5-Day Madeira Travel Itinerary: Explore Offbeat Attractions and Hidden Gems

Start your Madeira adventure in Funchal, the island's vibrant capital. Instead of the typical tourist spots, begin your day with a visit to the Mercado dos Lavradores. This local market is a sensory delight with its colorful flowers, fresh fish, and exotic fruits. Spend around €10 on fresh produce and local pastries for a picnic later.

Next, take a leisurely walk through the Zona Velha, Funchal’s Old Town. Unlike the busier streets, this area offers cobbled pathways lined with art galleries and quirky cafes. Stop by the Art Center Caravel for contemporary works by local artists. Entry is free, and it’s a perfect spot to get a feel for Madeira’s art scene.

For lunch, head to Taberna Ruel. This local favorite offers authentic Madeiran dishes like Espetada and Bolo do Caco. Expect to spend about €15 per person. After lunch, take a cable car ride up to Monte for stunning views of the city and coastline, costing around €11 one way.

Drive to Porto Moniz, a scenic 1.5-hour journey from Funchal, to explore the natural volcanic pools. Entrance is free, and it’s a refreshing way to start the day. The sound of waves crashing against the rocks adds a dramatic soundtrack to your swim.

Afterwards, head east to Seixal, a small village that boasts one of Madeira’s black sand beaches. The beach is less crowded, offering a serene spot to relax. Don’t miss the nearby Seixal Natural Pools, which provide an equally stunning swimming experience.

For dinner, try Restaurante Bragados. This establishment is known for its seafood offerings, with dishes like octopus salad and grilled limpets. Dinner for two will cost around €40.

Day three is all about experiencing Madeira's incredible natural beauty. Head to the Laurisilva Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Levada do Caldeirão Verde hike is a must-do, offering a 13-kilometer trek through lush greenery and tunnels. The trail is moderately challenging and can take around 4-5 hours to complete.

Be sure to bring a flashlight for the tunnels and wear sturdy hiking shoes. Pack a lunch and plenty of water, as there are no facilities along the route. The sound of chirping birds and rustling leaves will accompany you throughout this enchanting hike.

Round off your day with a visit to Santana, known for its traditional thatched houses. Enjoy a hearty dinner at Quinta do Furão, where you can try local specialties like black scabbard fish. Expect to pay around €25 per person.

Visit Camacha, a village famous for its wickerwork. The Camacha Wicker Factory offers a fascinating look into this traditional craft. Entry is free, and you can even try your hand at weaving. Consider purchasing a small souvenir to support local artisans.

In the afternoon, head to Santa Cruz, a quaint coastal town. Walk along the promenade and enjoy an ice cream from Gelataria Italiana, costing about €2.50. Explore the local shops or relax on the beach before dinner.

Finish your day at Restaurante Bom Jesus, where you can enjoy a mix of Madeiran and Portuguese cuisine. Dinner will cost approximately €20 per person. Try the bolo do caco with garlic butter—it's a local favorite.

Conclude your trip with a visit to Ponta de São Lourenço. This eastern tip of Madeira offers a dramatic landscape of cliffs and sea views. The 8-kilometer hike is relatively easy and takes about 3 hours. Don’t forget your camera—the views are unmatched.

After the hike, drive to Caniçal, a charming fishing village. Visit the Whale Museum to learn about Madeira’s whaling history. Entrance is €10, and it’s both educational and intriguing.

End your journey with a seafood feast at Restaurante Amarelo. A meal for two, including fresh fish and local wine, will set you back around €50. It’s the perfect way to toast to an unforgettable Madeira adventure.

• Visit Mercado dos Lavradores for fresh local produce.
• Explore Zona Velha's art galleries and cafes.
• Swim in Porto Moniz's natural volcanic pools.
• Hike the Levada do Caldeirão Verde in the Laurisilva Forest.
• Try weaving at Camacha Wicker Factory.
• Hike Ponta de São Lourenço for stunning views.