Begin your adventure with a relaxed morning arrival in Funchal: after landing, collect luggage and take a short taxi to Funchal Marina for panoramic ocean views, then stroll through the nearby Jardim do Lido to stretch your legs and admire coastal promenades. Pause for a late-morning coffee and pastel de nata at Cafeteria Santa Maria before checking into your hotel and unpacking, leaving time to refresh and prepare for an easy afternoon exploration.
After checking in and freshening up, wander to Mercado dos Lavradores to soak up local colour and sample fresh fruit, bolo do caco and regional honey while mingling with vendors. Follow this with a calm coastal walk to Ponta do Garajau for a cliff-top viewpoint and a chance to book an afternoon boat trip from Funchal Bay for a sunset cruise or short dolphin-spotting outing, arriving back in time for dinner.
As twilight falls, enjoy a leisurely dinner at Restaurante do Forte in Funchal's historic fort district, savouring fresh Atlantic fish and Madeiran wine while the lights of the harbour twinkle. Afterwards, take a short stroll to São Tiago Fortress for atmospheric sea views and, if you're up for it, finish the night with a digestif at Barreirinha Beer Club or a moonlit riverside walk along the promenade.
Start your morning with a peaceful ascent on the historic Funchal Cable Car up to Monte, where the botanical splendor of Tropical Garden Monte Palace offers exotic plants, tiled art and sweeping views over the city. Descend via the traditional wicker toboggan run from Monte for a thrilling short ride into town, then stop for a leisurely brunch and local coffee at the charming Armazém do Sal courtyard before continuing your day.
After brunch, wander the charming lanes toward the waterfront and board a short hop to Santa Catarina Park, where shaded paths and a historic chapel create a peaceful spot for photos and a panoramic view over the marina. Continue with a relaxed coastal stroll to Forte de São João Baptista for seaside fortifications and then pause at Doca do Cavacas - enjoy fresh seafood tapas at a waterside terrace and, if you fancy, hire a kayak from the slipway for a calm paddle around the bay before an early evening aperitif.
As the sun softens, head to Quinta das Cruzes for a tranquil evening among historic gardens and decorative azulejos, then wander down to Cais do Carvão where converted warehouses host lively bars and local music. Finish with a waterfront dinner at Marina do Funchal's terrace restaurants, sampling espetada and Madeiran wine while watching fishing boats glide home under the harbour lights.
Set out early from Funchal toward the island's rugged heart and begin a peaceful levada stroll along the scenic Levada do Rei, passing fragrant laurel forest, vocal birds and moss-draped tunnels before arriving at the mossy waterfalls of Ribeira da Metade. After the walk, drive up to the dramatic ridge at Miradouro da Ponta do Sossego for sweeping panoramas of north-coast cliffs and the Atlantic-pause for a picnic of local bolo do caco and queijo from a roadside vendor while the mountain light changes, readying you for an afternoon of higher-altitude viewpoints.
After your morning levada and ridge picnic, drive toward the island's volcanic spine to hike the high-altitude trails around Pico do Arieiro, where a short, invigorating loop offers dramatic cloud-filled gulches and vantage points ideal for late-afternoon light. Continue with a scenic descent to the lookout at Miradouro do Ruivo for sweeping views over jagged peaks and terraced valleys, then unwind at the rustic Casa de Chá do Faial for an herbal tea and bolo do caco while the sun softens the mountain ridges.
As evening falls, drive down into a sheltered valley to the charming village of Curral das Freiras for panoramic twilight views of the encircling peaks and a quiet wander through its narrow streets; stop at Miradouro do Curral to watch the sun slip behind the cliffs while sampling chestnut-based treats from a local stall. Afterwards, dine in a cosy countryside tasca such as Casa de Pasto das Eiras, enjoying hearty island specialties and local poncha beside candlelit stone walls before a short night-time stroll to gaze at the starlit silhouette of the mountain ridgeline.
After an early flight or overnight ferry from Madeira, collect your luggage and head to Ponta Delgada Marina to breathe the Atlantic air and watch local fishermen tending their boats; from here stroll to the nearby Jardim António Borges, a leafy oasis with ornate grottoes perfect for a restful first-hour wander. Follow with a visit to Portas da Cidade in the historic centre to admire its iconic azulejo-lined gateway, then pop into Casa do Chá Gorreana (or the local tea shop in town) to sample regional green tea and a light pastry before checking into your hotel and preparing for afternoon explorations inland.
