Madeira Itinerary: How to Spend 10 to 14 Days in Madeira

A 10 – 14 day Madeira itinerary that’s ideal for non-hikers!

Madeira has been high on my bucket list for a long time. Often called the “Hawaii of Europe” this tiny island in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean (it’s between Portugal and Africa) seemed to me, to be a unique destination filled with black-sand beaches, lush mountains, and moody laurel forests. So, when my husband found super-cheap flights for this April we jumped at the chance to explore this bucket-list island.

In total, we spent 10 days in Madeira. We stayed in three different parts of the island (Caniço, Quinta do Arca, and Funchal) and we rented a car for three days so that we could easily get to hard-to-reach spots like the Fanal Forest. We had an amazing stay in Madeira – the island really is as beautiful as I imagined and the locals are so friendly.

How did we spend 10 days in Madeira?

We started our Madeira holiday in Caniço around 10 minutes from the airport – it’s a lovely, quiet spot on the coast. And we spent our two full days here walking the coastal walkway into the town area and we also checked out the Christ the King statue and the Garajau Cable Car, which are both nearby.

Then, we hired a car on the third day and over the next couple of days we ticked off the Fanal Forest, Santana, the Whaling Museum, Porto Munoz, Cabo Girão Skywalk, and Sao Vicente.

For our last three days, we settled in Funchal and checked out the Monte Palace Gardens, the Cristiano Ronaldo Museum, and the old town.

I will add that because we traveled here with our two young daughters, we didn’t get the chance to do any hikes in Madeira. But we’re planning to come back to Madeira for a week to tick off a few of the levada hikes. But wait, don’t worry I’ve still researched and included two awesome hikes for any hikers reading.

Here’s how we planned our 10 days in Madeira itinerary and packed in nine destinations.

An ideal Madeira itinerary –

Days 1-2: Chill out in Caniço

We decided to spend our first nights in Madeira in the lovely coastal town of Caniço (pronounced Can-e-so) because well it looked like a relaxing place to spend our first three nights in Madeira. Also, it’s only 10 km from Madeira Airport and our flight landed late at night, so we also chose it out of convenience as we were traveling with our two young daughters.

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).

A relaxing stay in Caniço was exactly what the doctor ordered after a busy year of moving houses. But, 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!

Day 3: Whaling Museum & Santana

On our third day in Madeira, we hired a car for a few days so that we could check out some of the island’s highlights. Today, we drove from Caniço to the Whaling Museum, which is around a 20-minute drive, and then, we spent the afternoon in Santana before driving to our hotel in Quinta do Arca on the North Coast of Madeira.

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).

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.

Where we stayed in North Madeira:

We then drove to what would be our hotel for the next two nights – Pestana Quinta do Arco. 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 was 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.

Day 4: Roseiral Quinta do Arco & São Vicente

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.

São Vicente:

The small village of São Vicente is around a 20-minute (steep and winding) drive from the Rose Garden. And we decided to spend our afternoon here wandering around this quaint Madeiran village with its cute little houses and narrow streets.

One of the coolest things to do here is the Grutas de São Vicente, these caves were formed by volcanic activity approximately 890,000 years ago. On a visit here, you can explore the intricate network of tunnels and chambers, which stretch for nearly a kilometer. The grotto is illuminated to highlight the stunning formations and the vivid colors of the volcanic rock.

Alongside the grotto, the Volcanism Center is well-worth checking out to learn more about the volcanic processes that shaped Madeira.

Day 5: Fanal Forest & Cabo Girão Skywalk

This enchanting laurel forest, part of the Laurisilva of Madeira UNESCO World Heritage Site, is renowned for its ancient trees (most are over 600 years old) shrouded in ethereal mists. 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 steep.

Funnily, a local guide told us that TikTok was to thank (Or to blame) for Fanal Forest’s recent boom in popularity! 

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.

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).

There’s a lovely Cafe (with fabulous views) and a gift store on-site, too.

Day 6: 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.

