Best Beaches in Madeira
Plan the Perfect 7 Days in Madeira
Spending 7 days in Madeira gives you enough time to experience the island's dramatic landscapes, beautiful beaches, charming towns, mountain scenery, and Atlantic coastline without rushing from one attraction to another. From exploring Funchal and walking along scenic levadas to discovering volcanic pools and spectacular viewpoints, a week in Madeira can offer an ideal mix of adventure and relaxation.
This 7-day Madeira itinerary is designed to combine popular attractions with outdoor experiences and time to enjoy the island at a comfortable pace. Whether you're visiting Madeira for the first time, traveling as a couple, planning a family holiday, or looking for an active escape, this itinerary can help you make the most of your week.
Day 1: Explore Funchal
Begin your 7 days in Madeira by exploring Funchal, the island's lively capital. Spend your first day discovering the historic center, colorful streets, local shops, gardens, and waterfront areas.
Visit the Mercado dos Lavradores to experience the local atmosphere and see Madeira's fresh produce, flowers, and regional specialties. Continue through the old town and take time to enjoy a relaxed lunch at one of Funchal's restaurants.
Things to Do in Funchal
- Explore Funchal's historic streets
- Visit Mercado dos Lavradores
- Walk along the waterfront
- Discover the Old Town
- Enjoy local Madeira cuisine
- Visit a botanical garden
- Relax at a café or waterfront restaurant
End your first day with a relaxing evening and prepare for the scenic adventures ahead.
Day 2: Discover Madeira's Eastern Coast
On your second day, explore the eastern side of Madeira. Start with Machico, one of the island's historic towns, before continuing toward Ponta de São Lourenço.
Ponta de São Lourenço offers a completely different landscape from Madeira's lush interior. The eastern peninsula is characterized by rugged cliffs, volcanic rock formations, and panoramic Atlantic views.
Take your time along the walking trails and enjoy the dramatic scenery. Depending on your interests and fitness level, you can choose a shorter exploration or a longer hike.
Eastern Madeira Highlights
- Machico
- Ponta de São Lourenço
- Rugged volcanic coastline
- Atlantic Ocean viewpoints
- Scenic walking trails
- Prainha Beach
Day 3: Experience Madeira's Mountains
Dedicate your third day to Madeira's spectacular mountain landscape. The island is known for dramatic peaks, deep valleys, and panoramic viewpoints that make hiking and sightseeing especially rewarding.
If conditions are suitable, explore one of Madeira's mountain trails around Pico do Arieiro or the central mountain region. Start early, as mountain weather can change quickly and popular trails can become busy.
For travelers who prefer sightseeing rather than hiking, Madeira's mountain roads and viewpoints provide plenty of opportunities to enjoy the scenery without completing a long trail.
Mountain Experiences
- Pico do Arieiro
- Mountain viewpoints
- Cloud-covered peaks
- Scenic drives
- Mountain photography
- Hiking opportunities
Always check current trail conditions and weather before setting out on a mountain hike.
Day 4: Visit the North Coast
Day four is the perfect time to explore Madeira's beautiful north coast. The region is known for dramatic cliffs, lush vegetation, waterfalls, volcanic landscapes, and traditional coastal villages.
Visit Seixal and enjoy its famous dark volcanic beach surrounded by green mountains. Continue toward Porto Moniz, where you can experience Madeira's iconic natural volcanic swimming pools.
North Coast Highlights
- Seixal Beach
- Porto Moniz
- Natural volcanic swimming pools
- Ribeira da Janela
- Scenic coastal viewpoints
- Traditional villages
The north coast is particularly beautiful when the Atlantic is calm and the weather is clear, making it a memorable part of any 7-day Madeira itinerary.
Day 5: Enjoy Madeira's Levada Walks
Madeira's levadas are one of the island's most distinctive attractions. These historic irrigation channels run through forests and mountains and are accompanied by walking paths that allow visitors to explore the island's lush interior.
