7 Days in Madeira

A full week, split between a south-coast base and a few nights in the north.

By Madeira.Vacations · 10 min read · Last checked 5 July 2026

Sea cliffs and Atlantic ocean at Ponta de São Lourenço
Photo: Josep M. Gracia · CC BY-SA 4.0

Split your base

Four nights on the south coast and three in the north halves your driving and doubles the amount of island you actually see. The north also gives you a different climate to escape to.

Days 1–4: south and centre

Funchal, Câmara de Lobos, Cabo Girão, the Arieiro ridge, Curral das Freiras and a boat trip. Keep one day unplanned as a weather buffer.

Days 5–7: north and west

Move to Porto Moniz or São Vicente. Fanal at dawn, the Achadas da Cruz cable car, Seixal, the 25 Fontes levada and the drive over Paúl da Serra.

If you have an extra day

Ponta de São Lourenço in the east, or the ferry to Porto Santo — 2h20 each way, so it is a full commitment.

Prices, opening hours and trail access change often. We last checked this on 5 July 2026 — confirm before you set off.

Also worth your time

More places nearby

Every place has its own page — times, parking, cost and when to go.

Stone path leading along a ridge to the summit of Pico Ruivo
Mountains2 hours from Achada do Teixeira; 4+ from Arieiro

Pico Ruivo

The island's highest point at 1,862 m, and only reachable on foot.

Waterfall falling into a mossy green rock bowl at Caldeirão Verde
North Coast5 hours

Caldeirão Verde

Levada do Caldeirão Verde: tunnels, ferns and a waterfall in a hidden bowl.

Traditional triangular thatched houses with red doors at Santana
North Coast2 hours, or a full day with the walksFree

Santana

The triangular thatched houses, and the gateway to the north's best walks.

Do it guided

Tours that cover this

Booked through Viator — the price is the same as going direct.

Levada footpath winding through misty Madeiran laurel forest
4.5 hours Rabaçal

Rabaçal & 25 Fontes Levada Walk

The Rabaçal valley to the 25 Fontes waterfall amphitheatre and the Risco levada — Madeira's most-loved walk, with transfers and a guide.

Open 4x4 jeep on a mountain track above green Madeiran valleys
Full day Island-wide pickup

West Madeira 4x4 Jeep Safari

Porto Moniz lava pools, Seixal's black sand, the Fanal laurel forest and the Cabo Girão cliff skywalk, in a small open 4x4 with a local driver.

Rugged coastal ridge on Madeira's eastern peninsula
6 hours Caniçal

Ponta de São Lourenço Guided Hike

The dry, wind-carved eastern peninsula — red cliffs, sea on both sides and nothing like the rest of the island, with a guide and transfers.

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