Last Updated on April 29, 2024 by Sam
Enjoy the perfect getaway with this 5-day Madeira itinerary, covering the best things to do and see on the island. With fairly consistent temperatures throughout the year, it’s one of the best year-round destinations in Europe! The island has plenty to offer, from stunning natural attractions like the Fanal Forest and natural pools in Porto Moniz, to stunning mountain views and even dolphin and whale watching tours! Discover the best things to do on your trip with this wonderful 5 day Madeira itinerary.
This post is in conjunction with Jet2 who we partnered with during our trip to this incredible island. Thanks to Jet2 we spent 5 days in Madeira, discovering the best things to do around the island in order to come up with this itinerary. As always, the opinions and recommendations in this post are our own.
How to get to Madeira
There are regular flights to Madeira from across the UK and Europe, although some routes are seasonal. The Cristiano Ronaldo Madeira International Airport is located just a 20-minute drive from the centre of Funchal – the island’s capital city.
If you are travelling from the UK there are frequent Jet2 flights to Madeira from a number of different airports, including flights from Birmingham airport, London Stansted, Manchester, Newcastle, and more. If you want everything taken care of then there are some great deals on great deals on holidays to Madeira through Jet2holidays, where you can book flights and hotels as one package.
Where to stay in Madeira
The Cliff Bay Hotel
The Cliff Bay Hotel is one of the best hotels in Funchal, making it a great place to stay for the duration of your 5 day Madeira itinerary. Located within walking distance of the town centre, this amazing 5-star hotel has everything you need for a comfortable stay.
You will find no shortage of great facilities at the hotel, with both indoor and outdoor swimming pools, beautiful clifftop views, tennis courts, private sea access, and even a 2-Michelin star restaurant on site! Free private parking is available at the hotel too, which is extremely useful as we do recommend renting a car for a few days during your stay in Madeira.
There are several room types available at the hotel, all of which are spacious, comfortable, and have a range of wonderful amenities and facilities. Prices start from around €319 per night during the peak summer season, with breakfast included in the price. Full board and half board options are also available at an additional cost.
Hotel Porto Santa Maria
Situated on the Funchal seafront, the Hotel Porto Santa Maria is brilliantly located for exploring the city. This adults only hotel is perfect for couples holidays, and is located within walking distance of several major attractions, as well as a number of brilliant bars and restaurants.
For those travelling with Jet2holidays the Porto Santa Maria is one of the best hotel options, boasting great facilities including both indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a rooftop hot tub, a spa and wellness centre, and much more! There is also an on-site restaurant, and a bar with great value happy hour deals every day!
Rooms at the hotel are spacious and comfortable, making for the perfect place to relax after a day of exploring Madeira. Prices start from as little as €216 per night, with breakfast included in the price. Both half board and full board options are available too if you would prefer.
Alternatively, VRBO have some fantastic accommodation options if you want to rent a property instead of staying at a hotel! Click here to see the amazing options on the VRBO website!
Five Day Madeira itinerary
Day 1
Whale and Dolphin Watching Tour
Begin your 5 day Madeira itinerary with an amazing whale and dolphin watching trip from Funchal. Feel your heart race with excitement as you encounter some incredible marine life, from playful dolphins to majestic whales to cute seals and sea turtles.
Whale and dolphin watching tours operate from Funchal year round, but some species can only be seen at certain types of year. There are various whale species that can be seen in Madeira, including sperm whales, fin whales, Bryde’s whales, and sei whales.
Sperm whales can be seen at any time but are more commonly seen during autumn, sei whales and Bryde’s whales sightings are more common during summer, and fin whales are seen most often during spring. It’s even possible to see blue whales, humpback whales, and minke whales on whale watching tours in Madeira, but sightings are infrequent and can occur at any time of year.
Dolphin species found in Madeira include bottlenose dolphins, common dolphins, spotted dolphins, striped dolphins, rough-toothed dolphins, and pilot whales – which are actually dolphins, despite their name! Bottlenose dolphins and pilot whales can be seen all year round, with sightings of other species varying throughout the year.
Peak whale watching season in Madeira tends to run from April through to October, with sightings more common during these months. Sightings are still possible year round though, and there is a reasonable chance of seeing dolphins on any tour!
Of course the amazing wildlife is the main attraction on these tours, but an added bonus is that you get some lovely views of Funchal and Madeira from the sea. The views are particularly nice during the morning light, but the landscape is a beautiful sight at any time of day!
