10-Day Madeira Tour Packages
Picture ten days on Portugal's subtropical Atlantic island. Madeira offers levada walks, Funchal's markets and wine lodges, and dramatic coastal cliffs. Visit Porto Moniz's natural swimming pools, maybe summit Pico Ruivo, and explore the eastern peninsula. Spring brings flowers, the summer is warm, and winter is mild - it’s basically always pleasant.
Insider tips: Recommended 10-day Madeira tour itineraries
Compiled by
MelissaMadeira travel expert at TourRadar
8 Day Madeira Itinerary, incl. Machico and Funchal
Five destinations stretch from Machico to Funchal over eight days. Daily guided walks combine coastal paths, levada trails, and mountain ascents, including a sunrise trek to Pico Ruivo (6,109ft).
- Day 1
Machico
Begin your Madeira journey in historic Machico. Check into your hotel overlooking Machico Bay and spend time exploring the waterfront area. A recent guest mentioned: "The hotel in Machico has sweeping views over the bay and excellent facilities for unwinding after the walks ahead."
- Day 2
Ponta de São Lourenço
Visit Madeira's easternmost point for a beautiful 5-6 mile coastal walk along Ponta de São Lourenço peninsula. You'll see stunning rock formations and native plants along the way. Be sure to bring plenty of water as this exposed trail gets hot and windy. One hiker noted: "The rock formations were stunning, though we had to cut the trip slightly short due to afternoon transport limitations." Head back to Machico afterward.
- Day 3
Porto da Cruz
Take a transfer to the north coast for an impressive walk. Begin on the Levada do Caniçal before climbing to Boca do Risco for amazing sea views. Some parts of the path to Porto da Cruz are narrow and cut into cliffs, so walking poles will help. Stop at the historic rum factory in Porto da Cruz before moving on to Porto Moniz for overnight.
- Days 4-5
Queimadas Natural Park & Fanal Forest
Explore the green interior over two days. Start with the Levada do Caldeirão Verde walk through Queimadas Natural Park. You'll need to bring a headlamp for the tunnels. The next day takes you through Fanal Forest with its ancient laurel trees. A walker shared: "The twisted trees in the mist created an otherworldly atmosphere."
- Days 6-7
Funchal
Move to Funchal for your final two nights. Take a day to see the capital. You can ride the cable car to Monte Palace Gardens, visit Sé Cathedral or go whale watching. On your last full day start early (around 5am) to see sunrise at Pico Arieiro (5,965ft) before hiking to Pico Ruivo, Madeira's highest point at 6,109ft. One traveler said: "Watching the sun rise above the clouds at Pico Ruivo was a magical moment I'll never forget."
- Day 8
Departure
Your adventure ends after breakfast in Funchal. The main airport is about 20 minutes away.
8 Day Madeira Itinerary, incl. Porto da Cruz and Funchal
This 8-day self-guided trip takes you around Madeira, visiting Porto da Cruz, Machico, Santana, São Vicente, Porto Moniz, Calheta, and Funchal. You'll walk through UNESCO-listed laurel forests on Levada do Rei and hike Levada do Norte to Cabo Girão, Europe's highest sea cliff at 580m.
- Day 1
Porto da Cruz
Begin your adventure in this small fishing village with its unique black sand beach. Stop by one of the island's few remaining sugar mills to try "Poncha," a local drink made with sugar cane liquor, honey, and fresh orange juice. Get your hiking boots ready for tomorrow's walk, as the northern coastal paths can get slippery in wet weather.
- Day 2
Machico to Porto da Cruz
Take an early transfer to Machico for a 4.5-hour hike on old vineyard supply routes. You'll follow the north coast, with great views for photos. The 15km trail includes 550m of climbing. Bring lots of water and sunscreen since there isn't much shade. Starting early helps avoid the hot midday sun.
- Day 3
Porto da Cruz to São Vicente
Start in Santana, where you can see traditional A-frame thatched houses. Walk the Levada do Rei trail through laurel forest to Ribeiro Bonito waterfall. The 10km route goes through short tunnels, so pack a headlamp. After your hike, try the local pastries at Quinta do Levada bar.
- Day 4
São Vicente to Porto Moniz
A transfer takes you to Paul da Serra plateau for one of the island's best hikes. Walk through UNESCO laurel forests and flowering broom fields to Fanal's peaceful pastures. The day ends in Porto Moniz, known for its natural lava pools. Bring swimwear for a refreshing post-hike swim.
- Day 5
Porto Moniz to Calheta
The 17km coastal path offers ocean views and passes through eucalyptus forests. Look for wild Callas, Amaryllis and Agapanthus flowers along the way. The trail drops 650m to Calheta. Hiking poles will help with the descent.
- Day 6
Calheta to Funchal
Follow Madeira's longest irrigation channel, the Levada do Norte, through farmland terraces. You'll see amazing views from Cabo Girão, Europe's highest sea cliff. Bring enough snacks as food stops can be limited on this 15km route.
- Day 7
Funchal and Monte
Ride the cable car to Monte for your final hike. See the Nossa Senhora do Monte church and watch the traditional wicker toboggan rides. The 8km walk back to Funchal shows off city and ocean views. Visit the Botanical Gardens in late afternoon when it's quieter and cooler.
- Day 8
Departure
With a late flight, spend time exploring Funchal's old town. The airport is a 30-minute taxi ride away, costing about $40 USD.
Madeira Round Trip with Charm
Cyclists traverse Madeira over 8 days across 8 towns from Caniço to Funchal. Five cycling stages cover 25-50km daily, visiting Porto da Cruz's mills and São Vicente's caves. Strategic transfers and cable car ride included.
Madeira 15 Day Tour Packages You'll Love
What people love about 10-day Madeira tours
- Discover Madeira, Self-drive
The hotels were very good. The car rental was a little inconvenient as it was offsite from the airport. The only improvement would be either to include GPS in the rental car or a proper detailed map. We arrived on a rainy, foggy night and it was almost impossible to find our guest house the first night.
- Walking in Madeira
Joã was an excellent guide The group were all friendly and we got along well even though we were from 5 different countries and ranged in age from 22 to 72. The hikes were very well planned and there was always a great view or waterfall. The most difficult hike was on the last day and I feel the walks leading up to it increased my stamina. The leader was always making sure we were safe while being very enthusiastic and encouraging. The lodging was adequate. The transportation was excellent. Very luxurious small bus with seasoned drivers.