If you love exceptional panoramas, Madeira is the perfect destination for you! This Portuguese archipelago, with its breathtaking wilderness, abounds in pretty spots and viewpoints for hiking, or simply for marvelling at the sheer natural beauty. The capital, Funchal, offers a first taste of the island's ambience. Its lush gardens, accessible by cable car, are among its finest treasures. Then, from viewpoints to charming little towns, your trip is all about getting away from it all. Let's discover the best things to do in Madeira in 5 days!
Day 1: What to do in Madeira in 5 days? Funchal, Botanical Gardens and Monte Palace
A good day is needed to leisurely visit Madeira' s capital: Funchal and its colorful gardens.
What to book: Discover the history of Funchal and Madeira ona guided walk through the medieval city center, which you can book here. You'll visit the farmer's market, Campo Almirante Reis and the fortress of Santiago.
Morning: Visit the heart of Funchal
Funchal stretches amphitheatrically from the sea to the surrounding hills. One of the highlights of your visit is the port, where the locals gather in the late afternoon. Just like them, it's a pleasure to stroll along the pier and around the marina, admiring the moored boats.
Strolling through Funchal also means taking the time to stroll through the Mercado dos Lavradores, brimming with products from local producers. 100% local, this colorful market transports you into a maelstrom of intoxicating scents and colors.
Your steps continue towards the old town, which has preserved its beautiful traditional Portuguese architecture over the years. The cobbled streets, colorful houses and decorative azulejos are resolutely charming! Your morning continues with some of Funch's must-see tours of Funchal that punctuate your route, including
- sé Cathedral
- são Tiago Fort,
- the Madeira Photography Museum - Atelier Vicente's,
- cristiano Ronaldo's career at the CR7 Museum,
- frederico de Freitas Museum.
Come on, let's treat ourselves to a good local meal based on petiscos (the local tapas) and off we go again!
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Afternoon: Funchal Botanical Gardens, cable car and Monte Palace
This is surely one of Madeira's best-known images: that of a colorful garden, carved out of reds and greens. And that's just a tiny part of Funchal's magnificent Botanical Garden, with its 2,000 exotic plant species! Between palm trees and endemic species, you'll plunge into an oasis of shimmering colors. Magical, serene and enchanting, it's the ideal place to declare your love, or simply to marvel. And just as well, because Madeira is undoubtedly one of today's most romantic destinations: let yourself be tempted!
We recommend that you book this guided tour of Funchal's old townincluding a tour of the Botanical Gardens.
From the Botanical Gardens, take the cable car to the tropical garden of Monte Palace. By all accounts, this is one of the most beautiful gardens in the world, so don't hesitate! More than 1,000 species of plants offer their pleasant company in a sumptuous Asian-inspired setting.
Allow around two hours for this visit, which you'll find hard to tear yourself away from, and an hour before that to visit the botanical garden.
Good to know: if you feel like it, you can take a wicker sleigh ride down the hill for an unusual experience!
Day 2: What to do in Madeira in 5 days? Câmara de Lobos, Jardim do Mar, Porto Moniz and Seixal
A real little nature excursion awaits you on the second day of your stay in Madeira!
Morning: Câmara de Lobos, Cabo Girão and Jardim do Mar
The day begins in Câmara de Lobos, a fishing town with authentic charm. Its superb bay, bordered by peaceful waters, is alive with the colorful boats of fishermen. We particularly recommend heading for the Salão Ideal viewpoint, whose panorama will leave you speechless.
Good to know rain inviting itself into your morning? You'll find refuge in the Press Museum, offering a real leap into the past. Real period presses are on display!
The morning continues to the west of Câmara de Lobos at Cabo Girão580 meters above sea level. Accessible on foot or by cable car, it too offers exceptional views of the ocean and the Madeiran coast. It's best known for its glass platform suspended over the water. It promises unique sensations, perfect for thrill-seekers! However, if you're afraid of heights, you'd better take a few steps back..
Finally, you end your morning in Jardim do Mar, a village so peaceful that it stands in stark contrast to the archipelago's touristy corners. Perched on a rocky promontory, this village invites you to stroll along its charming, sun-drenched streets and stairways. By the sea, the atmosphere is just as magical, with the ocean raging, attracting surfers in search of perfect waves. Here, your desires for escape find an echo in the villas, fishermen's cottages, palm trees and bougainvillea that make up this idyllic setting.
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Afternoon: Porto Moniz, Ribeira da Janela and Seixal
Head north! Your getaway begins in Porto Monizwhere you'll be dazzled by landscapes between mountains and ocean. 100% exotic, a laurel forest dominates the steep cliffs. It's in the heart of this dream setting that you can enjoy the treasure of the area: natural pools carved out of volcanic rock, where the crystal-clear water is constantly renewed. All you want to do is plunge into these clear, pure, warm waters!