Get Your Guide offer an amazing whale and dolphin watching tour from Funchal, on a custom-built eco-catamaran. Tours last three hours and offer the chance to make some unforgettable memories seeing whales and dolphins in the wild!
We personally took this tour and had an amazing time, and we were fortunate enough to see a huge pod of over 100 spotted dolphins. The dolphins were extremely sociable and we had great sightings of them right up by the boat and jumping in and out of the water.
This amazing tour costs just €30 per person on Get Your Guide, which is great value to see such amazing marine life. For reference when we went whale watching in Akureyri, Iceland, we paid around three times the price for a similar tour! We recommend booking onto the 10am tour, but if you would prefer the 2.30pm trip then you can always explore change the itinerary slightly to suit your preference.
Click here to book an unforgettable whale and dolphin watching tour on the Get Your Guide website!
Explore Funchal
After a thrilling morning out at sea, spend the remainder of your first day in Madeira exploring the charming city of Funchal. There is plenty to discover around Madeira’s capital city, and the Old Town (known as Zona Velha) is a lovely place to walk around.
Free walking tours of Funchal are available, giving you an informative journey through the city so that you can learn about the history and way of life. Afternoon tours depart at 2.30pm but are only available on certain days, which you can find listed on the Free Walking Tours Funchal website.
If the tour schedules don’t align with your five day Madeira itinerary then this gives you the opportunity to discover Funchal at your own pace. There are some great spots to visit depending on your interests, including the historic São Tiago Fort, the Cristiano Ronaldo Statue and Museum, and the lovely Rua de Santa Maria street with its painted doors.
Funchal is a pleasant city to walk around, so spend a few hours discovering what it has to offer. There are plenty of great restaurants, bars, and cafes to visit too if you fancy a drink or a snack before dinner.
When you have finished exploring it’s up to you how you spend the remainder of your day, but we recommend finding a restaurant near your hotel and then having a drink or two after to celebrate the first of your five days in Madeira.
Day 2
Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo Hike
On the second day of your 5 day Madeira itinerary you will need an early start in order to enjoy an unforgettable sunrise hike through the island’s stunning mountains. The hike from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo boasts some of the best views in Madeira, and is a must-do for avid hikers.
It’s a fairly challenging hike at times, and is typically rated as medium-hard difficulty. Starting from Pico do Arieiro, the hike leads to Pico Ruivo, the highest peak in Madeira, and in total covers approximately 11 kilometres one-way.
As it’s a fairly long hike, the most common way to tackle it is to get dropped off at one end and then picked up at the other end. There are several tour companies that offer this service, or alternatively you can get a taxi if you would prefer.
The hike is manageable if you have a reasonable level of fitness, but be warned there are plenty of up and down sections to navigate. There are several sets of stairs along the route, and at times you are walking along a narrow path with steep drops either side. Thankfully there are railings, but if you suffer from vertigo you may find this challenging.
As you hike along the trail you get breathtaking views of Madeira’s incredible rugged mountains. No words can quite do justice to the amazing views, but we can say that the hike is definitely worth the effort to see this incredible mountainous landscape for yourself!
A convenient return transfer service from Funchal to the Pico do Arieiro hike can be booked online in advance via Get Your Guide. This involves dropping you off at Pico do Areiro and then picking you up at Achada do Teixeira, which is located at the end of the hike just a couple of kilometres beyond Pico Ruivo.
This return transfer can be booked from just €34 per person, and involves arriving at Pico do Arieiro in time to see sunrise. Click here to book this extremely convenient return transfer on the Get Your Guide website!
The Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo hike is a highlight of your 5 days in Madeira, offering some of the most amazing views of any activity on this itinerary. If the hike is too challenging or daunting for you, then don’t worry – you can still drive to the peak of Pico do Arieiro to enjoy some stunning views.
Expect the hike to last around 5 hours in total, but it really depends on your pace and how long you spend enjoying the scenery and taking breaks. As it’s a challenging hike you will want to take it easy for the rest of the day, so once you’re back at your hotel it’s best to let yourself have a bit of a rest – whether that’s taking a nap or lounging by the pool!
Day 3
If you really want to make the most of your 5 day Madeira itinerary, then we recommend renting a car for a couple of days to make it easier to explore the island. Some of the best places to visit in Madeira are most easily accessible by car, such as the eerie Fanal Forest, pictruesque natural pools, and the majority of levada walks.
