Arrival and Funchal orientation
Arrive Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport
Your flight lands at Madeira's main airport on the south coast. Collect your rental car and drive the scenic 30-minute coastal route into Funchal. The road hugs the cliffs and gives your first taste of the island's dramatic topography.
Check into hotel, Funchal centre
Settle into your mid-range accommodation in Funchal's old town or near the marina. The city is compact and walkable from most central hotels. Search hotels →
Cable car to Monte Palace viewpoint
Ride the iconic cable car from the seafront up to Monte, 560 metres above Funchal. The viewing platform overlooks the city, bay, and surrounding peaks. Return to sea level by either cable car or the famous wicker toboggan run if you fancy it.
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Dinner in Funchal old town
Stroll the narrow streets of the historic medina and choose from seafood restaurants along Avenida do Mar. Espada fish (black scabbardfish) with banana is a Madeiran classic, or try tuna grilled simply with local passion fruit. Most meals run £15–25 per person.
North coast drive and levada walk
Pick up rental car
Collect your car and familiarize yourself with it before heading north. The drive to the north coast takes around 45 minutes but the mountain roads reward careful driving with spectacular views. Book your car →
Levada do Caldeirão Verde walk
This is one of Madeira's most rewarding levada (irrigation channel) walks. The trail is roughly 5km return, mostly flat, taking 2.5–3 hours. You'll follow the water channel through tunnels hewn from rock, cross deep ravines on narrow bridges, and emerge at a natural waterfall in a hidden valley. Wear grip-soled shoes and bring a waterproof jacket for the tunnel sections. Start near Queimadas park in the interior.
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Lunch near São Jorge
Drive to the charming north-coast village of São Jorge. Stop for lunch at a family-run café or restaurant overlooking the fishing village and rocky shore. Fish soup and local bread cost around £8–12.
Coastal viewpoint and quiet time
Visit the clifftop viewpoint near São Jorge or drive the scenic coastal road between villages. Stop at any quiet overlook, listen to the Atlantic, and rest after the morning's walk. This is your first recovery window.
Pico do Arieiro alpine hike
Drive to Pico do Arieiro trailhead
Leave Funchal early and drive the mountain road inland towards Pico do Arieiro, Madeira's second-highest peak at 1,810 metres. The drive takes around 1.5 hours. Arrive early to secure parking and beat the clouds that often settle over the peak by mid-morning.
Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo ridge walk
This is Madeira's premier alpine hike: a 9km ridge walk with 1,200 metres of ascent, taking 5–6 hours return. You'll traverse above the clouds, pass three peaks, and enjoy 360-degree views over the central highlands. The trail is well-maintained but exposed and steep in sections. Bring layers, sun protection, and plenty of water. This is a big day; expect to finish around 14:00.
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Return to Funchal, rest evening
Drive back down the mountain slowly. Stop at a viewpoint if the light is good, but prioritize rest. Your legs will appreciate it. Have an early dinner at your hotel or a nearby restaurant and turn in early.
Recovery day: gardens and town
Breakfast and morning rest
Sleep in and take breakfast at your hotel. Your muscles will be tired from yesterday's ridge walk. There's no shame in a slow morning. Funchal's cafés along the marina are perfect for lingering over coffee and pasteis de nata.
Botanical Garden or Monte Palace Tropical Garden
Spend 2–3 hours wandering one of Funchal's world-class gardens. The Botanical Garden offers terraced beds of tropical plants with views back over the city and bay. Monte Palace is more ornamental, with formal pathways and peacocks. Both require only gentle walking. Entry is around £6–8 per person.
Lunch and local market exploration
Visit the Funchal Mercado (central market) to see fresh produce, flowers, and local crafts. Buy fruit, local honey, or aguardente (Madeira's firewater) to take home. Eat at one of the market's casual food stalls: grilled fish, sweet potato, or a simple salad costs £5–10.
Museum or coastal stroll
Choose between the Madeira Museum (Museu da Madeira), which covers the island's history and settlement, or simply walk the promenade from Funchal's old town towards the yacht marina. Both are effortless and require no decisions. Dinner can be casual tonight.
Eastern cliffs and Santana drive
Drive to São Lourenço peninsula
Head east from Funchal along the coast towards the São Lourenço peninsula. The drive is scenic and takes about 45 minutes. The landscape here is drier and rockier than the north coast, with red volcanic cliffs and sparse vegetation.
Ponta de São Lourenço coastal hike
Walk the northeastern peninsula on a 6km out-and-back trail with 300 metres of ascent. The path runs along the clifftop with dramatic red and black rock formations, crashing Atlantic swell, and views across to the north coast. The trail is rocky but well-marked, taking 2.5–3 hours return. The red volcanic soil and sparse plants create an otherworldly landscape. This is a moderate hike with excellent rewards.
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Lunch near Machico
Return to Machico, Madeira's second town, and eat lunch at a harborside restaurant. Fresh grilled fish, local salad, and house wine cost around £12–18 per person.
Drive to Santana and traditional houses
Drive north inland to Santana, famous for its A-frame triangular houses with steep roofs, painted in bright colours. Stroll the village and see the houses up close. Many are now restaurants or craft shops. Stop for coffee or cake at a local café. The village is quiet and unhurried.
West coast and Ponta do Pargo
Drive to western Madeira
Head west across the island from Funchal towards the coast. The drive takes around 90 minutes on winding mountain and coastal roads. The western end of Madeira is less visited and retains a remote, quiet character.
Levada walk near Raposeira or Ponta do Pargo
Choose a shorter, easier levada walk to ease your legs after the previous days' big hikes. The levada walks around Ponta do Pargo (the westernmost point) are 2–4km and mostly level, following water channels through green valleys with ocean views. These are recovery hikes: peaceful, shaded, and without steep elevation. Bring water and a light jacket.
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Lunch and lighthouse visit
Walk to Ponta do Pargo lighthouse, perched on the western cliffs. The walk from the village takes 20 minutes and offers dramatic views of the rocky coastline and occasionally whales or dolphins in the deeper waters below. Eat lunch at a small village café or pack a picnic. Meals out here are simple and inexpensive, around £8–12.
Return to Funchal, evening rest
Begin your drive back east. Stop at a viewpoint if you wish, but take your time. You've covered a lot of ground. Return to Funchal by early evening and eat a quiet, relaxed dinner.
Final day: valleys and departure
Nuns' Valley drive and viewpoint
Drive inland from Funchal towards the Nuns' Valley (Vale das Freiras), a hidden valley surrounded by steep peaks where the landscape drops into misty cloud. The viewpoint from the Encumeada Pass offers dramatic views down into the valley. This is a quiet, meditative drive through mountain roads with few tourists.
Short walk or viewpoint time
Take a gentle 1–2km walk near the pass or simply sit at the viewpoint, breathe the mountain air, and reflect on your week of walking and discovery. No exertion needed today. Local chestnuts grow here and chestnuts chestnut brandy is sold at small roadside stalls.
Return to Funchal, lunch and last-minute shopping
Drive back to Funchal for a final leisurely lunch. Visit the old town's narrow streets one more time, buy small gifts or bottles of Madeira wine to take home. A simple fish lunch and drink costs around £10–15.
Return rental car and depart for airport
Return your car to the rental desk with time to spare. Check in for your evening flight and depart Funchal. Most flights leave between 18:00 and 22:00. The airport is 30 minutes' drive from the city centre.