What can I do in Madeira in 3 days?
In 3 days, spend day 1 in Funchal with the Monte toboggan and the Cabo Girão skywalk, day 2 on sunrise at Pico do Arieiro, a hike towards Pico Ruivo and Santana's thatched houses, and day 3 in the north-west at the Porto Moniz rock pools, Seixal and Fanal Forest. A car makes this possible.
Day 1: Funchal
The Old Town, the Mercado dos Lavradores, the cable car to Monte and the toboggan ride down. In the late afternoon drive 20 minutes west to the Cabo Girão skywalk, then have dinner in Funchal.
Day 2: Peaks and the north-east
Sunrise at Pico do Arieiro (1,818 m), then a hike: the full one-way trail to Pico Ruivo (permit 10.50 EUR, about a full morning) or the shorter stretch to the Pedra Rija viewpoint and back (permit 4.50 EUR). Afternoon in Santana, 45 minutes from Funchal.
Day 3: The north-west
Porto Moniz is about 55 minutes from Funchal. Swim in the volcanic pools, stop at Seixal's black-sand beach, and walk among the old laurel trees of Fanal Forest on the way back.
If you have time left
Swap any half-day for Ponta de São Lourenço in the east (permit 4.50 EUR), 34 minutes from Funchal, or poncha in Câmara de Lobos.
FAQ
- What can I do in Madeira in 3 days?
- Funchal and Cabo Girão on day 1, sunrise at Pico do Arieiro and Santana on day 2, and Porto Moniz, Seixal and Fanal Forest on day 3.
- Is 3 days enough for Madeira?
- It covers the highlights with a car, but leaves no buffer for mountain fog. Four to seven days is more relaxed.
- Can I do this without a car?
- Partly. Buses and tours reach Funchal, Santana and Porto Moniz, but sunrise at Pico do Arieiro needs a taxi or a tour.