The roads on the island can be steep and winding at times, but they are perfectly manageable for confident drivers – especially if you stick to the main roads. Driving around allows you to discover more of the island’s stunning natural beauty, and puts you in control of exactly where you want to visit! Make sure to read our guide to driving in Madeira for more information about driving on the island!
Renting a car in Madeira is very affordable, but it’s normally worth paying a bit more for an automatic car due to the steep roads – which are more challenging when driving a manual car. We recommend using the Discover Cars website to find a car, as they compare between a number of operators to ensure you get the best deal!
Click here to get a quote from the Discover Cars website in seconds!
If you don’t drive, or simply don’t feel comfortable driving in Madeira, then it’s worth booking some tours that visit the attractions below. Of course tours will follow their own set itinerary, but one day trip that includes a lot of the same places costs just €69 per person on Get Your Guide.
This tour visits the beautiful natural pools in Seixal and Porto Moniz, the Fanal Forest, Cabo Girão skywalk, and more. Click here to book this wonderful day trip on the Get Your Guide website!
Fanal Forest
Kickstart the third day of your Madeira itinerary with a visit to the enchanting Fanal Forest. This impressive ancient forest makes up part of the island’s Laurisilva forest, which was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999.
Fanal Forest is known for its otherworldly trees, which have grown in unique shapes thanks to their twisted and crooked moss-covered branches. The forest is regularly shrouded in fog, particularly in the mornings, which makes for some eerie yet beautiful scenery.
We recommend having an early start to give yourself the best chance of seeing the famous Fanal Forest whilst it’s foggy. The weather in Madeira can change quickly and is notoriously unpredictable, so unfortunately it’s hard to guarantee the fog will be there on your visit.
Fortunately, the forest is still a wonderful place to visit regardless of the weather. If it isn’t foggy during your visit it means you can better appreciate the stunning mountainous scenery surrounding the forest, as well as being able to see more of the unique trees at once. It wasn’t foggy on our visit and we still really enjoyed this unique spot.
The trees at the Fanal Forest are unlike anything we have seen anywhere else in the world, which makes it a special place to wander around. Take the time to walk around the area well to discover the gnarled trees, and you can walk up to the top of a hill for brilliant views over a section of the forest with a lovely mountain backdrop.
There is plenty of free parking available at the Fanal Forest by the Fanal Forestry Station, which is approximately a one-hour drive from Funchal. Aim to arrive not long after sunrise if you want the best chance of seeing the forest covered in fog.
Porto Moniz Pools
Your next stop is the waterfront town of Porto Moniz, which is around a 25-minute drive from the Fanal Forest. This cute little town is home to two remarkable natural swimming pools, both of which are incredibly picturesque.
The first stop is the Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools, which is the better known of the two swimming areas in the town. These large seafront swimming pools were formed over the course of several millennia by the cooling of lava, and are made up of fresh seawater which is constantly entering the pools.
There is an entry fee of €3 to access the Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools, and there are several facilities including changing rooms, toilets, a children’s pool, a bar, and more. Unfortunately the pools are sometimes closed due to the weather conditions and strong waves, which was the case during our visit – but hopefully you will have a bit more luck!
Just a short walk away, there are some more natural swimming pools known as the Cachalote Natural Swimming Pools. These saltwater pools have naturally formed between volcanic rock, and are a great place for a refreshing swim amongst picturesque scenery.
It’s completely free to visit the Cachalote Natural Swimming Pools, but there are no real facilities there. There is a public toilet in a car park around 5 minutes walk away, which you can use as a makeshift changing room if need be!
We recommend visiting both sets of pools if weather permits, as you can get some lovely views whilst swimming in these uniquely formed natural pools. You can find out more about these scenic natural pools with our guide to the Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools!
Visiting the pools was one of the highlights of our 5 days in Madeira, but be warned the water can be a little cold. It’s worth braving the cold water for these beautiful spots though.
Even if you don’t fancy a swim, we recommend visiting Porto Moniz anyway to see these picturesque natural pools. The beautifully clear blue water makes the pools a captivating sight, and their waterfront location makes for some brilliant views.
As an optional extra, there is a lovely viewpoint of the town around a 5-minute drive from the pools. The viewpoint is known as Miradouro da Santinha, and overlooks the town of Porto Moniz and its wonderful natural pools. It’s a fairly steep drive up to the viewpoint, but it is worth it for this lovely view.
