So, you’re thinking of spending a week in Madeira? Well, if you’re the type of traveler who loves breathtaking scenery and is keen to travel off-the-beaten-path – then, Madeira is the place for you. And spending a week here is an ideal amount of time to get a taste of what this amazing island offers.
Madeira has been on my bucket list for a couple of years now. I was first drawn to it by the incredible photos of the beaches and levada hikes that I came across on my Instagram. And when I researched more about the island – I thought to myself, this sounds like my kind of place (laid back, drop-dead gorgeous, and somewhere nobody I know has been!) So, when my husband found super-cheap flights to Madeira in April – we jumped at the opportunity.
I traveled to this tiny island in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean (it’s between Portugal and Africa) with my husband and two young daughters – so I’d say my below itinerary is best suited to families, couples, and even solo travelers.
How did we spend 7 days in Madeira?
Full disclosure, we actually spent 10 days in Madeira but you can easily fit everything we did into 7 days. That’s because we purposely allowed for ‘slow’ days during our vacation here as we were exhausted from moving house back in Cork City.
Anyway, if we had a week in Madeira – we’d start with 3 nights in Funchal. It’s an amazing city with a great vibe, and we loved strolling around the Old Town with its cobbled streets and historic buildings. One of our Madeira highlights was the Monte Palace Tropical Gardens here, so we’d spend at least half a day there if we were you. You can also do a whale-watching tour and a super-fun wicker basket ride here in Funchal.
Then, for your next few days on the island – we recommend renting a car to explore the harder-to-reach spots like Fanal Forest, Porto Moniz, and Santana.
Finally, we suggest ending your week in Madeira with a two-night stay in Caniço as it’s a chilled-out beachy town and is very close to the airport.
Days 1 – 3: Funchal
We recommend spending your first 3 nights in Madeira – in the island’s capital and largest city, Funchal. This beautiful city is the beating heart of the island and it’s where you’ll find the best hotels and restaurants in Madeira.
There are also heaps of unique things to do here to pass the time – we loved the Monte Palace Tropical Gardens, wandering the cobbled streets of the Old Town, and checking out the items for sale at the Mercado dos Lavradores.
Day One: Old Town Funchal, Mercado dos Lavradores, Funchal Harbor
Morning – Wander Old Town Funchal
When I visit a new city, the first thing I do when I arrive is to wander the downtown area aimlessly (without a plan in mind). That way, I can get a feel for the city and make mental notes of where I want to eat during my stay here.
So, therefore, we recommend spending one full morning wandering the quaint Old Town of Funchal which is home to cobblestoned streets, historic buildings, and local shops, selling authentic Madeiran cuisine and crafts.
One of the highlights of the Old Town was the Rua de Santa Maria, a street renowned for its colorful painted doors. They update the doors regularly so even if you’ve visited before, you’ll likely see new ones this time.
We also recommend visiting the Gothic-style Sé Cathedral and the Jardim Municipal de Funchal.
Late Morning – Mercado dos Lavradores
Before lunch, we advise spending around an hour wandering the stalls in the bustling Mercado dos Lavradores – there are a lot of fruit stalls here. And also stalls selling Madeiran crafts and clothing.
Downstairs there’s a fish market (the strong smell will show you the way) – there’s lots of types of fish on display here to be sold. We saw one local cutting up a massive tuna fish but there are also lots of black scabbard fish on display. These are native to the waters around Madeira and are scary-looking, to say the least. My 4-year-old daughter exclaimed “WHAT are those things” when she saw them first.
I will add that we visited the market at 10 am and it was quiet-ish but when we walked past around mid-day it was really busy. So try to get here early like we did to avoid the crowds.
Afternoon – Funchal Harbor & CR7 Museum
On your walk down to Funchal Harbor from the Old Town be sure to walk through the Parque de Santa Catarina – it has a lovely lake with swans in the middle and some Cafes. We spent a lot of time in the playground here as we were traveling with our two young daughters – and they loved it.
The Funchal Harbor area is huge and there’s a tiled pedestrian walkway that follows its length, be sure to keep an eye out for any cruise ships docked. When we were there the famous The World ship was docked here.
Cristiano Ronaldo Museum (CR7 Museum):
Yes, you’ve probably already guessed – this small museum is dedicated to the life and career of Cristiano Ronaldo. It was opened in 2013 and displays over 100 individual and collective trophies won by Ronaldo throughout his career. Entry costs around €5 per adult.
Evening – Drink Poncha
Poncha is the national drink of Madeira and let me tell you – it’s strong (around 25% alcohol volume!) It’s made with sugar cane rum, sugar, honey, orange or lemon juice and can be mixed with other juices (for a more fruity flavor). I had a Passionfruit Poncha and it was delicious!
