive oil.
Just writing this post is giving me severe hunger pains as the food at Maktub is sooo good and I’ve not even got onto the mains yet!
Our beast of red snapper was served with sweet potatoes, rice and a selection of vegetables – I’m quite sure it tasted even better after watching it being prepared, though I was pleased to see it returned to my plate filleted with no eyes looking at me!
Maktub gives diners informal *5-star dining you do not want to miss during your week in Madeira! There are also meat and vegan experience plates you can enjoy too!
Definitely, my favourite dining experience of the Madeira holiday!
Madeira Itinerary Day 7
After a jam-packed week in Madeira, you may be pleased to know after all the adventures there’s no itemised itinerary for day 7 in Madeira!
Today is all about you and all the last places to visit in Madeira before your holiday ends, whether it’s chilling by the pool, picking up some souvenirs in Funchal or simply packing your suitcase to head back to Funchal Airport or should I say, Cristiano Ronaldo Madeira International Airport (perhaps squeezing in a photo with Ronaldo’s statue outside the airport!)
Madeira Itinerary 7 Days Map
So there you have it, a 7-day Madeira itinerary to help you plan your own holiday in Madeira!
Below you will find a Madeira Map of attractions, activities, viewpoints and the restaurants featured in this post (which you can use and save to your own Google My Maps).
How Many Days to Spend in Madeira – 7 days in Madeira enough?
After reading my exciting Madeira travel blog, you may be wondering if 7 days in Madeira is enough? In all honesty, how many days you need in Madeira all comes down to the things you like to do on holiday. If you prefer a beach break or to spend most of your time by the pool with the occasional trip to the centre, then a week in Madeira will be enough.
Though it’s worth noting, Madeira is different to holidays in The Canary Islands, Algarve, Balearic Islands or places you may want to simply enjoy a traditional beach break, as to experience the best of Madeira you do really need to enjoy the picturesque viewpoints, scenic landscape adventure activities by exploring outside the main cities.
If you’re an adventure enthusiast or a keen hiker then this one week in Madeira itinerary will just scratch the surface of the numerous hiking trails and waterfalls to explore. But, in some ways that makes for a good reason to return!
Seven days in Madeira is enough to see the highlights of Madeira and to get a true taste of what a holiday in Madeira has to offer. Though, 10 days in Madeira will certainly give you more time to explore Madeira’s viewpoints and hiking trails, with some days free to potter around the pool!
I definitely want to revisit myself and, I hope this 7 day Madeira itinerary has inspired you to book your own trip!
Madeira is a great option if you’re looking for holidays from London Stansted or elsewhere in the U.K. Our Jet2 flights to Madeira from Stansted Airport were ideal as there is parking right on the terminal, which gave us plenty of time to relax before jetting to Madeira!
What activities are you most likely to include in your Madeira itinerary? Let me know in the comments!
Thanks for reading,
Jaz
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