Itinerary
- Day 1
Madeira
You'll land at Madeira airport and grab your rental car from the small, straightforward terminal. Take a photo of the vehicle and check the fuel level for your records. After that, it's up to you whether you head straight out to explore the island or drop your bags at your accommodation first to get settled.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Paraíso Resiliente)
Optional Activities
- Explore the PR11 Levada dos Balcões, a popular spot with tame chaffinches, enjoying a pleasant 1.5 km walk along a levada
Landmarks PR11 Levada dos Balcões 
- Day 2
Madeira's Eastern Tip
Let the weather determine what you do today. If it's clear, consider waking early and driving to Madeira's easternmost point to catch the sunrise over the ocean with morning light hitting the water just right. Bring sturdy shoes since you'll be doing about 120 km of walking across the entire trip with roughly 5 km of elevation gain total, so this is real hiking, not casual strolling.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Paraíso Resiliente)
Optional Activities
- Witness a breathtaking sunrise at Ponta de São Lourenço, enjoying endless ocean views during a 7.6 km trek
- Visit the Ponta do Rosto BBQ spot viewpoint, offering panoramic views of the entire Ponta de Sao Lorenzo
- Relax on the tranquil Machico beach, enjoying beautiful views with fewer tourists
- Discover the unique black sand beach of Ilha do Faial and bravely dip into the Atlantic
- Admire the iconic, colorful houses of Santana, one of Madeira's most photogenic attractions
Landmarks Ponta de São Lourenço Ponta do Rosto BBQ spot viewpoint Machico beach Ilha do Faial Santana 
- Day 3
Funchal
Spend your time in Funchal, the island's lively capital. Walk around the old town center where you'll find narrow streets, small squares, and markets full of fresh fruit and flowers. After wandering through the center, head to the botanical garden to see tropical plants and get views out over the city and ocean below.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Paraíso Resiliente)
Optional Activities
- Explore Funchal city center for souvenir shopping, trying local specialties, and admiring the statue of Cristiano Ronaldo
- Visit Funchal's Farmers' Market, one of the largest fruit, flower, and fish markets, and enjoy a traditional poncha
- Stroll through Zona Velha - Old Town, famous for its picturesque streets adorned with painted doors
- Immerse yourself in the stunning Monte Palace Tropical Garden, accessible by cable car, and enjoy a Madeiran wine tasting
- Take a scenic drive to the Cristo Rei statue on the cliff in Canico, offering impressive coastal views
Landmarks Funchal city center Funchal's Farmers' Market Zona Velha - Old Town Monte Palace Tropical Garden Cristo Rei statue 
- Day 4
Pico Ruivo and Pico Arieiro
Today you're tackling a serious 19 km hike between two of Madeira's highest peaks, which takes roughly 10 hours and covers rocky terrain with large views the whole way. It's genuinely challenging and demands real endurance. If you find yourself struggling partway through, you can arrange a taxi to pick you up and return you to where you started.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Paraíso Resiliente)
Optional Activities
- Witness an unforgettable sunrise from Achada do Teixeira on the way to Pico Ruivo, enjoying a comfortable and well-maintained path
- Conquer Pico Ruivo, Madeira's highest mountain at 1862 m, offering majestic and awe-inspiring panoramic views
- Hike from Pico Ruivo towards Pico Arieiro, a 6 km, 4-hour trek through stunning landscapes with iconic viewpoints
- Enjoy the breathtaking panoramas and refuel at the Pico Arieiro restaurant with delicious desserts, warming soup, or a refreshing drink
Landmarks Achada do Teixeira Pico Ruivo Pico Arieiro 
- Day 5
Fanal Forest
Start in Fanal Forest where morning fog wraps around old laurel trees creating that otherworldly feeling. From there, walk to a hidden waterfall tucked deep in the wilderness where you can cool off. Later, visit a small coastal town with lava caves and ocean views, then finish with the famous levadas, which are peaceful walking trails that follow water channels through the landscape.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Paraíso Resiliente), Hotel (VALE MAR Guest)
Optional Activities
- Immerse yourself in the mystical ambiance of Fanal Forest, perfect for a picnic amidst ancient laurel trees (exercise caution in fog)
- Discover Poço das Casas waterfall, a hidden gem with a serene lake ideal for a refreshing swim
