Madeira, Portugal · trip planner

Plan Madeira without the guesswork.

Which side of the island to sleep on, which levadas are worth the drive, and which tours to book before they sell out. Straight answers, tested routes.

Live prices from Booking.com and other sites, shown on the map below.

Start here

ItinerariesMadeira in 5, 7 or 10 daysRoutes that group the island by side, so you are not crossing it twice a day.Get the free 7-day plan → Where to stayFunchal, Calheta or the north?Sun, nightlife, hiking access: pick the base that fits your trip.Compare the areas → Things to doTours worth booking aheadSunrise hikes, whale watching and 4×4 tours that sell out first.See the tours → Place guidesThe west and the north, in detailVillages, viewpoints and trailheads most visitors rush past.Browse the guides →

Place guides

Every place in detail: what to see, how to get there, where to sleep and which hikes start nearby. We begin with the west and the north, the corners most visitors rush through.

Porto MonizNatural lava pools at the northern tip Fanal ForestCenturies-old laurels in the mist SeixalBlack sand and the Véu da Noiva falls Ribeira da JanelaThree sea stacks and a long levada Achadas da CruzThe cable car that drops to the sea Ponta do PargoThe lighthouse at the end of the island Paul do MarFishing harbour and the Caminho Real Jardim do MarThe car-free garden village

Tours worth booking ahead

The sunrise hike and the west-coast 4×4 tours fill up first in high season. Most offer free cancellation.

Where to stay, by area

Madeira is small on the map and slow on the road. Pick your base by what you plan to do, not by the hotel photo.

FunchalRestaurants, old town, bus hub. Best for a first trip without a car.
Caniço & GarajauQuiet sea-view hotels, close to the airport.
CalhetaSunny south-west, marina and a sheltered sand beach.
Ponta do SolSmall sunny town on the south coast, easy for the west.
MachicoSandy bay near the airport and the São Lourenço walk.
Porto MonizWild north-west tip with natural lava pools.
São Vicente & SeixalNorth-coast villages between mountains and sea.
SantanaGreen, cooler, close to the big trailheads.

Get the 7-day plan we’d follow ourselves

  • A day-by-day route that keeps driving time short
  • Levada walks sorted by difficulty and exposure
  • What to book before you fly, and what can wait
  • A printable packing and booking checklist
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