How to Spend FIVE DAYS in Madeira, Portugal – The Best 5-Day Itinerary

Planning a trip to Madeira, Portugal? I’ve got the perfect 5-day itinerary for you! 

I absolutely loved Madeira. It’s such a beautiful island with a ton to see and do, but before I visited, I must admit that I felt a bit overwhelmed by just how much was on offer. At first, I didn’t know where to start! 

But after carefully planning a 5-day itinerary, then testing it out and tweaking it to perfection, I’m confident I’ve cracked the code to the perfect Madeira trip. I had the best time exploring the Hawaii of Europe, and if you follow this itinerary, I’m sure that you will too. 

Itinerary Overview

First things first, I recommend basing yourself in Funchal for this itinerary. It’s the island’s capital and all of the best restaurants are here. Plus, staying in Funchal meant tour pickup was a breeze, and I had everything I needed right on my doorstep. 

And speaking of tours, I definitely recommend booking a few rather than hiring a car. I tried driving in Madeira, and trust me, those steep, winding roads are no joke! Parking at popular attractions can also be a nightmare, whereas tour guides often have designated spaces.

There are public buses, but they’re generally better suited to getting locals around than sightseeing. I found guided tours much easier, and having a local to show me around meant I learned so much more about the island, too!

Day 1: Ride Funchal’s famous cable car and explore the amazing Monte Palace Tropical Garden, then eat your way around Funchal on a food tour.

Day 2: Discover Madeira’s wild northern coast on a full-day 4×4 adventure, with chances to swim in beautiful rockpools, go off-roading, and explore the spooky Fanal Forest.

Day 3: Kick off the day by spotting whales and dolphins on a catamaran cruise, then explore Funchal’s Old Town and enjoy a rooftop dinner.

Day 4: Tackle a sunrise hike and watch the sun come up from the island’s highest point, then relax after your early start before wrapping up the day with a private sunset cruise.

Day 5: Explore eastern Madeira on this full-day sightseeing tour, from the traditional houses of Santana to dramatic mountain and coastal viewpoints, then wrap up your time here with delicious seafood and plenty of poncha!

Day 1

Breakfast – Rise and Dine

I kicked off my trip to Madeira with one of the best breakfasts I’ve ever had. I’m serious – I loved Rise and Dine so much that I recommended it to pretty much everyone I met in Madeira!

Keep an eye out for the sign outside, as I almost walked past it! Once inside, it’s a minimalist spot with friendly staff, and the menu is so good that I had a really hard time deciding what to order. In the end, I went for the Madeira Brunch because of its name, and it was a great decision. It was banana bread French toast slathered in passion fruit syrup (my favorite!), topped with fresh banana and mascarpone, and it was heavenly.

I got to Rise and Dine at 9 am, just as it opened, and I had my pick of tables. However, by the time I left, it had filled up a lot, so getting there early was a good idea. 

Once you’ve eaten, make your way towards the Funchal cable car. It sits along the waterfront, so the walk there is pretty scenic. Google Maps told me it would take 14 minutes to walk there, but I definitely found that Google Maps tended to overestimate walking times in Funchal.

Morning – The Funchal Cable Car, Monte Palace Tropical Garden, and Botanical Garden

After breakfast, it’s time to head up into the hills on the Funchal Cable Car! The ride itself is beautiful, with amazing views over the city and coastline as you climb higher and higher. Then, at the top, you’ve got two incredible gardens to explore. 

I initially thought I’d only need a couple of hours up here, but boy, was I wrong! There’s SO much to see, so I recommend staying up here until it’s time to go and meet your food tour at 4 pm.

Madeira Botanical Garden

I started by heading to the Madeira Botanical Garden, which requires another cable car ride. I paid €24 for the cable car and entry. Now, you can skip this one if you’re on a budget, but I thought it was well worth visiting!

The gardens are full of exotic plants from around the world, with gorgeous views over Madeira and the ocean. They’re also much quieter than Monte Palace, which I appreciated! My favorite part was the greenhouse and the beautifully landscaped gardens, which are right next to each other.

