Adventurous 8-Day Itinerary in Lisbon and Madeira

  • Day 1: Ribeira Market
    20 mins (5.5 km) from Lisbon Portela Airport

    Ribeira Market is a culinary hotspot, with over 35 vendors providing seafood, meat, and vegetarian options. It's a great place to grab a bite after a long flight and experience the freshest Portuguese ingredients.

  • Day 2: Sintra-Cascais Natural Park
    40 mins (35 km) from Lisbon

    Explore the beautiful Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, a breathtaking landscape of lush vegetation, cliffs, and hidden beaches. The park is perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and surfing.

  • Day 3: Surfing Lesson in Ericeira
    40 mins (49 km) from Lisbon

    Ericeira is a world-famous surfing destination, and it's a great place to take a lesson or two. With experienced teachers and beautiful waves, it's a perfect place to learn or improve your skills.

  • Day 4: Jeep Safari in Madeira Island
    1 hr 30 mins (980.2 km) from Lisbon

    Explore the breathtaking landscapes of Madeira Island with a jeep safari tour. Traverse rugged mountains, discover hidden waterfalls, and marvel at the natural beauty of the island.

  • Day 5: Levada Walks & Trails
    20 mins (14 km) from Funchal Cristiano Ronaldo Airport

    Levada Walks & Trails are a network of hiking trails that follow the island's ancient water channels, providing hikers with panoramic views of the island's lush vegetation and stunning coastline.

  • Day 6: Canyoning in Ribeiro Frio
    30 mins (16.9 km) from Funchal

    Rappel down cascading waterfalls and jump into natural pools in Ribeiro Frio, one of the most beautiful places on the island. Experience the island's natural beauty up close in this adrenaline-fueled activity.

  • Day 7: Surfing Ponta Do Sol
    30 mins (20.4 km) from Funchal

    Ponta Do Sol is a beautiful beach with an amazing surf break. The consistent waves and crystal-clear water make it perfect for surfers of all skill levels. Enjoy the beauty of the island while catching waves.

  • Day 8: Whale Watching Tour
    30 mins (25.5 km) from Funchal

    Join a whale watching tour in search of dolphins, whales, and turtles. With knowledgeable guides and ethical practices, it's a great way to end your adventure-packed trip.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Ribeira Market (1-2 hrs, €-€€)
  • Sintra-Cascais Natural Park (4-5 hrs, €-€€)
  • Surfing Lesson in Ericeira (2-3 hrs, €€€)
  • Jeep Safari in Madeira Island (5-6 hrs, €€€)
  • Levada Walks & Trails (3-4 hrs, €-€€)
  • Canyoning in Ribeiro Frio (4-5 hrs, €€€€)
  • Surfing in Ponta Do Sol (2-3 hrs, €€€)
  • Whale Watching Tour (3-4 hrs, €€€)
  • Total Estimated Costs: €€€€-€€€€€

Transportation

You will need a rental car to travel to most of the destinations listed here. The scenic routes, however, make the drive an enjoyable part of the adventure. For inter-island travel, consider taking a ferry, local airlines or rent a car. The travel time here might vary depending on traffic and weather conditions.

Useful Tips

If you have extra time, explore Lisbon's historical neighborhoods, such as Alfama and Bairro Alto. Don't miss out on the Pasteis de Belem, a delicious Portuguese pastry that has been made since 1837. If you have less time, consider cutting back on some of the activities on this itinerary or spending more time in one place.

Airports

Funchal Cristiano Ronaldo Airport (FNC) is the main airport in Madeira Island, and it's located about 20 minutes from Funchal city center.

Lisbon Portela Airport (LIS) is the main airport in Lisbon and it's located about 20 minutes from Lisbon city center.

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