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8-Day Spring Adventure in Madeira for General Travelers

⚖️Balanced Mix
8 daysspring

Discover the stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and unique attractions of Madeira this spring with a perfect blend of nature, history, and local experiences.

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Our #1 travel tip

Before Day 1: Book a FREE walking tour

Free walking tours. Yes, actually free. No credit card needed. No catch.

Local guide, 2-3 hours

Major sights, hidden gems, local stories

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I've done these in dozens of cities and they've been the highlight of almost every trip. If you're visiting Madeira, Portugal, do this on your first day. You'll thank me later.

Adrijana, founder of City Buddy
Browse FREE walking tours
Day 1Funchal Orientation and Culture
Morning
Free Walking Tour

~3 hours

Start your day in Funchal's historic center around Avenida Arriaga. Search for the free walking tour meeting point near the main square and enjoy a lively introduction to local history and culture.

Book FREE walking tour
Afternoon

Funchal Cathedral

Funchal Cathedral

Visit the Sé Cathedral, located in the old town of Funchal. Explore its unique Manueline architecture and peaceful cloisters.

4.6(8k reviews)~1.5 hours
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Late Afternoon
Visit a local art gallery

~1.5 hours

Check out the contemporary art galleries around Rua de Santa Maria, known for its creative local art scene and colorful street art.

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Evening
Try a traditional Madeira dinner

~2 hours

Head to a local restaurant in the city center and savor the authentic flavors of Madeira's traditional cuisine.

Meals

Recommended traditional local cuisine

Queijadas da Madeira
Breakfast€3-€5

Grab a quick breakfast at any café near your accommodation and try Queijadas da Madeira, a sweet cheese tart unique to Madeira.

Queijadas da Madeira
Espetada
Lunch€10-€15

Find a casual eatery near the market and try Espetada, skewered beef grilled over wood chips, a signature Madeiran dish.

Espetada
Scabbard Fish with Banana
Dinner€15-€20

Look for a traditional restaurant in central Funchal and order Scabbard Fish with Banana, a local delicacy with a sweet and savory twist.

Scabbard Fish with Banana
The best way to get around Funchal is by bus or taxi. Use Bolt or Uber apps for convenient taxi rides at about €0.8/km.
Hotel in Funchal city center (historic and vibrant downtown)
€40-60/night

Staying here keeps you close to major attractions and offers easy access to public transport for exploring Madeira.

Taxi45 minutes

Travel by taxi from Funchal city center to the mountain area for the next day's garden exploration. Pre-book your ride via Bolt or Uber for convenience.

Day 2Mountain and Garden Exploration
Morning

Pico Ruivo

Pico Ruivo

Start your morning early and hike to Pico Ruivo, the highest peak on Madeira. Access the trailhead at Achada do Teixeira in Santana. Wear proper shoes and bring water.

4.8(3k reviews)~4 hours
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Afternoon

Monte Palace Tropical Garden

Monte Palace Tropical Garden

Visit Monte Palace Tropical Garden in the Monte neighborhood in the afternoon, reachable by cable car from Funchal. Explore diverse plants and oriental art.

4.7(28k reviews)~2.5 hours
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Late Afternoon
Madeira Wine Tasting Experience

~1.5 hours

End the day with a Madeira wine tasting session in a cellar in Funchal. Search for places in the city center near the marina.

Meals

Recommended traditional local cuisine

Queijadas da Madeira
Breakfast€3-5

Grab a quick breakfast at a local café in Santana and try Queijadas da Madeira, a sweet cheese tart unique to the island. Pair it with a strong coffee.

Queijadas da Madeira
Espetada
Lunch€12-15

Look for a mountain-side eatery near Achada do Teixeira and order Espetada, beef cubes grilled on a skewer, a Madeiran specialty known for smoky flavors.

Espetada
Scabbard Fish with Banana
Dinner€15-20

Find a cozy restaurant in Funchal before or after your wine tasting and order Scabbard Fish with Banana, a classic Madeiran dish with a delicious contrast of flavors.

