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Madeira Islands: 6 Days / 5 Nights
6 days
Max 8 people
Commentary: Guide · pt, en, fr, es
Madeira, Portugal
About this activity
This 6-day Madeira trip offers a perfect mix of cultural exploration, scenic beauty and relaxation.
Highlights
- Explore Funchal’s historic center, including Avenida Arriaga, Palácio de São Lourenço, and Sé do Funchal.
- Visit Câmara de Lobos, Cabo Girão, and the scenic Fajã dos Padres.
- Hike the Levada do Risco and visit natural wonders like the Lagoa do Fanal and Porto Moniz’s natural pools.
- Discover the traditional houses of Santana, the vineyards of São Jorge, and the breathtaking views from Ponta do Pargo.
- Take a day trip to Porto Santo Island, visiting Vila Baleira and its stunning beaches.
Full description
This 6-day Madeira trip offers a perfect mix of cultural exploration, scenic beauty and relaxation. Start your trip in Funchal, where you will explore the city’s historic center and take a cable car to Monte to visit the Monte Palace Tropical Garden and the Church of Nossa Senhora do Monte. Go down to Funchal on a traditional wicker toboggan and relax in the Barreirinha bathing complex. The next day, visit Câmara de Lobos and Cabo Girão, one of the highest cliffs in Europe. Take the cable car to Fajã dos Padres for a beach break, then continue to Ribeira Brava and Ponta do Sol. Visit the Anjos waterfall and the picturesque village of Paúl do Mar before heading to the Ponta do Pargo lighthouse. Enjoy a panoramic walk along Levada do Risco, followed by visits to the volcanic caves of São Vicente and the natural pools of Seixal. Continue your trip with visits to the Fanal forest and the famous Porto Moniz swimming pools. The next day, explore Ponta Delgada, São Jorge and Santana, where you will discover traditional thatched houses and stunning viewpoints. On day 5, take a ferry to Porto Santo Island, where you can explore Vila Baleira, visit the Casa Museu Cristóvão Colombo and relax on the island’s golden beaches. The last day offers free time in Funchal to do last minute shopping or relax before your departure transfer.
Day 1: Funchal and Monte
- Morning: Explore the historic center of Funchal, including Avenida Arriaga, Palácio de São Lourenço and Sé do Funchal.
- Afternoon: Lunch at a local restaurant. Take the cable car to Monte, visit the Monte Palace Tropical Garden and the Church of Nossa Senhora do Monte. Return to Funchal in traditional basket cars.
- Evening: Swim at the Barreirinha bathing complex. Suggested dinner in Zona Velha. Accommodation in Funchal.
Day 2: Câmara de Lobos, Cabo Girão & Ponta do Pargo
- Morning: Visit to Câmara de Lobos, including the Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Conceição, and views of the Cabo Girão Skywalk.
- Afternoon: Take the Fajã dos Padres cable car, visit the beach and explore Ribeira Brava and Ponta do Sol. Visit the Anjos waterfall and Paúl do Mar before heading to the Ponta do Mar lighthouse Snapper.
- Night: Return to Funchal for the night.
Day 3: Levada do Risco and Porto Moniz
- Morning: Walk on Levada do Risco (9 km, 3.5 hours). Visit to São Vicente, including Capelinha and the volcanic caves. Lunch in Seixal and swimming in the natural pools.
- Afternoon: Visit to Ribeira da Janela, Mata do Fanal and Lagoa do Fanal. Stop at the Santa viewpoint before arriving in Porto Moniz.
- Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant, such as Conchinha. Overnight in Porto Moniz.
Day 4: Ponta Delgada, São Jorge & Santana
- Morning: Visit Ponta Delgada, including the Church of Senhor Bom Jesus and the São Jorge sugar cane ruins.
- Afternoon: Explore the traditional houses of Santana, visit the Miradouro do Guindaste and have lunch at a local restaurant such as Marcel’s Bistro. Visit Miradouro do Curtado to see Faial and Penha D’Águia.
- Evening: Return to Funchal for free time and overnight stay.
Day 5: Porto Santo Island
- Morning: Ferry from Funchal to Porto Santo (2 hours and 15 minutes).
- Afternoon: Explore Vila Baleira, visit the Cristóvão Colombo House Museum and relax on Porto Santo Beach. Optionally, visit Porto Santo Golf.
- Night: Return by ferry to Funchal to spend the night.
Day 6: Funchal
- Full day: Free day in Funchal for shopping or relaxation.
- Night: Transfer to your return flight.
Included / Excluded
- Private transportation and guide throughout the tour.
- 5 Nights accommodation.
- Lunch on Day 1 and Day 4 (including beverages).
- Guided tour of Funchal’s historic center.
- Entrance fees for key sites, including the Sé do Funchal, Igreja do Colégio, Jardim Tropical Monte Palace, and Igreja da Nossa Senhora do Monte.
- Cable car ride to Monte and traditional wicker toboggan ride.
- Visits to Câmara de Lobos, Cabo Girão, and Fajã dos Padres.
- Levada do Risco hike with return minibus ticket.
- Entrance to São Vicente caves and Seixal natural pools.
- Guided tours of Ponta Delgada, São Jorge, and Santana.
- Ferry ride to and from Porto Santo Island.
- Personal expenses and optional activities.
- Travel insurance (recommended).
- Any additional meals not mentioned in the itinerary.
Meeting point
Start Location
Funchal, Portugal
Important information
Know before you book
- Arrival in Lisbon: The first day will be adjusted to your arrival time, whether via train, plane, or bus.
- Mobility Considerations: This itinerary involves walking on uneven terrain, particularly during the Levada hikes and town visits.
- Dietary Needs: Inform us of any dietary preferences or restrictions at the time of booking to ensure appropriate meal arrangements.
Know before you go
- What to Bring: Comfortable walking shoes, swimwear, sun protection, and personal essentials.
- Weather: Madeira has a mild climate; check the forecast and pack accordingly.
- Arrival: Please arrive on time for scheduled activities. Detailed arrival instructions will be provided closer to the departure date.
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity starts
Up to 24 hours before the beginning of the activity: full refund Less than 24 hours before the beginning of the activity or no-show: no refund
Accessibility
- Infant Seats Available
Frequently asked questions
FAQs
Additional information
Not wheelchair accessible.
The tours are subject to local traffic, visit schedules and other external factors.
Specific nutritional or dietary food restrictions must be informed in advance.
Infant seats are available on request. Please advise in advance.
The tours are subject to local traffic, visit schedules and other external factors.
Specific nutritional or dietary food restrictions must be informed in advance.
Infant seats are available on request. Please advise in advance.