10-Day Madeira Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 10-day Madeira itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaMadeira travel expert at TourRadar

• 8 Day Madeira Itinerary, incl. Funchal and Porto Moniz

  Madeira's highlights come alive over 8 days from Funchal's historic quarter to Pico do Arieiro (1,810m). The itinerary features Porto Moniz's natural pools, Vale Paraiso levadas, and Santana's A-frame houses. Traditional bread-making and wine tasting add local flavor.

  

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  • Day 1

    Arrival in Funchal

    Arrive at Madeira International Airport (FNC) and take a 25-minute transfer to your Funchal hotel. "The hotel staff were friendly and helpful, and the location in the old town was perfect." Spend your first evening trying local restaurants. The traditional black scabbard with fried banana is a must-try local dish.

    
  • Days 2-3

    Funchal and Southern Coast

    Start with a food tour through Funchal's historic center. Visit Mercado dos Lavradores before 11 AM when produce is freshest. Take the cable car up to Monte Gardens. One visitor noted: "The Tropical Garden reached by cable car was wonderful, and the wicker toboggan ride down was thrilling!" Take an easy morning walk along Vale Paraiso levada (3km). Bring layers for changing mountain weather. Visit Reid's Hotel for their traditional afternoon tea. A reviewer called it "A highlight of the trip, seemingly an Explore exclusive."

    
  • Day 4

    Northern Coast Adventure

    Take the scenic one-hour drive to Porto Moniz along the northern corniche road. Many travelers agree: "Swimming at the open-air pools at Porto Moniz was a highlight." Bring water shoes for the slippery volcanic rocks. Visit São Vicente and stop at the historic Ribeira Brava market. End your day with poncha tasting in Câmara de Lobos.

    
  • Day 5

    Eastern Madeira

    Visit Pico do Arieiro (1,810m) early before clouds roll in. Continue to Santana to see traditional A-frame houses and learn bread-making. A traveler noted: "The Madeira wine and bread tasting was nice as it was rather off the tourist route."

    
  • Day 6

    Optional Activities

    Choose between a Porto Santo ferry trip (2.5 hours each way) for its 9km golden beach, a guided levada walk, Blandy's Wine Lodge tour, or time at the lido. Many visitors recommend booking a whale-watching trip during season. Book this in advance.

    
  • Day 7

    Western Coast

    Walk the easy 2km levada at Madalena do Mar's banana plantations. See dramatic views at Ponta do Pargo lighthouse. Learn about rum production at Calheta's sugar cane mill. One visitor mentioned: "The ethnographic museum was fascinating and could easily have spent longer there."

    
  • Day 8

    Departure

    Plan 25 minutes to reach the airport. For later flights, leave bags at your hotel and take a final walk down Rua de Santa Maria to see its painted doors.

    

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• 8 Day Madeira Itinerary, incl. Porto da Cruz and Funchal

  

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  • Day 1

    Porto da Cruz

    Begin your adventure in this small fishing village with its unique black sand beach. Stop by one of the island's few remaining sugar mills to try "Poncha," a local drink made with sugar cane liquor, honey, and fresh orange juice. Get your hiking boots ready for tomorrow's walk, as the northern coastal paths can get slippery in wet weather.

    
  • Day 2

    Machico to Porto da Cruz

    Take an early transfer to Machico for a 4.5-hour hike on old vineyard supply routes. You'll follow the north coast, with great views for photos. The 15km trail includes 550m of climbing. Bring lots of water and sunscreen since there isn't much shade. Starting early helps avoid the hot midday sun.

    
  • Day 3

    Porto da Cruz to São Vicente

    Start in Santana, where you can see traditional A-frame thatched houses. Walk the Levada do Rei trail through laurel forest to Ribeiro Bonito waterfall. The 10km route goes through short tunnels, so pack a headlamp. After your hike, try the local pastries at Quinta do Levada bar.

    
  • Day 4

    São Vicente to Porto Moniz

    A transfer takes you to Paul da Serra plateau for one of the island's best hikes. Walk through UNESCO laurel forests and flowering broom fields to Fanal's peaceful pastures. The day ends in Porto Moniz, known for its natural lava pools. Bring swimwear for a refreshing post-hike swim.

    
  • Day 5

    Porto Moniz to Calheta

    The 17km coastal path offers ocean views and passes through eucalyptus forests. Look for wild Callas, Amaryllis and Agapanthus flowers along the way. The trail drops 650m to Calheta. Hiking poles will help with the descent.

    
  • Day 6

    Calheta to Funchal

    Follow Madeira's longest irrigation channel, the Levada do Norte, through farmland terraces. You'll see amazing views from Cabo Girão, Europe's highest sea cliff. Bring enough snacks as food stops can be limited on this 15km route.

    
  • Day 7

    Funchal and Monte

    Ride the cable car to Monte for your final hike. See the Nossa Senhora do Monte church and watch the traditional wicker toboggan rides. The 8km walk back to Funchal shows off city and ocean views. Visit the Botanical Gardens in late afternoon when it's quieter and cooler.

    
  • Day 8

    Departure

    With a late flight, spend time exploring Funchal's old town. The airport is a 30-minute taxi ride away, costing about $40 USD.

    

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• Walking the Island of Madeira

  Five destinations stretch from Machico to Funchal over eight days. Daily guided walks combine coastal paths, levada trails, and mountain ascents, including a sunrise trek to Pico Ruivo (6,109ft).

  

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  • Machico Portugal

    3 mi

  • Porto da Cruz Portugal

    3 mi

  • Santana Portugal

    7 mi

  • Curral das Freiras Portugal

    4 mi

  • Funchal Portugal

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