Funchal and the Mercado dos Lavradores
Start early in Funchal with a visit to the famous Mercado dos Lavradores, where you can enjoy exotic fruits, fresh fish and many varieties of flowers.
Madeira itinerary suggestions
Explore the best landscapes and charms of the island with our Madeira itinerary suggestions: routes through the cultural, gastronomic and natural wonders of our region, written by local people.
Madeira in 7 days, by Anna Visual Stories
Madeira in 1 day
Old Town and the Monte cable car
Head to the Old Town, close to Jardim Almirante Reis and the Funchal–Monte cable car. The ride between Funchal and Monte gives you fantastic views over the city, and in Monte you can visit the Monte Palace Tropical Garden.
Cabo Girão and Câmara de Lobos
About 30 minutes from the centre, Cabo Girão is one of the highest capes in Europe at 580 m; the glass skywalk is a thrill. Then drop into the fishing village of Câmara de Lobos, with its colourful harbour and its connection to Winston Churchill, who came here to paint. Have lunch at one of the local restaurants.
Ribeiro Frio and Santana
After lunch, drive to the Ribeiro Frio Laurissilva forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site with spectacular trails such as the Levada dos Balcões. If you have time, continue to Santana, famous for its triangular thatched houses, before heading back.
Madeira in 3 days
Day 1 · Funchal and Pico do Arieiro
Morning · Funchal
Drive early into Funchal and visit the Mercado dos Lavradores. Stroll through the Old Town to the Funchal–Monte cable car, ride up to Monte for the views and the tropical garden, and consider coming down in a traditional wicker toboggan.
Afternoon · Pico do Arieiro
Right after lunch, climb to Pico do Arieiro, one of the highest points on the island, for views over the peaks. On the way down, stop at the Ribeiro Frio forestry post to see the trout pools and walk the easy Vereda dos Balcões. The Miradouro da Portela is about 30 minutes further before you return.
Day 2 · The west and its mountains
Morning · Câmara de Lobos, Cabo Girão and Calheta
Start at Câmara de Lobos and its traditional fishing boats, then Cabo Girão and its skywalk. Take the expressway west to Calheta for the yellow-sand beaches and the Casa das Mudas museum. For lunch, try espetada or black scabbard fish at a local restaurant.
Afternoon · Jardim do Mar and Paúl do Mar
Drive through Prazeres to Fajã da Ovelha and the Precipício viewpoint, one of the most spectacular on the island, then down to Paúl do Mar, a small village with stone beaches and waves sought after by surfers.
Day 3 · The north coast
Morning · Santana
Start at Queimadas Natural Park and walk the Levada do Caldeirão Verde into the heart of the Laurissilva forest. If you prefer not to hike, spend the morning in Santana with its thatched houses and the Madeira Theme Park.
Afternoon · Porto Moniz
After lunch, head to Porto Moniz and its natural pools for a swim in crystal-clear water. On the way back, take regional road 228 from São Vicente up to Encumeada for viewpoints over the island’s interior.
Tips for the road
- Book your car in advance, especially in high season from May to September.
- Always park in authorised, safe areas and follow local rules.
- Bring water, snacks and a coat, especially for trails such as the Levada dos Balcões.
- The plans allow about 30 minutes per stop, 1h30 for lunch and 1h30 for the Levada dos Balcões.
- Check the official warnings about levadas and paths, and the tourist tax, at madeiraislandmagazine.pt.
Let’s get you on the road
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