Visit Madeira in 7 days? Top sights, activities and itineraries

Madeira travel tips for a great stay: 

• ✈️ Book your flight to Madeira (best prices)
• 🚘 Car hire in Madeira: best prices (rated 4.7 on Trustpilot) 
• 👍Insure your trip against cancellation (5% off with Heymondo)
• 🏨 See the top-rated places to stay in Funchal

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Whether you are looking for green mountains, rugged coastlines or picturesque villages, Madeira will amaze you. This Portuguese archipelago offers a mild climate and spectacular scenery, the perfect holiday destination. So how do you visit Madeira in 7 days? What exactly should you do? By following this 7-day itinerary, you will discover the island's must-sees while enjoying plenty of good addresses for a memorable experience.

Remember to hire a car for your stay in Madeira. Save up to 70% with Discover Cars.

Day 1: Arrival in Funchal - Visit Madeira in 7 days

Your adventure begins in Funchal, the capital of Madeira. Take the time to wander its colourful lanes, and don't miss the Ribeira market, where you can discover local produce. The city is also an excellent starting point for visiting the tropical gardens. 

What to do in Funchal?

• Visit the Ribeira market (Mercado dos Lavradores)
• Explore the botanical garden, a few kilometres from the town centre, or Santa Catarina park

• Go to the Monte garden by cable car and discover the Church of Our Lady of Monte (Santuário de Nossa Senhora do Monte).

• Go for a walk in the old town (Zona Velha) with its cobbled streets and colourful houses. Don't miss the famous painted doors of Rua de Santa Maria.
• Visit the CR7 museum dedicated to Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the greatest footballers, born in Funchal. Book your visit here (free cancellation).
• Taste Madeira wine and visit the cellars to learn more about the history of the local wine. Find out more here. 

Our good addresses in Funchal:

• Restaurant O Polar to try Madeiran specialities such as bacalhau (cod) and espetada (grilled meat skewer).
• MadMarket Restaurante for its tasty seafood.
• Restaurant Desarma (1 star) for its exceptional gourmet menu.
• Restaurant 5 Sentidos in the centre of Funchal
• Barreirinha Bar Café for a seaside cocktail. Ask to try poncha, the traditional Madeiran drink made with rum, honey and lemon. 
•  Lido's Tavern for its cocktails

Day 2: Boat trip and dolphin watching

Suggested best sea excursions (booking with free cancellation): 

• Dolphin and whale watching on an eco catamaran
• Whale and dolphin watching cruise on a luxury catamaran

The Madeira archipelago is an ideal place for a sea excursion. Opt for a cruise to watch the dolphins and whales that live in the waters around the island. You can also go to the island of Desertas or the island of Porto Santo for a day of exploring.

Good addresses: Bar do Meio in Ponta do Sol for a cocktail after a day of maritime adventure.

Day 3: Hike to Pico do Arieiro and Pico Ruivo

Suggested best excursions (booking with free cancellation): 

• Self-guided hike with Pico do Arieiro sunrise transfer
• The best of East Madeira from Funchal
• Book your Pico do Arieiro - Pico Ruivo hike

Madeira is an ideal playground for hikers. If you like a challenge, don't miss the climb of Pico do Arieiro, the third highest peak on the island. From there, set off on a hike to Pico Ruivo, the highest peak in Madeira. The trail offers impressive views of the coast and the island's endemic vegetation.

Good addresses: A Casa do Vizinho in Santana to try Madeiran specialities in a typical setting.

Day 4: Relaxing in Porto Moniz and the natural pools

From Funchal, book your excursion (booking with free cancellation) : 

• Jeep tour with excursion to the Porto Moniz natural pools
• Enchanted terraces, Porto do Moniz and Fanal by 4x4
• Tour of the West Madeira waterfalls and the Fanal forest

If you come to visit Madeira in 7 days, take the time to discover the north coast of the island, starting with Porto Moniz and its famous natural pools formed by volcanic rocks. It is an ideal place to swim and relax. Enjoy the beauty of the surrounding landscape and discover the traditional villages of the area.

Day 5: Exploring the levadas

The famous "levadas" are typical Madeiran irrigation channels, lined with hiking trails. These paths take you through breathtaking landscapes.

Levada dos 25 Fontes hike

This hike is one of the most popular on the island and for good reason. It starts at Ribeiro Frio, a small mountain village accessible by car from Funchal. The hike takes you through a dense laurel forest, a typical Laurisilva landscape, a subtropical forest listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On the way, you will pass through tunnels, stone bridges and narrow passages. Halfway, you will reach the famous 25 Fontes (the "25 Fountains"), a magnificent waterfall fed by several water sources that pour into a natural basin. It is an ideal place to take photos and cool off.

Difficulty: Medium
Duration: About 4 hours there and back
Tips: Bring good hiking shoes and a waterproof, as the weather can change quickly in the mountains.

Levada do Caldeirão Verde, another hike 

Another hiking idea if you come to visit Madeira in a week, the Levada do Caldeirão Verde, another magnificent trail that shows you a different side of Madeira. This levada starts at Queimadas, a small village near Santana. The path is slightly easier than the Levada dos 25 Fontes, but it is no less impressive. 

Following the channel, you will pass through majestic mountain scenery, laurel forests and spectacular panoramas. You will cross dark tunnels carved into the rock, so don't forget a torch to help you get through safely. The highlight of this hike is the Caldeirão Verde waterfall, a striking sight where the water plunges into a natural pool.

