Itinerary
- Day 1
Madeira
You'll land and pick up your rental car, then decide whether to head straight into exploring or get settled first. If time allows, take a 1.5 km walk along the levada to PR11 Levada dos Balcões, where you'll spot tame finches and see the famous Madeiran Balconies up close.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Paraíso Resiliente)
Included Activities
- Rental car pickup
Optional Activities
- PR11 Levada dos Balcões walk (1.5 km)
Landmarks/POIs PR11 Levada dos Balcões 
- Day 2
Madeira
Start early for a 7.6 km trek to Ponta de São Lourenço at the island's eastern tip to catch the sunrise and ocean views. From there, head to Ponta do Rosto for more panoramic scenery, then relax at Machico Beach and check out the viewpoints overlooking that area and the airport. Later, swim at Ilha do Faial Black Sand Beach before finishing in Santana to see the iconic colorful traditional houses. You'll cover about 120 km and gain 5 km in elevation today.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Paraíso Resiliente)
Optional Activities
- Ponta de São Lourenço trek (7.6 km)
- Ponta do Rosto viewpoint visit
- Machico Beach relaxation
- Viewpoints overlooking Ponta de São Lourenço and airport
- Ilha do Faial Black Sand Beach swim
- Santana traditional houses viewing
Landmarks/POIs Ponta de São Lourenço Ponta do Rosto Machico Beach Ilha do Faial Black Sand Beach Santana Traditional Houses 
- Day 3
Madeira
Get ready for a challenging 19 km hike between Madeira's two highest peaks, taking about 10 hours total. After a 1 hour 20 minute walk from Achada do Teixeira, you'll reach Pico Ruivo (1862m, Portugal's third-highest mountain) to catch sunrise. Try traditional poncha and coffee at the summit cafe, then tackle the tough 6 km, 4-hour hike toward Pico do Arieiro. Stop at the restaurant halfway to grab soup, desserts, and drinks. Note that taxis are available partway through if you need an exit.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Paraíso Resiliente)
Optional Activities
- Sunrise at Pico Ruivo
- Pico Ruivo Summit hike (3 km, 1.3 hours)
- Pico Ruivo Cafe Stop (traditional poncha and coffee)
- Hike to Pico do Arieiro (6 km, 4 hours)
- Pico do Arieiro Views and Refreshments
Landmarks/POIs Pico Ruivo Pico do Arieiro Achada do Teixeira 
- Day 4
Madeira
Begin in Fanal Forest where ancient laurels sit under morning mist, creating a unique atmosphere. You'll find a hidden waterfall good for swimming, then explore a coastal town with lava caves and ocean views. Finish by hiking the PR16 Levada Fajã do Rodrigues, which includes a long tunnel and beautiful waterfalls, plus time at Seixal Black Sand Beach and the natural volcanic pools.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Paraíso Resiliente)
Optional Activities
- Fanal Forest early morning walk
- Poço das Casas Waterfall discovery and swimming
- São Vicente town exploration
- Church hike with stunning views (São Vicente)
- Quinta do Barbusano vineyards and wine tasting
- PR16 Levada Fajã do Rodrigues trek (with tunnel)
- Seixal Black Sand Beach visit
- Natural volcanic pools swimming at Seixal
Landmarks/POIs Fanal Forest Poço das Casas Waterfall São Vicente Quinta do Barbusano PR16 Levada Fajã do Rodrigues Seixal Black Sand Beach 
- Day 5
Madeira
You'll travel along one of the island's best trails, following water channels to hidden waterfalls surrounded by lush growth. Continue to Lagoa do Vento, a quiet lake with wild nature all around it. Visit a site with impressive rock formations rising from the ocean, then cool off in the Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools. Don't skip the Garganta Funda Viewpoint overlooking one of Madeira's highest waterfalls, and wrap up watching the sunset in a sun-drenched town.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (VALE MAR Guest)
Optional Activities
- Levada dos 25 Fontes & Levada do Risco hike (14 km)
- Lagoa do Vento discovery and exploration
- Ribeira da Janela beach and rock formations visit
- Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools swim
- Garganta Funda Viewpoint visit
- Ponta do Sol sunset viewing
Landmarks/POIs Levada dos 25 Fontes Levada do Risco Lagoa do Vento Ribeira da Janela Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools Garganta Funda Viewpoint Ponta do Sol 
- Day 6
Madeira
Start on Levada Nova winding through green slopes and past old mills that feel historic. Continue on a mysterious trail with great views before stopping in Prazeres, a quiet village. Head to Cabo Girão, Europe's highest sea cliff, for panoramic views. Later, explore the fishing village of Câmara de Lobos where Churchill once visited, and try traditional Madeiran bread with honey. End your day in Curral das Freiras mountain valley surrounded by dramatic peaks, with optional river pool swimming.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (VALE MAR Guest)
Optional Activities
- Levada Nova trek (with tunnels and waterfalls)
- Levada Mill exploration
- Prazeres village visit
- Levada trek near Prazeres (3 km, 1.5 hours, tunnel on cliff)
- Cabo Girão Viewpoint visit (580m)
- Câmara de Lobos fishing village exploration
- Traditional Madeiran bread with honey tasting
- Curral das Freiras Viewpoint visit
- Nuns Valley views
- Natural river pools swimming at Curral das Freiras
Landmarks/POIs Levada Nova Prazeres Cabo Girão Câmara de Lobos Curral das Freiras 
- Day 7
Madeira
Start with a morning walk along the beach in São Jorge, checking out ancient sugar cane mill ruins. Next, go to Queimadas where a park leads to a serene lake great for a coffee break at the local cafe. Then tackle your first longer levada trek, Levada do Caldeirão Verde, with beautiful scenery and many waterfalls. You'll walk through five dark tunnels along the levada, a memorable part of experiencing authentic Madeiran nature.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (VALE MAR Guest)
Optional Activities
- Ruins of St. George exploration
- River or ocean swimming at São Jorge beach
- Queimadas Natural Park walk
- Queimadas lake relaxation
- Local cafe coffee break at Queimadas
- Levada do Caldeirão Verde trek
- Caldeirão Verde waterfall viewing
- Tunnel traversal (five tunnels)
Landmarks/POIs Ruins of St. George São Jorge Beach Queimadas Natural Park Levada do Caldeirão Verde Caldeirão Verde Waterfall - Day 8
Funchal
Spend your day in Funchal, Madeira's vibrant capital. Walk through the historic center with narrow streets, picturesque squares, and lively local markets full of fresh fruits and flowers. Head to the botanical garden to see exotic greenery and get panoramic views of the city and ocean. You can shop for souvenirs, sample local food, see the Cristiano Ronaldo statue, explore the Old Town with its unique painted doors, and try the best fish and beef steaks at local restaurants.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (VALE MAR Guest)
Optional Activities
- Funchal City Exploration
- Souvenir shopping in Funchal
- Local specialty sampling
- Cristiano Ronaldo statue viewing
- Gavino Restaurant dining (fish and beef steaks on hot stone)
- Farmers' Market visit
- Traditional poncha tasting
- Zona Velha (Old Town) exploration
- Monte Palace Tropical Garden visit
- Cable car to Monte Palace
- Madeira wine tasting at Monte Palace
Landmarks/POIs Funchal Zona Velha (Old Town) Farmers' Market Monte Palace Tropical Garden Cristiano Ronaldo Statue 
- Day 9
Madeira - Departure
Your Madeiran adventure comes to an end. Arrive at the airport with time to spare for browsing souvenirs, returning your rental car, and taking one last breath of Portuguese air before heading home.
Included Activities
- Rental car return
Optional Activities
- Airport souvenir browsing
