Settled by the Portuguese in the early 15th century, Madeira rose from a volcanic ridge in the Atlantic to become a beloved “island of eternal spring.” Its terraced hillsides feed the historic levada irrigation channels, and its Laurisilva forest—one of Europe’s last primeval cloud forests—is protected by UNESCO.

Funchal, the capital, blends azulejo-clad churches and markets with inventive dining, ocean promenades, and cable cars gliding to hilltop gardens. Across the island, towns like Porto Moniz, Seixal, and Câmara de Lobos hug dramatic cliffs where fishermen still cast for scabbardfish.

Madeira is an easy escape: year-round mild weather, excellent roads, and short flights from European hubs. Expect seafood (lapas, espada with banana), espetada beef skewers on laurel sticks, bolo do caco with garlic butter, poncha cocktails, and storied Madeira wine. Pack layers for higher elevations, grippy shoes for levadas, and book popular experiences in advance.

Funchal

Funchal is Madeira’s elegant gateway: a palm-fringed bay, cable cars to Monte, botanic gardens, street art in Zona Velha, and Blandy’s cellars where wine ages for decades. It’s walkable, café-rich, and perfect for couples who want culture by day and candlelit dinners by night.

• Top sights: Mercado dos Lavradores, Se Cathedral, Santa Catarina Park, Monte cable car, Monte Palace Tropical Garden, Madeira Botanical Garden, Lido Promenade, Doca do Cavacas pools.
• Romantic moments: High tea at Reid’s, sunset on a catamaran, poncha at a cliffside bar, stargazing from the marina.
• Get in: Fly into FNC. Typical flight times—Lisbon ~1h45, London ~3h50. Compare fares on Omio (Flights). If you’re starting outside Europe, also check Trip.com (Flights) and Kiwi.com.
• Stay: Browse central stays on VRBO Funchal or Hotels.com Funchal. Mid-range favorites: Porto Mare Hotel (lush gardens, oceanfront promenade) and Hotel do Carmo (retro design, walkable Old Town). For a splurge, Belmond Reid’s Palace is legendary—and perfect for afternoon tea.

Porto Moniz

On Madeira’s northwest tip, Porto Moniz is famous for its crystalline lava-rock natural pools facing the open Atlantic. It’s a superb overnight for couples: quiet evenings, salt-sprayed air, and dark skies sparkling with constellations.

• Nearby gems: Seixal’s photogenic black-sand beach, Véu da Noiva waterfall viewpoint, Fanal forest’s ancient laurel trees, and cliff-flanked coastal drives.
• Stay: Sea-view guesthouses and boutique hotels—search VRBO Porto Moniz or Hotels.com Porto Moniz. Aim for a room overlooking the natural pools.
• Tours that include Porto Moniz:
  - Porto Moniz, Seixal, Fanal Forest, Cabo Girão Skywalk, Jeep Tour

  

  
  - Madeira West - Enchanted Terraces & Fanal Unesco open top jeep

  

• Getting there from Funchal: Drive ~1h20 via VE4/ER101; taxi ~€85–110; bus 2–2.5 hours (check schedules via Omio (Buses)), typically €7–10.

Day 1: Arrive in Funchal, Old Town Stroll, Market Bites

Afternoon: Land at FNC and transfer to your hotel (taxi 20–25 minutes, ~€25–35). Settle in and wander Zona Velha’s painted-door lanes. Pop into Mercado dos Lavradores for tropical fruit tastings—try anonas and passionfruit—and a peek at the flower stalls.

Evening: Dinner at Armazém do Sal (modern Madeiran tasting menus in a historic salt warehouse) or O Portão (local favorite for espada with banana and bolo do caco). Nightcap with a seaside poncha at Barreirinha Bar Café—sweet, citrusy, and strong, it’s the island in a glass.

Day 2: Monte by Cable Car, Gardens, and Toboggan Ride

Morning: Fuel up at Prima Caju (bright brunch plates, excellent espresso). Ride the cable car from the waterfront up to Monte for sweeping bay views. Stroll Monte Palace Tropical Garden’s koi ponds and tile panels; plant lovers can add the nearby Madeira Botanical Garden for endemic species.

Afternoon: Take the classic wicker toboggan down from Monte—steered by Carreiros in straw boater hats—then either walk or taxi the rest of the way. Consider the all-inclusive small-group experience: Madeira Highlights: Toboggan, Garden & Cable Car (All-Inclusive).

Evening: Madeira wine 101 at Blandy’s Wine Lodge—sample Sercial to Malmsey and learn about estufagem aging. Dinner at Restaurante Do Forte inside the 17th‑century São Tiago fortress—reserve a rampart table for a romantic setting.

Day 3: Whale Watching, Lido Promenade, and Rooftop Drinks

Morning: Head out with VipDolphins Luxury Whale Watching for sparkling-wine welcome, comfy loungers, and respectful approaches to dolphins and (seasonally) whales.