Seixal Natural Pools
Finish your day with a visit to the stunning Seixal Natural Pools, known locally as Poças das Lesmas. It’s just a 10-15 minute drive from Porto Moniz to Seixal, and the beautiful natural pools here are a highlight of any 5 day Madeira itinerary!
These natural infinity pools have formed amongst volcanic rock, and are nestled at the bottom of some steep cliffs. The pools are filled with crystal clear seawater and are a great place for a swim surrounded by some wonderful natural scenery.
In our experience the Seixal pools were much quieter than the swimming pools in Porto Moniz, which makes it feel like an even more special place. On our visit no one else was in the water at all, and there were only a few other tourists visiting to see the pools.
Entry to the Seixal Natural Pools is completely free, so there is no excuse to miss out this picturesque spot from your Madeira itinerary. Make sure to read our guide to the Seixal Natural Pools, which has information about the pools, the facilities, and more.
When visiting Seixal it’s best to park in the free parking area in the town and then walk down to the pools. The road down to the pools themselves is very steep, and so it’s better to walk the last section to avoid navigating the steep road in a car!
These beautiful natural pools are one of Madeira’s hidden gems, and mark a great way to end the third day of your trip. Once you’ve finished up at the pools it’s time to drive back to Funchal to spend your evening how you please.
Day 4
Vereda dos Balcões
The penultimate day of your 5 day Madeira itinerary starts with a visit to Vereda dos Balcões, home to some of the most stunning mountain views on the island. This viewpoint overlooks breathtaking scenery, with the rugged mountains and lush green forest being particularly impressive.
It takes around 40-45 minutes to drive from Funchal to the start of the Vereda dos Balcões hike, and coming out of Funchal the road can be quite steep. We recommend taking the route along ER103 if possible, making sure to avoid driving along Rua do Comboio as it’s extremely steep and can be hard to navigate with oncoming traffic and the potential for steep hill starts.
There are a few car parks near the start of the Vereda dos Balcões trail, but these can get quite full. Fortunately it’s possible to park by the side of the road near the trail too, which is what we opted to do on our visit.
The Vereda dos Balcoes trail is 1.5 kilometres long one-way, and runs along a section of the Levada da Serra do Faial. Levadas are traditional irrigation channels specific to Madeira, and they have become popular walking routes on the island. There are a number of brilliant levada walks on the island if you extend your 5 day Madeira itinerary, but if not then at least you get to experience this one!
Whilst some levada trails are known for being tough, thankfully the one here is pretty easy. The path is flat at most points, and it leads you through lush forest before you reach the incredible viewpoint at the end of trail.
It takes around 20-30 minutes one-way to walk to the Vereda dos Balcoes viewpoint, where you are rewarded with a spectacular view of Madeira’s mountains. The views from here truly encapsulate the island’s natural beauty, with towering mountains and lush forest.
At the viewpoint you are likely to see Madeiran chaffinches, friendly birds endemic to the region. It’s possible to buy birdseed before your walk to feed the chaffinches, and if you stay still and hold out birdseed for them then they will happily eat from your hand!
After you have enjoyed the wonderful views and the playful chaffinches, it’s time to head back to the car to continue with the fourth day of your Madeira itinerary. There is a small cafe along the walking route if you want to stop for a drink or a bite to eat, and there are toilets here for a small fee for non-customers.
Cabo Girão
Next stop on your 5 day Madeira itinerary is the Cabo Girão skywalk, perched on top of the highest sea cliff in Europe and the second highest in the world! The skywalk offers unparalleled views of the island’s coastline, towering sea cliffs, and the vast Atlantic Ocean.
It’s approximately a 45-minute drive from Vereda dos Balcões to Cabo Girão, and free parking is available in allocated spaces by the side of the road. Entry to the Cabo Girão skywalk costs just €2, which is a small price to pay for this wonderful coastal view.
Cabo Girão offers sweeping ocean views, as well as brilliant views along the south coast of Madeira. The viewing platform is one of the most visited attractions on the island, and with views like this it’s easy to see why.
One of the main attractions at Cabo Girão is the glass-floored skywalk suspended 580 metres above the ground. It’s certainly not for the faint hearted, but does give more brilliant views of the coast and landscape below. Thankfully it is possible to visit Cabo Girão without going on the glass-floored area, just make sure to stick to other areas of the viewing platform.
Of course it can be fairly cold and windy on top of the viewing platform, so make sure to be wearing suitable clothing. There is no need to spend too long here, but it’s well worth stopping by to enjoy this beautiful coastal view.
