Discover the Enchanting Island of Madeira, Portugal: A Week of Adventure, Gastronomy, and Natural Beauty
https://widget.getyourguide.com/dist/pa.umd.production.min.jsHow many days should I spend in Madeira?
A week in Madeira provides ample time to explore the island’s beauty and enjoy its attractions, making it an ideal duration for a memorable trip without feeling rushed.
Rental Cars in Madeira
Renting a car in Madeira is a wise decision for those who want to fully immerse themselves in all that the island has to offer. We got our rental car from Avis.
While there is minimal public transport available within the city, having your own ride will give you the freedom to explore the hidden gems and breathtaking landscapes that Madeira has to offer.
The pick-up process for the rental car is incredibly smooth and hassle-free. To add to the convenience, there is a massive parking lot dedicated to rental cars, situated just a stone’s throw away from the departure area.
Day 1
Cristiano Ronaldo Airport (Madeira Airport International)
Cristiano Ronaldo Airport, also known as Madeira Airport, presents several challenges that make it a difficult landing destination.
The airport’s location between mountains and the Atlantic Ocean creates strong crosswinds and unpredictable turbulence during takeoff and landing. The relatively short runway also leaves little room for error. Furthermore, the hilly surroundings demand careful navigation to maintain stability and follow specific flight procedures.
This is evident as our flight from Porto to Madeira encountered a delay because the original pilot fell ill. After what felt like a long wait, we finally landed in Madeira. As the wheels touched the runway, a sense of relief washed over everyone. The cabin erupted into applause as passengers expressed their gratitude for a safe and successful landing.
Now, it’s time to embark on an unforgettable journey filled with adventure and exploration.
Collect Car from Avis (aka Budget)
Collecting our rental car from Avis was quick and convenient. The Avis counter is conveniently located just outside the arrivals hall of Cristiano Ronaldo Airport. Our trusty Renault Clio awaited us, ready to accompany us on our adventures around Madeira. With our wheels in motion, we were ready to explore the enchanting island.
Taberna Madeira
Our first taste of Madeira cuisine led us to the charming Taberna Madeira in the heart of Funchal city. Although our overall dining experience was satisfactory, a few dishes stood out and left a positive impression.
We began our meal with the Limpets, a traditional delicacy of Madeira. The tender texture and subtle flavours of the limpets offered a pleasant start to our culinary adventure. Equally delightful was the Tuna Belly, which captivated our palates with its melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich, succulent taste.
For our main course, we opted for the Beef with Fries. While it was a decent dish, it didn’t quite match the same level of satisfaction as the Tuna Belly and Limpets.
This place was planned as it was near the cable car that we will be taking to visit Monte Palace.
Cable car to Monte Palace
After our delicious lunch at Taberna Madeira, we were just a short walk away from the Monte Palace Cable Car. It took us less than 3 minutes to reach the cable car station, making it incredibly convenient for us to continue our adventure.
Take note that if you want to take the Tobogan ride down, you should book the one-way ticket. Read the next section for information on the Tobogan ride.
These are the prices for the ticket (as of November 2023):
| 1 Way | Round Trip | |
| Adult | 12,50€ | 18,00€ |
| Children (7-14) | 6,50€ | 9,00€ |
| Criança (0-6) | Free | Free |
You can book your tickets here: https://madeiracablecar.com/en/
Explore Monte Palace
We were met by a show of bright colours and pleasant smells as we walked into the gardens. The variety of flowers in the Monte Palace Gardens, from tiny orchids to beautiful azaleas, shows how amazing the plants are there.
A group of flamingos gracefully living in the area was another amazing sight we were lucky enough to see. Showing off their bright pink feathers, which stand out against the lush plants and peaceful ponds.
Don’t forget to go to the deck with the view, where you can see Funchal and the sparkling Atlantic Ocean in all their glory.
Tobogan Ride (Optional)
At the end of our visit to Monte Palace, we were enthralled by watching people embark on the exhilarating Toboggan Ride from Monte Palace down to Funchal City.
Since we already bought return cable car tickets, we decided not to participate in the ride ourselves and instead relished in the excitement of others.
Priced at €25 for one person or €30 for two people, the Toboggan Ride offers a thrilling experience as carreiros guide the toboggans through the narrow streets of Monte.