Monte Palace Tropical Garden

Afterward, I headed back to Monte Palace Tropical Garden, which is right beside the upper Funchal Cable Car station. Entry cost me €18, and I genuinely don’t think I’ve ever visited gardens quite like these! There’s just SO much to see. 

Near the garden entrance, you’ll find three exhibitions: contemporary art, African sculpture, and a precious stone collection. I also found plenty of artwork as I explored the garden, plus a gorgeous Japanese garden with torii gates, koi ponds, stepping stones, and a pagoda pavilion.

Elsewhere, I came across flamingos beneath a waterfall and even a band playing live music in the middle of a pond! Every time I thought I’d seen everything, I discovered something new.

I recommend staying up here for lunch, rather than rushing back down to Funchal. Sweet Monte, near the entrance, is a nice spot, or you can stop at a fun little poncha bar at the gardens’ southern viewpoint. Insider tip: when I visited the Blue House Café, showing my garden entry ticket at the counter got me a free sample of Madeira wine!

Cable car or toboggan ride 

Monte Palace was one of the highlights of my entire trip, so take your time and enjoy it! Then, when it’s time to head back down to Funchal for your food tour, you can either take the cable car or hop on one of the iconic toboggans and head down the old-school way. 

Madeira’s tradition of wicker toboggan rides dates back to the 19th century, so this is a fun way to connect to the island’s heritage. Two drivers in traditional straw hats steer you down the steep streets using their feet to brake. It looks like so much fun! 

Just bear in mind that the toboggan doesn’t take you all the way into central Funchal, and rides aren’t available on Sundays. The route ends in Livramento, so you’ll need to walk, or catch a taxi or bus, for the rest of the journey. I just caught the cable car back down as I was running out of time and it seemed easier, but if you’re keen for a toboggan ride, leave the gardens by about 3 pm, as there’s often a queue. 

Late Afternoon – Eat your way around Funchal

One of my favorite ways to get to know a new destination is through its food, so I couldn’t resist booking this fantastic food and wine tour of Funchal! It was the perfect introduction to Madeira, so I’m really glad that I did it on my first day here. Book it for 4 pm, so that you’ll have plenty of time to explore the gardens beforehand.

Our guide, Mara, was born and raised on the island, so she was a fountain of local knowledge. We started with fruit and chocolate tastings at the famous Mercado dos Lavradores, and then continued onto a historic bar to sample Madeira wine, which tastes a bit like port but is produced differently. Then we headed to a tapas spot, where we tucked into a charcuterie board with four local cheeses, cured meats, and olives, washed down with a generous glass of Douro Valley wine. Yum!

We also stopped at a bakery to sample local cakes and biscuits. They were wrapped up for us so we could enjoy them later, which I thought was a nice touch.

Next up was a sit-down dinner featuring flaming chorizo and Madeira’s famous black scabbard fish tempura with sweet chili sauce, followed up with tuna ceviche… and even more wine! Finally, we finished at a poncha bar to try the island’s famous drink and see how they make it. 

This tour was a great way to get my bearings around Funchal, and it was so much fun, too. There’s a very generous amount of wine involved, so be sure to drink some water along the way!

Evening – Rei da Poncha

If you still have energy after your food tour, finish your first day with a drink at Rei da Poncha. 

This lively little spot is exactly the kind of place I love, and locals love it too, so it’s the perfect place to sample more of Madeira’s famous poncha. You’ll probably have tried the traditional version on your food tour already, but I recommend branching out and trying the passion fruit or tangerine flavors. They’re delicious!

Just keep in mind that Rei da Poncha is cash-only and closed on Sundays. If you’re feeling too full after all that food, there’s no harm in saving this one for another evening!

Day 2

Breakfast – Studio Coffee and Brunch 

We’ve got an early start today, so I recommend grabbing a quick breakfast at Studio Coffee and Brunch, right in the center of Funchal. It opens at 7 am, which is perfect for getting some food before your tour pickup. I popped in for takeaway smoked salmon on toast, which was prepared nice and quick, so I had plenty of time to eat before heading off!

