February 28, 2023

Road Trip Madeira – 7 Day Itinerary

Whether you are visiting Madeira Island for its astounding landscape, fascinating nature or for a good old hike this itinerary will help you make the most of your stay in this unique paradise. Located 620 miles from mainland Portugal in the Atlantic Ocean it is a verdant green land with a subtropical climate all built on volcanic rock. First off, you will need to hire a car at Madeira Airport to allow you to partake on the road trip of a lifetime. You can pick this up either at the airport or in the island’s wonderful capital city Funchal.

First Up: Funchal

There are plenty of things to do in Funchal, the capital of Madeira. Get back to nature at the Monte Palace Tropical Gardens with rare species of plants, selection of sculptures and footpaths. Spread over an area of 70,000 square metres you will come across swans and ducks, peacocks and chickens walking freely around the gardens. The three-storey exhibition space features ‘African Passion’ revealing part of a collection of contemporary Zimbabwean sculpture from between 1966 to 1969. While ‘Mother Nature’s Secrets’ displays some astounding minerals from around the world.

If you want to stock up on local produce the Funchal Farmers Market is for you full of vibrant stalls offering flowers, spices and seafood. Plus a wide range of exotic fruits including Monstera Deliciosa and for something a bit stronger try a glass of Poncha made from sugar cane brandy and fruit juice.

While for fans of fashion, history or dining out take in the Funchal Old Town. Take a walk down Rua de Santa Maria which comes alive at night with the best of the city’s club culture. If you are seeking sanctity there is the 15th-century Corpo Santo Chapel or for a background to the island’s history visit the Madeira Story Centre museum.

Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo

Just a 45-minute drive from Funchal is Pico do Arieiro, a 5,965ft peak. Head down to Miradouro do Juncal for a stunning view of sunrise above the clouds. If it is a hike you are after nearby is Pico Ruivo, which climbs to some 6,109ft the highest peak on the island. The 12km trail may be challenging but it is worth it for the sights and sounds you will experience. This includes passing through tunnels carved into the mountains so be sure to bring some sort of illumination.

The Maderia Northwestern Coast

For astounding scenery and a delightful coastline, we now head up to the northwestern coast. Starting with São Vicente, you will discover some of Madeira’s greatest musicians, writers and thinkers. So this is THE place for those keen to explore Madeiran culture. It’s capital, Mindelo, is proud of its well-established tradition of music and art and has a kicking nightlife pulsing through the pubs, restaurants and nightclubs. with a lively buzz of music throughout.

Also on this coastline is Seixal, a small village located on the edge of the ocean renowned for its natural pools and black sand beach. You can also explore its terraced vineyards and when conditions are right have a go at surfing.

More natural pools can found at Porto Moniz which can be a great source of excitement and fun for all the family. And be sure to experience the Achadas da Cruz cable car which takes you down a rugged rockface to a little hotspot on the coastline. Here, you will discover the joys of the tiny village and a footpath with the cliffs hovering above you, a real hidden gem.

Fanal Forest

Another must-see beauty spot can be found in the Paul da Serra plateau in the western part of the island. Here there are waterfalls and levadas for you to experience close-up to the serenity of nature. There is a terrific trail exploring 25 springs or fountains and deep into the forest, but beware, the water is ice-cool!

Fanal ancient laurel forest is a part of Madeira’s Laurisilva Forest which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its biological and ecological importance. It has a magical and dreamlike quality with trees of an age longer ago than Madeira was itself discovered.

Madeira’s Eastern Coast

Arguably, the highpoint of this road trip is Ponta de São Lourenço, known as the ‘tail of Madiera’. You may feel like you are walking on the moon due to the lack of vegetation but don’t worry you will find a refreshing cuppa waiting for at the local café on your hike.

And then a short drive takes you to Prainha Beach, one of the few naturally sandy beaches in Madeira, and the ideal place to chill out after your hike. The combination of the volcanic sand and the splendour of the turquoise waters make this a favourite spot for many tourists, though it is relatively quiet.

Onto the Northeastern Coast

If you like to hike, Levada do Caldeirão Verde allows one of the island’s loveliest Levada walks. You will pass through the verdant greenery of Laurisilva Forest and be astounded by the great vistas of valleys and mountains all around you. Known as the ‘green cauldron’ it leads you to a 360ft tall waterfall. Again, bring a torchlight to get through the tunnels here.

Find some flower power in the picaresque Santana where the traditional houses will make you feel like you have stepped into a dreamlike fairytale. And for the perfect picture for your photo gallery of the trip can be found at Miradouro do Guindaste with views of both the coastline’s ocean and cliffs.

Heading Back to Funchal

So now we are back where we began but before taking the flight home why not treat yourself to a tour of the region’s dolphin and whale spots. This can be by speedboat, catamaran or by swimming, any which way will be a real thrill.

Taking the keys back to your hire car may feel sad but you will have experienced one the world’s most dramatic and enjoyable road trips.

Inspired to travel more? Then check out some related guides covering Madeira and similar island road trips below:

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