7-Night Adventure in Madeira: Nature, Culture, and Cuisine

Day 1: Funchal exploration

Funchal, Madeira on May 4, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Café do Teatro

Start your day at Café do Teatro near Avenida Arriaga, enjoying local pastries and good coffee. It opens early and offers a pleasant atmosphere to plan your day.
EUR8, 1h

9:30am

Visit Mercado dos Lavradores

Explore this vibrant farmers' market in Funchal, where you can see exotic fruits, fresh fish and traditional crafts. The market is open from 7am to 2pm.
Free, 1h

10:45am

Explore Funchal Old Town

Walk through the narrow streets of Funchal's Old Town, admiring the painted doors of Rua de Santa Maria and visiting quaint shops.
Free, 1h15m

12:15pm

Lunch at Armazém do Sal

Dine at this well-regarded restaurant offering traditional Madeiran dishes with a modern twist in an atmospheric setting. Open from 12pm.
EUR25, 1h30m

2:00pm

Monte Palace Tropical Garden

Take the cable car up to Monte and visit this beautiful garden filled with exotic plants and art collections. Open 9:30am to 6pm.
EUR12.50, 2h

4:30pm

Return via Toboggan Ride

Experience the traditional toboggan descent from Monte back to Funchal, a fun and unique way to see the city from above.
EUR30, 30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Restaurante dos Combatentes

Enjoy authentic Madeiran cuisine including espetada meat skewers in this long-established local favourite. Open from 6pm.
EUR20, 1h30m
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Day 2: Cabo Girão & Coastal Views

Funchal and surrounding, Madeira on May 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Ritz Madeira

Start your day with a buffet breakfast offering fresh fruits and pastries in this hotel café. Open from 7:30am.
EUR10, 1h

9:15am

Visit Cabo Girão Skywalk

Drive or take a tour to Cabo Girão, Europe's highest sea cliff, and walk the glass-floored skywalk for dramatic ocean views. Open from 9am to 6pm.
Free, 1h

11:00am

Explore Câmara de Lobos Village

Visit this charming fishing village known for its colourful boats and as a favourite spot of Winston Churchill.
Free, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Vila do Peixe

Enjoy seafood dishes such as lapas (limpets) and fresh fish from the Atlantic at this sea-view restaurant in Câmara de Lobos. Open from 12pm.
EUR22, 1h30m

2:30pm

Visit Praia Formosa Beach

Relax or stroll at Praia Formosa, the largest public beach in Funchal, known for its black sand and pebble shores.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Visit CR7 Museum

For football fans, check out this museum dedicated to Cristiano Ronaldo, open daily from 10am to 7pm.
EUR5, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Taberna Ruel

Try petiscos (Portuguese tapas) and local wines at this cosy restaurant popular with locals. Open from 6pm.
EUR18, 1h30m
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Day 3: Santana & Traditional Culture

Santana, Madeira on May 6, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at your accommodation in Funchal

Enjoy an early breakfast before the drive to Santana to maximise sightseeing time.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Santana

Travel eastwards to Santana, approximately 45-min drive along scenic mountain roads.
Car rental or taxi approx EUR30, 45m

10:00am

Visit Santana Traditional Houses

See the iconic thatched triangular houses unique to this region. Open daily and free to view from outside.
Free, 1h

11:15am

Explore Parque Temático da Madeira

This theme park offers insight into Madeira's history, natural environment and culture. Open 10am to 6pm.
EUR12, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at O Colmo

Enjoy traditional Madeiran dishes such as espetada and regional salads in a casual setting in Santana. Open from 12pm.
EUR18, 1h

2:45pm

Levada Walk: Levada do Caldeirão Verde

Embark on a moderate 4-hour levada walk through lush forests and waterfalls starting near Santana. Wear good shoes.
Free, 4h

7:00pm

Dinner at your accommodation or local eatery

After a long day, have dinner at your hotel or a nearby restaurant in Santana offering local specialities.
EUR20, 1h
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Day 4: Coastal Nature & Lava Pools

Porto Moniz, Madeira on May 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at your accommodation in Santana

Fuel up early with a hearty breakfast before heading west along the coast.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Porto Moniz

Travel along the northern coast road to Porto Moniz, approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes’ drive.
Car rental or taxi approx EUR40, 1h15m

10:30am

Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools

Swim or relax in the volcanic lava pools filled with crystal-clear seawater. Open 8am to 7pm.
Free, 2h

12:45pm

Lunch at Restaurante Cachalote

Enjoy fresh fish and seafood with ocean views in Porto Moniz. Open from 12pm.
EUR22, 1h30m