Of course, if your hotel includes breakfast, you can skip the café altogether. Madeira is a popular hiking destination, so many hotels are used to early starts and can prepare a packed breakfast if you request one the night before.

Morning/Afternoon: Explore Madeira on a full-day 4×4 Jeep tour

Today, we’re heading out of Funchal to explore Madeira’s wild northern coast on this incredible full-day Jeep tour! This was my favorite experience in Madeira, and it’s the perfect way to see the island’s most beautiful spots in a single day.

Our guide, Pedro, picked us up in his beloved Land Rover Defender, affectionately named Manu! He was absolutely lovely and knew the island like the back of his hand, taking us down steep little shortcuts that I wouldn’t have dared tackle in a rental car.

Our first stop was the famous Cabo Girão Skywalk, where you can stand on a glass platform high above the ocean. From there, we headed north to see Seixal Beach before continuing to the natural volcanic pools at Porto Moniz.

One of the craziest things about this tour was watching the weather change as we traveled around the island. We would drive through a tunnel in the rain and emerge into glorious sunshine on the other side. It was crazy!

We also explored Fanal Forest, which was completely shrouded in fog during our visit. It was super eerie, like stepping onto the set of a ghost film! Then, after lunch at a jungle-themed restaurant, came my favorite part of the day: off-roading. We stood up through the roof of Manu as Pedro took us zooming along rugged tracks. It was SO much fun!

Finally, we finished in the cute little town of Ponta do Sol, where there’s a lovely black pebble beach where you can go for a swim, or a bar where you can enjoy a poncha with a view, which was what I did. 

I really can’t recommend this Jeep tour enough. I had so much fun, and I didn’t want the day to end – no wonder it has 3,000+ 5-star reviews! 

Late Afternoon – Relax

After a full day of exploring, head back to your hotel to freshen up and relax for a bit. The portions at our lunch stop were HUGE, so I wasn’t in a rush to eat dinner. I was back from my tour around 5 pm.

If you feel the same, I recommend a leisurely stroll along Funchal’s waterfront promenade. It’s nice to stretch your legs and admire the views. 

You can also stop by the Cristiano Ronaldo statue, which has been rather manhandled by tourists. It’s worth stopping for a funny photo, especially since Madeira’s most famous footballer is such a big deal on the island – he was actually born here, and the airport is named after him.

Dinner – Restaurante Informal

For dinner tonight, we’re heading to Restaurante Informal, one of several fantastic restaurants in Funchal run by chef Júlio Pereira. I had such an amazing meal here, so I highly recommend it. 

Informal doesn’t take reservations; either arrive when it opens or just stop by and put your name down for a table later. I was still pretty full from lunch on my Jeep tour, so I opted for the latter.

While I waited, I strolled along the promenade before heading to Bar Informal next door for a cocktail. I ordered the Pepperviento, a delicious chili cocktail with different salts around the rim. The black salt added a smoky flavor, while the spicy salt gave it an extra kick. I thought it was such a clever idea!

When my table was ready, the staff let me know, and I headed next door for dinner. I started with incredible scallops served with roe, then had a fresh, flavourful salmon ceviche. But the real star of the show was my main course: black pike with nori risotto. I had never tasted a risotto quite like it before!

Day 3

Breakfast – Vera Cruz

We’re keeping breakfast nice and simple this morning! I recommend stopping by Vera Cruz, a traditional little café tucked away down one of Funchal’s side streets, close to the marina. This is an informal, local spot and it’s perfect for grabbing a quick bite before heading out on your whale-watching cruise. I picked up a pastel de nata and a coffee to go, exactly what I needed! 

Morning – Spot dolphins and whales on a catamaran cruise

Madeira is one of the best places in Europe for whale and dolphin watching, so I couldn’t wait to get out on the water! I booked this catamaran cruise, and it ended up being one of the highlights of my trip.

The catamaran itself was modern and well-maintained, with plenty of room to move around and a bar serving drinks and coffee. We weren’t at sea for long before we spotted our first pilot whales, and they kept appearing throughout the cruise! We saw them swimming in little groups of two or three, sometimes coming right up alongside the boat. The water was so clear that we could even watch them swimming beneath the surface.

