Madeira in 5 Days: a Road Trip Through Mountains and Coasts

Madeira road trip – the phrase that best captures the freedom and variety this island offers. In just five days, we discovered volcanic peaks, lush forests, dramatic coastlines, and charming villages. The best part? Driving allowed us to experience it all at our own pace.

Whether you’re planning your first visit or returning for more, this 5-day itinerary will help you explore Madeira’s most stunning locations. From levada walks to mountaintop viewpoints, forest paths to seaside cafés, each day unfolds with new landscapes and local charm.

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Why You Should Explore Madeira by Car

Driving in Madeira turns every journey into an adventure. Public transport is useful in towns, but if you want to access remote trailheads, hidden waterfalls, mountain viewpoints, and off-the-beaten-path villages, a rental car is essential.

Tunnels carve through mountains. Roads twist along cliffs. And every turn reveals a new miradouro – a viewpoint that stops you in your tracks. Our 5-day route was carefully planned to cover the best of the island while leaving room for spontaneous stops and slow travel moments.

Need help planning the drive? The Madeira Tourism Board and WalkMe Levadas offer great resources.

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Day One: Arrival in Funchal and Sunset at Cabo Girão

Start in Funchal, the capital and cultural heart of Madeira. Once we picked up our car, we spent the morning settling into the city’s rhythm.

We visited the Mercado dos Lavradores, a lively local market full of exotic fruits and fresh fish. After that, we walked through Zona Velha, the old town, where the colourful Painted Doors project brings art to every corner.

For lunch, small cafés near the marina or Taberna Ruel offer fresh seafood and views of the Atlantic.

In the afternoon, we drove to Cabo Girão, one of Europe’s highest sea cliffs. The glass skywalk platform suspended over the ocean gave us our first wow moment. Just nearby, the fishing village of Câmara de Lobos made for a perfect detour.

Dinner options included Restaurante do Forte or Armazém do Sal. For accommodation, we recommend:

• Castanheiro Boutique Hotel – rooftop views, central location
• Residencial Funchal – budget-friendly and convenient
• The Cliff Bay – for more luxurious stays near the waterfront

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Day Two: West Coast Cliffs and Natural Lava Pools

We left Funchal early and headed west, beginning a spectacular coastal loop.

Our first stop was Ribeira Brava, where we grabbed coffee and walked briefly along the sea. Next came Ponta do Sol, a small village with colourful buildings and sunny terraces. We didn’t rush here – it’s the kind of place that invites you to pause.

We continued to Paul da Serra, a wide highland plateau that felt totally different from the coastal areas. Open skies, long views, and cooler air gave this area a peaceful energy.

By midday, we reached Porto Moniz, where the natural lava pools invited us to swim. Protected by volcanic rocks, the pools are calm even when the ocean roars nearby. We ate lunch by the sea and dried off in the sun.

Extra tip: If time allows, take a detour to Achadas da Cruz and descend by cable car to one of the most remote coastal areas on the island.

On our return loop through Seixal, we stopped at Véu da Noiva waterfall, watching mist rise as water tumbled into the sea.

That night, we stayed in Porto Moniz or Seixal. For a perfect west coast experience, we suggest:

• Aqua Natura Bay – oceanfront with modern amenities
• Socalco Nature Calheta – a hidden gem for nature lovers

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Day Three: North coast and the laurisilva forest in Madeira

The north coast of Madeira is wilder and greener – and this day was all about connecting with its natural beauty.

We drove through São Vicente and climbed towards the Encumeada Pass, where views stretch across both sides of the island. The road itself felt like a journey through clouds and peaks.

For a forest walk, we chose Levada do Rei, which took us into the heart of Madeira’s Laurisilva Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The trail was shady, cool, and alive with birdsong. The scent of moss and eucalyptus surrounded us.