Day 6: Discovering the south coast and fishing villages

The south coast of Madeira is one of the most picturesque on the island, offering stunning scenery, traditional villages and incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean. On this day, you will have the chance to discover two of the most emblematic places of this region: Câmara de Lobos and Cabo Girão.

Câmara de Lobos: A typical fishing village

Another favourite not to be missed if you come to visit Madeira in 7 days. Câmara de Lobos is a small picturesque fishing village, about 10 km from Funchal, on the south-west coast of the island. This village is renowned for its authentic atmosphere and its colourful harbour, where local fishermen return every day with their catch. The lively scene of the harbour, with its traditional boats and pastel-coloured houses, is a real living painting that embodies the charm of Madeira.

Not to miss in Câmara de Lobos:

• The fishing harbour: Walk along the harbour and watch the traditional fishing boats called "barcos de madeira". You may even see fishermen preparing their nets or cleaning their fish. It is an excellent place to take photos of the village's authenticity.
  
  
• The church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição: This 16th-century church is in the heart of the village. It is a fine example of local architecture.
  
  
• Tasting "poncha": Don't miss trying the famous poncha, a traditional Madeiran drink made with rum, honey, cane sugar and lemon. You will find many bars in Câmara de Lobos where this drink is served.
  
  
• Restaurant O Polar: To try local dishes such as espetada (meat skewer) or fresh fish, this restaurant is an excellent address.

Cabo Girão: An unbeatable view of the Atlantic

A few kilometres from Câmara de Lobos, you will find Cabo Girão, one of the highest cliffs in Europe, rising 580 metres above the Atlantic Ocean. This site is famous for its open-air viewpoint, offering spectacular views of the ocean, the surrounding mountains, and the terraced vineyards that descend to the sea.

• The Cabo Girão Skywalk: The highlight of a visit to Cabo Girão is the Skywalk, a transparent glass balcony that juts out over the void. It lets visitors stand right above the cliff and admire a breathtaking panorama, with a clear view of the Atlantic Ocean and the green landscapes of the region.
  
  
• The spectacular views: From the viewpoint, you will have an unbeatable view of the bay of Câmara de Lobos and the south coast of Madeira. The isolation of the cliff lets you capture incredible photos of the surrounding landscape, where the contrasts between the rugged mountains, the terraced fields and the vastness of the ocean are striking.
  
  
• Hiking at Cabo Girão: If you are a hiking fan, you can also explore the surroundings of Cabo Girão along trails that wind along the mountains and offer even more intimate panoramic views. These hikes are fairly accessible and let you discover wilder and more secluded aspects of the island.
  
  

Practical tips for the day:

• Transport: It is easy to get to Câmara de Lobos and Cabo Girão by car, but there are also guided tours that include both sites. If you prefer a more relaxed experience, opt for a minibus or coach excursion.

Good addresses: Restaurant Câmara de Lobos to enjoy a grilled fish skewer with a glass of Madeira wine.

Visit Madeira in 7 days, last day

For your last day before heading to the airport, devote yourself to discovering the cultural aspects of Funchal. Visit the CR7 Museum dedicated to Cristiano Ronaldo, the local boy, and the Madeira Mountain Museum to learn more about the history and culture of the island. End the day by wandering the lively lanes of the town and enjoying a meal in a good restaurant.

Other things to do in Madeira if you have time: 

• Walk along the Cabo Girão promontory to admire the spectacular view.
• Visit the Funchal Natural History Museum
• Explore Monte Palace Madeira, a magnificent palace and its Japanese botanical gardens 

Good addresses: Restaurante Gavião Novo for a refined dinner with a view of the ocean.

FAQ Visit Madeira in 7 days 

Here are our answers to your most frequently asked questions.

What is the most beautiful part of the island of Madeira?

The north coast of Madeira is arguably the most spectacular, with rugged cliffs, lush forests and picturesque villages such as Santana. Hikes along the levadas offer exceptional panoramas, notably of the waterfalls and mountain landscapes. The view from Cabo Girão, one of the highest cliffs in Europe, is also unforgettable.

What is the best time to go to the island of Madeira?

 The best time to visit Madeira is in spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when the climate is mild and pleasant. Temperatures range between 18°C and 25°C, ideal for hiking and sightseeing. Avoid the rainier winter months, but the island remains pleasant all year round thanks to its subtropical climate.

How long does it take to visit Madeira?

A week is ideal for discovering the main attractions of Madeira, which is why we give you our best tips here if you are wondering how to visit Madeira in 7 days. It lets you visit Funchal, explore the levadas, and enjoy the spectacular panoramas of the coast. If you want to do longer hikes or visit more remote places, two weeks offer more flexibility to fully enjoy the island.

What are the must-sees in Madeira?

The must-sees in Madeira include Funchal, the capital, with its Ribeira market and tropical gardens, as well as the Levada dos 25 Fontes hike. Cabo Girão, with its skywalk and unbeatable views, is also a site not to be missed. Finally, the village of Câmara de Lobos and the natural pools of Porto Moniz add to the island's beauty.

What is the most beautiful village in Madeira?

The village of Santana is considered one of the most beautiful in Madeira, with its traditional thatched-roof houses. It is set in an exceptional mountain landscape and offers spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean. Santana is also ideal for those who want to discover the island's rural traditions while enjoying magnificent scenery.

That's it, our article "Visit Madeira in 7 days" ends here. We hope these tips help you plan your stay on this magnificent island of Portugal. We wish you plenty of good vibes and a lovely holiday in Madeira!