7 Day Madeira Road Trip Itinerary
Madeira, the "Pearl of the Atlantic," is a stunning Portuguese island known for its dramatic landscapes, lush forests, and breathtaking coastal views. This 7-day road trip itinerary will take you through the island's most spectacular sights, from the rugged north coast to the towering peaks of the interior.
Day 1: Funchal - Arrival & City Exploration
Arrival in Funchal: Start your journey in Madeira's capital city, Funchal. Pick up your rental car and check into your accommodation.
Miradouro Do Terra Grande: Begin with a visit to this amazing viewpoint to see the amzing views to the Serra da Agua valley around 30 mins drive away from Funchal.
Visit the CR7 Museum: Visit the CR7 Museum to learn about the life and career of Cristiano Ronaldo.
Monte Palace Tropical Garden: Take the cable car up to Monte to visit these stunning gardens with panoramic views over Funchal.
Praia Do Garajau: Visit this beautiful beach to relax and enjoy the views at the sunset, just a hint the road to the beach closes at 9pm so you need to return before 9 otherwise you will be stuck at the beach for the night.
Day 2: Central Mountains - Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo
Pico do Arieiro: Drive to one of Madeira's highest peaks (1,818m) for breathtaking views. This is also the starting point for the famous PR1 Vereda do Arieiro hike. When we went the full hike was unfortunately not accessible but still we could reach until the iconic stairway to heaven.
Pico Ruivo: Drive to Madeira's highest peak (1,862m) for incredible 360-degree views. On clear days, you can see the entire island and even neighboring Porto Santo. We did the PR1.2 hike which is a shorter version of the PR1 hike, since that was the only way to reach Pico Ruivo since the full PR1 hike was not accessible. Sadly when we were there on top it was covered in cloud so we couldn't see anything. But the atmosphere was amazing. While returning down we also went to do the PR1.1 hike which is a quite strenuous 8km hike that goes through the forest but you need to prepare for quite a bit of elevation change throughout the hike and I would keep around 7 hours for the full hike.
Day 3: Northern Coast - São Vicente & Porto Moniz
Miradouro do Sao Cristovo: This is one of the most famous viewpoints on Madeira and is a must-visit. It offers stunning views of the island and the sea.
Ribeira da Janela: Go to to the miradouro of the same name to see the amazing views of the valley and the sea.
Miradouro do Veu da Noiva & Miradouro do Ponta Da Ladeira: Another amazing viewpoints to see the amazing views of the sea and the coastline.
Achadas da Cruz Cable Car: Take the steepest cable car in Europe to see the amazing views of the sea and the coastline.
Day 4: Central and Southern Coast
Cabo Girão: Drive to one of Madeira's highest peaks (580m) for incredible 360-degree views. It is also known as the most famous sea cliff in Europe.
Levadas das 25 Fontes: Visit this amazing walk therough the forest to an oasis of 25 springs, along the way there are lost of different walks possible and I would encourage you to take one or two all of them are throught the forest and are beautiful
Miradouro da Garganta Funda: Take a short detour to this viewpoint for stunning views of a hidden waterfall cascading down the cliffs.
Miradouro do Ponta do Pargo: Visit the westernmost lighthouse of the island with amazing sunset viewe.
Day 5: Western Madeira - Fanal & Porto do Moniz
Fanal Forest: Drive to this mystical laurel forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The ancient trees and frequent fog create an otherworldly atmosphere perfect for photography. Do the Levada do Fanal which is a 10km walk through the forest to the top of the mountain and is one of the most beautiful levadas in Madeira.
Seixal natural pools and black sand beach: Visit this amazing natural pools and black sand beach.
Day 6: Eastern Coast
Ponta de São Lourenço: Visit this amazing viewpoint to see the amazing views of the sea and the coastline. Keep some time to do some fun activites here, we did kayaking and snorkelling at the ocean here.
Machico: Drive to Madeira's second-largest city and visit the golden sand beach, perfect for families.
Day 7: Levada Walks & Departure
Funchal: Return to Funchal for any last-minute shopping or sightseeing before your departure. I would recommend also to do dolphin and whale watching sunset tours, even if you don't see whales, the views are amazing and it is a unique experience.
Departure: Return your rental car and catch your flight home, taking with you unforgettable memories of Madeira's natural beauty.
Practical Tips
Car Rental: A car is essential for this itinerary. Book in advance, especially during peak season (May-September).
Weather: Madeira's weather can be unpredictable. Pack layers and waterproof clothing.
Hiking: Bring proper hiking boots and check trail conditions before setting out.
Accommodation: We stayed in one location and drove everywhere since it takes 1 hour to drive from one end of the island to the other.
Conclusion
This 7-day Madeira road trip offers the perfect blend of adventure, natural beauty, and cultural experiences. From the dramatic mountain peaks to the stunning coastal views, Madeira will leave you with memories that last a lifetime. The island's diverse landscapes and warm hospitality make it an ideal destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.