Madeira Itineraries — 3, 5 and 7 Days

Ready-made Madeira itineraries for 3, 5 and 7 days — balancing levada walks, viewpoints, villages and pool time without too much driving.

3 days (first-timer highlights)

Day 1 – Funchal: Explore the Old Town (Zona Velha) and Mercado dos Lavradores, take the cable car to Monte, visit a tropical garden, and ride the wicker toboggan. Taste Madeira wine at a city lodge. Dinner of espetada or fresh fish.
Day 2 – West & mountains: Drive west via Cabo Girão skywalk to Ribeira Brava and Calheta; continue to Rabaçal for the 25 Fontes levada walk (or the easier Risco). Return via Câmara de Lobos for poncha at sunset.
Day 3 – East & peaks: Sunrise (or morning) at Pico do Arieiro; if fit, hike toward Pico Ruivo. Afternoon at Ponta de São Lourenço for the dramatic eastern cliffs, or relax in Machico.

Add to the above:

A north-coast day: São Vicente caves, Seixal natural pools and black-sand beach, Porto Moniz lava pools, and Fanal misty forest on the way.
A signature levada hike: Caldeirão Verde (PR9) from Santana, or Levada do Rei.
A Curral das Freiras trip via the Eira do Serrado viewpoint.
A boat trip for whale and dolphin watching from Funchal or Calheta.
A Porto Santo day or overnight for the sandy beach (ferry from Funchal).
A relaxed Câmara de Lobos / Estreito food evening (espetada, picado, nikita).

Group activities by region to minimise mountain driving; the south expressway is fast, but interior and north roads are slower.
Do high-mountain walks early for clear views, and keep a flexible day to swap based on weather and trail closures.
Mix one "active" day (hike) with one "easy" day (town, gardens, coast) to avoid burnout.
Book whale watching, popular restaurants and New Year stays ahead in high season.