8-Day Madeira Adventure: Hiking, Culture & Scenic Views
Discover Madeira in 8 days! Hike scenic levadas, explore Funchal, enjoy whale watching, and savor local cuisine. Plan your perfect island getaway now!
CHEAPEUROPEADVENTURE
About
Madeira, a stunning archipelago off the northwest coast of Africa, is the perfect destination for a week-long vacation filled with breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture. Visitors can explore the island’s lush, hilly terrain and discover the famous levadas, an extensive network of irrigation channels that offer scenic walking paths. The charming capital, Funchal, is home to colorful markets, botanical gardens, and delicious local cuisine, including the renowned espetada (skewered beef). For those seeking adventure, activities such as hiking, whale watching, and paragliding provide thrilling ways to experience the natural beauty and diverse wildlife. Don’t miss the chance to sample Madeira wine while enjoying stunning views of the rugged coastline and tranquil waters. Whether it's relaxing in a cozy café or embarking on an exhilarating outdoor excursion, Madeira offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure for every traveler.
Trip Summary
PICKY
DAY 1 - Flight & Arrival
Arrive in Funchal, pick up your rental car, and drive to your accommodation. Spend the afternoon relaxing and getting a taste of Madeira’s lush landscapes, then enjoy a dinner with a sea view
DAY 2 - Pico do Arieiro
Start the day with a hike to Pico do Arieiro, the island’s third-highest peak, for panoramic views. In the afternoon, explore the Ribeiro Frio Natural Park and take a levada walk
DAY 3 - Laurisilva Forest & Pico Ruivo
Hike the famous Levada do Caldeirão Verde through the Laurisilva Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Continue your adventure by reaching Pico Ruivo, Madeira's highest peak, via a scenic and challenging hike
DAY 4 - Porto Moniz Natural Pools
Spend the day exploring the volcanic natural pools of Porto Moniz and enjoy a swim. Afterward, visit one of Madeira’s remote beaches like Prainha de Caniçal for a quiet afternoon of relaxation
DAY 5 - Northern Madeira
Drive through Madeira’s northern coast to the village of Seixal. Enjoy the dramatic cliffs and visit the stunning Seixal Beach. Continue your journey to São Vicente for a visit to the volcanic caves and the surrounding lush nature
DAY 6 - Eastern Madeira
Take a trip to the easternmost tip of the island, Ponta de São Lourenço. Hike the scenic trail along the cliffs and enjoy breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean
DAY 7 - Relaxing & Departure
On your final day, take a stroll through the Madeira Botanical Garden, relax in the lush surroundings, and head back to the airport for your departure
DAY 8 - Flight
Enjoy (...) your flight back home
$375
$760
More Fancy
Budget Buddies
Price Summary
Per person, based on a 2 persons' trip - flights excluded
Accomodation
Around $30-50 per night
Food
Depending on your stomach
Transfers
Drivers, taxis, buses or car rental
Experiences
Natural pools, botanical garden...
$180-300
$130-200
$60-235
$15-25
How are prices calculated?
Gallery
When To Go
November to February
From November to February, Madeira experiences its wettest months, with November and December receiving the most rainfall. Showers are often brief and interspersed with sunny intervals, allowing for exploration despite the rain. Temperatures range from 16°C to 21°C, making this a great time to enjoy the island’s lush greenery and vibrant waterfalls. This period is ideal for hikers drawn to Madeira’s famous levadas, as the landscapes are at their most verdant. Sea temperatures remain relatively warm at around 20°C, although the Atlantic can be rougher, limiting some water activities.
March to May
March to May marks spring in Madeira, a season of blooming flowers and moderate temperatures, ranging from 17°C to 22°C. Rainfall decreases significantly, and the weather is often sunny with pleasant breezes. This is one of the best times to visit the island for outdoor activities such as hiking, exploring botanical gardens, or attending the renowned Madeira Flower Festival in April. The sea begins to calm, making boat tours and coastal excursions increasingly appealing.
