What to see in Madeira in 4 days?

Day 1: Funchal and Cabo Girão

Walk the Old Town and the Mercado dos Lavradores, take the cable car up to Monte and ride the wicker toboggan back down. In the late afternoon drive 20 minutes west to the glass skywalk at Cabo Girão, one of Europe's highest sea cliffs.

Day 2: Above the clouds

Start before dawn for sunrise at Pico do Arieiro, then hike to Pico Ruivo, Madeira's highest peak. This one-way hike needs a permit (10.50 EUR per visitor over 12) and finishes at Achada do Teixeira, so arrange a taxi. Spend the afternoon in Santana with its thatched A-frame houses.

Day 3: The north-west

Drive to Porto Moniz (about 55 minutes from Funchal) and swim in its volcanic rock pools. Stop at Seixal's black-sand beach on the way back, and go up to Fanal Forest for its ancient laurel trees, best in the morning or in mist.

Day 4: A levada trail and the east

Hike to the 25 Fontes and Risco waterfalls from Rabaçal (permit 4.50 EUR each), or swap for Ponta de São Lourenço, the bare volcanic peninsula in the east (permit 4.50 EUR). End with poncha in Câmara de Lobos.

Before you go

Hiking permits for the popular trails sell out in busy months, so book them first, then plan the days around them. A rental car makes this plan much easier; buses reach the main towns but not most trailheads at dawn.

FAQ

What can you see in Madeira in 4 days?

Funchal and Cabo Girão, sunrise at Pico do Arieiro with the hike to Pico Ruivo, Porto Moniz and Fanal Forest in the north-west, and a levada trail such as 25 Fontes or the Ponta de São Lourenço peninsula.

Is 4 days enough for Madeira?

It is enough for the main highlights if you have a car. Five to seven days gives time for more hikes and a buffer for mountain weather.

Do I need permits for these hikes?

Yes. Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo, 25 Fontes, Risco and Ponta de São Lourenço are classified trails that need a dated permit from the government.