Portugal Itinerary
The Perfect 7-Day Madeira Itinerary
Madeira 🇵🇹 · Built from 102 real traveler plans · 40 spots
Madeira is one of the most-planned destinations on Triply. We took 102 real traveler itineraries and distilled them into this 7-day plan — built around the 40+ places people actually saved, ranked by how often they show up. No filler, no tourist traps nobody bookmarks: just the spots real travelers keep choosing for Madeira.
15 of these places were found in real travel videos — TikToks, Reels and YouTube guides that travelers imported into Triply — not scraped from a top-10 list. Where a spot kept showing up across creators, we say so.
Have 6 or 8 days instead of 7? 6-day Madeira itinerary · 8-day Madeira itinerary — same ranked list, cut to fit, further down this page.
7-Day Madeira Itinerary
Day 1
One of Madeira's highest peaks, offering breathtaking panoramic views above the clouds, especially stunning at sunrise or sunset, and a starting point for popular hikes.
Experience one of Europe's highest sea cliffs from a glass-floored viewpoint, offering exhilarating panoramic vistas of the ocean and coast, a truly popular nature attraction.
A breathtaking botanical garden in Monte featuring a vast collection of exotic plants, waterfalls, oriental gardens, and art installations, offering a serene nature escape.
The easternmost peninsula of Madeira, famous for its dramatic volcanic rock formations, arid landscapes, and a popular scenic coastal hike offering incredible ocean views.
Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Funchal's farmers' market, showcasing exotic fruits, flowers, and local produce. A feast for the senses and a popular spot.
Day 2
A captivating viewpoint at the eastern tip of Madeira, providing panoramic vistas of the rugged coastline, the Atlantic Ocean, and the desert-like landscape of Ponta de São Lourenço.
Swim in unique natural volcanic rock pools filled with crystal-clear seawater, offering a refreshing and safe bathing experience amidst stunning coastal scenery.
Visit this charming village, known as the sunniest spot on the island, with a lovely pebble beach and historic church. Offers a glimpse into local life and history.
A picturesque fishing village, famous for its colorful boats and as a favorite spot of Winston Churchill, offering charming streets and a lively harbor.
Known for its trout farm and lush laurel forest trails (Levada dos Balcões), offering serene walks amidst vibrant greenery and stunning views of the surrounding valleys.
Day 3
Explore a vast collection of indigenous and exotic plants, offering stunning views over Funchal and showcasing Madeira's rich biodiversity. A beautiful nature and popular attraction.
A stunning viewpoint offering dramatic vistas of the 'Bride's Veil' waterfall cascading down a cliff face directly into the ocean, a truly picturesque natural spectacle.
Descend into ancient lava tubes formed 890,000 years ago, offering a fascinating geological museum experience about Madeira's volcanic origins. A popular museum and nature site.
Visit the iconic triangular, thatched-roof houses of Santana, a charming representation of Madeira's traditional rural architecture and cultural heritage.
Enjoy a stunning viewpoint overlooking the dramatic coastal cliffs and rock formations emerging from the ocean, particularly the iconic 'Ilhéus da Ribeira da Janela'.
Day 4
Enjoy a scenic ride offering spectacular aerial views of Funchal city, the bay, and the surrounding mountains, connecting Monte to the Old Town.
Visit the impressive 15th-century Funchal Cathedral, a prime example of Manueline-Gothic architecture with a stunning Mudejar-style wooden ceiling, reflecting rich history.
Enjoy swimming in beautiful natural volcanic pools, offering crystal-clear waters and dramatic coastal scenery, a popular alternative to Porto Moniz.
Housed in a beautifully restored 18th-century salt warehouse, this restaurant offers sophisticated Madeiran cuisine with a focus on fresh, local ingredients in an elegant setting.
Swim in unique volcanic rock pools naturally filled with crystal-clear seawater, offering a refreshing and picturesque experience on the island's northwest coast.
Day 5
Drive through or stop at this unique waterfall that cascades directly onto the old coastal road, creating a natural car wash. A popular and scenic nature spot.
Visit the iconic triangular, thatched-roof houses of Santana, preserving traditional Madeiran architecture and offering a glimpse into the island's history and culture. A popular historical site.
Located in Porto Moniz, this restaurant is highly recommended for its fresh seafood and traditional Madeiran dishes, with great views of the natural pools.
Enjoy spectacular clifftop views overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and the rugged coastline, a popular spot for photography and soaking in nature's grandeur.
Visit this isolated village, historically a refuge for nuns, surrounded by towering peaks, famous for its chestnut products and unique cultural charm.
Day 6
Explore the mystical ancient laurel forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its twisted, moss-covered trees and frequent fog, creating an otherworldly atmosphere.
A renowned botanical garden showcasing an incredible diversity of plants from around the world, arranged in beautiful and colorful displays, offering great views over Funchal.
A historic fortress dating back to the 17th century, offering insights into Funchal's past defenses and now housing a contemporary art museum (exterior view and historical significance).
A beautiful forest park with traditional thatched houses, offering picnic areas and serving as the starting point for the Caldeirão Verde levada.
Experience panoramic views where the north and south sides of the island meet, offering stunning vistas of both coastlines and central mountains.
Day 7
Gaze upon the magnificent 'Nun's Valley' (Curral das Freiras) from this stunning viewpoint, surrounded by towering mountains and a deep, verdant caldera.
Conquer Madeira's highest peak, accessible via a rewarding hike, offering unparalleled 360-degree views of the island's dramatic mountainous interior.
Stroll through this beautiful park offering panoramic views of Funchal harbor, ideal for a relaxing walk amidst lush greenery and historical monuments.
Wander through the charming cobblestone streets of Funchal's historic heart, known for its painted doors on Rua de Santa Maria and traditional architecture.