Choose a levada walk that matches your fitness level and experience. Some routes are relatively easy, while others involve narrow paths, steep sections, tunnels, or exposed areas.
Why Explore a Levada?
- Discover Madeira's lush landscapes
- Walk through Laurisilva forest
- Experience mountain scenery
- See waterfalls and streams
- Enjoy peaceful nature trails
- Photograph Madeira's unique vegetation
Check official trail information before your hike and follow all safety guidance.
Day 6: Relax at the Beach
After several days of exploring Madeira, use day six to slow down and enjoy the coastline. Choose a beach or natural swimming area where you can relax, swim, enjoy the scenery, and experience the Atlantic at a more leisurely pace.
Machico Beach and Calheta Beach are popular choices for travelers looking for sandy beaches, while Seixal provides a spectacular black-sand setting.
Madeira Beach Options
- Machico Beach
- Calheta Beach
- Seixal Beach
- Praia Formosa
- Prainha
Spend the afternoon relaxing by the water before enjoying a sunset dinner overlooking the coast.
Day 7: Enjoy a Relaxed Final Day
Finish your 7 days in Madeira at a relaxed pace. Depending on what you missed earlier in the week, use your final day to revisit a favorite area, explore local shops, enjoy a scenic viewpoint, or simply relax before your journey home.
Funchal is an excellent choice for a final day because you can combine sightseeing, shopping, dining, and waterfront walks without needing to travel far.
Ideas for Your Final Day
- Explore more of Funchal
- Buy Madeira souvenirs
- Enjoy a final beach visit
- Take a scenic coastal drive
- Enjoy a relaxed lunch
- Watch the sunset
- Try traditional Madeira dishes
Where to Stay During 7 Days in Madeira
Choosing the right accommodation can make your Madeira trip much easier. Staying in a comfortable location gives you a convenient base for exploring beaches, mountain trails, Funchal, and the island's coastal attractions.
A well-located vacation rental can also provide additional space and amenities compared with a traditional hotel room, making it a practical option for couples, families, and longer stays.
What to Pack for 7 Days in Madeira
Madeira's varied terrain means you should pack for both outdoor adventures and relaxing coastal days.
Essential Items
- Comfortable walking or hiking shoes
- Lightweight clothing
- Light jacket or waterproof layer
- Swimwear
- Sun protection
- Reusable water bottle
- Small backpack
- Camera or smartphone
- Personal medications and essentials
- Comfortable evening clothing
If you're planning mountain hikes, bring appropriate footwear and layers because temperatures and weather conditions can change significantly with elevation.
How to Get Around Madeira
A rental car can provide flexibility for exploring Madeira's different regions, especially if you want to visit remote viewpoints, beaches, villages, and trailheads. Public transportation is also available for reaching many popular locations, particularly around Funchal and larger towns.
For hiking days, plan your transportation carefully and check whether the trail requires a specific pickup or return arrangement.
7-Day Madeira Itinerary at a Glance
| Day | Experience |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Explore Funchal |
| Day 2 | Machico and Ponta de São Lourenço |
| Day 3 | Madeira mountains and viewpoints |
| Day 4 | North coast, Seixal, and Porto Moniz |
| Day 5 | Levada walk and nature |
| Day 6 | Beach and coastal relaxation |
| Day 7 | Relaxed Funchal day and departure preparation |
Make the Most of 7 Days in Madeira
Seven days in Madeira can give you an excellent introduction to the island's diverse landscapes and experiences. From the historic streets of Funchal and rugged eastern coastline to dramatic mountain peaks, lush levada trails, volcanic beaches, and natural swimming pools, every day can offer something different.
The key is to balance sightseeing with downtime. Madeira is an island best enjoyed at a relaxed pace, so leave room in your itinerary to stop at scenic viewpoints, enjoy local food, spend time by the ocean, and discover places that were not originally on your schedule.
With comfortable accommodation, sensible planning, and a flexible itinerary, your 7 days in Madeira can become an unforgettable island escape.