Note: For those who decide to take the Toboggan Ride, it is important to remember to purchase a one-way ticket for the cable car.
End of Day 1
After a tiring day of taking flights and moving our luggage from Porto to Madeira, we decided to rest for the night. This was partly because Xuan was not feeling extremely well.
Day 2
Miraduoro da Eira do Serrado
Our day kicked off with a scenic drive to Miradouro da Eira do Serrado.
The road winding through lush landscapes provided breathtaking views, and upon reaching the viewpoint, we were greeted with a panoramic spectacle of the Curral das Freiras valley.
There is a parking spot situated near the viewpoint (LINK). Take caution that the roads when approaching the parking lots are very tight, and you would need to have some spatial awareness to get through them.
After which, you can walk through the shops and up the path to the viewpoint. From this viewpoint, you can see the peaceful village nestled within the mountains. It was a postcard-worthy shot.
Drive to Pico do Arieiro
Continuing our journey, we headed to Pico do Arreiro, one of Madeira’s highest peaks.
The drive was an adventure in itself, with the ever-changing scenery.
At the summit, we marvelled at the clouds below us, feeling like we were on top of the world.
The crisp mountain air and stunning vistas made this one of the highlights of our trip.
Doca do Cavacas Natural Pools
We made a stop at Doca do Cavacas Natural Pools.
However, we were interested in just seeing how the natural pools were formed and did not have the costume to enter the pools.
Note: We visited Porto Moniz Natural Pools on day 5 of our trip.
Cascata dos Anjos
We embarked on a unique adventure to Cascata dos Anjos, a waterfall for the car.
Once we arrived at the place, several cars were lining up to take the shot.
After patiently waiting in the queue, we finally got the money shot of us driving through the cascading waters.
Cabo Girao Skywalk
Perched at a dizzying height of 580m, this observation platform stands as one of the highest in Europe.
The panoramic views from Cabo Girao were nothing short of breathtaking, offering a unique perspective on Madeira’s dramatic landscapes.
Taverna Ruel
As the day wound down, we headed to Funchal City Centre for dinner at Taverna Ruel. Unfortunately, the culinary experience fell short of our expectations.
Despite this hiccup, the day’s adventures had left us in high spirits.
Day 3
Hiking at PR8 Verada da Ponta de São Lourenço
We kicked off the day with an invigorating hike along the PR8 Verada da Ponta de São Lourenço.
The coastal trail offered breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the rugged cliffs of Madeira.
The trail is relatively challenging, as there were many steps, but there was a good combination of uphill and downhill parts. There are also many points you could stop at to enjoy the scenery and take a break.
The vibrant hues of the landscape left us in awe, and we were glad to have done this trail.
Lunch at A Pipa
After working up an appetite, we headed to A Pipa for a well-deserved meal. The Grilled Baby Squid, Bolo do Caco, and Seafood Rice were exceptional, showcasing the freshness of Madeira’s seafood. A Pipa quickly became one of our favourite dining spots on the island.
Massage at the Hotel
In the afternoon, we treated ourselves to a rejuvenating massage at our hotel. It was the perfect way to unwind and recharge for the rest of the day’s adventures.
Alternatively, you could sign up for some of these activities:
Shopping at Mercado dos Lavradores
To immerse ourselves in the local culture, we explored the Mercado dos Lavradores, the central market in Funchal.
The vibrant stalls offered a variety of fresh produce, traditional crafts, and unique Madeiran specialties.
Dinner at Sete Mares
As evening fell, we headed to Sete Mares for a memorable dinner.
We sipped on Pineapple Nikita while indulging in Tomato Onion Soup, Grilled Scabbard Fish and Bolo do Caco. The atmosphere and flavours made it a perfect ending to a remarkable day.
Day 4
25 Fontes and Risco Hike
We started our day early and arrived at the parking lot at 8.45 a.m. This is the google map link to the parking lot (Levada do Alecrim – estacionamento) – Google’s Plus Code: QV38+QJ Arco da Calheta, Portugal.
When we arrived, the shuttle bus from Levada do Alecrim-Estacionamento to the cafe at the start of the trail had yet to start. However, we took a morning stroll down to the cafe.
