Olá adventure seekers! Madeira is your one-stop shop for fun! From hiking mountains to splashing in the ocean, tasting yummy food to spotting playful dolphins, this island has it all. Let’s dive into a 4-day adventure, shall we?
DAY 1 (SOUTHERN MADEIRA)
Welcome to Funchal, your sunny escape!
Check into your hotel and get ready to fall head over heels for this charming city! Funchal is like living in springtime all year round, making it the perfect place to escape the cold. Everywhere you turn, there’s a postcard-perfect view of mountains or the sparkling ocean. Don’t forget your comfy sneakers, because you’ll want to explore every cobblestone street and soak up the island vibes!
Soar to new heights at Monte Palace Tropical Garden!
Hop on the cable car for an 8-person adventure to the top of the hill! As you float above Funchal Bay, prepare to be blown away by the stunning views. Once you reach the Monte Palace Garden, you’ll be surrounded by exotic plants and a seriously peaceful vibe. It’s like stepping into a secret garden paradise!
Toboggan thrills await!
Get ready for a wild ride down the hill! Hop on a traditional wicker sled and zoom down from Monte to Funchal. It’s like a rollercoaster without the tracks! The ride is super steep and totally exhilarating. I timed it perfectly to catch the sunset – it was like something out of a movie!
DAY 2 (WESTERN & NORTHERN MADEIRA)
Levada das 25 Fontes: A Wonderland!
Get ready for a green adventure! This Levada hike is Madeira’s best, and for good reason. You’ll wander through a lush, green wonderland until you stumble upon the jaw-dropping Risco Waterfall – Madeira’s tallest! Keep going, and you’ll reach the magical 25 Fontes waterfall, where you can cool off, snap pics, or chill out with a picnic.
Quick facts:
- Distance: A roundtrip of about 5.3 miles
- Walking time: 3-4 hours of fun
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate – perfect for most adventurers!
- Best for: An epic Madeira memory!
Tip: On your way, you’ll pass through the charming fishing village of Camara de Lobos. If you have time, definitely explore its cute streets!
Fanal Forest: A Magical Mystery!
Imagine a forest straight out of a fairytale, with giant, ancient trees and a mysterious fog rolling through. That’s Fanal! Unfortunately, I missed the magic on my visit because the sun decided to show off. But don’t let that stop you! If you want to experience the full Fanal fantasy, keep an eye on the weather forecast. Fingers crossed for fog!
I didn’t have time to explore Ribeira da Janela, but I heard it’s a rock formation wonderland! Unfortunately, I only caught glimpses of the cool cliffs on our drive. But hey, I did find an awesome viewpoint in Ribeira da Janela with epic coastal views! So while I missed out on the full experience, I still got a taste of Madeira’s stunning coastline.
Seixal Beach: A Black Sand Beauty!
Imagine a beach with black sand, surrounded by towering mountains and a natural waterfall! That’s Seixal Beach! I couldn’t resist the chilly water, but I loved watching brave souls splashing around and even playing under the waterfall! It’s a totally unique and magical place. You have to see it to believe it!
DAY 3
Spa day bliss!
After two days of exploring and hiking, my body was begging for some TLC. Luckily, my hotel, the Savoy Palace, had the perfect cure: a luxurious spa! I spent the morning soaking up the sun by the pool and then indulged in a heavenly hydrotherapy session. It was the ultimate recharge!
Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo: A Mountaintop Adventure!
This hike was pure adrenaline! I’m still buzzing! It was tough going with all the ups and downs, but the views were out of this world! Imagine walking through tunnels and climbing up steep paths with the most incredible scenery. Then, BAM! You reach the top of Pico Ruivo and see the most stunning sunset EVER!
But let’s be real, hiking in the dark is no joke. Luckily, I had the amazing Sergio as my guide! He was a lifesaver!
Quick facts:
- Distance: About 7.5 miles there and back
- Walking time: 6-7 hours of epicness
- Difficulty: Challenging but totally worth it!
- Best for: Sunset chasers and adventure seekers!
DAY 4 (EASTERN MADEIRA)
Golf and glam!
My hubby dragged me on this golf adventure, but I didn’t mind too much. The Palheiro Golf course was stunning! Eighteen holes of ocean views and Funchal in the distance. I might not be a golf pro, but I had a blast driving the cart and sipping on my coffee. It was a perfect morning!
Ponta de Sao Lourenco: A Coastal Gem!
After a morning of golf, we hit the road for some island exploring! Our destination? The stunning Ponta de Sao Lourenco! We wanted to hike the PR8 trail, but time was ticking, so we decided to drive to the starting point for a sunset view. And wow, just wow! The scenery was unreal – rugged cliffs, endless ocean, and pure magic. Imagine how amazing the hike must be! I’ll definitely be back to explore!
I would highly recommend renting a car to explore the island.
On my to-do list