Waterfall of the Angels
Next up is a trip to the unique Waterfall of the Angels, known as Cascata dos Anjos in Portuguese. This natural wonder is located around a 30-minute drive from Cabo Girão, and is one of the island’s most unique attractions.
What sets this waterfall apart is its unusual location which sees it cascade directly onto a road. We have never seen anything quite like this before on all our travels, and it is a pretty spectacular sight to see the water drop 90 metres onto the road below.
Be aware that Google Maps isn’t reliable at guiding you to the waterfall, as it directs you to the middle of a tunnel on road VE3 and suggests you walk from there. It isn’t actually possible to stop in this tunnel, and instead you need to aim for road ER101 to see the waterfall.
At times this road is closed off to cars, but you are still able to park nearby and walk along to the waterfall. If the road isn’t closed then you can drive through the waterfall yourself, but if you want to get a proper look it’s best to get out of the car and view it on foot. Thankfully there is plenty of free street parking nearby.
The road near the waterfall itself is quite narrow, so make sure to be aware of any vehicles whilst you’re enjoying this fabulous sight. If you’re feeling brave then you can even ‘shower’ in the waterfall to cool off, which a few fearless tourists were doing on our visit!
This stunning waterfall is the final stop of the day, so head back to your hotel after you have finished here. If you have rented a car just for these two days then you will need to plan your day accordingly so that you can return the car after your trip to the waterfall.
Depending on your pace, there may still be some of the afternoon left to enjoy relaxing at your hotel or exploring more of Funchal.
Day 5
The final day of your 5 day Madeira itinerary is a blank canvas to allow you to do as you please. After a hectic few days you may prefer to just take it easy and relax by the hotel pool, but there are plenty of more brilliant things to do and see around the island if you are up for it!
There are plenty of brilliant tour options available on Get Your Guide, which cover a number of activities and things to do in Madeira that aren’t yet included on this itinerary. Of course what you do is up to your personal preference, but we have covered a few of the options below to give you an idea of how to spend the final day of your itinerary.
Levada Tour – One of the best options is to take a tour to Levada das 25 Fontes and Levada do Risco. This guided tour leads you through some stunning nature, and gives you a chance to learn more about the fascinating levadas in Madeira.
Click here to view different Levada walks on AllTrails!
Levada das 25 Fontes is one of the most popular levada walks, and it takes its name from the 25 springs or waterfalls that feed a small lagoon at the base of a rugged cliff. This tour includes return transport from Funchal and costs just €39 per person via Get Your Guide. Click here to book this wonderful levada tour on the Get Your Guide website!
Levada do Caldeirão Verde – If you aren’t looking for a guided levada walk, then why not try a self-guided walk along Levada do Caldeirão Verde. It’s a great chance to explore one of the levadas that are unique to Madeira, and conveniently return transport can be arranged via Get Your Guide for just €36 per person. Click here to book transfer for a self-guided levada walk via the Get Your Guide website!
Canyoning – Looking for a more thrilling way to spend the final day of your Madeira itinerary? Discover some of the island’s most spectacular scenery on this canyoning tour, giving you the chance to rappel down waterfalls, swim in natural pools, and even slide down natural water slides!
This exciting tour is a completely different way to discover the island’s lush landscape, and it’s perfect if you’re looking for something unique to finish your trip on a high! Canyoning tours start from just €70 per person, which includes return transport, all necessary equipment, photos, and more. Click here to book this incredible canyoning trip on the Get Your Guide website!
Nuns Valley Tour – Combine stunning scenery with some of Madeira’s fascinating history on a tour to the Nuns Valley. Once a hideaway for nuns when pirates attacked Funchal, the valley is home to a small village built on the crater of an extinct volcano.
Tours visit some spectacular viewpoints, as well as venturing to the Curral das Freiras village in the valley itself. Group tours through Get Your Guide start from just €25 per person, with private tours available from as little as €10 per person depending on your group size. Click here to book an amazing tour to Nuns Valley on the Get Your Guide website!
If nothing there takes your fancy then thankfully there are plenty more great options on the Get Your Guide website. Click here to see the full range of tours available for your trip through Get Your Guide!
However you choose to spend your day, make sure to have a nice meal to celebrate the final night of your 5 days in Madeira. Funchal is home to plenty of great restaurants and bars, so enjoy a drink or two and reminisce about the highlights of your Madeira itinerary.
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