After settling in, head inland for a relaxed introduction to São Miguel with a visit to Jardim José do Canto, where subtropical plantings and shaded paths make for a gentle stroll before tea. Continue to the nearby Fortaleza de São Brás for coastal ramparts and panoramic harbour views, then wander through the lively Mercado da Graça to sample local cheeses, fresh pineapple and a cup of regional coffee while planning tomorrow's crater-lake explorations.
As twilight settles, take a short drive to Caldeira Velha for a soothing soak in its warm, iron-rich thermal pools beneath chestnut trees, then enjoy a cliffside aperitif at Miradouro do Cais watching fishing boats return. For dinner, wander into the historic lanes and savour a farm-to-table meal at A Tasca, sampling local limpets or fresh tuna before finishing the night with a digestif on the terrace of Rua do Santo Cristo, where island lanterns and the Atlantic breeze set a relaxed tone for tomorrow's crater-lake adventures.
Rise early and drive the scenic rim road to the Vista do Rei viewpoint for a sweeping sunrise over the twin lakes, then follow the rim path down to Lagoa das Sete Cidades for a gentle kayak or stand-up paddle session across the emerald and cobalt waters, watching the village reflections shift with the morning light. Afterwards cycle or walk the quiet lanes to Igreja de São Nicolau in the lakeside hamlet for a coffee at a local café and sample a fresh pineapple pastry before continuing west to explore verdant pastureland and volcanic lookout points.
After a morning on the lakes, drive to the western rim to explore the dramatic viewpoints at Miradouro da Lagoa de Santiago and the quieter terraces of Miradouro do Cerrado das Freiras, then descend to the sheltered hamlet of Mosteiros for a late-afternoon swim in natural volcanic rock pools framed by black-sand coves. Finish the afternoon with a tasting of local cheese and sweet bread at Quinta do Canadá or a seaside coffee at Café O Moinho, watching surfers and fishermen as the light softens before your evening crater-lake sunset plans.
As the sky deepens, drive to the cliffside viewpoint at Miradouro da Boca do Inferno to watch the crater lakes take on molten hues, then descend to the hamlet of Ribeira das Cales for a peaceful shoreline stroll where tide pools glint under the last light. Finish with a table at the family-run Restaurante O Moinho das Furnas (or a similar local taverna) to savour grilled limpets, Azorean beef and a glass of local wine while lanterns and the quiet of the volcanic rim set a tranquil end to your Sete Cidades day.
Begin with a soothing visit to the steaming terraces of Caldeiras das Furnas, where you can watch traditional cozido pots buried in the geothermal soil and speak with local cooks about the island's slow-cooked technique; follow with a restorative dip in the thermal tubs at Poça da Dona Beija set among tiled cascades and palm groves. Afterwards, stroll through the manicured paths of Parque Terra Nostra, soaking in its iron-rich thermal pool and sampling a freshly prepared cozido at a nearby family-run snack kiosk while planning an afternoon tour of nearby tea plantations and pineapple greenhouses.
After a leisurely lunch, head to the tranquil terraced gardens of Quinta das Furnas to stroll among medicinal plants and sample herbal infusions made from local chamomile and pennyroyal; follow this with a tasting tour at Fábrica de Chá de Furnas, where you can learn about Azorean tea production and sip a fresh cup paired with pineapple jam. Later, visit the family-run Sítio do Barroso for a hands-on cooking demonstration of cozido techniques rescued from the geothermal earth, then take a relaxed walk to the scenic riverside picnic area at Ribeira dos Caldeirões to enjoy your tasting plates as the valley light softens.
As dusk falls, wander to the peaceful waterside hamlet of Poças das Furnas for a sunset stroll along the riverbanks and quiet reflection amid steam rising from distant fumaroles. Continue with a convivial dinner at Restaurante Terra Nostra Garden, where traditional cozido flavours are complemented by seasonal island vegetables and local liqueurs, then finish the night with a nightcap at Bar do Parque, enjoying live folk music or a relaxed terrace chat under the scent of orange trees.
After an early ferry or short flight, orient yourself with a gentle morning exploring the island you arrive on: on Terceira, wander the mosaic-paved streets to Praça Velha and climb to the panoramic terrace of Algar do Carvão for a surreal visit inside an ancient lava tube and nearby volcanic chimney; on Pico, head first to Lajes do Pico harbour to watch fishermen and then drive toward the vineyards of Criação Velha for a guided walk among UNESCO-listed lava stone walls and a tasting of Pico wines at Adega A Buraca. Finish with a seaside coffee at Cais das Poças (Terceira) or a short coastal stroll to Baía da Barca (Pico) to stretch your legs and plan an afternoon of deeper island exploration.