Afternoon: Walk the Lido Promenade and dip into Doca do Cavacas’ ocean pools. Treat yourselves to afternoon tea at Belmond Reid’s Palace—tiered trays, sea views, and old-world romance (book ahead).

Evening: Dinner at Kampo by Chef Júlio Pereira (wood-fired meats and seasonal Madeiran produce) or Akua (seafood small plates; order tuna tataki and octopus). Finish with a cocktail at the Three House rooftop—cozy fire pits and harbor views.

Day 4: Pico do Arieiro Sunrise, Balcões Viewpoint, and Câmara de Lobos

Pre-dawn: Watch the island awaken with the Madeira Pico do Arieiro Sunrise Tour—cloud inversions and alpenglow at 1,818 meters.

Late Morning: After breakfast, head to Ribeiro Frio for the easy Levada dos Balcões walk (about 1.5 km round-trip) to a balcony lookout over craggy peaks and laurel forest.

Afternoon: Drive or taxi to Câmara de Lobos, the colorful fishing town that inspired Churchill’s paintings. Long lunch at Vila do Peixe—choose your fish by weight and add milho frito (fried cornmeal squares). Detour to Cabo Girão Skywalk for a glass-floored cliff view 580 m above the sea.

Evening: Back in Funchal, a relaxed dinner at UVA Restaurant & Wine Bar (The Vine Hotel rooftop; contemporary plates and a deep wine list).

Day 5: Transfer to Porto Moniz, Lava Pools and the Wild Northwest

Morning: Depart Funchal for Porto Moniz. Drive ~1h20 via VE4/ER101 (most scenic), taxi ~€85–110, or bus ~2–2.5 hours via Omio (Buses). Check into a sea-facing stay via Hotels.com Porto Moniz or VRBO Porto Moniz.

Afternoon: Float in the famous lava-rock natural pools. When waves pound the outer wall, the protected basins remain calm—a surreal, romantic setting. Late lunch at Restaurante Orca (grilled limpets with garlic butter, espada fillets, and ocean views).

Evening: Golden-hour drive to Seixal’s black-sand beach for photos, then a short hop to the Véu da Noiva waterfall viewpoint. Return to Porto Moniz for grilled espetada and a Madeira demi-sec with dessert. Stargazing is excellent here—bring a light jacket.

Day 6: Back to Funchal, Food & Wine Tour, and a Sunset at Sea

Morning: Travel back to Funchal (same times/costs as Day 5 in reverse). Brunch at Prima Caju or a quick bolo do caco sandwich in town. If you prefer a guided west-island day instead of self-drive yesterday, consider Porto Moniz, Seixal, Fanal Forest, Cabo Girão Skywalk, Jeep Tour.

Afternoon: Join the Madeira Food, Wine & Cultural Tour for off-the-beaten-path tastings—think bolo do caco hot off the griddle, house poncha, and a guided Madeira wine pairing.

Evening: Toast the day on a Catamaran Sunset Cruise from Funchal—watch the sky flare pink and orange as the coastline silhouettes.

If you prefer to stay ashore, dine at Taberna Ruel in the Old Town—lapas to share, then bolo do caco to mop up garlic butter.

Day 7: Easy Morning and Departure

Morning: Coffee and pastel de nata at The Ritz Madeira on Avenida Arriaga, then pick up last-minute embroidery or wickerwork souvenirs near the market. If time allows, a final stroll through Santa Catarina Park gives you one last postcard of Funchal Bay.

Afternoon: Taxi to the airport (20–25 minutes). Compare flight options on Omio (Flights). If heading beyond Europe, also check Trip.com and Kiwi.com.

Where to Stay (Quick Picks)

• Budget-friendly (Funchal): Hotel do Carmo—retro décor, rooftop pool, walk-everywhere location.
• Mid-range (Funchal): Porto Mare Hotel—subtropical gardens, spa, oceanfront promenade.
• Iconic splurge (Funchal): Belmond Reid’s Palace—historic glamour and a romantic cliff-top setting.
• Browse more: VRBO Funchal, Hotels.com Funchal, VRBO Porto Moniz, Hotels.com Porto Moniz.

Add-On Ideas (If You Have Extra Energy)

• Levada do Caldeirão Verde (Queimadas Park): a misty laurel-forest walk to a 100m waterfall (bring a flashlight for short tunnels).
• Cabo Girão + Poncha stop: Skywalk thrill followed by classic poncha at Serra d’Água’s Taberna da Poncha.
• Eco catamaran option: Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching on an Ecological Catamaran.

  

This 7-day Madeira plan balances romance and adventure: sunrise above the clouds, afternoons in lava pools, market tastings, and sunset sails. With Funchal as your cultural anchor and the northwest coast for scenic drama, it’s a week you’ll replay for years.