Explore the Island Smarter: Our Complete Day-by-Day Guide for Active Travelers
Madeira is a masterpiece of nature. Often called the “Hawaii of Europe,” this island offers everything from misty ancient forests to dramatic coastal cliffs. We explored it with small carry-ons and a rental vehicle, focusing on active days and comfortable nights.
If you love hiking and photography, this Madeira 9 day itinerary is designed to help you see the best of the island with total freedom.
Your Madeira 9 day itinerary: Day-by-day road trip
Day 1: Experience the Vibe of Funchal
Start your journey in the island’s capital. Funchal is the perfect base to get your bearings. Walk through the Old Town (Zona Velha), visit the Mercado dos Lavradores for exotic fruits, and try the local Espada fish with banana.
- Our tip: Funchal is very walkable, so park your vehicle in an underground garage and explore the narrow streets on foot to find the best local Poncha bars.
Day 2: Red Rocks and Dramatic Cliffs
Head east to the Miradouro do Cristo Rei for a great view of the coastline. Spend the afternoon hiking PR8 Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço. Unlike the rest of the green island, this peninsula is a desert-like landscape of red volcanic rocks.
- Our Tip: This hike is very exposed to the wind and sun. Bring plenty of water and a windbreaker, even if it feels warm in Funchal.
Day 3: Tropical Gardens and Easy Levadas
Explore the lush side of the island at Jardim Monte Palace or the Botanical Garden. In the afternoon, drive to PR11 Levada dos Balcões. It is a short, flat walk leading to a “balcony” view of the highest peaks.
- Our Tip: At the Balcões viewpoint, keep some birdseed in your hand. The local birds are very friendly and will land right on your fingers!
Day 4: Traditional Houses and Sunset Platforms
Visit the village of Santana to see the famous thatched-roof houses. Afterward, stop at the Aguage Waterfall and head to Miradouro do Guindaste for sunset. This viewpoint features glass platforms that hang over the crashing waves.
You can find all the points mentioned in this Madeira 9 day itinerary and more in a ready-to-use navigation map in our [Complete Madeira Itinerary].
Day 5: Misty Forests and Volcanic Pools
This is a highlight for nature lovers. Start at Fanal Forest, an ancient laurel forest often filled with magical fog. Then, drive down to Porto Moniz to swim in the natural volcanic pools. Finish the day by visiting the black sand beach in Seixal.
- Our Tip: Fanal is best when it’s foggy. Check the local webcams before you go; if it’s clear, you might want to wait for a “moodier” day to get those iconic photos.
Day 6: Standing Above the Clouds
Set your alarm early for Pico do Arieiro, the island’s third-highest peak. After enjoying the mountain air, drive down to the colorful fishing village of Câmara de Lobos.
- Critical Tip: The parking lot at Pico do Arieiro is small and fills up fast, especially for sunrise. Arrive at least 30–45 minutes before the sun comes up to secure a spot and avoid the crowds.
Day 7: Europe’s Steepest Cable Car
Visit PR 6.1 Levada do Risco for a massive waterfall view. Then, head to Achadas da Cruz to take the steepest cable car in Europe down to a hidden coastal village. End your day at the Ponta do Pargo lighthouse, the westernmost point of the island.
Day 8: Waterfall Walks and Banana Trails
Hike the Levada do Moinho / Levada Nova loop in Ponta do Sol. This trail is famous because the path goes directly behind a waterfall. Later, take a relaxing walk through the Banana Route (RB1) and finish with a view from the Cabo Girão Skywalk.
Day 9: The Golden Sands of Porto Santo
Take the morning ferry from Funchal to the neighboring island of Porto Santo. While Madeira is rocky and green, Porto Santo is famous for its 9-kilometer long beach with golden sand. Start by visiting the Formações Prismáticas (Pico de Ana Ferreira) to see the incredible prismatic volcanic columns that look like a giant stone organ. Afterward, head to Praia da Calheta at the end of the main beach. It is the most scenic spot on the island, where the turquoise water meets dramatic rocks.
- Our Tip: To explore the island efficiently in one day, rent a small scooter or a bicycle right at the harbor when the ferry arrives (you can also do that during buying ferry tickets, so bikes will be waiting for you). This allows you to reach the volcanic columns and the far end of the beach quickly without waiting for taxis.
Smart Logistics for Madeira
The Transmission Rule: We strongly recommend renting a car with an automatic transmission. Madeira’s roads are incredibly steep with many “stop and start” situations on hills. An automatic will make your life much easier.
Motorcycles & Scooters: If you prefer two wheels, do not go below 300cc. A 125cc scooter will struggle to carry two people up the mountain roads. A proper motorcycle is great for easy parking at busy trailheads.
Weather Webcams: The weather changes every 10 minutes. Use the Netmadeira webcams to check if a mountain peak is clear or covered in clouds before you drive there.
Groceries: To save on costs, we used the Pingo Doce or Continente supermarkets. They are great for fresh local bread and snacks for your hikes during Madeira 9 day itinerary trip.
Map
On the map beneath you can find all the spots mentioned in this Madeira 9 day itinerary and locate them easily e.g. on Google Maps.
For official trail status and safety updates, check the [Visit Madeira] official portal.
Madeira is amazing, but planning it is hard.
Don’t waste hours on Google Maps. Get our complete itinerary (even more than in this Madeira 9 day itinerary) with every secret pin, parking spot, and authentic restaurant we found.
Want to explore Madeira the smart way?
Reading about these places is one thing; planning the logistics to reach them is another.
- Where is the safe parking for the levadas?
- Which restaurants near these spots are actually good?
- How do you fit this and moreinto 10 days?
We poured all our research, map markers, and experience into our Complete Madeira Ebook. It includes ready-to-use Google Maps layers and day-by-day itineraries that balance adventure with comfort presenting you the best of Madeira Madeira.
