Start your first day by exploring the beautiful capital of Madeira, Funchal. Take a stroll through the Mercado dos Lavradores, a colorful market filled with local fruits, vegetables, and fish. Next, head to the Cathedral of Funchal, an impressive 15th-century church that offers stunning views of the city from its tower. Afterward, grab lunch at A Bica da Cana, a traditional Madeiran restaurant that serves up fresh seafood and regional specialties. Finish your day by walking along the Promenade do Lido, a scenic boardwalk that provides excellent views of the Atlantic Ocean.
On your second day, take a scenic drive to Pico do Arieiro, the third highest peak in Madeira, and a starting point for many beautiful Levada walks. Enjoy a 3-hour hiking experience through Rabaçal Nature Reserve, surrounded by a unique and impressive landscape filled with greenery, waterfalls, and some endemic species to Madeira—such as the famous "Laurisilva" forest. After the walk, drive back to Pico do Arieiro to enjoy the beautiful sunset views at 1818 meters high—simply breathe-taking.
Begin your final day with a visit to the Madeira Botanical Garden, one of the most beautiful gardens in Europe, is home to numerous exotic plants and flowers, as well as a great collection of birds. Next, head to the Cabo Girão Skywalk, a true marvel of engineering and the highest cape in Europe with dizzying viewing platforms. For lunch, try some local snacks and drinks like “Poncha” at Taberna Ruel in Camara de Lobos. To cap off your Madeira experience, take a dip in the Formosa Beach, soak up the sun, or challenge yourself to a sea activity like stand-up paddleboarding.
If you have more time, why not join a Dolphin and Whale Watching boat trip, have a day trip to the stunning northern coast of Porto Moniz natural pools and the Laurisilva forest. If you only have a limited amount of time, you could reduce your itinerary to two days by spending less time at the beach, the garden, and decreasing your levada walk time or remove it altogether.