Scabbard Fish with Banana
Use cable cars and local buses to move around the Funchal and Monte areas. For remote spots like Pico Ruivo trailheads, taxis are convenient. Use Bolt or Uber for best fares at around €0.8/km.
Hotel in Funchal (historic center near the marina)
€40-60/night

Staying in Funchal keeps you close to accommodations, dining, and transport options for this day and onward journeys.

bus45 minutes

Take the coastal bus from Funchal to the next day’s area for scenic views. Tickets can be bought on board or at the station.

Day 3Coastal Views and Nature
Morning

Cabo Girão Skywalk

Cabo Girão Skywalk

Visit the famous glass skywalk at Cabo Girão cliff. Arrive early to avoid crowds and enjoy stunning panoramic coastal views. Search for Cabo Girão viewpoint near Câmara de Lobos.

4.5(30k reviews)~2 hours
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Afternoon

Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools

Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools

Swim in natural volcanic lava pools surrounded by ocean waves. Located in Porto Moniz village, search for the promenade along the coast. Bring swimwear and a towel.

4.7(15k reviews)~3 hours
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Evening
Explore a local fishing village

~2 hours

Stroll through a traditional fishing village like Câmara de Lobos. Explore harborside streets with colorful boats. Look for local crafts and small seafood eateries.

Meals

Recommended traditional local cuisine

Queijadas da Madeira
Breakfast~5 EUR

Find a local café near your accommodation and try Queijadas da Madeira, a small sweet cheese tart with cinnamon.

Queijadas da Madeira
Lapas Grelhadas
Lunch~15 EUR

Look for a seaside restaurant near Porto Moniz and order fresh Lapas Grelhadas, local grilled limpets cooked with garlic butter.

Lapas Grelhadas
Espetada
Dinner~12 EUR

Find a cozy eatery in the fishing village and try Espetada, skewered grilled meat in traditional garlic and wine marinade.

Espetada
Use taxis for quick transfers between distant spots like Cabo Girão and Porto Moniz. Use Bolt or Uber apps. Taxi price about 0.8 EUR/km. Within villages and viewpoints, walking is best.
Bed & Breakfast in Funchal (Madeira's capital city center)
$45-70/night

Funchal is well located for day trips to coastal views and fishing villages and offers charming accommodations and dining options.

Taxi30 minutes

Take a taxi from Funchal to the starting point of the Levada walks in Ribeiro Frio or nearby forest areas. Booking via Bolt or Uber recommended for convenience.

Day 4Levada Walk and Forest
Morning
Levada Walks

~4 hours

Start your morning early with a scenic Levada Walk. Search for routes starting around Queimadas Forestry Station in the Ribeiro Frio area, known for its lush paths and stunning views. Wear comfortable hiking shoes and bring water.

Experience scenic hiking trails along the traditional irrigation channels.

Afternoon

Laurisilva Forest

Laurisilva Forest

Spend the afternoon exploring the UNESCO-listed Laurisilva Forest, renowned for its rare laurel trees. Access the forest from the Caldeirão Verde trailhead near Queimadas. Enjoy the fresh air and serene atmosphere.

4.8(6k reviews)~3 hours
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Meals

Recommended traditional local cuisine

Queijadas da Madeira
Breakfast€3-5

Find a local bakery near the starting point of your Levada Walk and try a fresh Queijadas da Madeira, a creamy cheese tart, with a strong cup of coffee.

Queijadas da Madeira
Espetada
Lunch€10-15

Look for a rustic countryside eatery near Ribeiro Frio and order Espetada, traditional Madeiran beef skewers grilled over wood chips, paired with local vegetables.

Espetada
Scabbard Fish with Banana
Dinner€15-20

Find a cozy restaurant in the town center serving Scabbard Fish with Banana, a local delicacy with a sweet and savory flavor profile. Pair it with a glass of Madeira Wine for a perfect finish.

