Marvelous Madeira in 7 Days

Having been to gorgeous islands and mountains around the world, I didn't expect to be so captivated by Madeira.

Rising out of the Atlantic some 600 miles west of Morocco, Madeira is the steeper, more rugged, more dramatic sister to the Azores. From massive mountains to deep valleys, waterfalls to natural pools, cliffs to tunnels, villages to farms, its lush greens and azure blues are a feast for the eyes and spirit.

Here are the top highlights from our week in May 2026.

Hiking Vereda da Larano in Madeira

Hiking

The island is packed with spectacular routes to and beyond fabulous ocean and cliff viewpoints. Time-slot reservations are now required for the popular PR trails (Percursos Pedestres Classificados), although not all routes are monitored. Our two favorite hikes were the incredibly rugged, mountainous PR1 Vereda do Arieiro (which was fogged over during a freezing cold start that gave way to clear skies now and then) and beautiful cliff coast PR8 Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço.

Hiking gorgeous PR1 in Madeira

Hiking cliffside coastal PR8 in Madeira

Driving

Madeira is a compact 95 miles, and you'll want to stop to gawk at every turn. It's both stressful and fun to drive up and down hairpin hills, through tunnels and around parked cars in the middle of the road, past and under waterfalls. Follow every "miradoura" sign you see—even knowing you may be headed for more narrow roads higher up and have to back down at times! (Tip: When we asked the rental car company clerk for a smaller car than our compact SUV, he said, no, you need the horsepower. He was right!)

One of many waterfalls!

Taking to the sea

We enjoyed a wonderful morning with VIP Dolphins on their sweet catamaran for just 18 guests. We were plied with drinks and snacks as we admired the coastline. Alas, the seas were so rough we did not see any marine life—but some guests boldly plunged into the cold Atlantic.

Sailing the Atlantic from Funchal, Madeira

Dining

Madeira is famed for Madeira wine and its "poncha" drink (made of rum, honey, and juice), beef skewers, and bolo do caco flatbread. We loved best the local scabbard fish cooked in a banana and passion fruit sauce. We also had an amazing two-person lobster seafood risotto at Savoy Palace's Terreiro restaurant. (Beware: You'll make a mess and a racket trying to get at the stone crabs. It's worth it.)

Amazing seafood risotto at Savoy Palace

Loafing

Our week was ending and we still had not taken one of the numerous cable car rides (our target had been the steep Teleférico das Achadas da Cruzas over by Porto Moniz) or tobogganed down the hills of Funchal in wicker sleds.

Instead, we chose to laze our last mornings at both the Savoy Palace and Reid's Palace, soaking in the sun and the sea and the spirit of Madeira.

Beautiful Savoy Palace, which features the second largest pool in Portugal

Classic seaside Reid's Palace, a Belmond hotel

Madeira is actually a group of islands, but only Madeira and the much smaller Porto Santo are inhabited.

Due to its location and composition, Madeira is temperate much of the year. But beware of the fierce winds, which are usually on the northern side and often atop the mountain peaks.

Portugal remains one of the most reasonably priced and less-traveled destinations in Europe. A great combination would be mainland Portugal plus Madeira over 10 to 12 days. I'd love to help you experience magical Madeira.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Portugal page, and check out my report on our week-long cruise around the Azores aboard National Geographic/Lindblad's Orion.