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How many days in Madeira? 5 days of levada walks, peaks and the coast
By Tony Panopoulos · travel-agency planner in Greece · Updated
Madeira is a steep, green Portuguese island in the Atlantic, famous for its levadas, irrigation channels with footpaths along them through the forest, and for its mountains, where a classic hike runs between Pico do Arieiro and Pico Ruivo above the clouds. Five days gives one to Funchal, three to the island's walks and viewpoints, and one to the wild north-west coast. It is a hiking island, not a beach island: there are few sandy beaches, but plenty of natural pools.
Short answer
Four days covers Funchal, one levada walk, the Pico do Arieiro hike and the north-west. Five days give time for weather, which changes quickly in the mountains.
The 5-day plan, day by day
Day 1: Funchal
Morning. Visit the Mercado dos Lavradores (farmers' market), with exotic fruits (try the 'monstera' fruit and passion-fruit varieties) and the fish hall with black espada (scabbardfish). Walk through the old town, the Zona Velha, with its painted doors on Rua de Santa Maria.
Afternoon. Take the cable car up to Monte (about €15-20 one way), visit the Monte Palace Tropical Garden, and come down in a toboggan: a wicker sledge on wooden runners, steered by two men in white along the streets (about €30-40 for two).
Evening. Have dinner in the Zona Velha and taste Madeira wine at the historic Blandy's Wine Lodge.
The toboggan run ends at Livramento; take a taxi or walk down to the centre (about 30 minutes).
Day 2: Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo
Morning. Drive to Pico do Arieiro (1,818 m), Madeira's third-highest peak, for sunrise above the clouds. Then hike the PR1 trail to Pico Ruivo (1,862 m), the highest (about 7 km one way, 3 hours, with tunnels, steep stairs and ridges). Hiking trails now charge a small access fee for non-residents.
Afternoon. Return the same way, or descend from Pico Ruivo to Achada do Teixeira if you arranged a pick-up.
Evening. Rest in Funchal or in Santana, on the north coast, famous for its triangular thatched houses.
The trail is exposed and can close after landslides or in bad weather; check the official trail status before going.
Day 3: Levada walks: 25 Fontes and Rabaçal
Morning. Take a shuttle or drive to Rabaçal for the Levada das 25 Fontes (PR6), a walk of about 4.5 km each way along a water channel to a pool fed by 25 springs, and the Risco waterfall (PR6.1). Arrive early: it is the island's most popular walk.
Afternoon. Drive down to Calheta, one of the few sandy beaches (with imported sand), or to the Paul da Serra plateau.
Evening. Watch the sunset at the Ponta do Pargo lighthouse in the far west.
Bring a torch for walks with tunnels, and waterproof layers: the weather in the mountains changes fast.
Day 4: The north-west: Porto Moniz and Seixal
Morning. Drive to Porto Moniz, at the island's north-west corner, and swim in its natural lava pools, filled by the Atlantic waves (small entry fee).
Afternoon. Visit Seixal, with a black-sand beach under green cliffs, and drive along the north coast past waterfalls such as the Véu da Noiva ('Bridal Veil').
Evening. Return via São Vicente, with lava caves, or the Encumeada pass.
The old coastal road on the north is closed in parts; the new tunnels are faster but less scenic.
Day 5: Ponta de São Lourenço and Câmara de Lobos
Morning. Hike the Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço (PR8), the island's dry, rocky eastern tip, about 8 km return with dramatic sea views and a different, desert-like landscape.
Afternoon. Visit the cliff viewpoint of Cabo Girão, one of Europe's highest sea cliffs (580 m), with a glass skywalk, and the fishing village of Câmara de Lobos, where Winston Churchill painted.
Evening. Try a poncha (rum, honey and lemon) in Câmara de Lobos, then dinner in Funchal.
São Lourenço has no shade; go early in summer.
Only have 4 days?
With 4 days, do Days 1, 2, 3 and 5.
Got extra days?
With more time, take the ferry to Porto Santo (about 2.5 hours), an island with a 9 km sandy beach, or do more levada walks such as the Caldeirão Verde and Levada do Rei.
Where to stay in Madeira
| Budget | Area | Why | Typical double/night |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | Funchal centre | Guesthouses and apartments, buses to everywhere. | €60-110 |
| Mid-range | Funchal (Lido / old town) | Restaurants, pools, sea views, tours pick up here. | €120-220 |
| Mid-range | Calheta / Ponta do Sol | Sunny south-west, closer to the levada walks. | €100-200 |
| Comfort | Funchal grand hotels | Historic hotels such as Reid's Palace above the sea. | €300-800 |
Getting around
Rent a car for the hiking trailheads and the north coast; roads are steep and winding, but well-built tunnels link much of the island. Buses connect Funchal with towns but not with many trailheads. Many walking tours include transport. Madeira airport (Cristiano Ronaldo International) is about 20-25 minutes from Funchal; strong winds sometimes cause diversions.
What to eat in Madeira
Try espada com banana (black scabbardfish with banana), espetada (beef on bay-wood skewers), bolo do caco (flatbread with garlic butter), lapas (grilled limpets), tuna steaks, and the honey cake bolo de mel. Drink poncha and Madeira wine (from dry Sercial to sweet Malmsey). A meal costs €15-30 in local restaurants.
Best time to visit
All year: Madeira's coast is mild (about 19°C in winter, 25°C in summer). April to October is best for hiking, with drier trails. Spring brings flowers (the Flower Festival, April-May), and the New Year's Eve fireworks over Funchal are famous. Mountains are cooler and can be cloudy any day.
Month-by-month weather for Madeira →
What a day costs
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed (per person, sharing a double) | €35 | €80 | €250 |
| Food & drink | €20 | €40 | €80 |
| Activities & fees | €10 | €35 | €80 |
| Car (share) & fuel | €15 | €25 | €40 |
| Total per person, per day | about €80 | about €180 | about €450 |
Approximate 2026 prices. Funchal and other municipalities charge a small tourist tax per person per night; several trails charge a small access fee for non-residents.
Before you go
Common questions
Do I need a car in Madeira?
It helps a lot for hiking: many trailheads are far from bus routes. Otherwise, guided walking tours include transport.
Are the levada walks difficult?
Many are easy and flat, following the water channels, but some have narrow edges with drops. Check the official grading and current status.
Is Madeira good for a beach holiday?
Not really: most beaches are pebbly or rocky. Natural pools (Porto Moniz, Seixal) and Porto Santo's sandy beach are the alternatives.
Is the Pico do Arieiro hike open?
Sections of the PR1 have been closed at times after fires and landslides. Check the official trail website before going.
Is Madeira good for families?
Yes: easy levada walks, the Monte toboggan, botanical gardens and natural pools suit children.
What is the weather like in the mountains?
Often different from the coast: cold, windy and cloudy. Bring layers and rain gear, even on sunny days in Funchal.
How many days do I need?
Five to seven days for a good mix of Funchal, walks and the coast.
How this guide was made
Written by hand, without AI, from experience planning Portugal trips. Prices, trail status and fees are approximate for 2026; confirm on the official Visit Madeira, Simplifica (trails) and cable car websites before going.
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