4 days in Madeira Itinerary: A Travel Guide
Madeira, a breathtaking island in the Atlantic Ocean, is a true paradise of lush forests, dramatic mountains, charming coastal towns and pristine beaches. Whether you’re craving an action-packed adventure or a laid back escape, Madeira offers something for every type of traveller.
If you’re planning a short trip, this 4 days in Madeira itinerary is the perfect way to experience the island’s highlights. From iconic viewpoints and volcanic landscapes to cultural experiences and local drinks, four days allows you to see a surprising amount – while still leaving time to relax and soak up Madeira’s unique atmosphere.
Madeira is a year round destination, due to its mild tropical climate. Making it perfect to escape winter chills and soak up some sunshine. There isn’t a bad time to visit!
We chose not to rent a car during our trip. Instead, we wanted to fully relax and enjoy the local poncha without worrying about driving on narrow mountain roads. By booking a mix of organised tours and using taxis, we managed to see all the places we wanted.
If you’re worried about exploring without driving, don’t be! This 4 days in Madeira itinerary without a car proves that you can experience the island’s best attractions stress free and comfortably.
Day 1 – Relax by the Ocean and Sunset Cruise
We arrived in Madeira around midday and took a short taxi ride to our hotel to drop off our bags. We stayed in the Lido area, a coastal neighbourhood just outside Funchal, known for its scenic promenade, saltwater pools and relaxed atmosphere.
After a stroll along the waterfront surrounded by lush gardens, we stopped for lunch at one of the café bars. This is also a great spot for a refreshing swim in the Atlantic if you’re feeling brave.
Otherwise, hop aboard a traditional Madeiran boat and enjoy a sunset cruise in Funchal.
Sailing past the dramatic cliffs of Cabo Girão and seeing the island from the sea is a magical way to start your 4 days in Madeira itinerary.
Day 2 – Pico do Arieiro Sunrise & Funchal Tuk Tuk Tour
It’s an early rise this morning to head to Pico do Ariero for Sunrise. The tour guide let us know the night before what time they would collect us for the drive up to Madeira’s highest peak.
At almost 6000 feet, this is the best place on the island to enjoy sunrise over the mountains and rugged cliffs below.
Unfortunately, for us, in the time it took us to drive up there the weather had changed. This is a common phenomenon in Madeira – the weather can change in an instant. So, we were surrounded by mist and a strong wind and did not get to see the sunrise. This was disappointing, but I do appreciate putting our safety first and we wouldn’t have been able to enjoy the views anyway. 
Instead, we were able to go on a nearby Levada walk through the forest to enjoy the island’s incredible nature. We also stopped for a hot coffee and breakfast pastry in a darling local cafe in the mountains – the perfect way to warm up!
After some downtime at the hotel, we headed out again for an afternoon Funchal Tuk Tuk tour. This is one of the most fun and unique ways to explore the city. With the roof down, we cruised through the Old Town, admired colourful architecture and learned about Madeira’s history.
We then arrived at the famous toboggan rides in Monte, which is a thrilling traditional experience where you ride in a wicker basket steered down the hills by men using their boots as breaks. Seeing this feels like stepping back in time and a true cultural experience. Definitely one for the adrenaline lovers.
We also stopped at a beautiful view point on the tour, it had panoramic views over the city and ocean. Truly incredible.
After a really great afternoon exploring Funchal, we were dropped back at our hotel. I’d highly recommend the tuk tuk tour, it’s a great way to enjoy more of the city.
Day 3 – West Madeira Adventures
This was our most adventure-packed day. We joined a full-day tour exploring the wild west of Madeira and it exceeded all expectations.
Our first stop was Achadas da Cruz, accessed by Europe’s steepest cable car. The ride is a little nerve-wracking – but absolutely worth it. At the bottom, you’re rewarded with jaw-dropping views of cliffs, coastline and the Atlantic stretching endlessly beyond.
After a cappuccino, we headed to Porto Moniz, which is famous for its black volcanic rock pools where you can take a dip if you wish. It was a little cloudier when we were there, so we opted for a spot of lunch in a local bistro. There were many people enjoying a fresh swim though.
A stop at the mystical Fanal forest was our next stop, for once on the trip we were hoping for mist. We were not disappointed! This ancient laurel forest, covered with moss and veiled in fog creates such a magical atmosphere.
We enjoyed a quiet wander and were able to spot some of the cute cows roaming around.
We then headed to Seixal, home to one of the most beautiful black sand beaches in Madeira. Surrounded by lush green mountains and dotted with cascading waterfalls, it’s peaceful, dramatic and unforgettable.
No 4 days in Madeira itinerary would be complete without poncha, so we ended the day with a well-earned glass of the island’s favourite drink.
Day 4 – Cabo Girão by Classic VW
Our final day was a real highlight. We explored Madeira’s south coast in a classic VW convertible, driving along scenic regional roads with the top down.
Starting in Ribeira Brava, we stopped in the picturesque fishing village of Câmara de Lobos for a wander and a refreshing drink. The coastal drive toward Cabo Girão offered endless photo opportunities.
At Cabo Girão, we stepped onto the famous glass skywalk, one of the highest sea cliffs in Europe. The views over Funchal and the ocean below are truly unforgettable.
We took in even more viewpoints, but really, the best part was being able to enjoy the drive through the island in a classic car. Such a cool way to experience Madeira.
We stopped at a cute little bar before heading back to our hotel. While poncha was on offer, we tried a Nikita, a surprisingly delicious Madeiran cocktail.
The afternoon was left free for pool time and relaxation, an ideal way to end our 4 days in Madeira itinerary.
Where to stay in Madeira?
We booked our trip last-minute over Easter, so accommodation was limited. That said, I think we found a hidden gem in Hotel Alto Lido, located in the Lido area, just 2.5km from Funchal city centre.
The Lido area is a great place to stay with it’s coastal promenade, salt water pools and lots of restaurant options. It’s also only a short drive from the city and old town – making it a great spot to explore the island from.
Hotel Alto Lido offers contemporary rooms with a kitchenette, a balcony and all of the amenities you could require.
There’s both an indoor and outdoor pool, as well as access to a sauna and Turkish bath. Great to relax after a day of exploring the island.
For such an affordable option, we were pleasantly surprised and enjoyed our stay. If you’re looking for something a little more luxe, the Savoy Monumentalis is just along the road.
My biggest tip? Book as far in advance as possible, especially during peak seasons.
I encourage you to visit this stunning island – you’re sure to have some incredible experiences.
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