First Time in Madeira: Where to Go, What to Do and Travel Tips
How to Spend 4 Days on Portugal’s Island Paradise
Having just returned from a Madeira FAM trip with my host agency, I can officially say I’ve fallen in love with Madeira. This probably comes as no surprise if you’ve been around here for a while — to know me is to know I’m completely obsessed with Portugal (In fact, here’s the perfect Portugal itinerary IMO), so it only makes sense that I would be drawn to all things Madeira.
After all, it is Portugal… just on an island.
And if you’re wondering — yes, I also love the Azores, which I visited back in 2019 and was technically my first Portuguese destination but we’ll save the Azores for another time.
This blog post is meant to give you practical ideas for a first trip to Madeira, especially if you enjoy a mix of adventure, activity, and incredible scenery. Now that I’ve experienced Madeira firsthand, I can confidently say I’m already plotting a return trip to do everything I didn’t have time for the first time around.
This four-day Madeira itinerary is ideal for travelers who like to stay active and explore..
Why Visit Madeira?
While Madeira is a relatively small island, it’s nearly impossible to see everything in one trip unless you’re staying for several weeks. But that’s part of the magic of travel in Portugal — there’s always more to see, and it’s almost impossible not to start planning your return before you’ve even left.
Madeira works beautifully as a stand-alone destination, or as part of a larger Portugal itinerary. To keep things simple, I often recommend pairing it with Lisbon, since there are multiple direct flights daily. If you’re visiting Spain, Morocco, or another European country, it’s always worth checking flight routes first to see if adding Madeira makes sense — fewer connections are always better.
For a first-time visit to Madeira, I recommend a minimum of four nights. This allows you to base yourself on the southern coast and take easy day trips around the island. If possible, take an early flight so you can enjoy most of your first day.
Views of Madeira from our levada hike.
Day One: Arrive in Funchal & Explore Old Town
Arrive in Funchal, head to your hotel, leave your bags, and head into town. Need hotel suggestions? Email me and I can help!
Depending on where you’re staying, you may be able to walk into Old Town, but if not, grab a quick ride. This is the perfect area for lunch — my top pick is Jaket, a locally owned restaurant run by a chef who owns several spots around town.
From lunch, wander the streets of Old Town Funchal, making sure to stop at Bordal, the incredible embroidery shop that offers tours to understand and appreciate the dying art of hand embroidery. Fair warning: It’s very hard to walk out of there without something. Seeing the time it takes to make each individual piece truly does make every visitor more aware of the art behind the work.
Other classic stops include:
Fábrica Sto. António for traditional Madeira cookies and candies
Rua Dr. Fernão de Ornelas, where you’ll find local market stands
Casa do Bolo do Caco, a must for traditional bread and a quick snack
Mercado dos Lavradores, an authentic market for produce, fish, chocolate, coffee, and local goods
One of my favorite things to do in any European city is simply get lost — and Funchal is no exception. As you wander, you’ll notice the individually painted doors scattered throughout the city. There are over 100 of them, and I guarantee your camera roll will fill up quickly.
If you prefer structure, I recommend a guided walking tour of Funchal. In just two to four hours, you’ll learn the city’s history, discover favorite local restaurants, and get a true sense of the neighborhoods.
To end the afternoon, consider:
A sunset yacht cruise and see the coastline of the city
A stroll along Avenida do Mar for water views as you head back to your hotel
Pool time back at your hotel before dinner
Like to try all the things you see on social media? Then this day might be the day to head to Associacao dos Carreiros do Monte to take your turn riding down the hill in a wicker sled, guided by two drivers. Expect long lines and perhaps a slightly overrated experience if FOMO gets the best of you, you may want to add it to your list so you can add your video online.
Dinner Tip: Chances are you might be a bit jet-lagged so dining at your hotel is never a bad idea. Makes for an easy commute to your room! .
Dining pool side at Reid’s Palace is certainly an option worth considering! The views are stunning and the service is exceptional.
Day Two: Sunrise Views & Outdoor Adventure
Now that you have had time in the city, it's time to get outside and explore. This day will require an early wake up time but trust me when I say, it's worth it!
You want to head to Sao Roque do Faial to witness the sunrise above the clouds. There are many ways to arrange this and as your travel advisor, we can work to find the best option for you but the top three include:
Drive yourself
Book a guided tour
Have your hotel concierge (especially at Reid’s Palace or Savoy Palace) arrange it
If you are feeling adventurous and ready to hit the trails, there are endless options from 10+ mile hikes along the tops of the peaks, to more moderate trails under 5 miles to easy strolls that are relatively flat along a levada. There is a trail for everyone but here are a few tips. Planning and preparation are KEY!
From ensuring you pack the right gear, food and enough water, to arranging pick up transportation (many are one way trails), to applying for permits, all details are to be considered and planned before you leave for Madeira.
If you have a short hike planned or if simply watching the sunrise is all the outdoor activity you need for one day, there are so many ways to spend the day.
If hiking isn’t your focus, other great options include:
A sidecar tour through the city to explore all the various neighborhoods
A half day in the adorable fishing village of Camara de Lobos (where you can sip on Poncha)
A Jeep tour of the islands to visit viewpoints and learn of the history of the island without making history with your step count
Dinner Tip: Considering this is bound to be a packed day and you'll likely be tired, an Italian dinner at Cipriani is the perfect way to end the day! Nothing says, “You've worked hard” like a big bowl of pasta, glass of wine and plate of homemade tiramisu!