After a day in the sun, swing by the Madeira Aquarium. It’s a cool spot to get a peek into the local underwater world. The area around Porto Moniz is also great for hiking. Try the Levada da Ribeira da Janela trail for some jaw-dropping views of greenery and rugged cliffs.

Days 7 – 10: Funchal

We spent our final 3 days in Madeira’s vibrant capital city – Funchal. With a population of over 100,000 this is the biggest city in Madeira – and is perhaps most famous for being the birthplace of Cristiano Ronaldo.

We really liked Funchal, and we both said that we could live there easily – that’s always a sign of a good city, isn’t it? If you could see yourself living there!

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 we could walk into Funchal along the coastal promenade – there’s a cool sea tunnel that’s part of this walk and it happened to be right next to our hotel. Our girls loved walking through this, as they had gotten into their heads that a Sea Dragon lived in the cave!

There was a free shuttle bus from our hotel into Funchal and we got this on two of the days. During our time in Funchal, we spent a half day at the Monte Palace Tropical Gardens (we got the cable car up) which my girls loved, strolled around the quaint downtown area, visited the Jardim Municipal de Funchal (there’s a lovely playground here) and checked out the Cristiano Ronaldo Museum.

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 farther-flung places like the fern (native to New Zealand) and 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.

Funchal Old Town:

We spent 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 our highlights of the Old Town was the Rua de Santa Maria, a street renowned for its colorful painted doors. We also stopped outside the Gothic-style Sé Cathedral to snap a few photos.

Before lunch, we spend around half 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 also 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 like we did to avoid the crowds.

CR7 Museum (Cristiano Ronaldo 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. It is located near the Port of Funchal. Entry costs around €5 per adult.

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.

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 whale and dolphins pass through the waters around the island.

The tours typically leave from the main marina in Funchal.

Days 11 – 14: Wine Tour, Hiking & Explore Machico

Unluckily for us, we only had 10 days in Madeira. So, with your remaining four days in Madeira, I recommend doing the following –

1. Taste the local wine: Discover the island’s famous fortified wine by visiting local wineries and tasting the distinct flavors of Madeira wine. We really 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.
2. Go hiking: Highly recommended and jaw-droppingly stunning hikes here include the Levada do Caldeirão Verde and Pico do Arieiro (one of the highest peaks in Madeira). Another great hike is the Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço, which showcases Madeira’s volcanic origins with its stark, rugged cliffs and sweeping ocean vistas. You’ll need to allow at least half a day for each of these hikes.
3. Spend a day on Machico: Known for its historical significance as the island’s initial landing place for Portuguese explorers in the 15th century. Machico is steeped in rich history and culture. It boasts a warm, welcoming atmosphere, with quaint streets, traditional Madeiran architecture, and vibrant locals.

Renting a car in Madeira:

As I said, we decided to rent a car for 3 full days in Madeira – and although I would have liked the car for longer, my husband (the driver) said he wasn’t keen as the steep roads require a lot of concentration.

Yep, Madeira is renowned for its stunning landscapes, which means you’ll often find yourself navigating winding roads that offer breathtaking views of the ocean and lush greenery. However, these roads are also narrow and steep and require a certain level of confidence and caution. Especially for those unfamiliar with mountainous terrain.

It’s important to keep an eye out for larger vehicles coming towards you and pull in if needed. Also, we found in the more remote parts of the island, that many locals park their cars on the side of the road – so, you need to keep an eye out for this. I will add that, other tourists seemed to be the biggest danger on the roads here. On one occasion we were driving up a really steep hill and came around a short bend where we saw a car stopped in the middle of the road. Turns out the lady had jumped out to take a photo! So reckless! She could have easily caused a crash.

Renting a smaller, more maneuverable car is advisable, as it will help you handle the tight turns and limited parking spaces more easily.

Top travel tip: We tend to always book our rental car through Discover Cars. This is a search engine for rental cars and allows you to filter by price if you’re on a budget or by vehicle type if there’s a specific car you’re after.

Thanks for Reading!

To summarize, spending 10 days in Madeira is sure to be a memorable vacation. After all, this is one of the most unique destinations in Europe.

Tell me, how did you find our 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