Shaped by volcanoes and softened by ocean breezes, Madeira has drawn travelers since the 15th century, when Portuguese explorers planted sugarcane and launched the island’s famed fortified wine. Today, the “island of eternal spring” offers terraced hillsides, black-sand coves, and levadas—ingenious irrigation channels turned hiking trails—crossing a UNESCO Laurisilva forest.

Expect dramatic contrasts: sunrise above a sea of clouds at Pico do Arieiro, cliff-edge views from Cabo Girão Skywalk, and floats in Porto Moniz’s lava-rock pools where waves fizz like champagne. In Funchal, ride the Monte cable car, wander painted doors on Rua de Santa Maria, and sip a glass of Sercial at a centuries-old lodge.

Bring layers—microclimates shift fast—and good shoes for wet trails. Driving is straightforward but steep; tours are a smart alternative. Taste Madeira on the plate: espada (black scabbardfish) with banana, beef espetada on laurel skewers, bolo do caco with garlic butter, passionfruit everything, and a bracing poncha. Saúde!

Funchal

Funchal is Madeira’s lively capital, curving around a sunlit bay with cruise ships, jacaranda-lined avenues, and café terraces that seem designed for long mornings. The Old Town mixes azulejo-fronted mansions with murals and painted doors, while the hills above bloom with orchids, dragon trees, and tiled belvederes.

Top hits include the Monte cable car and gardens, the wicker toboggan ride guided by white-clad carreiros, the farmers’ market (for a cautious taste test of exotic fruits), and Blandy’s Wine Lodge. Evenings hum along the promenade, with sea-spray bars and contemporary kitchens winning fans.

• Where to stay (Funchal): Browse hotels on Hotels.com or apartments on VRBO. Standouts: Belmond Reid's Palace (old-world glamour and afternoon tea), Porto Mare Hotel (tropical gardens and pools), and Hotel do Carmo (retro-stylish, central, with a rooftop pool).
• How to get here: Fly into Funchal (FNC). From Europe, compare fares on Omio (flights)—Lisbon to Funchal is ~1h45, often $40–$120. From beyond Europe, check Trip.com and Kiwi.com. Taxi to town: ~20 minutes; Aerobus/local bus are cheaper.

Day 1 – Arrive in Funchal, Old Town stroll, and your first poncha

Morning: Travel day. If you’re still planning flights, compare Europe routes via Omio and long-haul options on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Aim to land early afternoon.

Afternoon: Check in, then stretch your legs along the marina to the Old Town. Pause at The Ritz Madeira for an espresso and pastel de nata under palms, then browse Rua de Santa Maria’s painted doors and the small galleries tucked between them.

Evening: Dinner at Akua (seafood small plates; try tuna tataki with passionfruit) or Armazém do Sal (inventive Madeiran cuisine in a former salt warehouse). Nightcap at Venda Velha—order a classic poncha (citrus, honey, sugarcane rum) and toast to the week ahead.

Day 2 – Monte gardens, toboggan thrill, and a catamaran to find dolphins

Morning: Fuel up at Prima Caju (smoothie bowls, excellent specialty coffee). Ride the cable car from the seafront to Monte for sweeping views of Funchal Bay. Wander Monte Palace Tropical Garden—jade koi ponds, tile panels, and a small mineral museum—then continue to the Church of Our Lady of Monte.

Afternoon: Take the iconic wicker toboggan down to Livramento (it covers only part of the descent; grab a taxi back). Late afternoon, head to the marina for a sustainable marine-life cruise:

• Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching on a Ecological Catamaran (3 hours, frequent sightings of dolphins, turtles, and sometimes sperm whales).

  

Evening: Dinner at O Tasco (grilled limpets with garlic and lemon; bolo do caco on the side) or Casal da Penha (fresh espada with banana). Watch waves at Barreirinha Bar Café with a Coral beer or a passionfruit nikita.

Day 3 – Sunrise at Pico do Arieiro and an easy afternoon by the sea

Morning: Before dawn, ride above the clouds to Pico do Arieiro. Choose a guided sunrise (with hot drinks) or a transfer for the famed ridge walk (only for confident hikers with proper gear):

• Madeira Pico do Arieiro Sunrise Tour (breakfast version, hotel pickup).

  

• Transfer Sunrise Self-Guided Hike Pico do Arieiro (drop at PR1 trailhead; strenuous, tunnels and steep stairways).

  

Afternoon: Recover by the water along the Lido Promenade. Grab lunch at Doca do Cavacas (seafood and a view of the natural sea pools). Swim if seas are calm.

Evening: Dinner at KAMPO by Chef Júlio Pereira (wood-fired meats and Madeiran produce). For a sweet finish, stop by UAU Cacau for bean-to-bar chocolates with local flavors.

Day 4 – Markets, Madeira wine, and a flavorsome food tour

Morning: Visit Mercado dos Lavradores early for flowers and fish (observe respectfully; buy produce from labeled stalls). Walk to Blandy’s Wine Lodge for a guided tasting flight—compare Sercial’s dryness to Malmsey’s richness.

Afternoon: Eat your way through lanes you might have missed with a local-led tasting walk:

• Taste Funchal: food, wine & cultural tour (traditional bites, Madeira wine, and stories behind them).