To book: Discover Funchal's enchanting northwest by booking this guided tour. You'll discover the lush forest of Fanal, swim in the volcanic pools of Porto Moniz and Seixal, admire waterfalls, and much more.
It's hard to tear yourself away from such a landscape, but now it's time to head east. Ribeira da Janela, famous for its spectacular rock formations, promises breathtaking new discoveries. The area is once again popular with surfers, who flock here to enjoy the powerful Atlantic waves. Or you can simply take a break on the pebble beach, facing the Atlantic.
Finally, you come back down to Seixal, where the landscape is adorned with superb terraced vineyards. Less crowded than Porto Moniz, the village also boasts natural pools and a rare black sand beach. If you still have a little time, don't hesitate to head east, to the Miradouro do Veu da Noiva, to admire the Bridal Veil waterfall. At 110 metres high, it cascades into the ocean: spectacular!
Day 3: What to do in Madeira in 5 days? Pico do Arieiro and Pico Ruivo
Put on your best hiking boots, because you're going hiking on this third day in Madeira!
What to book: Enjoy a morning hike along Madeira Island's most popular nature trail by booking this self-guided hike including transfer to Pico do Arieiro.
Morning: Climbing Pico do Arieiro
There are several hikes from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo, so let's get started! From its height of 1,818 metres, the Pico do Arieiro is one of Madeira's most emblematic peaks. Accessible by car, it promises a spectacular start to your hike, with breathtaking views from the very first minutes. We invite you to follow the PR1 trail, which links Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo. You won't regret it! Between steep ridges, cliffs and tunnels carved into the rock, your excursion promises to be magnificent.
One of the highlights of your hike is the Miradouro do Ninho da Manta. From here, you can admire a breathtaking view of the Fajã da Nogueira valley and, on a clear day, even the Atlantic Ocean in the distance.
Good to know: this hike is rather demanding, with steep passages and stone staircases requiring good physical condition.
Afternoon: Hiking at Pico Ruivo
To reserve: Hike to Madeira's highest point, the Pico Ruivo peak by booking this hike from Pico Arieiro to Pico Ruivo.
Have you kept your strength up? You've arrived at Pico Ruivo ! As we said, the hike is quite demanding. But don't worry, the last section of the trail is gentler. In any case, one thing's for sure: you're in for a treat! It's said that from up there, you'll enjoy the best view of the archipelago.
During your walk, don't hesitate to take several photo breaks. The changing light creates a fascinating play of shadows and colors on the mountains, promising splendid shots. The descent can be made via Achada do Teixeira, a more accessible route that brings this unforgettable hike to a gentle close. In fact, the route takes you straight to Santana, which is on the next day's program. Why not spend the night? You've earned a little break!
Day 4: What to do in Madeira in 5 days? Santana and exceptional views
Between authentic architecture and exceptional viewpoints (we can't get enough of them!), your fourth day in Madeira still has plenty of surprises in store.
What to book: Explore the eastern parts of Madeira by booking this excursion from Funchal to the mountain of Pico do Arieiro and the emblematic thatched-roof houses of Santana.
Morning: The traditional houses of Santana and Rocha do Navio
First appearing on the island in the XVIᵉ century, Madeira's traditional houses(palheiros) have now almost entirely disappeared. If you want to see one, head for Santana! Built of wood or stone, these old-fashioned dwellings are made entirely of local materials, in an astonishing triangular shape. Two rooms downstairs, an attic under a thatched roof, and you've got a typical dwelling just the way you like it! With their characteristic colors (red, white, blue), these Madeira houses offer total immersion in the Madeira of yesteryear.
Good to know: nearby, the Madeira Theme Park offers an interesting interactive experience to learn more about the archipelago's traditions. It's a little-known experience, but well worth a visit!
Finally, just 2 km from Santana, you can take in the sights at Rocha do Navio, one of Madeira's hidden gems. Santana is a popular tourist destination, but few come to this exceptional spot - and that's a shame! At least you'll have some peace and quiet. From the belvedere, you can overlook impressive cliffs and waterfalls as you turn your back on the ocean. The view as far as Ponta de Sao Lourenço is a pure marvel, well worth this mini-tour. If you're lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of dolphins and whales!
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Afternoon: Ponta do Clerigo or Ponta de São Lourenço
The Ponta do Clerigo hike, located near Santana, is one of Madeira's most emblematic itineraries. The trail follows a narrow ridge that juts out into the ocean. The views along the way are simply breathtaking! The start is along the Levada do Cortado, where a natural tunnel opens onto a spectacular view of the east coast. Now that's promising! A gradual descent takes you through lush vegetation, before an unexpected encounter with the raw rock of the Atlantic.