A secluded paradise accessible by a scenic elevator, known for its organic farm, tranquil pebble beach, and unique microclimate, offering a blend of nature and history.
6-Day Madeira Itinerary
Short on time? These are the 30 places travelers save most, in 6 days: skip the rest without regret.
- Day 1: Pico do Arieiro → Cabo Girão Skywalk → Monte Palace Tropical Garden → Ponta de São Lourenço → Mercado dos Lavradores
- Day 2: Miradouro da Ponta do Rosto → Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools → Ponta do Sol → Câmara de Lobos → Ribeiro Frio Natural Park
- Day 3: Madeira Botanical Garden → Miradouro do Véu da Noiva → São Vicente Caves & Volcanism Centre → Santana Traditional Houses → Miradouro da Ribeira da Janela
- Day 4: Funchal Cable Car → Funchal Cathedral (Sé do Funchal) → Seixal Natural Pools → Restaurante Armazém do Sal → Porto Moniz Natural Pools
- Day 5: Cascata dos Anjos → Casas Típicas de Santana → Restaurante Cachalote → Miradouro do Guindaste → Curral das Freiras (Nun's Valley)
- Day 6: Fanal Forest → Jardim Botânico da Madeira → Forte de São Tiago → Parque Florestal das Queimadas → Miradouro da Encumeada
8-Day Madeira Itinerary
With 8 days you get past the headline sights into the places people only reach on a longer Madeira trip. Days 8–8 are the extra stops.
- Day 1: Pico do Arieiro → Cabo Girão Skywalk → Monte Palace Tropical Garden → Ponta de São Lourenço → Mercado dos Lavradores
- Day 2: Miradouro da Ponta do Rosto → Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools → Ponta do Sol → Câmara de Lobos → Ribeiro Frio Natural Park
- Day 3: Madeira Botanical Garden → Miradouro do Véu da Noiva → São Vicente Caves & Volcanism Centre → Santana Traditional Houses → Miradouro da Ribeira da Janela
- Day 4: Funchal Cable Car → Funchal Cathedral (Sé do Funchal) → Seixal Natural Pools → Restaurante Armazém do Sal → Porto Moniz Natural Pools
- Day 5: Cascata dos Anjos → Casas Típicas de Santana → Restaurante Cachalote → Miradouro do Guindaste → Curral das Freiras (Nun's Valley)
- Day 6: Fanal Forest → Jardim Botânico da Madeira → Forte de São Tiago → Parque Florestal das Queimadas → Miradouro da Encumeada
- Day 7: Miradouro da Eira do Serrado → Pico Ruivo → Parque de Santa Catarina → Funchal Old Town (Zona Velha) → Fajã dos Padres
- Day 8: Restaurante Do Forte → Ribeira Brava → CR7 Museum → Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Monte → Machico
Top Things to Do in Madeira
- Pico do Arieiro — ★ 4.8 (saved by 85 travelers)One of Madeira's highest peaks, offering breathtaking panoramic views above the clouds, especially stunning at sunrise or sunset, and a starting point for popular hikes.
- Cabo Girão Skywalk — ★ 4.5 (saved by 80 travelers)Experience one of Europe's highest sea cliffs from a glass-floored viewpoint, offering exhilarating panoramic vistas of the ocean and coast, a truly popular nature attraction.
- Monte Palace Tropical Garden — ★ 4.7 (saved by 77 travelers)A breathtaking botanical garden in Monte featuring a vast collection of exotic plants, waterfalls, oriental gardens, and art installations, offering a serene nature escape.
- Ponta de São Lourenço — ★ 4.8 (saved by 68 travelers)The easternmost peninsula of Madeira, famous for its dramatic volcanic rock formations, arid landscapes, and a popular scenic coastal hike offering incredible ocean views.
- Mercado dos Lavradores — ★ 4.1 (saved by 65 travelers)Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Funchal's farmers' market, showcasing exotic fruits, flowers, and local produce.
- Miradouro da Ponta do Rosto — ★ 4.8 (saved by 57 travelers)A captivating viewpoint at the eastern tip of Madeira, providing panoramic vistas of the rugged coastline, the Atlantic Ocean, and the desert-like landscape of Ponta de São Lourenço.
- Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools — ★ 4.7 (saved by 47 travelers)Swim in unique natural volcanic rock pools filled with crystal-clear seawater, offering a refreshing and safe bathing experience amidst stunning coastal scenery.
- Ponta do Sol — ★ 4.3 (saved by 43 travelers)Visit this charming village, known as the sunniest spot on the island, with a lovely pebble beach and historic church.
Where to Eat in Madeira
- Restaurante Armazém do Sal — ★ 4.3
- Restaurante Cachalote — ★ 4
- Restaurante Do Forte — ★ 4.3
Madeira Travel FAQ
How many days do you need in Madeira?
Most travelers planning Madeira on Triply spend about 7 days there. That's enough to cover the top sights — Pico do Arieiro, Cabo Girão Skywalk, Monte Palace Tropical Garden — without rushing. This page also has 6-day and 8-day versions of the same plan.
What are the top things to do in Madeira?
Based on 102 real Madeira itineraries, the most-saved spots are Pico do Arieiro, Cabo Girão Skywalk, Monte Palace Tropical Garden, Ponta de São Lourenço, Mercado dos Lavradores, Miradouro da Ponta do Rosto.
Where should I eat in Madeira?
The most-saved places to eat in Madeira are Restaurante Armazém do Sal, Restaurante Cachalote, Restaurante Do Forte.
Is Madeira worth visiting?
Madeira is one of the most-planned destinations on Triply, with 102 traveler itineraries covering 40+ spots — so yes, there's plenty to fill a 7-day trip.
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