A Madeira 7 day itinerary by car works best when you explore the island in geographic sections, rather than attempting a new cross-island loop every day. Base yourself in Funchal first, then move west for the final nights to make the north coast and western viewpoints feel unhurried. In this updated guide: a realistic day-by-day route, sensible overnight bases, driving-time expectations, weather swaps and parking advice for a week on Madeira.
Start with the right plan: two bases are enough
Madeira looks small on a map, but its steep terrain, tunnels, winding old roads and frequent viewpoint stops make journeys longer than distances suggest. The expressways are efficient along much of the south coast, yet a drive into the mountains or along the north coast should never be treated as a quick errand.
For the least tiring route, book four nights in Funchal or nearby Caniço, then two nights in Porto Moniz, Seixal or Calheta. This avoids repeatedly returning to Funchal after western days, while keeping the airport and the capital convenient at the beginning of the trip. If you prefer not to change hotels, a Funchal base is possible, but expect two longer driving days.
Collect the car after arrival if you are comfortable driving immediately; otherwise, spend your first night in Funchal and collect it on day two. Choose a small car with enough power for steep climbs, and use main roads rather than blindly following a sat-nav shortcut into a very narrow lane. For a fuller introduction before booking, see our guide to renting a car in Madeira.
| Fato prático | What to plan for |
|---|---|
| Recommended overnight bases | 4 nights in Funchal or Caniço, then 2 nights in Porto Moniz, Seixal or Calheta |
| Daily driving | Usually allow 1.5 to 3.5 hours behind the wheel, excluding stops and walks |
| Best route style | Use expressways for long transfers; save old coastal roads for selected scenic stretches |
| Ponta de São Lourenço walk | 6 km return; allow around 2 to 3 hours. Official trail access costs €4.50 for visitors aged over 12. |
| Levada do Alecrim | 7 km return; easy route; official estimate 2 hours 30 minutes. Official trail access costs €4.50 for visitors aged over 12. |
| Trail bookings | Classified walking routes require advance registration through the official SIMplifica system; always recheck trail status before setting out. |
Days 1 and 2: Funchal, then Madeira’s east coast
Day 1: Funchal. Keep arrival day deliberately light. Walk the Old Town, ride the cable car if the weather is clear, and enjoy dinner near the marina or in Zona Velha. If you have a full morning, visit Mercado dos Lavradores early, when it is more useful as a working market and less crowded. Do not drive into central Funchal simply to sightsee: use your hotel garage where possible and walk.
Day 2: Machico, Ponta de São Lourenço and Caniçal. Leave Funchal after breakfast and take the expressway east to Machico, allowing roughly 35 to 45 minutes without stops. Continue to Baía d’Abra for the PR8 walk at Ponta de São Lourenço, Madeira’s dry, volcanic eastern peninsula. Go early: its exposed path has little shade, and parking fills quickly on clear days.
After the walk, choose a recovery stop at Machico or drive to Caniçal for lunch. If sea conditions are calm and you want a quieter swim, add Prainha Beach, a small black-sand cove reached by a steep road. Return to Funchal via the expressway rather than trying to combine every east-coast road in one day.
Days 3 and 4: mountain views, Santana and the green north-east
Day 3: Pico do Areeiro, Ribeiro Frio and Santana. Make this your flexible mountain day. Set off before sunrise only if the forecast is clearly favourable; low cloud can erase every view. From Funchal, allow around 45 minutes to Pico do Areeiro, where the scenery can be exceptional above the cloud layer but temperatures are often far lower than at sea level.
If conditions are poor at the summit, do not wait all morning. Descend towards Ribeiro Frio, then continue to Santana for lunch and its traditional house-shaped architecture. In good weather, add the road to Achada do Teixeira or a short nature walk; in wet weather, concentrate on viewpoints and villages instead. The key is to treat the mountain as a weather window, not a fixed appointment.
Day 4: Porto da Cruz, Faial and São Vicente. Follow the north-east coast at an easy pace, beginning in Porto da Cruz beneath Penha d’Águia. Continue towards Faial for the dramatic ocean view at Miradouro do Guindaste, then travel west through São Jorge and Arco de São Jorge. End in São Vicente, a green valley village surrounded by high slopes. Our practical São Vicente guide will help you decide where to stop for lunch or a late-afternoon walk.