  

Evening: If you fancy something classic, book afternoon tea at Belmond Reid’s Palace. Later, sip a rooftop cocktail at Three House before a light dinner at Taberna Ruel (grilled octopus; friendly service).

Porto Moniz

On Madeira’s far northwest, Porto Moniz feels like the Atlantic’s edge—lava rocks sculpted into crystalline pools where waves roll in and refresh the water. The sea road past Seixal and São Vicente is one of the island’s most scenic, under cliffs draped with waterfalls.

Between swims, explore the Fanal Forest, where gnarled laurel trees twist through mist, and the bride’s veil waterfall viewpoint near São Vicente. It’s a great base for relaxed coastal meals, stargazing, and slow mornings with ocean light.

• Where to stay (Porto Moniz): Compare stays on Hotels.com and VRBO. Look for sea-view rooms within walking distance of the natural pools.
• Getting here from Funchal: Rent a car (1h15–1h30 via VE4; ~€40–€70/day) or take the Rodoeste bus (about 2–2.5h, ~€6–€8; search regional options via Omio (buses)). Taxis/transfers run ~€90–€120.

Day 5 – Scenic transfer west: Cabo Girão, Seixal, and first dip in the lava pools

Morning: Grab a quick breakfast at Opan bakery, then depart Funchal for Porto Moniz. Stop at Câmara de Lobos (quayside boats and Churchill’s painting perch) and the Cabo Girão Skywalk glass platform. Continue via Ribeira Brava and the Encumeada pass for mountain-valley views.

Afternoon: Detour to Seixal’s black-sand beach for photos and a paddling break. Arrive in Porto Moniz, check in, and spend the late afternoon floating in the Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools—best light and fewer crowds. Lunch en route at Restaurante Santo António (Estreito de Câmara de Lobos; espetada and milho frito) if you’re hungry before the coast.

Evening: Dinner at Restaurante Orca (grilled limpets, tuna steak, sunset views) or Restaurante Cachalote (home-style dishes, hearty portions). Night stroll on the seafront—listen for the surf in the lava tubes.

Optional guided version of today: If you prefer a driver/guide, consider:

• Porto Moniz Lava Pools, Fanal Forest and Skywalk 4x4 Experience (full day; dramatic viewpoints, off-road sections).

  

Day 6 – Laurisilva magic: Fanal Forest, waterfalls, and coastal viewpoints

Day tour (no need to split by morning/afternoon/evening): Join an off-road small-group adventure that weaves through the north’s best landscapes, including São Vicente’s veil-like waterfall, fairy-tale Fanal Forest, and time at the pools.

• Porto Moniz, Seixal, Fanal Forest, Cabo Girão Skywalk, Jeep Tour (photogenic, fun, and efficient for car-free travelers).

  

Eat a simple picnic under the ancient laurels (pick up sandwiches and pastel de nata from a local pastelaria before departure), then toast the day with a sunset swim back in Porto Moniz. For dinner, try Onda Azul (at Aqua Natura Bay) for seafood rice or octopus.

Day 7 – Coast-to-coast return and farewell Funchal

Morning: Easy breakfast with ocean views, then drive back toward Funchal (1h15–1h30). If skies are clear, pull over at Encumeada for one last panorama across the island’s mountain spine.

Afternoon: Early lunch either at Restaurante Viola (Estreito de Câmara de Lobos; classic espetada and local wine) or in Funchal at O Portão (Old Town favorite). Head to the airport for your afternoon departure—allow ample time for the curvy roads and rental car return.

Evening: If you have a late flight and extra time, a quick waterfront stroll or gelato by the marina is a sweet final note.

Bonus experiences to swap in (depending on interests and weather)

• Full day West Madeira circuit: For a comprehensive guided overview, see Full Day Tour of Madeira West.

  

• Wine & tapas plus Skywalk by 4x4: Combine viewpoints with tastings on Guided 4x4 Adventure and Skywalk with Wine and Tapas in Madeira.

  

• Canyoning for beginners: Waterfalls, rappels, and emerald ravines on Madeira Canyoning – Beginner.

  

Practical bites and local flavor (throughout the week):

• Breakfast/coffee picks: Prima Caju (healthy brunch), Loja do Chá (teas and cakes), and small pastelarias near your stay for fresh pão de Deus.
• Lunch ideas: Doca do Cavacas (sea views), Santo António (espetada), Pátio das Babosas in Monte (garden café).
• Dinner favorites: Akua, KAMPO, O Tasco, Casal da Penha; in Porto Moniz: Orca, Cachalote, Onda Azul.
• Drinks: Poncha at Venda Velha or Rei da Poncha; Madeira wine flights at Blandy’s.
• Transport notes: For island buses, browse options via Omio (buses). No trains on Madeira; for mainland Europe trains to Lisbon/Porto before flights, use Omio (trains). Ferries to the Desertas/Porto Santo vary seasonally; check Omio (ferries).

Where to book your stays quickly: Funchal hotels on Hotels.com and apartments on VRBO; Porto Moniz stays on Hotels.com and VRBO. For a splurge night: Belmond Reid’s Palace.

Seven days in Madeira let you savor both the island’s cultured capital and its raw Atlantic edges. From sunrise ridges and Laurisilva paths to lava pools and long, convivial dinners, you’ll leave with wind-tangled hair, salt on your skin, and a craving to return.