The crew was wonderful, too. They switched off the engine whenever whales were nearby, letting us watch them without the motor noise. And as if that wasn’t exciting enough, we even spotted a rare Mediterranean monk seal!

After all that wildlife watching, we sailed over to Cabo Girão for a swimming stop. I hadn’t realized swimming was included, so here’s my tip: wear your swimsuit underneath your clothes and bring a towel, as they aren’t provided.

I absolutely loved this cruise. Of course, wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but you’ll get to do another cruise for free if you don’t spot anything on your first outing.

Lunch – Kampo

After your cruise, it’s time for lunch at Kampo, a sophisticated restaurant in the heart of Funchal run by renowned chef Júlio Pereira. He has several restaurants across Madeira, each with its own specialty, and Kampo is known for its meat dishes. However, I actually ended up ordering seafood! I’m not usually a huge seafood lover back home, but I got a bit obsessed with it in Madeira.

I went for the black rice with octopus and shrimp, topped with bonito flakes that actually move! It was cool to see, and the dish itself was delicious. I paired it with a refreshing glass of wine from Chef JP’s own collection, which was lovely.

The restaurant itself has a stylish, modern feel, with an open kitchen where you can watch the chefs working their magic. I made a reservation in advance, but it was fairly quiet when I visited for lunch, so you could probably get away with walking in. Either way, it’s a fantastic spot for a leisurely lunch before exploring more of Funchal this afternoon!

Afternoon – Explore Funchal

After lunch, it’s time to explore a little more of Funchal! The city is very walkable, and it doesn’t usually get too busy, so it’s nice to take a relaxed wander around for a while.

Walk to the fortress along the waterfront

First up, head towards São Tiago Fortress, a historic fort overlooking the ocean. You really can’t miss it thanks to its bright yellow walls! It’s right along the waterfront, just a short walk from the Funchal Cable Car, so it’s easy to tick off. You don’t need long here, but it’s worth strolling down to see the colorful fortress contrasted against the sea and snap a few photos, of course! 

Rua de Santa Maria Street Art

From the fortress, wander back through Rua de Santa Maria, which is famous for its colorful painted doors. It’s quite a touristy street, so you’ll mostly find souvenir shops and restaurants along the way, but it’s worth a look as you pass through. I spent some time checking out the different designs and snapping photos, and I grabbed a fridge magnet to take home.

Check out Funchal’s museums

You could always head back to your hotel for a bit of downtime, but if you’d rather keep on exploring, then I highly recommend checking out one of Funchal’s quirky museums. 

I went to the Immersive Museum of Madeira (IMOM), and it was such a fun experience! The first room features an immersive cinema-style projection all about Madeira, while the second is packed with interactive exhibits, including a musical piano wall and stepping stones. They also have VR headsets that show you a sunset at Pico de Arieiro, which is pretty cool! 

Alternatively, you could check out the Madeira Photography Museum, where you can see old cameras and a huge archive of photos. You can also visit the 3D Fun Art Museum, where you can snap fun photos of yourself doing everything from drinking a giant beer to sitting astride a giant rhino and emerging from a shark’s mouth! 

All of these museums are conveniently located in the heart of Funchal, so you’ve got plenty of options this afternoon.

Evening – Golden Hour Walk in São Martinho

As the sun starts to go down, I recommend heading over to São Martinho for a relaxing stroll along the waterfront. This is where you’ll find many of Funchal’s higher-end hotels and resorts, and I recommend ambling along the palm-tree-lined Avenida Do Mar to take it all in for a bit. 

São Martinho isn’t far from central Funchal, either! I walked there in around 20 minutes, but you can also hop in a Bolt, which takes about 5 minutes. It has a relaxed, vacation atmosphere, so it’s ideal for winding down for the evening. Depending on when the sun sets during your visit, you can always swap this walk for dinner.

Dinner – Rooftop Bar 360

For dinner tonight, we’re heading up to Rooftop Bar 360, which is located on the 11th floor of an adults-only hotel in São Martinho. The views from up here are fantastic, especially at sunset!