But be careful! The return journey is a little more demanding, with a 400-metre ascent. When the weather's fine, however, it's a hike that's accessible to most.
If this hike doesn't appeal to you, another of Madeira's must-see places awaits you: Ponta de São Lourenço. This is one of Madeira's most beautiful hikes, so don't miss out! As you pass through Abra Bay, you know you're in for some great photo memories. Winding along the side of a red cliff, contrasting with the blue of the ocean, this is a popular spot for birdwatchers. Many birds come here to nest or take refuge. Keep your eyes peeled!
Day 5: What to do in Madeira in 5 days? Dolphin boat trip, levadas and Ponta do Sol
Last but not least! The day begins in the company of our dolphin friends.
To book : go here to book your whale and dolphin watching cruise on a catamaran in Funchal Bay.
Morning: boat trip with dolphins and whales
Return to Funchal, from where you board a catamaran to observe dolphins and whales in their natural habitat. Most of the boats are electric, to respect the surrounding nature and animals as much as possible. Lasting around three hours, this outing takes you to the heart of theAtlantic Ocean, to experience a moment of pure enchantment. With commentary in Portuguese or English, the excursion offers you a few hours of pure enjoyment, in front of a spectacle you don't often get to admire. The boat then continues on to Cabo Girão, giving you time to dive into the beautiful azure waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
Want to experience an even more magical moment? Save the sea trip for the evening! Sunset excursions are available for an even more unforgettable experience.
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Afternoon: Levadas and Ponta do Sol
Explore Rabacal Park and the 25 Fontes trail at your own pace ona self-guided day hike including return transfer from Funchal by booking right here.
It's impossible to visit Madeira in 5 days without discovering its levadas ! These are ingenious irrigation channels that wind their way through the mountains, offering unique hiking trails. Among them, the Levada das 25 Fontes is a must. Follow the PR6 trail, which plunges you into a lush valley where nature reigns supreme. Invigorated by the serenity of the surrounding nature, you follow a narrow path lined with majestic trees, progressing to the peaceful rhythm of the water flowing into the levada. The hike takes you to the Cascade das 25 Fontes, the highlight of the show: a rocky wall from which multiple streams of water escape, forming a small fairytale lagoon!
Finally, your 5 days in Madeira come to an end at Ponta do Sol for some well-deserved relaxation. Between pebble beaches and colorful houses, this sunny village invites you to discover its many treasures, including :
- vestiges of the royal road,
- the Nossa Senhora da Luz church,
- the Zinos Palace,
- the historic bridge that once linked the pier.
Good to know: another well-known levada offers a beautiful hike in Ponta do Sol: Levada do Moinho. Allow around 3 hours 30 minutes for this hike of just over 10 kilometers.
Where to stay in Madeira for 5 days? Our selection of the best hotels
Funchal is the ideal place to put down your suitcases in Madeira. Situated not far from the airport, the town also offers privileged access to the many sights of the south coast. Further north, you'll also find some nice hotels for those who like the wilder side of the archipelago. Here's a small selection of the best hotels in Madeira.
- For nature lovers
Nestled in the heart of lush natural surroundings, theEstalagem do Vale is ideally placed for a number of magnificent hikes. This establishment with swimming pool and spa, which you can book here, is appreciated for its high-quality welcome.
- Top of the range
From the top of its cliff, The Cliff Bay Hôtel enjoys an incredible view over the bay of Funchal. The hotel's top-of-the-range facilities include a swimming pool, Jacuzzi, sauna and Michelin-starred restaurant. Click here to book your room.
- The best location
The Hotel Torre Praia is located right on the beach, with your feet in the sand. Suitable for families, this modern establishment offers all the comforts you need to spend 5 days in Madeira. Book your roomhere.
Tip from Petit Futé : if you don't rent a car in Madeira, the best option is to stay in Funchal. That way, you'll be able to take advantage of the various tourist excursions organized on the island, most of which leave from the capital.
Nicknamed "The Floating Garden", Madeira is one of Portugal's must-see jewels, and should be visited at least once in a lifetime. While its capital is interesting, it is above all an ideal destination for hiking in the heart of a rich, lush, 100% exotic natural environment. Of course, it's also a trendy destination that attracts a lot of people. But if you travel a little out of season, you'll avoid most of the crowds. Seduced by the beauty of this enchanting place? Discover the 25 must-sees and must-do's in Portugal, a country of 1001 colorful surprises.
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