Pictures do not do this view justice! Watching the sun rise through the clouds is truly one of those “you have to be there to understand” moments.
Day Three: North Coast or Rest & Relaxation
This day could go one of two ways.
If you woke up at 5am and hiked more than 5 miles, you might want to start off slow, and that's 100% ok! If you are staying at either Reid's Palace or Savoy Palace there are pools and spas you should absolutely take advantage of! If you are rested from an easier day, say an easy walk and afternoon drinking the local favorite rum drink of Madeira, Poncha, in all it's flavors, you may want to head north to take in all that side of the island has to offer.
If you’re feeling energized, head north to explore Madeira’s dramatic coastline. Highlights include:
Seixal’s black sand beaches and natural pools
Miradouro Ilhéus da Ribeira da Janela viewpoints
Porto Moniz natural swimming pools (conditions permitting)
The Northern coast has dramatic coast lines, beaches and even wineries! There are so many options from Seixal to Porto Moniz. Some of the most popular are the black sand beaches and natural tide pools of Seixal, to the stunning views of rock structures from Miradouro Ilheus da Ribeira da Janela or taking time to swim in the Natural pools of Porto Moniz (depending on conditions of course). On this road trip sort of day, you can make stops for food along the cafes on the coast or if you are looking for something a bit more private, we can arrange a lunch at a local winery with views and local flavors that are destined to be some of your new favorite memories and not one shared by everyone on the island! This day is flexible — and intentionally so.
Dinner Tip: For dinner on this night, options include a fantastic sushi dinner at Neiko or the most incredible tasting menu that hosts dinners in his own home, offering private or shared dining options, depending on the number in your party.
Day Four: Calheta or Departure
This may be a departure day for some but if you are lucky enough to stay another day or take a late flight out to Lisbon, you have options.
If you haven't had a pool/spa day, book a later afternoon flight and enjoy a slow morning with a massage or sauna & pool time.
If you have more time, head west to Calheta, home to beaches, beach clubs, and resorts like Saccharum. Continue on to Paul do Mar, a colorful fishing village perfect for a scenic drive.
Praia da Calheta offers sand, surf, and water sports, and it’s only about 35 minutes from Funchal (longer with stops — and you’ll want to stop).
Dinner Tip (Last Night): Make it a grand one and take the gondola ride to The Top, a panoramic restaurant in Camara de Lobos where you take the Teleférico das Fajãs do Cabo Girão to get to. Reservations are a must, esp if you want a seat for sunset.
Travel Tips for Visiting Madeira
Renting a car is helpful, but stick to main roads — some side roads are extremely steep
Guided Jeep tours are best for mountain exploration
Some hikes require permits, so plan ahead
Madeira has a microclimate — expect changing weather
November–March brings more cruise ships
Madeira is magical during Christmas, with festive lights and celebrations
English is widely spoken, making travel easy
If you are a DIY/self-exploring type of traveler, a car is necessary but proceed with caution, be sure you know where you are going and stay on main roads! Some side roads have hairpin turns - grab the dashboard scary- and some are NOT meant for rental cars. All of the places I list are drivable, but if you are wanting to hike or explore the mountains, I strongly encourage a guided jeep tour. They know how to navigate the steeper roads. Madeira is becoming more popular so some hikes require permits and the number of people allowed each day is limited (so plan ahead).
Weather in Madeira is temperate year round, but also, it's a micro-climate. Depending on where you are, you can experience wind, rain, pop-up storms and more. Prepare for it all because it's likely you'll see a little bit of everything.
There is no bad season to travel to Madeira, but keep in mind that Nov to March, you will see more cruise ships than the rest of the year. Many cruise lines altered their courses in the winter months to stop in Madeira since many other coasts in Europe, such as Greece and Italy, are closed for the winter season. Madeira is a surprising location for the festive season. Locals absolutely love the Christmas holiday and go all out to decorate and celebrate. If you are looking for a warmer destination to get into the holiday spirit, Madeira is definitely worth considering!
Like the other regions of Portugal, Madeira is very tourist friendly, and English is widely spoken, so it is easy to get around and communicate with the locals.
While there are many ways to experience the island, Madeira is certainly a destination for those that like to be active and outdoors. Getting on trails or on the water is truly the best way to experience the island.
Lisbon: Should You Go On Your Way?
Madeira is honestly a great, stand-alone destination! Depending on where you are coming from or going to, you may have to take a connecting flight and Lisbon is an obvious choice.
If you want to avoid a one night stay in Lisbon, you can take the super early 4am flight to LIS and get a connecting flight that departs between 9am and 10am. Or…if you want to spend some time in Lisbon, I will always encourage more time in one of my favorite cities! Here’s my blog for your first time visit to Lisbon.
Important Tip: If you’re flying internationally through Lisbon, I recommend heading straight to Madeira on arrival and saving Lisbon for the return — most international flights depart before noon.
Final Thoughts
Whether you are going for the food, the views, the nature or the resorts, Madeira truly has something for everyone and with its tropical weather, it is a year-round destination. If Madeira is on your travel list for 2026 or beyond, please reach out and together we can plan the perfect trip designed with your travel style in mind!
Happy travels, friends!
Celebrate and Explore Madeira!
Just a friendly reminder that the link above is an affiliate link, which means I will make a small commission if you book a tour using my link. It never costs you anything extra and is a great way to support a small business and keep this content free!