After arriving and checking in, set out for a relaxed coastal exploration: on Terceira, wander the basalt pools and golden coves of Praia da Vitória before visiting the atmospheric maritime museum at Museu de Angra do Heroísmo for local seafaring history and art, finishing with a late-afternoon coffee and pastel at Café do Caracol by the waterfront. On Pico, drive toward the island's eastern shore to walk the scenic headlands at Ponta da Ilha, stop at the family-run Museu dos Baleeiros to learn about old whaling life, then savour a tasting of Pico wines and local queijo at Adega do Pico as the light softens over Mount Pico, keeping the pace easy after your morning transfer.
After a day of island transfer and afternoon exploration, unwind with a relaxed evening that highlights local flavours and music: on Terceira, dine at Cantinho da Ilha to savour grilled limpets and alcatra accompanied by a glass of local vinho verde, then wander the illuminated lanes of Angra do Heroísmo to catch impromptu street musicians and seafront views. On Pico, settle into a table at O Genuíno for fresh seafood and Pico cheese plates, followed by a short drive to Miradouro do Caiado to watch the sun sink behind Mount Pico while enjoying a regional liqueur and the hush of lava-fields at dusk.
Set out at dawn from Lajes do Pico Marina for a guided whale- and dolphin-watching cruise with a licensed operator, scanning deep-blue waters where sperm whales and common dolphins often surface and learning identification tips from the onboard naturalist; the boat usually returns to shore in time for a late-morning snack. After the sea trip, head to Criação Velha for a gentle walk among UNESCO-listed vine terraces and visit Museu do Vinho do Pico for a tasting of volcanic wines paired with local queijo and bread, linking your marine morning to the island's volcanic vineyard heritage.
After a marine morning, drive inland to the lava fields and explore the evocative stone-work of Lajido da Criação Velha before a hands-on visit to Casa Museu Humberto Duarte Fonseca to learn about local rural life and vineyard traditions. Finish the afternoon with a guided walk through the basalt channels to Poça do Fogo for cliff-top panoramas and then relax at Cantinho da Terra, sampling regional cheeses and a tasting flight of Pico wines as the island light softens toward sunset.
As twilight falls, head to Cais do Pico for a relaxed harbourfront aperitif while watching fishing boats return, then stroll up to Miradouro da Ribeirinha to drink in sunset views of Mount Pico framed by the island's black-lava fields. Finish the night with a convivial meal at Restaurante A Tasca do Zé sampling freshly caught fish and local queijo, followed by a digestif at Bar do Félix where live regional fado or folk music often completes a day of sea and stone.
Arrive mid-morning in the Canaries and begin with a gentle coastal exploration of Puerto de Mogán (Gran Canaria) - wander its canal-lined marina, browse artisan shops and enjoy a seaside coffee on a sun-drenched terrace. Continue with a short drive to Playa de Amadores for a relaxed swim or paddleboard session in turquoise waters, then sample fresh pescado at a beachside chiringuito before heading inland to the fragrant gardens of Jardín Botánico Canario Viera y Clavijo for a tranquil, plant-filled introduction to Canary Island flora.
After a coastal morning, drive inland to explore the volcanic heart of Gran Canaria with a hike through the dramatic caldera at Roque Nublo for panoramic island vistas, then descend to the charming mountain village of Tejeda to sample almond-based sweets and craft beer at a local taverna. Follow this with a leisurely visit to Cueva Pintada Museum and Archaeological Park in Gáldar to connect with indigenous Canarian history, finishing the afternoon with a sunset glass of local malvasía on the terrace of Mirador del Balcón before an evening ferry or flight onward.
Cap the day with a relaxed sunset stroll along Playa de las Canteras, then head to the lively beachfront district of La Isleta for tapas and local craft beer at El Herreno while listening to sea-breeze chatter. After dinner, enjoy a rooftop nightcap at Terraza Puerto with panoramic views over the lit harbour, or seek out a local music night at Sala Insular for a taste of Canarian folk and contemporary sounds that gently bridge your island-hopping journey toward the Azores and Madeira.