2:30pm

Aquario da Madeira

Visit this aquarium focused on the marine life around Madeira. It is open daily from 10am to 6pm.
EUR6, 1h

4:00pm

Visit the Miradouro da Santa viewpoint

Stop for panoramic coastal views looking west over the cliffs and the ocean.
Free, 30m

5:30pm

Return to Funchal

Drive back to Funchal for dinner and overnight stay, approximately 1.5 hours.
Car rental or taxi approx EUR40, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Casa da Sogra

Relax with traditional Madeiran dishes such as black scabbardfish in this family-run restaurant. Open from 6pm.
EUR20, 1h30m
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Day 5: Calheta Beach & Relaxation

Calheta, Madeira on May 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at your accommodation in Funchal

Enjoy breakfast before heading south along the coast.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Drive to Calheta

Approximate 45-minute drive to Calheta, known for its golden sandy beach and marina.
Car rental or taxi approx EUR30, 45m

10:30am

Relax at Praia da Calheta

Spend your morning relaxing on the beach, swimming or renting a kayak.
Free, kayak rental approx EUR15/hour, 3h

1:30pm

Lunch at Restaurante Onda Mar

Fresh seafood and casual dining near the marina in Calheta. Open from 12pm.
EUR20, 1h30m

3:00pm

Visit Casa das Mudas Arts Center

Explore contemporary art and occasional exhibitions in this cliffside cultural centre. Open from 10am to 6pm.
EUR6, 1h

4:30pm

Stroll Marina and enjoy coffee

Take a leisurely stroll around the marina and stop at a café for a late afternoon coffee or gelato.
EUR5, 1h

6:30pm

Return to Funchal

Drive back for your final evenings in Funchal, approximately 45 minutes.
Car rental or taxi approx EUR30, 45m

7:30pm

Dinner at Restaurante Mozart

Enjoy fine dining with a focus on Madeira specialties and international dishes in Funchal. Open from 7pm.
EUR30, 2h
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Day 6: Funchal Gardens & Culture

Funchal, Madeira on May 9, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at The Flower PortoBay

Relax with breakfast offering fresh juice and pastries near the bay. Open from 7am.
EUR12, 1h

9:45am

Visit Jardim Botânico da Madeira

Experience a spectacular botanical garden with lush plants, endemic species and views over Funchal. Open 9am to 7pm.
EUR8, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Restaurante Gavião Novo

Coastal seafood and fresh dishes in a relaxed environment, open from 12pm.
EUR20, 1h30m

2:00pm

Visit Museu CR7 and Old Town

Revisit Cristiano Ronaldo museum and explore cultural sites and churches in the Old Town.
EUR5, 2h

4:30pm

Relax at Santa Catarina Park

Enjoy beautiful gardens and lake views in this tranquil city park, ideal for a quiet stroll.
Free, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Restaurante do Forte

Dine in an elegant former fort with madeiran and international cuisine. Open from 7pm but reservations recommended.
EUR35, 2h
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Day 7: Levada Walk & Local Flavours

Funchal & surrounds, Madeira on May 10, 2025

7:30am

Early Breakfast

A quick breakfast at your accommodation to prepare for outdoor activity.
Included, 30m

8:00am

Levada Walk: Levada dos Balcões

Take an easy 1.5 hour levada walk near Ribeiro Frio with spectacular views. Best done early to avoid crowds.
Free, 1h30m

10:00am

Visit Ribeiro Frio Trout Hatchery

Learn about trout breeding and enjoy refreshing nature trails. Open 9am to 5pm.
EUR3, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Restaurante O Lagar

Traditional Madeiran restaurant serving hearty dishes near Ribeiro Frio. Open 12pm to 4pm.
EUR18, 1h30m

2:00pm

Return to Funchal and Visit Blandy's Wine Lodge

Tour and tastings at historic Madeira wine lodge in Funchal. Tours run 3pm, last 1 hour.
EUR15, 1h

4:30pm

Shopping and Market Visit

Visit souvenir shops and revisit Mercado dos Lavradores to buy local crafts and products.
Varies, 1h30m

7:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Restaurante Ferreira

Traditional Madeiran cuisine with live folk music in a lively atmosphere. Open from 6:30pm.
EUR25, 2h
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Day 8: Departure

Funchal, Madeira on May 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at accommodation

Enjoy a final breakfast at your hotel or guesthouse before check-out.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Transfer to Funchal Airport

Allow plenty of time for your transfer to the airport or rental car return, approx 30 minutes.
Varies, 30m
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