If you are planning to visit Madeira in Portugal, you should make sure you have the right itinerary to make the most of your trip, especially if you are planning a short stay. But if you need help, don't worry because this Madeira guide is here to equip you with the information you need.
How long to spend in Madeira
Deciding how long to stay in Madeira depends on what you want to experience. For most visitors, a stay of about 7 to 10 days is ideal. This allows you to explore the island's diverse landscapes, enjoy its rich culture, and relax.
If you have more time, you could easily spend 20 days or more to delve deeper into the island's attractions and enjoy a more leisurely pace. For those with limited time, you can still have a fulfilling visit with a shorter stay, but to truly appreciate Madeira, consider planning for at least a week.
So, how many days to spend in Madeira? A minimum of 7 days is recommended, but if you can, extend your stay to 10 or even 20 days for a more comprehensive experience.
Madeira trip plan
1 day in Funchal
Morning:
- Visit Mercado dos Lavradores for fresh local produce and lively market scenes.
- Take a cable car to Monte for stunning views.
- Explore Monte Palace and its beautiful gardens.
Afternoon:
- Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
- Visit the Madeira Story Centre to learn about the island's history.
Evening:
- Stroll along the Lido Promenade.
- Have dinner at a seaside restaurant, watching the sunset over the Atlantic Ocean.
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2 days in Madeira
Day 1:
- Morning: Explore Funchal, visiting Mercado dos Lavradores and the Madeira Botanical Garden.
- Afternoon: Take a cable car to Monte, explore Monte Palace, and its gardens. It should be part of every plan to visit Madeira in 2 days.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner in Funchal and a stroll along the marina.
Day 2:
- Morning: Drive to Câmara de Lobos and explore the picturesque fishing village.
- Afternoon: Visit Cabo Girão for stunning cliff views, then explore the vineyards in São Vicente.
- Evening: Return to Funchal for dinner.
A weekend in Madeira
Day 1:
- Morning: Explore Funchal, visiting Mercado dos Lavradores and Monte Palace.
- Afternoon: Visit the Madeira Botanical Garden and stroll through Funchal's old town.
- Evening: Have dinner at a traditional Madeiran restaurant.
Day 2:
- Morning: Visit Câmara de Lobos and Cabo Girão.
- Afternoon: Relax at the natural pools in Porto Moniz or the sandy beach at Calheta.
- Evening: Return to Funchal for dinner and enjoy the nightlife.
3 days in Madeira
Day 1:
- Morning: Explore Funchal, including Mercado dos Lavradores and the Madeira Botanical Garden.
- Afternoon: Take a cable car to Monte, visit Monte Palace and its gardens.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner in Funchal and a walk along the marina.
Day 2:
- Morning: Visit Câmara de Lobos and Cabo Girão.
- Afternoon: Explore the vineyards in São Vicente.
- Evening: Return to Funchal for dinner.
Day 3:
- Morning: Head to Porto Moniz and swim in the natural pools.
- Afternoon: Hike in the Laurisilva Forest.
- Evening: Relax and dine in Funchal.
4 days in Madeira
Day 1:
- Morning: Explore Funchal, visiting Mercado dos Lavradores and Monte Palace.
- Afternoon: Take a cable car to Monte, explore Monte Palace and its gardens.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner in Funchal and a stroll along the marina.
Day 2:
- Morning: Visit Câmara de Lobos and Cabo Girão.
- Afternoon: Explore the vineyards in São Vicente.
- Evening: Return to Funchal for dinner.
Day 3:
- Morning: Head to Porto Moniz and enjoy the natural pools.
- Afternoon: Hike in the Laurisilva Forest.
- Evening: Dinner and relaxation in Funchal.
Day 4:
- Morning: Explore the traditional houses in Santana.
- Afternoon: Relax at Machico Beach.
- Evening: Farewell dinner in Funchal.
Madeira itinerary 5 days
Day 1:
- Morning: Explore Funchal, including Mercado dos Lavradores and Monte Palace.
- Afternoon: Take a cable car to Monte, visit Monte Palace and its gardens.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner in Funchal and a walk along the marina.
Day 2:
- Morning: Visit Câmara de Lobos and Cabo Girão.
- Afternoon: Explore the vineyards in São Vicente.
- Evening: Return to Funchal for dinner.
Day 3:
- Morning: Head to Porto Moniz and enjoy the natural pools.
- Afternoon: Hike in the Laurisilva Forest.
- Evening: Dinner and relaxation in Funchal.