- Explore the picturesque town of São Vicente, taking a scenic walk up to the church for beautiful views, with an optional vineyard tour and wine tasting
- Experience the unique beauty of Seixal's black sand beach and take a dip in its charming man-made sea pool
- Savor the best Espetada and a typical Nikita cocktail at Snack Bar Restaurante Boca Da Encumeada, a memorable culinary stop on your return journey
Landmarks Fanal Forest Poço das Casas waterfall São Vicente Seixal's black sand beach Snack Bar Restaurante Boca Da Encumeada 
- Day 6
Levada do Risco
Begin on a trail that follows water channels toward waterfalls hidden behind vegetation. Continue to Lagoa do Vento lake, which sits surrounded by rocks and wild terrain. Next you'll see tall rock formations rising from the water, then head to Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools where the Atlantic water is clear and cold. Before sunset, check out Garganta Funda Viewpoint overlooking one of the island's tallest waterfalls.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (VALE MAR Guest)
Optional Activities
- Embark on the PR6 25 Fontes hike & Levada do Risco, exploring intertwining levadas, three waterfalls, and the hidden Lagoa do Vento
- Discover the serene and lesser-known Lagoa do Vento waterfall and lake, enjoying a peaceful break before your return hike
- Marvel at the impressive sea rocks and old coastal tunnel at Ribeira da Janela, offering unique coastal views
- Indulge in a refreshing swim at the Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools and treat yourself to a typical Madeiran passion fruit cake
- Witness one of Madeira's most stunning vistas at Garganta Funda Viewpoint, complete with a beautiful cascading waterfall
- Conclude your day watching the sunset at the Ponta do Sol waterfall, or from its picturesque pier
Landmarks Levada do Risco Lagoa do Vento Ribeira da Janela Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools Garganta Funda Viewpoint Ponta do Sol waterfall 
- Day 7
Levada Nova - Prazeres - Cape Girão - Câmara de Lobos - Curral das Freiras
Walk Levada Nova as it winds through green hillsides past old mills. From there, take a trail with big views, then stop in the quiet village of Prazeres where not much seems to have changed in years. Head to Europe's highest sea cliff for views that stretch far out, then explore a traditional town that Churchill once visited. Finish by walking into a mountain valley surrounded by steep rock walls on all sides.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (VALE MAR Guest)
Optional Activities
- Embark on the Levada Nova adventure, passing through tunnels and under waterfalls, with stunning views along the 7 km, 4-hour path
- Discover the serene charm of Prazeres, a quiet village offering a short 3 km levada walk along a cliff
- Stand atop Cape Girão, Europe's highest sea cliff (580 m), for unforgettable panoramic views, ideally visited early morning or late evening
- Explore the traditional fishing village of Câmara de Lobos, where you can sample delicious Madeiran bread with honey
- Visit the stunning Curral das Freiras (Nun's Valley) viewpoint, surrounded by steep peaks, with an option to swim in natural river pools
Landmarks Levada Nova Prazeres Cape Girão Câmara de Lobos Curral das Freiras (Nun's Valley) 
- Day 8
São Jorge - Queimadas
Start with a morning walk along the beach in São Jorge where old sugar mill ruins sit near the water and the ocean sounds provide the background. Then drive to Queimadas for a forest park and pleasant trail leading to a small lake. Stop at a local café for coffee to refuel, then do your first longer levada walk through the green landscape and real Madeiran countryside.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (VALE MAR Guest)
Optional Activities
- Start your day at the historic beach in São Jorge, exploring ancient sugar cane mill ruins and taking a refreshing dip in the river or ocean
- Wander through the picturesque Queimadas park, relaxing by the lake with a coffee at the local café
- Embark on the longer Levada do Caldeirão Verde trek, leading through stunning landscapes with multiple waterfalls, including the iconic Caldeira Verde
- Navigate five dark tunnels on the Levada do Caldeirão Verde, an adventurous experience that requires a headlamp
Landmarks São Jorge Queimadas park Levada do Caldeirão Verde - Day 9
Departure from Madeira
Your time on the island ends today. Head to the airport early enough to return your rental car without rushing, browse through shops for last-minute gifts, and take one final moment to breathe in the Portuguese air before your flight home.
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