This was the perfect spot to unwind after a busy day of exploring. With a very early start planned for tomorrow’s sunrise tour, I decided to give the alcohol a miss and went for a very refreshing daiquiri mocktail. For dinner, I fancied a break from all the seafood I’d been eating in Madeira, so I ordered a pizza. Although it was a tuna pizza, so I didn’t exactly succeed there…

The sunset was absolutely beautiful from here, and I really enjoyed sitting back and watching the sky change color over the ocean. A leisurely sunset dinner really is just the ticket tonight, because tomorrow’s adventure begins well before dawn. You’ll definitely want to get some sleep, so head back to your hotel after you’ve finished eating and rest up before tomorrow’s alarm! 

Related Read: Find the best place to stay on the island while you’re here with our guide to the top hotels and areas in Madeira!

Day 4

Morning – Enjoy a gorgeous sunrise from Madeira’s highest point

It’s an early start today, but hopefully it’ll be worth it! We’re heading up to Pico Ruivo, Madeira’s highest peak, to watch the sunrise over the mountains on this fantastic guided hiking tour.

The tour includes hotel pickup at around 4 am, which I’m especially grateful for, as strange as it sounds! I wouldn’t fancy tackling those steep, winding mountain roads in the dark, so I was more than happy to sit back and let someone else drive.

From there it’s a roughly 2.5 km (1.5 miles) hike to the summit, with your guide leading the way. You do need a decent level of fitness, but there are plenty of chances to stop and catch your breath (you’ll want them).

And if the weather cooperates, you’ll be rewarded with incredible views as the sun rises over Madeira’s dramatic mountain peaks. Just make sure to bundle up, because it can get pretty chilly at this altitude!

My biggest tip is to keep your itinerary flexible. Madeira’s mountain weather is notoriously unpredictable, and I experienced this firsthand when thick fog obscured the views during my visit! If the forecast doesn’t look great, you can always swap the days of this itinerary around to maximize your chances of a beautiful sunrise. Or you can easily reschedule this tour if needed, as it offers free cancellation and change options!

Brunch – Raiz Quadrada Momo

If you’re anything like me, you’ll be more than ready for a big breakfast by the time you get back to Funchal! I got back from the hike just before 10 am, so I headed straight to Raiz Quadrada Momo for breakfast. 

This cute little spot is close to the cable car and tucked just off the Old Town’s main tourist drag, which is nice. They have a great selection of breakfast and brunch options, so whatever you’re in the mood for, they’ve got you covered! I went for a yummy yogurt and granola bowl, featuring lots of Madeira’s delicious fresh fruit. The passion fruit and bananas that they grow here on the island are just next level, I’m telling you.

Once you’ve eaten, I wouldn’t blame you if you wanted to head back to your hotel to rest for a while! You had an early start this morning, so I think you’ve earned a snooze.

Afternoon – Your choice!

After such an early start this morning, I think you’ve earned a relaxing afternoon! You can absolutely carry on resting, or perhaps chill out by the pool if your hotel has one! 

However, if you want to get back out and explore a bit more, I have a few ideas for what you might want to get up to this afternoon. I’ve kept it flexible and easy, so just head out when you’re ready and see what takes your fancy. Here are a few ideas:

• Get a massage: One idea I really like is treating yourself to a massage – you are on vacation after all! THARA Thai Massage is right in the heart of Funchal and offers both foot and full-body massages, which sound pretty heavenly after a morning of hiking!

• Go shopping: I was really impressed by the shopping in Funchal! There are lots of cute independent boutiques as well as well-known international brands, and I could have easily gone home with an extra suitcase full of clothes.

• Visit another museum: You could always head back to visit one of the museums you didn’t get to yesterday. The museums in Funchal are fun and creative, rather than packed with information, so I think they work pretty well today.

Late afternoon/Early evening – Kick back on a private sunset cruise

After a busy few days exploring Madeira, there’s no better way to wind down than watching the sunset from the water. If you’re traveling as a couple or with a group of friends, this private sunset cruise is the perfect treat!

