What to see in Madeira in 7 days?

Seven days gives you enough time to experience the main highlights of Madeira without having to rush through your trip.

This itinerary combines the island's most popular attractions with scenic drives, nature and time to simply enjoy the destination.

During your week, you can explore:

• Funchal and the south coast;
• Cabo Girão and Câmara de Lobos;
• Pico do Arieiro and the mountains;
• The Laurissilva Forest;
• Santana and the north coast;
• Porto Moniz and the west coast;
• Ponta de São Lourenço and the east.

Day 1: Funchal

Start your trip in Funchal, Madeira's capital and one of the best places to get to know the island.

Explore the Old Town, walk through the colourful streets and visit the Mercado dos Lavradores. Afterwards, head towards the waterfront or take the cable car to Monte for beautiful views over the city.

End the day with dinner in Funchal and try some traditional Madeira dishes.

Day 2: Câmara de Lobos & Cabo Girão

On your second day, explore the south coast.

Start in Câmara de Lobos, a traditional fishing village just outside Funchal. Walk around the harbour before continuing towards Cabo Girão.

At 580 metres above sea level, Cabo Girão offers spectacular views over the Atlantic and the coastline. The famous glass skywalk is one of the island's most popular viewpoints.

Continue west towards Ribeira Brava and Ponta do Sol, stopping at viewpoints along the way.

Day 3: Pico do Arieiro & Curral das Freiras

Day three takes you into Madeira's mountains.

Head to Pico do Arieiro, one of the highest peaks on the island, and enjoy panoramic views over the dramatic mountain landscape.

If conditions are suitable, you can explore part of the famous mountain trails.

Later, continue towards Curral das Freiras, a village surrounded by enormous mountain peaks.

Before heading into the mountains, always check the weather and trail conditions.

Day 4: Levada Walk & Laurissilva Forest

No trip to Madeira is complete without experiencing its natural landscapes.

Spend the day exploring one of the island's levada walks and discover the Laurissilva Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Ribeiro Frio and the Balcões viewpoint are also great options for experiencing Madeira's unique vegetation and mountain scenery.

Choose a walking route according to your experience and allow enough time to enjoy the surroundings rather than rushing through the trail.

Day 5: Santana & the North Coast

Head north and discover a completely different side of Madeira.

Your first stop can be Santana, famous for its traditional triangular houses with thatched roofs.

From Santana, continue towards the north coast and explore São Vicente and Seixal.

Seixal is particularly known for its dramatic volcanic scenery and black-sand beach. If the weather is good, take some time to enjoy the ocean before continuing your drive.

Day 6: Porto Moniz & the West Coast

Day six is all about Madeira's spectacular western coastline.

Drive towards Porto Moniz and visit its famous natural swimming pools, formed by volcanic rocks and filled naturally by the Atlantic Ocean.

From Porto Moniz, follow the scenic coastal roads towards São Vicente. Along the way, stop at Ribeira da Janela, Seixal and the Véu da Noiva viewpoint.

This is one of the best days to simply enjoy the drive and stop whenever you find a view worth remembering.

Day 7: Ponta de São Lourenço & Machico

Finish your Madeira adventure on the eastern side of the island.

Ponta de São Lourenço offers a very different landscape from the rest of Madeira, with volcanic cliffs, rock formations and open views over the Atlantic Ocean.

After exploring the peninsula, continue towards Machico, one of Madeira's historic towns. Enjoy a relaxed afternoon by the sea before returning to Funchal.

Why explore Madeira by car?

Madeira's roads are part of the experience.

Renting with 7M Rent a Car gives you the freedom to decide when to leave, where to stop and how long to stay in each place.

Instead of following a fixed tour schedule, you can adapt your plans according to the weather and discover places that aren't always included in traditional tours.

With your own car, you can:

• Stop at viewpoints whenever you want;
• Explore smaller villages;
• Adapt your itinerary to the weather;
• Spend more time in the places you enjoy;
• Discover Madeira at your own pace.

The journey between destinations can be just as memorable as the destination itself.

Tips for a 7-day Madeira road trip

Madeira is a mountainous island, so some roads can be steep, narrow and winding. Take your time, especially when driving in the mountains.

The island also has several microclimates. You may have sunshine on the coast and clouds in the mountains on the same day.

Before heading out, check the weather and trail conditions and be prepared to change your plans if necessary.

It's also worth packing comfortable walking shoes, a light waterproof jacket, swimwear and sun protection.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is 7 days enough to visit Madeira?

Yes. Seven days is enough to explore many of Madeira's main attractions while still having time to enjoy the island without rushing.

2. Do I need a car to explore Madeira?

You can explore Madeira without a car, but renting one gives you much more flexibility, especially when visiting mountain areas, viewpoints and smaller villages.

3. What are the must-see places in Madeira?

Some of the island's highlights include Funchal, Cabo Girão, Pico do Arieiro, the Laurissilva Forest, Santana, Seixal, Porto Moniz and Ponta de São Lourenço.

4. What if the weather is bad?

Madeira has several microclimates, so bad weather in one area doesn't necessarily mean bad weather across the island. If the mountains are cloudy, consider exploring the coast instead.

5. Is driving in Madeira difficult?

Some roads can be steep and winding, particularly in mountainous areas. Drive carefully, take your time and always check the weather and road conditions before setting off.

6. What is the best way to explore Madeira in 7 days?

Renting a car gives you the freedom to create your own itinerary, stop at viewpoints and explore different parts of the island at your own pace.