Itinerary
- Day 1
Madeira Airport to Machico
You'll touch down at Madeira Airport and pick up your rental car for the week. The drive to Machico takes about 15 minutes and covers roughly 4 km. Once you arrive, the rest of your day is open - settle into your accommodation and get a feel for the town at whatever pace works for you.
- Day 2
Machico
Spend the day getting to know Machico, the island's second-largest town. There's a nice sandy beach here (one of the few on Madeira) with traditional fishing boats that make for good photos. From Machico you can head east to explore different parts of the island - the Ponta de São Lourenço peninsula has good views, Camacha is known for basket weavers if you're interested in local crafts, or you could tackle the climb up Pico do Arieiro mountain. It's all your choice depending on energy and interest.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Visit Ponta de São Lourenço peninsula
- Visit basket weavers (Cesto de Camacha) in Camacha
- Excursion to Pico do Arieiro (1,818 m)
Landmarks Ponta de São Lourenço Pico do Arieiro - Day 3
Machico to Santana
Drive north to Santana, about 20 km away (roughly 30 minutes). This peaceful town is known for its traditional Madeira houses with distinctive straw-thatched pointed roofs. You can go inside many of these historic buildings to see how they're furnished in the old style. The area became part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve back in 2011, so there's real cultural significance here beyond just the visual appeal.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Visit traditional Madeira houses
Landmarks Santana UNESCO Biosphere Reserve 
- Day 4
Santana
Have breakfast at your hotel and use Santana as your base for exploring hiking trails. The area has plenty of options for walks and hikes of varying difficulty, so you can pick what suits your fitness level and how much time you want to spend. You're in control of the itinerary today - start early or take your time, it's up to you.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Hiking from Santana
- Day 5
Santana to São Vicente
After breakfast, head north along the coast toward São Vicente, approximately 32 km away and about 45 minutes of driving. You'll be staying here for the next two nights, so take your time settling in and checking out your new accommodation.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel
- Day 6
São Vicente
Following breakfast, drive to Porto Moniz on the northwestern tip of the island. The main attraction here is the natural seawater pools formed in the rocky coastline - they're perfect for a swim if the weather cooperates. The rugged landscape and the pools together make this a scenic stop, and you can spend as much or as little time here as you want.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Swim in natural seawater pools at Porto Moniz
Landmarks Porto Moniz 
- Day 7
São Vicente to Funchal
Drive south to Funchal, Madeira's capital and the island's most active town. It sits in a sunny bay with mountains rising behind it. Check out the colorful market hall to see local produce and products, wander through the old town's narrow streets, or ride the cable car up to Monte for the famous basket sledge rides down. There's the Cristiano Ronaldo Museum at the harbor if that interests you, and several local celleries where you can taste Madeira wine and learn about the production.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel
Optional Activities
- Visit market hall
- Explore old town of Funchal
- Cable car ride to Monte
- Basket sledge rides in Monte
- Visit Cristiano Ronaldo Museum
- Madeira wine tasting at local celleries
Landmarks Monte Cristiano Ronaldo Museum 
- Day 8
Funchal Departure
After breakfast, you can head to the airport whenever works best for your departure flight. The drive from Funchal back to Madeira Airport is about 20 km and takes roughly 30 minutes. Return your rental car and head to your gate - or arrange an extension if you want more time on the island.
- Meals
- Breakfast