Unlike the whale-watching cruise on day three, which takes place on a big shared catamaran, this one is just you and your group on a small sailboat with a local skipper. It feels much more relaxed. You can even connect your own phone and play your own music, which of course you can’t do on a large shared tour.

You set off from Funchal marina and spend around 2.5 hours cruising along the coast, passing the colorful fishing village of Câmara de Lobos and the towering Cabo Girão cliffs. The view of the island from the water really is beautiful, especially when you see the city lights twinkling after dark. 

Drinks and snacks are included, so you can sit back with a glass of sparkling wine and a few nibbles while you watch the sunset. It’s a very different experience from this morning’s sunrise adventure, and the perfect way to end the day if you ask me! 

A couple of practical tips: the exact start time depends on sunset, so you’ll get the meeting details the afternoon before. The price is per group, not per person, so it’s much better value if you’re sharing with friends.

Alternative: Shared catamaran cruise 

If you’re traveling solo or would rather not splash out on a private cruise, I’d recommend this shared sunset catamaran cruise instead! Being out on the water as the sun goes down is always a gorgeous experience, and I thought this was the perfect way to round off the day. 

This is actually the one I did, as I was traveling on my own, so renting a whole boat to myself didn’t really make sense. The crew were absolutely wonderful and had us all laughing throughout the trip. It’s a more affordable way to enjoy Madeira’s coastline at sunset, and I think it’s a great option for solo travelers or couples who don’t mind sharing the experience with others.

I loved being out on the water as the sun went down, and it’s definitely something I’d recommend squeezing into your itinerary!

Dinner – Olivia

Tonight, head to my favorite restaurant in Funchal: Olivia! Trust me, you’re in for a treat.

I had heard a lot of good things about Olivia from tour guides and other travelers, so I was excited to check it out for myself. Fortunately, it more than lived up to the hype. 

The restaurant has a modern, sophisticated feel, but it’s not overly fancy, so you can head there straight after your cruise. I booked a table for 8:30 pm, although I arrived a little early as it was only a 10-minute walk from the marina, and they were happy to accommodate me.

I started with an incredible ceviche, followed by grouper with seaweed risotto, which was absolutely amazing. The fish was cooked to perfection, with beautifully crispy, salty skin, and the risotto was packed with flavor. Somehow, the whole dish managed to be light and hearty at the same time. I was far too full for dessert, which was a shame because I’m sure it would’ve been just as delicious!

Day 5

Morning/Afternoon – Full-Day East Madeira Tour

One of my favorite things about Madeira is how much the scenery changes from one side of the island to the other. This full-day east coast tour really shows it off well, so it’s the perfect way to wrap up your time on the island and hit the sights you haven’t seen yet.

Pickup was bang on time, and our first stop was the Terreiro da Luta viewpoint. From there we climbed up to Pico do Arieiro, which is Madeira’s third-highest peak and probably its most famous. The views were unreal, but it was cold up there! Thankfully there’s a café, so I got a hot chocolate to warm up with.

Next up was Ribeiro Frio, home to the gorgeous Laurissilva Forest and a trout farm. After that we headed to Santana to see the colorful A-frame cottages, which are the ones you’ll spot on every postcard and fridge magnet on the island!

To be honest, the main cluster of cottages is very touristy, but if you wander a bit further, you’ll find more traditional houses without the crowds. We had an hour and a half here, so there’s plenty of time to explore.

Our final stop was the rugged coast around Ponta de São Lourenço. It’s so dry and bare that I could hardly believe it was the same island we’d started the day on!

This tour is the perfect way to explore Madeira without hiring a car, and it’s a lot easier, too. As a solo traveler, it also worked out cheaper – what’s not to love? Just be sure to pack layers, because the weather changes a lot between stops.

Dinner – O Visconde

For your final dinner in Madeira, I recommend heading to O Visconde, a lovely little restaurant that I stumbled across. It’s actually on the same street as Restaurante Informal, from day two!

I liked this place because it had a relaxed atmosphere, with tables out on the street where you can sit back and soak up the atmosphere of Funchal. The staff was so friendly, and I had one of the best salmon dishes I’ve ever eaten here. 