There are two waterfalls on this trail. The slightly nearer one is Risco waterfall, and the further one is 25 Fontes (fountain or source). We went to both the waterfalls. It rained for a bit in between, and the trail was slightly muddy and slippery.
After visiting both waterfalls, we were famished and had lunch at the Rabaçal Nature Spot Cafe. The cafe offered a delightful pause, allowing us to savour local flavours in the midst of nature.
We were tired and decided to pay 2–3 euros (cannot remember exactly) for the shuttle bus to bring us back to the parking lot.
Fanal Forest
We continued our exploration, driving to Fanal Forest to capture the beauty of ancient laurel trees. However, the timing wasn’t ideal for the iconic fog, so we had to settle for the tranquilly of the forest.
Teleférico das Achadas da Cruz
Our next stop took us to the Teleférico das Achadas da Cruz, home to one of the steepest cable cars in Europe. The breathtaking views of the cliffs were nothing short of spectacular.
Dinner at Restaurante Santo António
As the day wound down, we dined at Restaurante Santo António. Espetada, Milho Frito, and Bolo do Caco graced our table. We recommend readers to go visit this restaurant. The charming ambiance and delectable dishes left us with a satisfying conclusion to another day of exploration.
Day 5
Bica da Cana Peak and Viewpoint
Our adventure on day five began before dawn, as we ventured to Madeira’s hidden gem, Bica da Cana peak and viewpoint. After a brief 10-minute trek from the parking area, we found ourselves atop this magnificent peak, just in time for the sunrise. The experience was surreal, standing above the clouds as the first light of day painted the sky in hues of orange and pink. The tranquility and beauty of this spot were beyond words, offering us a moment of pure bliss and a perfect start to our day.
Levada dos Balcões
Next on our agenda was the Levada dos Balcões hike, renowned for its scenic beauty and easy trail. The hike was indeed almost flat, making it a pleasant and accessible walk for us. The path led us through lush landscapes, with the highlight being the stunning viewpoints along the way that offered panoramic views of Madeira’s verdant valleys and mountains.
Porto Moniz Natural Pools
We spent our afternoon at the Porto Moniz Natural Pools, a natural wonder formed by volcanic lava. The saltwater pools were a refreshing retreat, where we enjoyed swimming and basking in the sun, marvelling at the unique interplay of natural forces that created this amazing spot.
Dinner at Restaurante As Fontes do Horácio
We concluded our day with a hearty meal at Restaurant As Fontes do Horácio, indulging in their renowned Paella. The portion was generous, brimming with a variety of seafood. Although it wasn’t the crispy type of paella we were accustomed to, the flavours were rich and satisfying. The fried calamari and Bolo do caco with garlic were also highlights of our meal.
Our evening ended with a leisurely walk around the city centre, where we chanced upon a local festival. The vibrant atmosphere, filled with music and laughter, was the perfect end to our day, immersing us fully in the local culture and spirit of Madeira.
Day 6
Canyoning with Epic Madeira
Our sixth day in Madeira was dedicated to adventure, and what better way to experience it than canyoning! We were guided by friendly instructors to navigate through the natural water obstacles. It was an experience that pushed our limits but left us with unforgettable memories.
Lunch at Abrigo do Pastor
After the morning’s adventure, we treated ourselves to a well-deserved lunch at Abrigo do Pastor. It started raining slightly, but thankfully, the restaurant’s ambiance was cosy. We enjoyed the pork ribs, as they were simply delicious. It was a much-needed refuel for our bodies, giving us a taste of the local culinary delights.
The intense activity from canyoning left us quite exhausted so we head back for some rest.
Evening at O.Giro Churros & Paninis
Our evening took us to O.Giro, a quaint spot in Funchal City Centre. The total bill for a milkshake and churro combo is under 10 euros, making it a good value for money.
The food was delicious, proving to be the perfect treat to satisfy our cravings. Discovering this hidden gem was a delightful surprise, adding another layer of joy to our Madeira adventure.
Day 7: Farewell Madeira, Hello Algarve
As we bid farewell to Madeira, our hearts were full of gratitude for the memories and experiences we had gathered over the past few days. Our journey in Madeira was a blend of adventure, culinary exploration, and moments of serenity, with each day bringing new surprises and delights.
Stay tuned for our next blog, as we continue our journey to the Algarve, where new adventures await us.