Wake gently and head to Las Teresitas Beach (Tenerife) for a sunrise stroll along its golden sands and a breakfast of fresh papaya and canarian gofio at a beachfront café, or choose Playa de Maspalomas (Gran Canaria) to wander the shifting Maspalomas Dunes and spot migrant birds before a seaside coffee. Mid-morning, swap sun for culture with a relaxed visit to San Cristóbal de La Laguna (Tenerife) - meander its UNESCO-listed streets, browse artisan shops and sample local pastries at Confitería La Laguna; alternatively explore Vegueta (Las Palmas) in Gran Canaria for colonial plazas and a light tapas brunch at Mercado de Vegueta, tying this easy leisure morning into your wider island-hopping rhythm.
Spend a relaxed afternoon exploring Puerto de la Cruz's coastal promenade, visiting the seafront Jardín Botánico for shaded paths and exotic palms before a late-lunch of fresh pescado at Restaurante El Taller Seve Díaz. Alternatively, wander the lunar-like cliffs of Los Gigantes and take a short catamaran cruise from Puerto Colón to swim in sheltered coves, or if you're on Gran Canaria head to the picturesque village of Agaete, sip locally-produced coffee at Café Melenara and stroll the small harbour before an evening ferry or onward connection.
As dusk falls, savour a seafood feast at El Rincón de Juan Carlos (Tenerife) or La Marinera (Gran Canaria), where terrace tables overlook the sea and local chefs plate freshly caught fish with island mojo sauces. Afterwards, join an evening stroll through the illuminated promenades of Santa Cruz de Tenerife's Plaza de España or Las Palmas' Calle Triana for people-watching and late-night gelato, then finish with a rooftop cocktail at Terraza del Mare Nostrum while the harbour lights ripple across the water.
Pack and check out with plenty of time to spare, then enjoy a final, relaxed stroll through the island's harbourfront promenade-stop for a last coffee and pastry at a waterside café while watching ferries and fishing boats come and go. If your schedule allows, visit a small local craft market near the port for last-minute artisanal souvenirs (cheeses, preserves or a bottle of local wine) before transferring to the airport or ferry terminal for your onward journey back to the UK, leaving with a last glimpse of Atlantic light over the sea.
If your flight or ferry is later in the day, enjoy a relaxed final stretch with a light lunch at a harbourfront café sampling local tapas and a last glass of regional wine while people-watching near the main pier; then stroll to a nearby coastal viewpoint for one last panoramic Atlantic photo. Allow time for souvenir collection at the airport/ferry terminal boutique (local cheeses, honey or a miniature bottle of liqueur), then return to the departure lounge with plenty of time to check bags and enjoy a calm pre-journey coffee before boarding.
After boarding formalities and a leisurely seaside transfer, linger over a final island supper at a harbourfront bistro specialising in catch-of-the-day and regional tapas, paired with a final glass of local vinho or malvasía while you watch the lights on the water. Before heading to the terminal, take one last gentle walk through an atmospheric old-town square to pick up artisanal preserves or a small bottle of island liqueur from a local deli, then relax in the airport/ferry lounge with a restorative espresso and a tide-of-memories moment as you await your flight home.
| Place / Activity | Cost |
|---|---|
| Funchal Marina | Free |
| Jardim do Lido | Free |
| Cafeteria Santa Maria (coffee & pastel de nata) | €5 |
| Mercado dos Lavradores | Free |
| Ponta do Garajau (viewpoint) | Free |
| Sunset boat trip from Funchal Bay (shared cruise) | €35 |
| Restaurante do Forte (dinner - per person several courses) | €40 |
| São Tiago Fortress | €3 |
| Barreirinha Beer Club (drink) | €6 |
| Funchal Cable Car (one-way) | €16 |
| Monte Palace Tropical Garden (entry) | €12 |