We really liked Pharmácia do Bento on R. dos Tanoeiros 4, a tiny bar/ grocery store that has been in operation for around 150 years. There are no tables here, just stools in front of the counter. And while we were here, many locals were popping in to buy groceries and spices (which are all kept behind the counter).
Tour recommendation: A great, unique option for a guided tour in Funchal is this private tuk-tuk tour, you plan with your guide where you want to go and what you want to see and he will take you there (within reason). It costs from €120 per group (that’s up to 3 people).
Day Two: Monte Palace Tropical Gardens, Wicker Basket Ride, Wine Tasting
Morning & Afternoon – Monte Palace Tropical Gardens
This was one of our favorite stops in Madeira – the Monte Palace Tropical Gardens are situated high above Funchal. And the best way to get here is to hop on the cable car (which departs from the old town of Funchal) – that’s an activity in itself as the views are epic. We opted for the return cable car ride, which cost us €18 per adult.
The entrance fee to the gardens costs around €12.50 per adult and we easily spent 3 hours here wandering around the 17-acre gardens. There are all sorts of plants on display here from native Madeiran varieties to plants from around the world like the fern, sequoias, magnolias, and more.
We took our time walking along the winding paths here that took us through meticulously curated landscapes, past tranquil lakes and waterfalls, and under the shade of towering trees. The gardens are also home to a fascinating collection of African sculptures and we really enjoyed the small museum on-site that features huge mineral displays.
Our daughters’ favorite section was probably the pink flamingoes and the pond with huge Koi fish – we also spotted several peacocks roaming the grounds.
Afternoon – Wicker Basket Ride (Carreiros do Monte)
Say, what? A wicker basket ride down a steep and lengthy hill with only two men standing at the back to steer it! I’m sure you’ve heard of the famed wicker basket rides in Funchal – it’s one of the best things to do here. And the baskets gain speeds of up to 24 mph. And go a distance of 2 km.
The wicker basket rides started way back in the 1800s when enterprising locals invented them as a way to get home from church.
The basket rides start at Monte Church (your best to get a cab here from Funchal) and run Monday to Saturday, 9 am to 6 pm. Prices are around €27.50 for one person, €35 for two people, etc.
Evening – Blandy’s Wine Lodge
Blandy’s on Av. Arriaga 28 has been around since 1811 and is a big name in making top-notch Madeira wines. When you visit, you can take a tour to see how they turn grapes into wine and learn about their unique aging process in the cool, atmospheric cellars. Plus, there’s a cozy tasting room where you can try different wines, each with its own distinct flavors and aromas that capture the island’s vibe.
A standard tour costs €15, and that includes wine samples.
Tour recommendation: If you’d like to do a more in-depth wine tour then you’ll like the sound of this 4×4 tour that stops in 3 different wineries but also visits other sights like the skywalk and Sao Vicente.
Day Three: Whale Watching Tour, Cabo Girão Skywalk, Afternoon Tea at Reid’s Palace
Morning – Whale watching
The waters surrounding Madeira are home to over 20 different marine species, including the majestic sperm whales and playful bottlenose dolphins. So, why not embark on a catamaran boat trip to see a variety of marine life, including whales and dolphins, in their natural habitat? Tours are conducted by knowledgeable guides who provide insightful commentary on the behavior and ecology of these incredible creatures.
As for the best time of year to go whale watching in Madeira – we recommend between April and October. As this is when a large number of whales and dolphins pass through the waters around the island.
The tours typically leave from the main marina in Funchal. And this one is 3 hours long and costs from €35 per person.
Early Afternoon – Cabo Girão Skywalk
Sitting 580 meters above the sea, the Cabo Girao skywalk is built on top of the highest cape in Europe. The suspended glass platform (skywalk) gives you a one-of-a-kind spot to soak in the amazing cliffs and the huge stretch of the Atlantic Ocean.
You’ll feel like you’re walking on air while across it (and I did have my heart in my mouth a few times!) From here you can see as far as Funchal.
It’s one of the most photographed spots on the island and entry costs from €2 per adult (children under 12 are free).
You can get a cab from downtown Funchal, which will cost around €20, or you could rent a car today – as you’ll need one for a lot of my recommendations for the rest of your stay in Madeira.
Late Afternoon – Afternoon Tea at Reid’s Palace
Having afternoon tea at Reid’s Palace is a must-do experience in Funchal – even if you’re not a tea drinker. I’m not, and I still had a memorable time.
Having afternoon tea at this historic hotel (it opened way back in 1891) takes you back to a time of charm and style. And because of its location on the cliffside, you’ll enjoy amazing views of lush gardens and the vast Atlantic Ocean.