After the walk, we continued to Santana, known for its postcard-perfect triangle houses with thatched roofs. In nearby Faial or São Jorge, we had lunch at small tascas, trying milho frito and grilled black scabbardfish with banana.

Before sunset, we visited Miradouro do Guindaste, also called “Dragon’s Tail,” for one of the most dramatic views on the island.

For the night, we stayed near Santana. Our top choices were:

• Hotel Quinta do Furão – cliffside elegance, vineyard setting
• Casas da Levada – rustic, peaceful, and great for couples

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If you’re interested in discovering more about Portugal, don’t miss our dedicated guide to Northern Portugal – packed with tips, highlights, and hidden gems. Visit here to explore more!

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Day Four: Mountain peaks above the clouds

This was the most unforgettable day of the trip. We woke early and drove to Pico do Arieiro, one of Madeira’s highest peaks. As the sun rose, clouds filled the valleys below, turning the landscape into a floating world.

Even if you don’t do the full hike to Pico Ruivo, walking just a section of the trail is worth it. The ridges, volcanic rock formations, and morning light created an atmosphere we’ll never forget.

After descending through Poiso Pass, we stopped for lunch in Santo da Serra, a peaceful rural area with excellent tascas. Local specialities included marinated pork and freshly baked bread.

In the afternoon, we made our way to Monte, where we visited the Monte Palace Tropical Garden, a peaceful garden filled with tiles, koi ponds, and exotic plants. For something different, we tried the traditional wicker toboggan ride—an old-fashioned but fun experience.

We stayed in Funchal or Monte, choosing:

• Quinta Jardins do Lago – elegant and quiet, surrounded by tropical gardens
• Quinta da Casa Branca – boutique and intimate, perfect after a long day

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Day Five: The wild east – São Lourenço and Machico

On our final day, we explored Madeira’s eastern peninsula, a stark contrast to the rest of the island.

We hiked the Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço, a trail that took us along dramatic cliffs and wind-blown paths. The terrain was dry and exposed, shaped by centuries of wind and waves. This was not the green Madeira we had seen—but it was equally powerful.

After the hike, we stopped in Caniçal, a quiet fishing village, and visited the Whale and Dolphin Museum. The exhibits highlighted Madeira’s connection to the sea, both past and present.

For a relaxing final afternoon, we visited Machico, where a soft golden beach welcomed us. If you have time, you can swim at Praia dos Reis Magos or explore Santa Cruz before returning to Funchal or heading to the airport.

We spent our last night near the airport at:

• Vila Galé Santa Cruz – convenient and comfortable for early flights

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Where to stay along the route

Here’s a suggested plan for overnight stays that aligns with the route:

Funchal – Castanheiro Boutique Hotel or The Cliff Bay
Porto Moniz – Aqua Natura Bay
Santana – Quinta do Furão or Casas da Levada
Monte – Quinta Jardins do Lago
Santa Cruz – Vila Galé Santa Cruz

Each place offers a unique side of the island—coastal views, mountain peace, or city convenience.

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Travel insurance tip in Madeira– Choose Heymondo

Driving through mountain tunnels and along cliffside roads is unforgettable—but it also brings unexpected challenges. That’s why we never travel without Heymondo Travel Insurance.

Heymondo covers trip interruptions, car rental issues, and activity delays. If the weather closes a road or your luggage is lost, you’re covered. We especially like their all-round plans, ideal for adventurous routes like this.

You can explore their coverage at Heymondo Travel Insurance.

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Final Thoughts: Trust the journey in Madeira

A road trip through Madeira lets you travel deeper. In just five days, we hiked levadas, drove mountain passes, swam in lava pools, ate local food, and watched clouds roll beneath us.

The beauty of Madeira lies not only in its scenery but in its variety—each region has its rhythm. And driving lets you feel that rhythm more personally.

Take your time. Pull over at the viewpoints. Order a dish you can’t pronounce. Trust the journey. Madeira will stay with you long after the road ends.

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