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

Discover the stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and unique attractions of Madeira this spring with a perfect blend of nature, history, and local experiences.
Free walking tours. Yes, actually free. No credit card needed. No catch.
Local guide, 2-3 hours
Major sights, hidden gems, local stories
100% tip-based
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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.
~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
Visit the Sé Cathedral, located in the old town of Funchal. Explore its unique Manueline architecture and peaceful cloisters.

Visit the Sé Cathedral, located in the old town of Funchal. Explore its unique Manueline architecture and peaceful cloisters.
~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.
Book tours & ticketsView details, tips, opening times & more~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

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
Find a casual eatery near the market and try Espetada, skewered beef grilled over wood chips, a signature Madeiran dish.
Espetada
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 BananaStaying here keeps you close to major attractions and offers easy access to public transport for exploring Madeira.
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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.
~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

Find a local café near your accommodation and try Queijadas da Madeira, a small sweet cheese tart with cinnamon.
Queijadas da Madeira
Look for a seaside restaurant near Porto Moniz and order fresh Lapas Grelhadas, local grilled limpets cooked with garlic butter.
Lapas Grelhadas
Find a cozy eatery in the fishing village and try Espetada, skewered grilled meat in traditional garlic and wine marinade.
EspetadaFunchal is well located for day trips to coastal views and fishing villages and offers charming accommodations and dining options.
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.
~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.

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.

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.
Meals
Recommended traditional local cuisine

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
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
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 BananaCentral location ideal for quick access to Levada walks and the city's comforts.
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.
~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.
Book tours & ticketsView details, tips, opening times & more~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.
~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

Explore stalls inside Mercado dos Lavradores and enjoy Espetada, a traditional Madeiran grilled beef skewer, perfect for a hearty lunch.
Espetada
Look for a cozy restaurant along the Old Town waterfront and order Scabbard Fish with Banana, a unique Madeiran culinary specialty.
Scabbard Fish with BananaStaying here places you within walking distance of major museums and markets, with plenty of dining and nightlife options.
Travel from Funchal Old Town to the whale watching area by taxi. Booking in advance with Bolt is recommended for best prices and convenience.
~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.

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

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

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
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.
EspetadaStaying in the capital center keeps you close to the marina for tours and the Botanical Garden for afternoon visits.
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.
~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.
View details, tips, opening times & more~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

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
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
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 GrelhadasStaying in Santana offers the perfect authentic cultural immersion close to the traditional houses and cooking class venues.
Take a taxi from Santana to the Relaxation and Local Experiences area. Booking via Bolt or Uber apps is recommended for ease and comfort.
~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~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.
~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

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
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 GrelhadasFunchal 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.
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.
Get your full trip plan as a beautiful PDF with clickable Google Maps directions for every stop.
Curated tours, tickets, and activities recommended by travelers
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