I paired my meal with a glass of vinho verde (green wine), which was lovely and refreshing. It’s a Portuguese specialty from the northwest of the mainland, and if you haven’t tried it yet, I definitely recommend ordering a glass!

I arrived at around 6:30 pm and managed to get a table without a reservation. The waitress told me that it gets really busy around 7:30 pm, so I’m glad I came early. I was pretty hungry after a long day of exploring, so an earlier dinner definitely didn’t hurt.

Evening – Toast to your trip with poncha!

There’s only one way to end a trip to Madeira: with poncha, of course! We’ve already ticked off Rei de Poncha on this itinerary, but you can always head back there if you enjoyed it, or check out a few other spots. Bar Number Two was strongly recommended to me by Pedro, my guide from the 4×4 tour, or Three House is a popular rooftop spot right in the middle of town. 

Either way, it’s been an amazing few days in Madeira, and so now it’s time to celebrate. Saúde!

Related Read: Want even more ideas to round out your trip? Check out my guide to the 15 best things to do in Madeira here for even more unforgettable experiences!

Where to Stay in Madeira

Now that you’ve sorted out your ideal Madeira itinerary, you can find the perfect place to stay! As mentioned earlier, basing yourself in Funchal will offer plenty of hotel options and access to Madeira’s best sights. If these recommended hotels are still available, they will be your best options!

Luxury – $$$

If you’re looking for luxury in Madeira, Savoy Palace is the place to indulge! This 5-star resort in Funchal offers a world-class experience – well, you’d expect nothing less from the Savoy!

With a gorgeous infinity pool and rooftop bar, it’s easy to make the most of Madeira’s sunny weather here. The location is fantastic, too, as you’re in the resort area of Funchal, with lots of shops and restaurants on your doorstep, but still just a 15-minute walk from the very center of the city.

Prices vary depending on the season and room type but typically range from €300 – €500 per night. Check all the options and book your luxury escape on Booking.com!

Mid-range – $$

In terms of location, Barceló Funchal Oldtown is hard to beat, but it offers more than just convenience! It’s a sleek and stylish hotel with a gorgeous rooftop pool, and you can enjoy the views over Funchal and the ocean from the comfort of a glamorous private cabana. Dreamy!

And hotels really don’t get more central than this one. It’s located on one of Funchal’s main pedestrian streets, and all of the best restaurants are just a short walk away – sometimes, mere steps, even! I walked past this hotel multiple times per day when I was staying in Funchal, so staying here really will put you at the heart of the action.

Prices start from around €200 per night. Find the best deals over at Booking.com!

Budget – $

For a budget-friendly stay in Madeira, Apartamentos Turísticos Atlantida is a fantastic choice, and I know because I stayed here! I showed up expecting a pretty small space, but I got a large room and bathroom, a separate living area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a cute little balcony to boot.

I really enjoyed my stay here as the hotel was very quiet, despite being in a super central location. I was able to walk everywhere in Funchal from here, and tour pickup was super easy. Plus, there was a chocolate shop right next door!

Prices start at around €90 per night, making it an excellent value for money. Read the great reviews and book your stay on Booking.com!

For more options, see all of Madeira’s hotels listed here!

Thanks for reading!

I absolutely fell in love with Madeira! Between the dramatic mountain scenery, amazing food, and incredible experiences, I had a fantastic time exploring the island.

I really hope this itinerary helps you make the most of your five days in Madeira. I’ve included all of my favorite experiences, along with the little tips and tricks I picked up along the way, so you can spend less time planning and more time enjoying this beautiful island!

And if you’re planning more adventures in Portugal, be sure to check out our other travel guides. We’ve got plenty of recommendations for things to do, places to stay, and more to help you plan an amazing trip. Happy travels!

How to Spend THREE DAYS in Lisbon, Portugal: The Best 3-Day Itinerary

How to Spend THREE DAYS in Faro, Portugal: The Best 3-Day Itinerary

The Best Douro Valley Tour from Porto – Our Honest Review