June to September
June to September offers Madeira’s driest and warmest months, with temperatures peaking between 24°C and 26°C. Rainfall is minimal, and sunny skies dominate, making this the prime time for beachgoers and those seeking to enjoy the island’s coastline. The sea is at its warmest, around 23°C, providing perfect conditions for swimming, snorkeling, and dolphin-watching. Madeira’s summer months are also ideal for cultural festivals, including the popular Madeira Wine Festival in late August.
October
October serves as a transitional month with warm temperatures averaging 21°C to 24°C and increasing chances of rain as the island moves into its wetter season. The seas remain inviting, and the lush landscapes make this an excellent time for exploring Madeira’s natural beauty without the peak crowds of summer.
Summary Recommendations
The best time to visit Madeira is during the spring months of March to May, when the island’s floral beauty is at its peak, and the weather is warm and inviting for outdoor exploration. For sun-seekers and those prioritizing coastal activities, the summer months of June through September offer ideal conditions with minimal rainfall and warm seas. Travelers drawn to Madeira’s green landscapes and a quieter ambiance will find November to February appealing, although they should prepare for more frequent rainfall. October provides a balance between warm weather and increasing lushness, making it a great time for nature lovers.
Our Proposal
DAY 1
After landing at Madeira Airport, pick up your rental car and drive to Funchal, the island's capital. Settle into your accommodation and enjoy a quiet evening. Head to the coast for dinner and savor fresh seafood with views of the ocean. If you arrive early enough, take a short stroll through Funchal’s Mercado dos Lavradores to experience the local atmosphere and vibrant colors of fresh produce.
FLIGHT & ARRIVAL
Check out some places to stay
We recommend some options just outside Funchal. If you don't have problems driving on steep streets, i would recommend a house over funchal, with a view on the city and sea
DAY 2
Start your adventure with an early morning drive to Pico do Arieiro, the third-highest peak on the island. From here, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views over the island’s mountains, valleys, and coastline. For those interested in a more strenuous hike, continue from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo, but for a more accessible option, return to Ribeiro Frio, a natural park offering short, scenic levada walks through lush forest. In the afternoon, head back to Funchal for a relaxing dinner.
PICO DE ARIEIRO
DAY 3
Today, explore the UNESCO-listed Laurisilva Forest. Start with a hike along the Levada do Caldeirão Verde, which winds through the forest, offering glimpses of cascading waterfalls and striking views of the mountain slopes. Afterward, head to the trailhead for the hike to Pico Ruivo, the highest peak in Madeira. This challenging hike is rewarded with panoramic views over the entire island. If you’re up for the challenge, the full hike offers one of the most memorable experiences of Madeira’s natural beauty.
LAURISILVA FOREST & PICO RUIVO
DAY 4
Make your way to Porto Moniz, located on the island’s rugged northern coast. Here, you can enjoy a swim in the natural volcanic rock pools filled with seawater. The pools are surrounded by dramatic cliffs, offering a stunning setting. After a morning in the pools, drive south to the secluded Prainha de Caniçal, a quiet beach perfect for a relaxing afternoon of sunbathing and swimming. Return to Funchal in the late afternoon.
PORTO MONIZ NATURAL POOLS
DAY 5
Drive along Madeira's northern coast to the village of Seixal, where you can enjoy the beautiful black sand beach and dramatic cliffs. Afterward, continue to São Vicente and visit the São Vicente Caves, a network of volcanic caves that provide a fascinating insight into the island’s geological origins. Explore the surrounding lush nature and enjoy a traditional Madeiran lunch in the area.
NORTHERN MADEIRA
DAY 6
On your last full day, head to the eastern tip of the island and hike the Ponta de São Lourenço trail. This relatively easy hike takes you along a narrow, rocky promontory with stunning views of the cliffs and ocean. The barren, rugged landscape is a stark contrast to the lush greenery of the rest of the island. It’s a perfect spot to reflect on the island’s raw natural beauty. In the afternoon, take a relaxing drive back to Funchal.
EASTERN MADEIRA
DAY 7
On your final day, spend the morning exploring the Madeira Botanical Garden, which offers a peaceful setting with lush plants from around the world. Afterward, if you have time, take one last stroll along the promenade or visit the nearby Monte Palace Gardens before heading to the airport for your departure.
DEPARTURE
DAY 8
Based on your schedule, enjoy (...) your flight back