| Monte wicker toboggan run (carros de cesto) | €35 |
| Brunch at Armazém do Sal (meal) | €18 |
| Santa Catarina Park | Free |
| Forte de São João Baptista (view) | Free |
| Doca do Cavacas (seafood tapas meal) | €20 |
| Kayak hire (hour) | €20 |
| Quinta das Cruzes (museum/gardens entry) | €5 |
| Cais do Carvão (bars, no entry) | Free |
| Marina do Funchal terrace dinner (per person) | €30 |
| Levada do Rei (self-guided walk) | Free |
| Miradouro da Ponta do Sossego | Free |
| Pico do Arieiro trails (access) | Free |
| Miradouro do Ruivo | Free |
| Casa de Chá do Faial (tea & bolo do caco) | €6 |
| Curral das Freiras / Miradouro do Curral | Free |
| Casa de Pasto das Eiras (dinner) | €25 |
| Ponta Delgada Marina | Free |
| Jardim António Borges | Free |
| Portas da Cidade | Free |
| Casa do Chá Gorreana (tea visit - São Miguel tea plantation - transfer needed) | €5 |
| Jardim José do Canto | €3 |
| Fortaleza de São Brás | Free |
| Mercado da Graça (tasting/snacks) | €8 |
| Caldeira Velha (thermal site entry) | €8 |
| Miradouro do Cais | Free |
| A Tasca (restaurant meal) | €25 |
| Vista do Rei (Sete Cidades viewpoint) | Free |
| Kayak / SUP on Lagoa das Sete Cidades (rental per person) | €25 |
| Igreja de São Nicolau (visit) | Free |
| Miradouro da Lagoa de Santiago | Free |
| Miradouro do Cerrado das Freiras | Free |
| Mosteiros natural pools (swim) | Free |
| Quinta do Canadá tasting (small tasting) | €6 |
| Miradouro da Boca do Inferno | Free |
| Restaurante O Moinho das Furnas (dinner) | €25 |
| Caldeiras das Furnas (geothermal area viewing) | Free |
| Poça da Dona Beija (thermal baths entry) | €8 |
| Parque Terra Nostra (entry & thermal pool) | €12 |
| Quinta das Furnas (gardens) | Free |
| Fábrica de Chá de Furnas (tea factory visit/tasting) | €5 |
| Sítio do Barroso (cooking demo - estimate) | €20 |
| Ribeira dos Caldeirões (riverside area) | Free |
| Restaurante Terra Nostra Garden (dinner) | €28 |
| Bar do Parque (drink) | €5 |
| Algar do Carvão (Terceira - entry) | €6 |
| Praça Velha (Terceira) | Free |
| Lajes do Pico harbour (visit) | Free |
| Criação Velha vineyards guided walk & tasting (Pico) | €20 |
| Museu de Angra do Heroísmo | €4 |
| Museu dos Baleeiros (Pico) | €3 |
| Cantinho da Ilha (dinner - Terceira) | €20 |
| O Genuíno (dinner - Pico) | €25 |
| Miradouro do Caiado (viewpoint) | Free |
| Whale & dolphin watching cruise (Pico - shared, per person) | €60 |
| Museu do Vinho do Pico (wine museum & tasting) | €6 |
| Lajido da Criação Velha (lava fields visit) | Free |
| Casa Museu Humberto Duarte Fonseca | €3 |
| Poça do Fogo (view) | Free |
| Restaurante A Tasca do Zé (dinner) | €22 |
| Miradouro da Ribeirinha | Free |
| Puerto de Mogán (Gran Canaria visit) | Free |
| Playa de Amadores (beach) | Free |
| Jardín Botánico Canario Viera y Clavijo (entry) | €5 |
| Roque Nublo (hike) | Free |
| Tejeda (village visit & almond sweets) | €6 |
| Cueva Pintada Museum and Archaeological Park (entry) | €6 |
| Mirador del Balcón (viewpoint) | Free |
| Playa de las Canteras (evening stroll) | Free |
| El Herreno (tapas & beer) | €18 |
| Terraza Puerto (rooftop drink) | €8 |
| Las Teresitas Beach | Free |
| Playa de Maspalomas / Maspalomas Dunes | Free |
| San Cristóbal de La Laguna (walking) | Free |
| Confitería La Laguna (pastry) | €4 |
| Vegueta / Mercado de Vegueta (tapas brunch) | €12 |
| Jardín Botánico (Puerto de la Cruz) | €4 |
| Catamaran cruise from Puerto Colón (short swim trip) | €30 |
| Agaete village & Café Melenara (coffee) | €4 |
| El Rincón de Juan Carlos (Tenerife dinner) | €50 |
| La Marinera (Gran Canaria dinner) | €30 |
| Plaza de España / Calle Triana (evening stroll) | Free |
| Terraza del Mare Nostrum (rooftop cocktail) | €10 |
| Harbourfront promenade (final stroll) | Free |
| Airport/ferry terminal boutique (souvenir estimate) | €10 |
| Final harbourfront bistro meal (departure evening) | €25 |
| Estimated Total (per person) | €934 |