8 days in Madeira, the Pearl of the Atlantic

Funchal

Day 1: Welcome to Funchal!

Upon arrival into Funchal International Airport, look out for the friendly face of your private transfer welcoming you in arrivals who will assist you with your luggage before transporting you to your hotel in the city center. 

Along the way, look out the window and be amazed at this enchanting city and daily life of its people who pass you by.

After checking in, take the time to freshen up and relax. Feel free to stay in the comfort of your room for the night or take the opportunity to venture out into the city tonight.

A stroll in this city means learning about the culture, history, and traditions of the country. Why not visit a restaurant and try some delicious local cuisine.

Funchal

Day 2: Immerse Yourself Funchal's Authentic Side

During today's tour, we will show you the best of what Funchal, Madeira’s Capital city, has to offer!

After picking you up at the hotel, our guide will take you to the traditional and iconic Mercado dos Lavradores, where the flower, fruits, and fish markets will leave you dazzled.

You’ll then continue towards the street of Santa Maria, an open-air museum, with the project “Art of Open Doors”, along its streets, where its doors were painted or otherwise intervened by numerous artists.

At the end of this street, you’ll arrive at Funchal’s Cable Car which will take you to Monte, where the highlight is the magnificent panoramic view over the city and the sea that the 550 meters of altitude have to offer. Cooler air hands in the air and a quiet environment, it's for some an added value that Monte has to offer.

To go back to Funchal, you’ll take the famous toboggans back to the city!

Funchal - Santana

Day 3: Be Enchanted By Santana

This morning, after leaving your hotel, our driver and guide will take you straight to one of the most popular places in Madeira: Pico do Arieiro, the 2nd highest peak of the island. From here, if the weather allows, you’ll enjoy an amazing view over the island and the Atlantic Ocean!

Afterward, you’ll descend to Ribeiro Frio, where a 1-hour hike through Balcões awaits you. After this, it will then be time to head to Faial, to enjoy a typical lunch from Madeira.

In the afternoon, the first stop will be Santana, known worldwide for its typical houses with thatched roofs. Passing through Porto Cruz, you’ll have some time to stop at Portela from where you can overlook the Northern Coast of the island and the island of Porto Santo.

On your way back to Funchal, you’ll pass by Machico, the first capital of Madeira back when the navigators who discovered the island landed in 1420.

Funchal - Porto Santo

Day 4: Cruise to Porto Santo

Today you will be taken on an adventure to visit Funchal’s neighboring island of Porto Santo.

A car will pick you up at the hotel and take you to a ferry boat to the Island. At Porto Santo, you will have a tour to get familiarized with the island and after a delicious lunch at a hotel, you will be able to enjoy some time to explore at your own pace or just relax at the beach!

At the end of the day, you will need to take the ferry boat trip again, where at your arrival there will be a transfer to your hotel.

Funchal - Porto Moniz

Day 5: Be Enchanted by Porto Moniz

This morning, our driver and guide will take you straight to Câmara de Lobos, a lovely fishing town where you’ll have some free time to stroll.

Afterward, you’ll continue towards Cabo Girão and Ribeira Brava. The Cabo Girão viewpoint, situated on the highest promontory in Europe, offers a vertiginous view, as well as magnificent panoramic views over the ocean and the municipalities of Câmara de Lobos and Funchal.

The tour will continue towards Paúl da Serra, passing by places like Ponta do Sol and Calheta, with its sand beach brought from the African desert.

Upon arrival in Porto Moniz, it will be time for lunch at a local restaurant. You’ll also have time to visit the local worldwide famous natural pools. 

Back on the road, and on your way to São Vicente, you’ll get the chance of seeing one of Madeira’s most special waterfalls – Véu da Noiva – Bride’s Veil.

Funchal

Day 6: Keep An Eye Out for Whales

We hope that after a comfortable sleep and a delectable breakfast that you are ready for your next adventure in Madeira.

Today, you will get in touch with the marine life that inhabits the waters surrounding the island. Today's tour on a speed boat will take you to sea where there will be the opportunity to watch some dolphins and whales in their natural habitat!

Be sure to be patient, the animals will surely come up to greet you on this adventure!

Funchal

Day 7: Experience Portugese Cuisine

Today, you'll have the entire day to explore on your own.

In the evening, you’ll be meeting a local from Madeira, for a hands-on and intimate cooking lesson! This one-on-one time will allow you to learn about the Portuguese customs and traditions and, of course, about how to cook a Portuguese meal!

Take this intimate time with the chef to ask as many questions as you want and learn all about Portuguese cuisine. This is a complete, fun, and tasty experience that you will not forget.

The class can be as hands-on as you want it to be or feel comfortable with and you will also get the printed recipes to try and replicate these dishes at home.

Funchal

Day 8: Say Farewell to Madeira

This morning you’ll have some free time to spend it your own pace and leisure, enjoying everything that this quaint city has to offer.

Depending on when your flight is, you may need to head straight to the airport.

Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end but we hope you have enjoyed your time exploring the very best that Madeira has to offer. The rich natural beauty and the people make the county what it is.

We hope you have had a memorable trip and wish you pleasant onward travels!