You’ll enjoy a tasty selection of sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and homemade jams, and a variety of delightful pastries and cakes. Everything is carefully prepared and presented, showcasing the hotel’s dedication to quality. You can choose from a wide range of top-notch teas, and there’s even an option to add a glass of champagne if you’re feeling fancy.
It cost us around €30 each and we reckon it’s well worth the (slightly hefty) price tag.
Where to stay in Funchal:
We decided not to stay in Funchal Center. Instead, we stayed at the Pestana Ocean Bay Resort on the Ponta da Cruz cliff, around a 10-minute drive from downtown. There was a rugged, black-sand beach out front and several bars and restaurants dotted along the coastal pathway, that eventually connects with Funchal.
We opted for the all-inclusive package and the food and service were great. There was also a free shuttle service into Funchal, which we used a few times.
In Funchal, we also recommend the following hotels:
- Melia Madeira Mare – This large 5-star hotel is around a 5-minute drive from the tourist center of Funchal. It boasts lovely ocean views and has heaps of amenities like swimming pools, restaurants, etc.
- Hotel Madeira – Is a great budget-friendly option in the city center. This 3-star property has a rooftop pool.
Day Four: Fanal Forest & Porto Munoz
Morning – Fanal Forest
This enchanting laurel forest is part of the Laurisilva of Madeira UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it’s well-known for its ancient trees (most are over 600 years old). Fanal forest offers a unique atmosphere that feels almost otherworldly, with twisted trunks and lush greenery.
I felt like I’d stepped into a Grimms Fairytale book, we spent around 2-3 hours here and we even hiked up to the highest point as a family. Our daughters, aged 4 and 3 years managed it (although at a slow pace) so it’s not too difficult of a hike, although it is pretty steep.
As you walk around here keep an eye out for cows and cow poop. We also found it to be much colder here than elsewhere on the island so definitely bring a cardigan or jacket.
The only way to get to Fanal Forest is by driving or booking a guided tour, as there’s no public transport to here. I will also say that parking here can be a bit of a nightmare! There are two small-ish public car parks but you will likely need to park along the side of the road as these fill up pretty quickly.
Afternoon & Evening – Porto Moniz
This super chill coastal town is well known for its natural volcanic rock pools. The pools were formed over millennia by the cooling of lava – the natural layout of these pools allows the constant entry of seawater.
There are two pools in Porto Moniz, one more natural (and free-to-enter) pool near the fort and the other is pay-to-enter and has more of a resort feel. These are the ones we went to, as they are large so, plenty of room to spread out.
The sunbathing area is around 3,210 m² and the swimming area is 3,800 m² (the deepest point of the pool is around two meters). It also has a children’s pool, playground, changing rooms, bar, first aid post, car park, and access for people with disability. It costs €3 per person to enter.
This evening, we recommend having dinner at Vila North 77, they have a small-ish menu of hamburgers, risotto, and pasta dishes – but everything they do, they do well.
If you don’t have a rental car, then, this full-day guided tour is an option to seriously consider. It stops at Porto Moniz, Seixal, Fanal Forest, Cabo Girão Skywalk and visits some vineyards in Sao Vicente. You’ll be whisked around in style (in a jeep) and it’s a great price (€69), considering all it includes.
Where to stay in Porto Moniz:
Spend tonight in Porto Moniz, there are a few hotels here. But, we loved the look and sound of Aqua Natura Bay, an eco-friendly hotel with a fabulous outdoor pool.
Day Five: Santana, Whaling Museum, Roseiral Quinta do Arco
Morning – Santana
Santana is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Madeira as it’s here you can see the triangular-shaped, brightly-painted thatched-roof houses aka “palheiros.” I’m sure you’ve seen these on your Instagram feed, they are a symbol of Madeira’s heritage. And today, there are stores within the houses selling all different items, for example, we bought homemade ice lollies in one and some magnets and trinkets in another.
We also had lunch here – at Cachadinha Snack-Bar, just on the outskirts of the town center. It was very reasonably priced.
Afternoon – Whaling Museum of Madeira
The Whaling Museum of Madeira (Museu da Baleia), in Caniçal, gives you a cool peek into the island’s whaling past. This modern museum is all about keeping the story of Madeira’s whaling industry alive. It was one of the island’s major industries (but it was stopped in the early ’80s due to ethical and ecological concerns).
Inside, you’ll find all sorts of interesting stuff like old tools, whaling boats, and detailed models that show how whalers caught these giant creatures. Plus, the museum talks about the environmental side of whaling, encouraging people to think about conservation.
