5-Day Christmas Adventure and Culinary Experience in Madeira, Portugal

Day 1: Funchal Christmas Exploration

Funchal, Portugal

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café A. Família

Savour a delightful breakfast at this local café, renowned for its fresh coffee and pastel de nata, perfect for energising your day.
Walking distance from your accommodation in Funchal.
EUR10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit to the Mercado dos Lavradores

Explore the lively local market, filled with fresh produce, exotic fruits, and festive holiday goodies.
A short walk from the café.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Cable Car Ride to Monte

Enjoy a scenic cable car ride up to Monte for stunning views over the city and coastline adorned with holiday lights.
Near the market; the cable car station is a 5-minute walk.
EUR16, 30 minutes

1:00PM

Lunch at Restaurante O Barqueiro

Relish fresh fish dishes for lunch at this restaurant, giving you a taste of the local cuisine.
Located in Monte, a short walk from the cable car station.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit the Monte Palace Tropical Garden

Stroll through the tropical gardens beautifully decorated for the holidays, with breathtaking flora and lovely views.
Adjacent to the restaurant.
EUR12, 2 hours

5:30PM

Return to Funchal and Evening at Avenida do Mar

Head back to Funchal to admire the Christmas lights along Avenida do Mar and enjoy street performances.
Take the cable car back, then walk to Avenida do Mar.
Free, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Rest. do Forte

Indulge in a traditional Madeiran meal in a charming restaurant that beautifully reflects the holiday spirit.
Located along the seafront, easily accessible.
EUR25, 2 hours
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Day 2: Whale and Dolphin Watching

Funchal, Portugal

8:00AM

Breakfast at your accommodation

Start your day with breakfast at your hotel, preparing for an exciting adventure ahead.
Conveniently at your accommodation.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Whale and Dolphin Cruise

Embark on an exhilarating cruise out to sea to spot majestic whales and playful dolphins, capturing the beauty of Madeira's marine life.
Depart from Funchal Marina; booking in advance is recommended.
EUR50, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Restaurante O Gil

Relish a light lunch featuring local dishes at a quaint restaurant with ocean views.
Walk back to the waterfront area after your cruise.
EUR18, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit the Madeira Botanical Garden

Explore the beautiful botanical gardens and appreciate the diversity of plants, many adorned with festive decorations.
A short taxi ride or bus from the restaurant.
EUR5, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Casa do Bife

Savour a delightful Madeiran steak in this charming restauran, perfect for immersing in local flavours.
Easily accessible post-garden visit.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

7:30PM

Visit Funchal Christmas Market

Wander through the vibrant Christmas Market filled with artisan crafts, local treats, and seasonal delicacies.
A short walk from the restaurant.
Free, 2 hours
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Day 3: Coastal Adventures in Porto Moniz

Porto Moniz, Portugal

8:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy a wholesome breakfast at your hotel to kick-start the day.
Conveniently at your accommodation.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Porto Moniz

Take a scenic drive along the coast, appreciating the stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean along the way.
Approximately a 1-hour drive from Funchal.
Fuel cost: EUR10, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit the Natural Swimming Pools

Explore the beautiful volcanic natural pools; if you wish, take a quick dip or simply enjoy the scenery.
Follow the signs once in Porto Moniz; easy to locate.
EUR3, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Restaurante Orca

Feast on local seafood in a relaxed atmosphere with ocean views.
A short walk from the pools.
EUR18, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Levada Walk to Risco Waterfall

Enjoy a scenic hike along the beautiful levada trail leading to the stunning Risco Waterfall, surrounded by natural beauty.
Drive to the trailhead, about a 30-minute drive.
Free, 3 hours

5:30PM

Return drive to Funchal

Relax as you drive back to Funchal, reflecting on the day's adventures.
Reverse the scenic route from Porto Moniz.
Fuel cost: EUR10, 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at Rest. Armazém do Sal

Delight in exquisite dining options at this charming restaurant, beautifully reflecting the festive spirit.
Located in Funchal; simple access.
EUR30, 2 hours

9:30PM

Visit Camacha for Christmas Lights

Extend your evening by visiting the nearby village of Camacha known for its stunning Christmas lights and decor.
A short drive from Funchal.
Free, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Cultural Heritage and Scenic Views in Santana

Santana, Portugal

8:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Fuel up with breakfast at your hotel to start your exploration of Santana.
Conveniently at your accommodation.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Santana

Journey to Santana, a charming town known for its traditional A-frame houses.
Approximately a 1-hour drive from Funchal.
Fuel cost: EUR10, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit the Traditional Houses

Explore unique traditional houses adorned for the holidays while learning about Madeiran culture.
Easily accessible on foot within Santana.
Free, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Restaurante Cantinho da Serra

Experience local Madeiran flavours in a cosily decorated restaurant.
Short walk from the traditional houses.
EUR15, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Hike the Levada do Caldeirão Verde

Embark on an enchanting levada walk to majestic waterfalls, taking in the lush surroundings.
Drive to the trailhead, approximately a 20-minute drive.
Free, 4 hours

6:00PM

Return to Funchal

Travel back to Funchal after an enriching day of nature and culture.
Reverse the drive from Santana.
Fuel cost: EUR10, 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at Restaurante O Tasco

Savour homemade Madeiran dishes at a friendly local eatery reflecting the holiday spirit.
Located in Funchal, easily accessible post-return.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

9:30PM

Visit Funchal Christmas Lights

Take a stroll through Funchal’s old town to enjoy the festive lights and vibrant holiday atmosphere.
Easily walkable from the restaurant.
Free, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Historical Charm in Machico

Machico, Portugal

8:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy a fulfilling breakfast at your hotel to start the final day of your adventure.
Conveniently at your accommodation.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Machico

Travel to Machico, known for its historical significance and beautiful valley.
Approximately a 30-minute drive from Funchal.
Fuel cost: EUR5, 30 minutes

10:00AM

Explore the Historic Centre of Machico

Discover Machico’s charming historic centre featuring beautiful architecture and holiday decorations.
Walking distance from the parking area.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit Machico Beach Promenade

Stroll along the promenade and enjoy the holiday decorations while taking in the serene coastal atmosphere.
Just a short walk from the historic centre.
Free, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Restaurante O Pescador

Savour delicious Madeiran seafood dishes at this quaint beachside restaurant.
A short walk from the promenade.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Explore Local Artisan Shops

Spend some time browsing the local shops for handcrafted gifts and holiday treats.
Walking distance from the restaurant.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Machico Christmas Market

Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit at the Machico Christmas Market filled with local crafts and seasonal delicacies.
Close to the artisan shops.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Return to Funchal

Conclude your adventure as you travel back to Funchal, reflecting on your wonderful trip.
Reverse your drive to Funchal.
Fuel cost: EUR5, 30 minutes

6:30PM

Dinner at O Tasco

Celebrate your last evening in Madeira at a friendly local eatery, indulging in delicious homemade dishes.
Located in Funchal, simple access post-return.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Final Stroll Through the Funchal Christmas Market

Conclude your magical journey by revisiting the vibrant Funchal Christmas Market, soaking up the festive atmosphere one last time.
Easy walk from the restaurant.
Free, 1.5 hours
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