Day 4:
- Morning: Discover the traditional houses in Santana.
- Afternoon: Relax at Machico Beach.
- Evening: Dinner in Funchal.
Day 5:
- Morning: Visit Ponta de São Lourenço for coastal views.
- Afternoon: Explore more of Funchal, including museums and the Lido Promenade.
- Evening: Farewell dinner in Funchal.
Note: If you want to spend 5 days in Madeira without a car, we recommend staying centrally in Funchal, as it offers easy access to public transport in Madeira for day trips and exploring the city on foot. Additionally, consider joining guided tours or using taxi services to reach destinations outside of Funchal.
6 days in Madeira
Day 1:
- Morning: Explore Funchal, including Mercado dos Lavradores and Monte Palace.
- Afternoon: Take a cable car to Monte, visit Monte Palace and its gardens.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner in Funchal and a stroll along the marina.
Day 2:
- Morning: Visit Câmara de Lobos and Cabo Girão.
- Afternoon: Explore the vineyards in São Vicente.
- Evening: Return to Funchal for dinner.
Day 3:
- Morning: Head to Porto Moniz and enjoy the natural pools.
- Afternoon: Hike in the Laurisilva Forest.
- Evening: Dinner and relaxation in Funchal.
Day 4:
- Morning: Discover the traditional houses in Santana.
- Afternoon: Relax at Machico Beach.
- Evening: Dinner in Funchal.
Day 5:
- Morning: Visit Ponta de São Lourenço for coastal views.
- Afternoon: Explore more of Funchal, including museums and the Lido Promenade.
- Evening: Farewell dinner in Funchal.
Day 6:
- Morning: Take a boat trip for dolphin and whale watching.
- Afternoon: Explore Garajau Nature Reserve or take a Levada walk.
- Evening: Final dinner in Funchal to conclude your memorable stay in Madeira.
Madeira 7 day itinerary: How to spend a week in Madeira
If you're looking for the perfect Madeira one week itinerary, here's a simple and clear plan for your one week in Madeira:
Day 1:
- Morning: Start your journey in Funchal, exploring Mercado dos Lavradores and Monte Palace.
- Afternoon: Take a cable car to Monte and wander through its stunning gardens.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner in Funchal and take a leisurely stroll along the marina.
Day 2:
- Morning: Venture to Câmara de Lobos and take in the picturesque fishing village.
- Afternoon: Visit Cabo Girão for breathtaking cliff views, followed by a visit to São Vicente's vineyards.
- Evening: Return to Funchal for dinner.
Day 3:
- Morning: Embark on a scenic drive to Porto Moniz and relax in its natural pools.
- Afternoon: Explore the Laurisilva Forest on a tranquil hike.
- Evening: Savor dinner in Funchal and unwind after a day of adventure.
Day 4:
- Morning: Discover the traditional Santana houses and learn about Madeira's cultural heritage.
- Afternoon: Indulge in relaxation at Machico Beach.
- Evening: Enjoy a delicious dinner in Funchal.
Day 5:
- Morning: Take in the nice coastal views at Ponta de São Lourenço.
- Afternoon: Explore Funchal further, visiting museums and strolling along the Lido Promenade.
- Evening: Wrap up the day with a farewell dinner in Funchal.
Day 6:
- Morning: Set sail on a boat trip for dolphin and whale watching.
- Afternoon: Choose between exploring Garajau Nature Reserve or embarking on a Levada walk.
- Evening: Conclude your day with a delightful dinner in Funchal.
Day 7:
- Morning: Reflect on your exploration of Madeira in 7 days over breakfast in Funchal.
- Afternoon: If time allows, visit any missed attractions or simply relax before departing.
Note: If you want to spend 7 days in Madeira without a car, consider staying centrally in Funchal to access public transportation easily for day trips. Additionally, guided tours and taxi services are convenient options for exploring the island's attractions beyond Funchal.
10 day Madeira itinerary
Here's a quick guide for those who want to spend 10 days in Madeira:
Day 1-3:
- Begin your exploration in Funchal, visiting Mercado dos Lavradores, Monte Palace, and enjoying the city's atmosphere.
Day 4-6:
- Venture to Câmara de Lobos, Cabo Girão, and São Vicente's vineyards. Explore Porto Moniz's natural pools and hike in the Laurisilva Forest.
Day 7-9:
- Discover the traditional Santana houses, relax at Machico Beach, and marvel at the coastal views from Ponta de São Lourenço. Take a boat trip for dolphin and whale watching, and explore Garajau Nature Reserve or enjoy a Levada walk.
