Island peaks & coastal charm

Arrive in Funchal, the capital city of Madeira, which is home to outstanding gastronomy, natural landscapes, and the Madeira Wine Company. Transfer to your hotel and spend the rest of the day discovering Funchal—its regional products, monuments, and museums. Overnight stay in Funchal.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, explore Madeira’s scenic south coast and continue west for a tour of the island’s dramatic landscapes. Start strong with a drive through a mountain pass for panoramic views of the island. As you descend, see the Atlantic waves crashing against rugged sea cliffs, Madeira’s natural beauty on full display.

Next, experience more coastal drama at Cabo Girão, Europe’s highest sea cliff and the second-highest in the world. Continue to Ribeira Brava, a town known for its fertile soil and cultivation of local crops like bananas and other exotic fruits.

Pass through the picturesque village of Canhas on your way to the Paúl da Serra plateau, where you’ll see all shades of green stretching in every direction. At roughly 4,900 feet above sea level, this is the starting point for many of Madeira’s famous levadas (irrigation channels). On a clear day, you can see both the north and south coasts from this point.

Continuing on, you’ll stop in Porto Moniz, where you can visit the volcanic natural pools. To finish the tour, head to Seixal, a seaside village nestled between the ocean and mountains, before arriving in São Vicente, known for its centuries-old cobblestone streets, 18th-century manor houses, and mountain surroundings. Overnight stay in Funchal.

Breakfast at the hotel. Having explored Madeira’s west side, today is all about discovering the east. Begin at the Terreiro da Luta viewpoint for sweeping views over Funchal, then continue to Pico do Arieiro—one of the island’s highest driveable peaks—where you'll be treated to one extraordinary panorama after another.

As you descend toward the coast, the route takes you through ancient laurel forests and past Santana, the last remaining village with traditional triangular, straw-roofed houses.

Next, stop at Ribeiro Frio, a popular starting point for levada walks. This forest park is perfect for nature lovers, featuring trout pools and endemic flora like the laurel tree and Madeira mahogany.

Stop in Santana before heading to Ponta de São Lourenço, a volcanic peninsula at the island’s eastern tip. The dramatic landscape is part of a protected Partial Natural Reserve. End the day in Machico, a peaceful bay and the historic landing site of explorers Gonçalves Zarco and Tristão Vaz Teixeira, who discovered Madeira over 600 years ago. Overnight stay in Funchal.