Many people ask: How many days should we spend in Madeira Island?
The answer is at least one week or 10 days, why?
Besides Madeira be a compact island that can be discovered in a few days but has a lot to offer: landscapes, natural beauty including UNESCO protected forest, waterfalls, small lakes, culture, beautiful beaches, impressive gastronomy, warm sunny weather and a host of activities from walking and diving to fishing or just touring around.
Are 3 days in Madeira too short?
Yes, you can see the most popular places in Madeira, but hands down, you will be rushing.
If you can, we would recommend you to stay at least 10 days!
If you’re looking for a more relaxing trip, you may want to extend your stay so you can still see all the sights on this Madeira itinerary, while also having some downtime to lounge by the pool.
The best advice?
Embark on an unforgettable 2-day adventure with our Tour around Madeira. Discover the island's wonders and book your journey today! BOOK TOUR
Public transport isn’t great in Madeira and unless you want to for tours, either public or private, the best way to get around Madeira is to hire a car, or a scooter to explore Funchal.
Day 1 and 2- Explore Funchal city
Popular things to do in Funchal?
- Visit Funchal Cathedral
- Visit the Sacred Art Museum
- Explore the Santa Catarina Park
- Do a Wine Taste at Blandy Wine Lodges (that you can get free if you buy Red Bus)
(Photo: Blandy's wine lodge)
- Go to St. Lawrence Fortress
- Try exotic fruits at the farmer's Market
- Be a pirate at the Fortress of São Tiago
- Admire the paintings at the Old Town in Funchal
(Photo: Iberian Escapes)
- Know the history of Madeira at Madeira Story Center
- Take the famous Cable Car to Monte
- Once you’ve reached the top you can treat yourself to lunch in one of Monte’s cafes then start exploring the magnificent Monte Palace Tropical Garden
(Photo: Iberian Escapes)
Read also: How to do Funchal in 48hours
Also in culture try our Food tour here.
Day 3 - Explore the Northwest
- (C)Driving inland to the west you will find yourself in Boca da Encumeada at 1007 metres above sea level
- (D)After that Paul da Serra is the flattest place in all of Madeira with stunning views of the green mountains and valleys
(Photo: Somos Madeira)
- (E)Follow the flat road and stop in Fanal to explore the area and take some photos on the lake
- (F)Now the road lead to Ribeira da Janela, where you will find the impressive rock that rises from the sea and has an opening that resembles a window
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(G)Porto Moniz, famous for its natural swimming pools, formed by volcanic lava, and naturally filled with crystal-clear seawater
- (H)Seixal, here you’ll also find Laje Beach, a free of charge black sand beach, from which you will get great views of the Bridal Veil (Véu de Noiva), a waterfall that flows into the ocean.
- (I)Here you can visit the São Vicente Caves, formed 890 thousand years ago and taste the famous Poncha
But this looks too long to drive? We have an awesome tour to the west side both on mini-bus our jeep.
Day 4 - Go Through the coast of the East
- (B)The first stop on day four was at the Cristo Rei viewpoint. With steps leading down to the sea, this viewpoint offers some amazing views of Funchal bay, the Garajau Reserve, Caniço de Baixo and the Atlantic Ocean.
(Photo: Dreaming and Wondering)
- (C)Take a stroll along the promenade of Santa Cruz and have some snacks in Taberna do Pestisco
- (D)Go up throughout the pure nature and explore Santo da Serra, visit the Quinta de Santo António, it has a big park and some animals, try a horse trail, or if you are going on Sunday visit the local Market
(Photo: Diário de Notícias)
- (E)Now it's time to go down to the ocean and eat ice cream and visit the viewpoint'' Pico do Facho''
- (F)Oh, Caniçal have very good restaurants lunch or have dinner there at least once and take a dip at the waters of ''Prainha'' or ''Ribeira Natal'', and go watch the sunset at Ponta do Rosto viewpoint.
Day 5- Central and Northeast
- (B)Wake up early and enjoy to go through Camacha and visit the Wicker factory
- (C)And then watch the sunrise at Pico do Ariero only accessed by car
- (D)Go down the forest of the old roads and visit the viewpoint of Balcões and have lunch in ''Snack Bar Faísca''
- (E)Head down to explore the viewpoints of the Northside in Faial
- (F)The ''Rocha do Navio'' and the traditional houses of Santana
- (G)By the afternoon explore the village of Porto da Cruz and its old factory of RUM
Day 6- Central and dolphin and whale watching
- (B)Going straight to the Valley of the Nuns, or ''Curral das Freiras'', the heart of Madeira, you still can find the viewpoint ''Paredão'' and ''Eira do Serrado'', explore the area and do not forget to taste the famous cakes of Chesnut
- (C)From the other Valley has located the hidden viewpoint of Boca dos Namorados, with amazing views over Curral das Freiras
- (D)Meet now Camara de Lobos, the fisherman village and have lunch at Farol Verde, with typical Madeiran food.
- (E)By the afternoon visit the emblematic Cabo Girão and admire for a while its beauty
(Photo: Iberian Escapes)
- (F)Fajã dos Padres is a secret heaven home to its own vineyard, exclusive beach and a restaurant serving traditional Madeiran cuisine where you can sit and watch the sunset or take a dip, but first, you have to go down with the cable car
(Photo: Vitor Reineeke)
If you are interested in the central area check here our half-day tour and Catamaran Tours.
Day 7- Do a Levada Walk
- This one is up to you, but the seventh day has to well choose, and you can't come to Madeira without doing a Levada walk!
Read here which ones are the best!
Day 8- Go to Porto Santo Island and relax at the beach
And read this article about what to do in Porto Santo.
Day 9 and 10- Try our outdoor activities
Take a day off of travelling and do some unique activities with us!
(Photo: Madeira New Wave)
Embark on an unforgettable 2-day adventure with our Tour around Madeira. Discover the island's wonders and book your journey today! BOOK TOUR