Day 10:
- Reflect on your incredible journey over breakfast in Funchal before departing, cherishing the memories made during your unforgettable 10 days in Madeira.
Are you curious to find out more about Portugal?
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Best time to travel to Madeira, Portugal
When is the best time to visit Madeira, you ask? Are you wondering: What is the best month to visit Madeira? The answer is: anytime!
Madeira's mild climate makes it a fantastic destination year-round. However, the best time to visit Madeira is typically during the spring and autumn months, from April to June and September to November.
During these periods, the weather is pleasantly warm, and the island is less crowded than during the peak summer months. Additionally, if you're interested in experiencing Madeira's famous flower festivals, visiting in the spring months is ideal when the island is in full bloom.
Considering the varied attractions and events throughout the year, Madeira offers something special each month. Here's why each month is an excellent time for visiting Madeira:
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What to do in Madeira in January
- Enjoy the festive atmosphere of New Year's celebrations in Funchal.
Witness the stunning Christmas lights and decorations throughout the city. - Take advantage of the cooler weather for hiking and exploring the island's lush landscapes.
What to do in Madeira in February
- Experience the colorful Carnival celebrations, with parades and street parties in Funchal and other towns.
- Visit the island's museums and cultural attractions to learn about Madeira's history and heritage.
- Take a scenic drive along the coast and enjoy breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.
What to do in Madeira in March
- Attend the Madeira Flower Festival, featuring floral displays, parades, and concerts.
- Explore the island's botanical gardens and parks, where many flowers are in bloom.
- Take a boat trip for dolphin and whale watching in the warm waters surrounding Madeira.
What to do in Madeira in April
- Enjoy the pleasant spring weather in Madeira with outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and picnicking.
- Visit the Monte Palace Tropical Garden and marvel at its diverse collection of plants and flowers.
- Take a guided tour to explore Madeira's Levada walks and discover its unique irrigation system.
What to do in Madeira in May
- Participate in the Madeira Wine Festival, celebrating the island's rich winemaking heritage.
- Take a cable car ride to Monte and enjoy panoramic views of Funchal and the surrounding landscapes.
- Relax on Madeira's beautiful beaches and soak up the sun.
What to do in Madeira in June
- Explore Madeira's charming fishing villages, such as Câmara de Lobos and Porto Moniz.
- Go scuba diving or snorkeling to discover the underwater wonders of Madeira's marine reserves.
- Attend the Atlantic Festival, featuring music concerts, fireworks displays, and cultural events.
What to do in Madeira in July
- Visit Madeira's natural pools and enjoy a refreshing swim in crystal-clear waters.
- Take a day trip to the nearby island of Porto Santo and relax on its golden sandy beaches.
- Sample Madeira's delicious cuisine at local restaurants, known for their fresh seafood and regional specialties.
What to do in Madeira in August
- Explore Madeira's stunning landscapes with outdoor activities like canyoning, rock climbing, and mountain biking.
- Attend the Monte Festival, featuring traditional folklore performances and religious processions.
- Take a guided tour to discover Madeira's hidden gems, such as its secluded waterfalls and secret caves.
What to do in Madeira in September
- Take part in the Madeira Nature Festival, celebrating the island's natural beauty and biodiversity.
- Go on a whale and dolphin watching excursion to spot these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
- Visit Madeira's wine cellars and vineyards for wine tastings and tours.
What to do in Madeira in October
- Explore Madeira's UNESCO-listed Laurisilva Forest with guided walks and nature trails.
- Attend the Madeira International Film Festival and enjoy screenings of international and local films.
- Take a day trip to the historic town of Machico and explore its ancient churches and fortresses.
What to do in Madeira in November
- Experience Madeira's gastronomy with a food tour, sampling local delicacies like espetada and bolo do caco.
- Take a scenic drive along Madeira's coastal roads and visit its charming seaside villages.
- Attend the Madeira Jazz Festival, featuring performances by world-renowned jazz musicians.
Madeira in December - what to do
- Enjoy the festive spirit with Christmas markets and holiday decorations in Funchal. Madeira trips at this time of year are truly unique.
- Take a guided tour to explore Madeira's traditional Christmas traditions, such as the making of Bolo de Mel.
- Enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and mountain biking in Madeira's mild winter climate.
Interested in learning more about other destinations in Portugal?
On our website you will find travel guides and information about destinations in Portugal beyond Madeira, including:
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