6-Day Adventure Itinerary in Madeira: Discovering the Enchantment of Funchal and Pico de Ruivo

Day 1: Explore Funchal

Funchal, Portugal

8:00AM

Breakfast at O Funchal

Start your day with a delightful breakfast of Madeiran specialties, including the famous bolo do caco (local bread) and passion fruit juice.
Located in the heart of Funchal, it's a short drive or walk from any central accommodation.
EUR15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Mercado dos Lavradores

Wander through the vibrant local market where you can witness the colorful displays of tropical fruits, fish, and flowers.
It's about a 5-minute drive from the breakfast location.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Taberna Ruel

Enjoy a traditional Madeiran meal, such as espetada (beef skewers) paired with local wine.
Just a short 10-minute drive from the market.
EUR25, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore the Botanical Garden

Spend the afternoon strolling through one of Funchal's most beautiful gardens, with stunning views of the city.
A 10-minute drive from the restaurant will get you to the garden.
EUR5, 2 hours

4:30PM

Cable Car to Monte

Take the iconic cable car for breathtaking views over the bay and city, reaching Monte.
The cable car station is near the Botanical Garden.
EUR16, 1 hour (round trip)

6:00PM

Dinner at Restaurante do Forte

Dine on gourmet cuisine in a stunning historical setting, enjoying dishes like fresh catch from the Atlantic.
A 10-minute drive from the cable car station.
EUR40, 2 hours
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Day 2: Hike Pico de Ruivo

Pico de Ruivo, Portugal

6:30AM

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast, ensuring you're energized for the exciting hike ahead.
Enjoy breakfast at your accommodation before setting off.
Free (included in stay), 1 hour

8:00AM

Drive to Achada do Teixeira

Drive to the starting point of your hike at Achada do Teixeira, which takes about 1 hour.
Follow the signs to the hiking trailhead.
EUR10 (gas), 1 hour

9:00AM

Hike to Pico de Ruivo

Embark on a challenging but rewarding hike up to Madeira's highest peak, enjoying panoramic views.
The trail is well-marked and takes a few hours to reach the summit.
Free, 4 hours (round trip)

1:00PM

Picnic Lunch on Pico de Ruivo

Pack a picnic to enjoy at the summit; don't forget to bring local cheese and bread.
Picnic at the peak to relish the hard-earned views.
EUR15 (to buy supplies), 1 hour

2:00PM

Descent from Pico de Ruivo

Descend safely with the same path back down, soaking in the ever-changing scenery.
Ensure proper hiking gear and awareness of the weather.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Drive back to Funchal

After a rewarding day, head back to your Funchal accommodation to relax.
Follow the same route back to Funchal.
EUR10 (gas), 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Casa da Luz

Enjoy a refined dinner with a mixture of local and international cuisines, perfect for unwinding after your hike.
Situated in Funchal, it's a short drive from your hotel.
EUR35, 2 hours
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Day 3: Cultural Immersion

Funchal, Portugal

8:00AM

Breakfast at A Casa do Bolo do Caco

Indulge in freshly baked madeiran bread and traditional pastries to start your day.
Only a short drive or walk from your accommodation.
EUR12, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Madeira Wine Museum

Learn about the island's unique wine-making history and sample some of the best wines.
A quick 5-minute drive from breakfast.
EUR10, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Stroll through the Old Town

Explore the charming cobblestone streets, with colorful buildings and local artisan shops.
It's just around the corner from the wine museum.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Mercado dos Lavradores

Return to the market for lunch, savoring fresh seafood and local delicacies.
Quick drive or walk back to the market.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit the CR7 Museum

Check out the museum dedicated to the football legend Cristiano Ronaldo, a native of Madeira.
A 5-minute drive from the market.
EUR5, 1 hour

4:00PM

Relax at the Hotel Pool

Take some time to unwind at your hotel, enjoying the facilities and views.
Return to your hotel is a short drive.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at O Barqueiro

Savor fresh fish dishes such as grilled limpets and squid in this nautical-themed restaurant.
Only a drive away from your hotel.
EUR30, 2 hours
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Day 4: Scenic Exploration

Curral das Freiras, Portugal

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast to prepare for the scenic drive ahead.
Indulge in your hotel's offerings.
Free (included in stay), 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Curral das Freiras

Hit the road for a stunning drive into the heart of Madeira's rugged interior.
Follow winding roads for roughly 30 minutes.
EUR5 (gas), 30 minutes

9:30AM

Explore Curral das Freiras

Discover this picturesque valley known for its stunning landscapes and chestnut trees.
Park in the village and explore on foot.
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Visit the Viewpoint of Eira do Serrado

Take a short drive to this viewpoint for panoramic views of the valley.
A 10-minute drive from Curral das Freiras.
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Restaurante Casa de Chá

Enjoy a lovely meal with local dishes while enjoying the surrounding views.
Located in the village, merely a drive away.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Return Drive to Funchal

Drive back through the scenic roads to your base in Funchal.
Return the same route, enjoying the views.
EUR5 (gas), 30 minutes

3:00PM

Leisure Afternoon

Spend a relaxed afternoon at your hotel, taking in the beauty of Madeira.
Enjoy the amenities of your hotel.
Free, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at A Pequena Inglaterra

Savor the mix of Madeiran and British flavors in an inviting restaurant.
Just a short drive from your hotel.
EUR30, 2 hours
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Day 5: Adventure in Nature

Madeira, Portugal

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Refuel with a hearty breakfast at the hotel before another adventure.
Indulge in the set breakfast offered.
Free (included in stay), 1 hour

9:00AM

Levada Walk - Levada do Caldeirão Verde

Embark on a beautiful walk along the levada, surrounded by lush vegetation and waterfalls.
Drive to the start of the trail, about an hour away.
EUR10 (gas), 1 hour drive + 3 hours walking

1:00PM

Picnic Lunch in Nature

Enjoy a packed lunch surrounded by nature's serene beauty.
Find a perfect spot along the levada trail.
EUR15 (supplies), 1 hour

2:00PM

Continue Levada Walk

Complete the levada path, embracing the beauty that surrounds you.
Finish the walk and return to the car.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Drive back to Funchal

Return to Funchal to relax and freshen up after your hike.
Follow the same route back.
EUR10 (gas), 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at The Dining Room

Enjoy international fare with a local twist, perfect for a celebratory meal.
Located back in Funchal, it’s a convenient drive.
EUR35, 2 hours
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Day 6: Relax and Reflect

Funchal, Portugal

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your last breakfast on the stunning island of Madeira.
Indulge in the breakfast buffet.
Free (included in stay), 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Museu Henrique e Francisco Franco

Visit this local museum dedicated to the art and life of the Franco brothers.
Located at a short drive from your hotel.
EUR8, 1 hour

11:00AM

Relax at Praia Formosa

Spend the morning at the island's famous black sand beach, enjoying the sun and surf.
Only a 15-minute drive from the museum.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Restaurante Ponta do Sol

Indulge in lunch with a scenic view and delicious seafood options.
Drive approximately 30 minutes west along the coastline.
EUR25, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Return to Funchal for Last-Minute Shopping

Head back to Funchal for some final souvenir shopping and exploration before departure.
A quick drive back to Funchal.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Farewell Dinner at Mercado do Lavradores

Conclude your adventure with a sumptuous feast at the market, reflecting on your week in Madeira.
Head to the market for your farewell dinner.
EUR30, 2 hours
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