Madeira in 5 Days – Adventure, Views & Unforgettable Memories
About This Itinerary
Experience the best of Madeira in just five days: from sunrise hikes over Pico do Arieiro, lush levadas and waterfalls at Rabaçal, to stunning west coast viewpoints and natural swimming pools in Porto Moniz. Wander through Funchal’s charming streets, explore the Monte Palace Tropical Garden, and relax on secluded beaches.
This itinerary is fully planned with driving routes, sunrise spots, and hidden gems—perfect for those who want adventure, culture, and relaxation without the guesswork. Each day is designed for maximum exploration and breathtaking views, ensuring you don’t miss a single must-see spot.
Scroll down for the daily breakdowns, including timings, stops, and insider tips, so you can enjoy Madeira at your own pace while capturing memories that last a lifetime.
Total Budget pp.
500
Locations
15
Restaurants
10
Best Time
Mar-Nov
Day 1 - Arrival & Check-In
Depending on arrival time - Car pick up and drive to hotel
If arriving late, for weekend travellers:
Pick up rental car at the airport
Drive: Airport → Hotel, Praça de Tenerife, Funchal (~17.3 km, 20 min)
Check-in and Sleep: ~7 hours
For early morning arrivals, distribute the activities in following days to this day.
Day 2 - Funchal & West Coast Highlights
Scenic West Coast & Miradouros
- Ponta do Sol – beach stop
- Cascata dos Anjos
- Cascatas Gemeas
- Miradouro Trigo de Negreiros
- Estreito da Calheta – photo from top
- Miradouro de Raposeira
- Miradouro do Massapez
- Miradouro do Fio
- Farol da Ponta do Pargo
- Miradouro da Garganta Funda
- Miradouro do Pico Vermelho
- Miradouro da Boa Morte
- Miradouro Teleférico das Achadas da Cruz + Ciempies Waterfall
- Archadas da Cruz
- Ponta do Tristao
- Miradouro do Ponta da Ladeira – sunset
- 22:30: Return to Funchal (~1h drive)
Notes: UK and Madeira time same; pack water, camera, sunscreen.
Day 3 - Rabaçal & Northwest Madeira
Levada do Alecrim & Other Stops
- 12:15 PM: Miradouro da Fonte do Bispo
- 12:45 PM: Ribeira da Agua Negra photo stop
- 12:45–13:45: Fanal Forest exploration (~1h)
- 13:45 PM: Lagoa de Fanal – photo stop
- 14:30 PM: Porto Moniz – swim at natural pools (~1h)
Levada do Alecrim & Other Stops
- 05:00 AM: Depart hotel → Rabaçal (~57 min drive)
- 06:00 AM: Lombo do Mouro viewpoint (above clouds)
- 06:30 AM: Waterfall Levada da Bica da Cana – sunrise
- 07:30 AM: Miradouro Bica da Cana (30 min)
- 08:00 AM: Lagoa Dona Beja – roadside photo
- 08:20 AM: Pico do Rabaçal
- 08:30 AM: Risco Waterfalls (includes 25 Fontes & Cascata do Beijo das Aguas, ~2h)
- 10:30 AM: Levada do Alecrim hike (~1h30)
Levada do Alecrim & Other Stops
- 12:15 PM: Miradouro da Fonte do Bispo
- 12:45 PM: Ribeira da Agua Negra photo stop
- 12:45–13:45: Fanal Forest exploration (~1h)
- 13:45 PM: Lagoa de Fanal – photo stop
- 14:30 PM: Porto Moniz – swim at natural pools (~1h)
Coastal Photo Stops & Sunset
- 16:00 PM: Cascata da Ribeira da Pedra Branca – photo
- 16:30 PM: Miradouro Ilheus da Ribeira da Janela
- 17:00–20:00: Seixal beach – relax, sunset optional
- Return to Funchal
Notes: Pack snacks, water, swimsuit, towel, and rain jacket; area often misty.
Day 4 - Mountains & Monte Garden
Pico do Arieiro -> Pico Ruivo Hike
- 05:30–06:00 AM: Depart hotel for sunrise
- 06:30 AM: PR1 Vereda do Arieiro – short stop for views
- 07:15 AM: Pico Grande, Curral das Freiras (~45 min drive + photo)
- 08:30 AM: PR10 Levada do Furado (~1h30 stroll)
- 11:30 AM: Pico Ruivo viewpoints
Bare in Mind, at 5.30am in the mountains, it can be freeizng temperature, bring a few layers to cover up. Defeinitely a hat, or hood and a few layers, especially if you suffer the cold.
Levada & Waterfall Stops
- 12:15 PM: Levada do Rei waterfall (~10–15 min walk)
- 13:00 PM: Miradouro da Vigia, São Jorge
- 13:15 PM: Aguage Waterfall, Santana
- 13:45 PM: Prainha de Caniçal – beach break (~30–45 min)
Return to Funchal & Monte
- 14:30 PM: Drive back (~30 min)
- 15:00–17:30 PM: Cable car → Monte Palace Tropical Garden & museum
- 17:45 PM: Cable car back to Funchal
- 18:00 PM: Return to hotel
Notes: Pack layers (cold at altitude), snacks, sunscreen, swimwear.
Day 5 - Ponta de São Lourenço Hike
Ponta de São Lourenço Hike
- 07:00 AM: Depart hotel (~35 min drive) to trailhead at Baia d’Abra
- 07:15 AM – 11:00 AM: Hike (~7.5 km round trip, moderate)
o Stops: D’Abra Bay, Miradouro de São Lourenço, Praia do Sardinha, Ponta do Castelo
o Toilets only at Cada do Sardinha (midpoint)
o Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, wind jacket, sturdy shoes, swimwear
- 09:50 AM: Drive to Cabo Girão – skywalk (~20–30 min)
- 10:40 AM: Drive to PR8 trailhead at Caniçal → short hike (~30–35 min to ocean cliffs
Cabo Girão & Coastal Photos
- 12:30 PM: Snack / water break at parking café
- 12:40 PM: Drive to Miradouro Ponta do Furado (~5 min)
- 12:45 PM: Ponta do Furado viewpoint (~10 min)
- 12:55 PM: Drive to Miradouro da Ponta do Rosto (~10 min)
- 13:05 PM: Photos at Ponta do Rosto (~10 min)
- 13:15 PM: Optional beach stop Praia do Sardinha (~20 min)
Even if you dint finish the hike make sure you keep track of time! And return to make it on time to return the car and take your flight!
Day 6 - Day 5 of Day 6 - Adapt to your departure time
Departure
- 13:40 PM: Drive to airport (~20 min)
- 14:00 PM: Fuel up at station near airport
- 14:15 PM: Return rental car
- 15:00 PM: Check-in and snacks at airport
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