7-day in Madeira - A Week of Ultimate Adventure Itinerary
Discover the fascinating Madeira in an adventure itinerary, by enjoying hikes, walking along Levada, making incursions with jeeps in the most iconic places of this island and relaxing evenings in the chic city of Funchal. You will be able to encounter venturesome experiences and capture the most breathtaking shots.
Day 1: Hike to Ponta De São Lourenço
Go trekking to Ponta De São Lourenço, where on the route you will notice unique rock formations, the result of the island volcanic origin. The route is a little over 3 km and will take about 1h 30min. At the end of the hike, at Cais do Sardinha, you will be able to swim (don't forget your swimsuit!) or simply relax in this amazing place! Check out here a tour guide from GetYourGuide !
Day 2: Trekking Levada Rabacal
For the this day, explore the Laurisilva forest in the Rabacal area. Laurisilva Forest is one of the most important forests in the world and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999. In this area you will be surrounded by plants, trees, birds and wonderful lakes and waterfalls.
After the walk you can try a local restaurant situated in this beautiful forest. You can also opt for a guided tour here.
Day 3: Trekking Levada Vereda do Larano
The Vereda do Larano is one of the most beautiful places on the island of Madeira. You will walk along the ridges, very close to the sea, and you will enjoy superb views over Ponta de Sao Lourenco, Porto da Cruz and Penha D’Aguia cliff. The hike is quite demanding, but the views will be worth the effort!
Day 4: Visit the west side of Madeira
Leave Funchal to the west, along the coast, to the small fishing village of Camara de Lobos, where you can make a stop at Pico da Torre. You can continue the route to Ribeira Brava, then you will climb to the Sierra de Agua to Encumeada, from where, in sunny weather, you can admire both the northern and southern coasts of the island.
Arrive in Sao Vicente where you can admire the laurel forest, part of the UNESCO Heritage. Surrounded by these unique landscapes is Quinta do Barbusano where red, rose but especially white wine is produced. You can pay a visit here and you will enjoy wine accompanied by local cheeses and sauces.
Check out the tour we propose here.
Day 5 - Visit the east side of Madeira
Leave for Camacha, the centre of the wicker industry and the cradle of Madeira folklore. Arriving in Poiso, you can take a tour to Pico de Areeiro, the third highest point of the island. From Poiso you can head to Ribeiro Frio, crossing beautiful primitive laurel forests.
Continue the road to Santana. Here, the triangular houses, with thatched roofs and wonderful gardens, make up one of the most emblematic views of Madeira.
You can choose for an organised tour here.
Day 6 - Dolphin and whale watching tour
Set off by catamaran on a dolphin and whale watching tour of the Atlantic Ocean. During this expedition, the team of marine biologists on board the boat will explain to you certain types of behaviours of the animals that live in these waters. During these trips you will stop near the famous Cabo Girao point, for a cool swim in the ocean.
Here you can find a dolphin watching tour from Funchal!
Day 7 - Spend time at the beach or nearby cities
For the last day, you can relax and spend your time at the beach or you can choose from the many optional tours or pay a visit to nearby cities (Santana, Porto Moniz, Sao Vicente, Santa Cruz etc.). In the evening you can opt for a traditional style dinner, besides which you will enjoy a show of local folk dances.