Return to Funchal by the main road and tunnels. This is a good evening to pack, refuel if necessary, and prepare for your move west the following day.
Days 5 to 7: the north coast, Porto Moniz and Madeira’s west
Day 5: Funchal to Seixal and Porto Moniz. Check out after breakfast and head north through São Vicente. Stop at Seixal for the beach and cliff scenery, then continue along the coast to Ribeira da Janela and Porto Moniz. Allow most of the day: this is not a route to rush, particularly when you stop for photographs.
Porto Moniz is the natural overnight choice. Its volcanic pools are a memorable place for a swim when the sea is calm and the bathing area is operating, but strong Atlantic conditions can affect access. Arrive before late afternoon so you can park near your accommodation and enjoy the town without needing to drive again.
Day 6: Fanal, Rabaçal and the sunny south-west. Drive inland to Fanal early. The ancient Laurissilva forest can be beautifully misty, but fog is common, so enjoy the atmosphere rather than expecting a long-distance view. Continue across Paul da Serra to Rabaçal for the easy Levada do Alecrim, if you have reserved it and the official trail status is open. It is a better fit for a road-trip day than forcing in a longer walk after a late start.
Afterwards, descend to Calheta, Jardim do Mar or Paul do Mar for late lunch and sunset. Return to Porto Moniz for a second night, or stay in Calheta instead if you prefer to position yourself closer to Funchal for departure day.
Day 7: Ponta do Pargo, Ponta do Sol and return to Funchal. Use your final day for a west-to-south traverse: Ponta do Pargo Lighthouse, the roads above Prazeres, then Paul do Mar or Calheta. Finish in Ponta do Sol for a last swim or coffee by the sea before following the expressway back to Funchal or the airport. Build in extra time for fuel, luggage return and the car-hire inspection; do not plan a mountain walk before an afternoon flight.
Weather swaps, driving expectations and parking advice
Madeira rewards flexibility. If Pico do Areeiro is in cloud, swap it with the east coast or Funchal and try again the next morning. If the north coast is wet and windy, move the west or south-coast day forward. If the plateau is foggy, skip Fanal and Rabaçal rather than driving there solely to tick them off.
On narrow roads, drive slowly and let local traffic set the pace. Use low gears on long descents, never stop on bends for photographs, and do not rely on roadside space at popular trailheads. Madeira’s official road guidance also notes that downhill traffic has priority where a steep, narrow section only allows one vehicle through.
- Start major walks early: Ponta de São Lourenço, Pico do Areeiro and Rabaçal are more enjoyable before the busiest part of the day.
- Keep one day unscheduled: Use it to repeat the mountains or switch in a coast day when visibility improves.
- Park legally, not creatively: yellow lines, bends, driveways, steep slopes and spaces marked “M” are not suitable visitor parking.
- Download maps before leaving Funchal: mobile coverage can be patchy in mountains and remote valleys.
- Carry layers and water every day: the island can shift from hot coast to cold cloud within one drive.
- Check official trail alerts on the morning itself: route conditions and access can change after wind, rain or maintenance.
Perguntas frequentes
Is seven days enough for Madeira by car?
Yes. Seven days is enough to see Funchal, the eastern peninsula, mountain viewpoints, the north coast and the west without trying to race around the island. It is also long enough to adapt at least one day to the weather.
Should I stay in a different hotel every night?
No. Two bases are more practical than daily hotel changes. Funchal works well for the east, central mountains and north-east; Porto Moniz, Seixal or Calheta makes the west and north-west easier.
Is driving in Madeira difficult?
It can be challenging for drivers unused to steep, winding roads, but it is manageable with a small car, patient driving and realistic timings. Stay on main roads when possible and avoid treating mountain routes as quick shortcuts.
Do I need to book walks in advance?
Yes, for classified trails covered by Madeira’s booking system. Reserve before travelling where possible, then check the official trail page again on the day because closures and restrictions can change.
Facts and prices verified in August 2026. For extra planning help, read our guides to Madeira’s west coast, getting from Madeira Airport to Funchal e Levada do Alecrim.