Scabbard Fish with Banana
Use local buses or taxis to reach Levada walk starting points and Laurisilva Forest entry. Bolt and Uber are available rideshare apps charging about €0.80/km, convenient for flexible schedules.
Hotel in Funchal (capital city center with easy access to nature and amenities)
€40-60/night

Central location ideal for quick access to Levada walks and the city's comforts.

bus30 minutes

Take a direct bus from Funchal to the city center for Museums and Markets day. Tickets can be purchased on board or via local apps.

Day 5Museums and Markets
Morning
Sacred Art Museum

~2 hours

Visit the Sacred Art Museum located on Rua Bela de São Tiago in Funchal. Enjoy the rich religious artifacts and beautiful Baroque art while soaking in the peaceful atmosphere.

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Afternoon
Explore a local food market

~3 hours

Head to Mercado dos Lavradores in Funchal's Old Town to sample and see a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, spices, and traditional Madeiran foods. Engage with vendors and try some local snacks.

Late Afternoon
Visit a maritime museum

~2 hours

Explore the Madeira Story Centre near the Old Town waterfront to learn about Madeira's seafaring history and culture with interactive exhibits.

Meals

Recommended traditional local cuisine

Breakfast
Find a café near the Sacred Art Museum and try a pastel de nata with a strong local coffee to start your morning energized.
Around €3
Espetada
LunchAround €10

Explore stalls inside Mercado dos Lavradores and enjoy Espetada, a traditional Madeiran grilled beef skewer, perfect for a hearty lunch.

Espetada
Scabbard Fish with Banana
DinnerAround €15

Look for a cozy restaurant along the Old Town waterfront and order Scabbard Fish with Banana, a unique Madeiran culinary specialty.

Scabbard Fish with Banana
Use local buses or taxis to move between sites easily. Taxi apps Bolt and Uber work well here with fares approximately €0.8 per km.
Hotel in Funchal Old Town (historic heart of Madeira's capital)
$45-70/night

Staying here places you within walking distance of major museums and markets, with plenty of dining and nightlife options.

taxi30 minutes

Travel from Funchal Old Town to the whale watching area by taxi. Booking in advance with Bolt is recommended for best prices and convenience.

Day 6Whale Watching and Botanical Beauty
Morning
Whale Watching Tour

~3 hours

Start your whale watching tour from Funchal Marina. Book with a reputable company and bring a jacket as it can be chilly on the water. Early morning tours often have the best sightings.

Observe whales and dolphins in their natural habitat on a guided boat trip.

Afternoon

Madeira Botanical Garden

Madeira Botanical Garden

Visit the Madeira Botanical Garden located on Caminho do Monte. Explore a vast collection of exotic plants and enjoy panoramic views of Funchal.

4.4(23k reviews)~3 hours
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Meals

Recommended traditional local cuisine

Breakfast
Find a café near the marina and try a fresh pastel de nata (Portuguese custard tart) with a strong coffee to start your day.
~€3
Scabbard Fish with Banana
Lunch~€15

Look for a seafood restaurant close to the Botanical Garden and order fresh Scabbard Fish with Banana, a local specialty with a delightful sweet and savory mix.

Scabbard Fish with Banana
Espetada
Dinner~€20

Find a traditional Madeiran restaurant in Funchal and try Espetada, skewered beef grilled with herbs served with local sides, paired with a glass of Madeira Wine.

Espetada
The best way to get around Funchal today is by taxi or bus. Use Bolt or Uber for quick taxis at about €0.8/km. Public buses are economical and frequent.
Hotel in Funchal (capital city center with easy access to attractions and dining)
$40-50/night

Staying in the capital center keeps you close to the marina for tours and the Botanical Garden for afternoon visits.

bus1hr 15min

Travel by bus from Funchal to Santana for Day 7. Buses run frequently and you can buy tickets at the station or via local apps. It's a scenic ride through Madeira's mountains.

Day 7Santana and Traditional Culture
Morning
Santana Traditional Houses

~3 hours

Explore the iconic Santana Traditional Houses in Santana town. These triangular houses with thatched roofs are best viewed around Rua da Igreja and the main village square. Capture their colorful charm and cultural significance.