We learned loads here, including how it was mostly sperm whales that were caught and how they used every part of the whale after they caught it. The blubber was melted down into an oil that was used for lubrication and in soap and the ambergris, a waxy substance in its intestines was used to make perfume.
And my daughters loved the life-size models of whales hanging from the ceiling (they thought they were real).
Late Afternoon – Roseiral Quinta do Arco
The Rose Garden in Quinta do Arco is amazing, albeit a little rustic! It’s one of the most famous rose gardens in Europe and also one of the biggest in the world – boasting over 1,500 species of roses!
Walking around the designated stone pathway, you can see ancient and contemporary, climbing and non-climbing rose bushes. The most important and rare types of roses have a placard telling you what they are. However, we found many of these to be faded.
Roseiral Quinta do Arco is listed as a ‘Garden of Excellence’ by the World Federation of Rose Societies. Entry costs from €12.50 per person, which includes a drink – but, entry for us was free as we stayed at the hotel connected to this – Pestana Hotel Quinta do Arco, which we highly recommend.
You can stay the night at the Rose Garden:
Well, not in the Rose Garden itself but at the stunning hotel connected to it. Yes, we recommend spending tonight at Pestana Quinta do Arco next door to the gardens. This unique property is set within a rose garden and the rooms are like standalone bungalows nestled among the gardens.
There are not only roses growing along the pathways between the rooms – but banana trees and all different types of flowers. It’s one of the most unique places we’ve ever stayed.
There are two outdoor swimming pools on-site too. We opted for the half-board option – which gave us breakfast and dinner included. These meals were served in a quaint restaurant a short walk away, the food was delicious and made to order (not buffet) which we loved. I’ll be honest, I’m not the biggest fan of buffet food.
Days 6 & 7: Relax in Caniço
We recommend spending your last two days in Madeira in the lovely coastal town of Caniço (pronounced Can-e-so) as it’s a chilled-out spot. Plus, it’s only 10 km from Madeira Airport.
We did just that when we visited Madeira recently, and we spent our two full days here going for walks along the coastal promenade which connects the harbor here with the small town above, dining at great, local restaurants (special shout out to Snack Bar Mare, which is run by the friendliest people – the owner even specially prepared Nutella-filled pancakes for our daughters).
If you’re keen to see the sights here – we recommend checking out the Christo Rei statue which boasts killer views over the Atlantic, and visiting the Quinta Splendida Wellness & Botanical Garden, which is home to thousands of different plant species, many of which are native to Madeira.
If you’re into nature, head over to the Garajau Nature Reserve. It’s a top spot for snorkeling and scuba diving with tons of marine life (like manta rays and groupers) and super clear water.
And the Garajau Cable Car is another must-do here, it gives you awesome views of the Atlantic Ocean and the rugged Madeira coastline as it glides down from the Garajau cliffs to a stunning beach.
Where we stayed in Caniço:
We stayed at the Views Oasis, a 4-star hotel that’s right on the waterfront. It’s a really modern hotel with lots of amenities – an outdoor swimming pool, indoor pool, spa, and two on-site restaurants (one is buffet, the other is a-la-carte). We opted to book a bed & breakfast rate and the breakfast was great each morning.
And, well the view from our room was amazing!
Fast facts about spending a week in Madeira:
- Rent a car – We strongly advise you rent a car to see Madeira’s hard-to-reach spots like Fanal Forest and Quinta do Arco, but, keep in mind that driving here can be challenging due to the mountainous terrain.
- Get up early – If you only have a week in Madeira, you will need to be an early riser to see all the best sights before the tour buses get there. Definitely, get to sights like Fanal Forest, Mercado dos Lavradores, and Monte Palace Gardens early (around 9 am).
- Consider the weather – Madeira’s weather is nicknamed the “eternal spring.” Yep, thanks to its spot in the subtropics and the Gulf Stream’s help, Madeira keeps things pretty chill throughout the year, with temps hanging around 16°C (61°F) in winter and 25°C (77°F) in summer. You might find more rain in the mountains, especially from October to April, but the coastal spots usually stay drier.
- Travel insurance is important – This is how we find the best travel insurance for our trip, it’s a search engine for travel insurance companies so you can find the best travel insurance for your trip. On their site, you can compare the plans side by side so you can get the best insurance for your particular trip! As I always say, no trip is the same so your travel insurance shouldn’t be too!
Thanks for Reading!
To summarize, spending a week in Madeira is sure to be a memorable vacation. We had such an amazing time here and can’t wait to return when our girls are a little older and tick off some of the island’s famous hikes.
Tell me, how did you find our week in Madeira itinerary? I’d love to read your thoughts in the comment section below.
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Last Updated on May 20, 2025 by snaphappytravel