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Afternoon
Try a local cooking class

~4 hours

Join a cooking class in Santana to learn how to prepare authentic Madeiran dishes. Classes often happen in local community centers or small kitchens around central Santana. Book in advance and enjoy hands-on experience preparing regional specialties.

Meals

Recommended traditional local cuisine

Queijadas da Madeira
Breakfast€3-5

Find a local bakery in Santana and try Queijadas da Madeira, a traditional Madeiran sweet cheese tart, paired with a strong coffee.

Queijadas da Madeira
Espetada
Lunch€10-15

Enjoy a hearty lunch at a family-run house or small eatery by the Santana village center. Order Espetada, a traditional skewered beef dish grilled over wood chips, served with local salad and bread.

Espetada
Lapas Grelhadas
Dinner€15-20

Look for a cozy restaurant around Santana offering seafood dishes and try Lapas Grelhadas, grilled limpets served with garlic butter and lemon — a local delicacy.

Lapas Grelhadas
Use local buses for travel within Santana or short taxi rides. The Bolt or Uber apps offer good taxi services costing around €0.8 per km, convenient for reaching dispersed attractions.
Bed & Breakfast in Santana (traditional village known for its iconic thatched houses)
€40-60/night

Staying in Santana offers the perfect authentic cultural immersion close to the traditional houses and cooking class venues.

Taxi40 minutes

Take a taxi from Santana to the Relaxation and Local Experiences area. Booking via Bolt or Uber apps is recommended for ease and comfort.

Day 8Relaxation and Local Experiences
Morning
Visit a botanical or butterfly garden

~2.5 hours

Head to the Madeira Botanical Garden located on Caminho do Meio. Enjoy a peaceful morning among exotic plants and butterflies with plenty of shaded paths and lovely viewpoints.

Book tours & ticketsView details, tips, opening times & more
Afternoon
Find a rooftop bar with city views

~2 hours

Search for a rooftop bar near Avenida Arriaga for scenic views over Funchal. Sip a refreshing drink while watching the city bustle below and soaking up the sun.

Evening
Evening sunset walk

~1.5 hours

Take a leisurely dusk walk along the Promenade at Praia Formosa to catch a stunning Atlantic sunset. The fresh ocean breeze and brilliant sky colors make for a perfect peaceful ending.

Meals

Recommended traditional local cuisine

Bolo de Mel
Breakfast€3-5

Find a local bakery near the Botanical Garden and try Bolo de Mel, a traditional Madeiran honey cake made with cane sugar paired with a strong Portuguese coffee.

Bolo de Mel
Lunch
Look for a café in the city center offering fresh sandwiches or salads with a glass of Madeira Wine to relax and refresh.
€10-15
Lapas Grelhadas
Dinner€18-25

Visit a local seafood restaurant near the coastal area and order Lapas Grelhadas, grilled limpets which are a local delicacy, paired with a glass of Poncha, a traditional Madeiran drink.

Lapas Grelhadas
Use local buses and taxis to get around the city. Taxi apps Bolt and Uber work well here with a rate of about €0.8 per km. Buses are frequent and economical for short trips.
Hotel in Funchal (central, vibrant capital city area)
€40-60/night

Funchal is perfect for the last day due to its variety of gardens, bars, and scenic seaside spots all within easy walking or short taxi rides.

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Budget Breakdown

Accommodation / night$49
Food / day$13
Transport / day$7
Activities / day$15
Daily total$84
Trip total$672

Accommodation is about $49 per night. Food costs about $13 per day considering meals and street food. Transport costs around $7 including bus, taxi, and cable car. Activities budget is estimated at $15 per day.

Good to Know

Tap Water: Safe to drink
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Best Taxi Apps: Bolt, Uber
Public Transport: Bus, Taxi, Cable Car available
Languages: Portuguese, English, Spanish commonly spoken
Safety: Excellent violent crime safety, good traffic safety
Vaccinations: Recommended Hepatitis A and Tetanus
Natural Disasters: Possible landslides, floods, storms in certain weather
Nature Access: Excellent nature access and outdoor activities
Internet Speed: Good speed at 40 Mbps

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