The Ultimate Madeira Island Itinerary: 3 Days (+2 Bonus Days If You Can Stay Longer!)

When Carla and I visited Madeira, we had no idea how much we would fall in love with this island. From the breathtaking ocean views to the fresh fruit and incredible food, Madeira had us wishing we had booked a longer stay. If you’re thinking about visiting, trust me—you’ll want extra time here!

One thing to know before you go: most rental cars in Madeira are manual (stick shift). If you need an automatic, it’ll cost more, but having a car is 100% worth it to explore the island. We stayed in a beautiful Airbnb right in front of the Atlantic Ocean, waking up to waves every morning. And do not leave food on the counters unless you want a full-on ant invasion—we learned that the hard way. 😂

Madeira’s fruits are next-level, especially cherimoya, which tastes like a mix of banana, pineapple, and vanilla. And you have to try espetadas—Madeiran beef skewers grilled over an open fire. We went to Churrasqueira São Roque, where we got to cook our own over a firepit, and it was an experience we won’t forget.

We covered all the must-do activities, like the Funchal Cable Car, the famous Toboggan Ride, and the Monte Palace Tropical Garden. We didn’t get to do the Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo hike because Carla got sick, but I highly recommend adding it to your itinerary if you can!



If you’re planning a trip to Madeira, watch our vlog for more insights and laughs—you’ll get to see everything we did, from our favorite spots to the unexpected surprises (like the ants 😂). This 3-day itinerary (+2 bonus days) is designed to help you explore Madeira without feeling rushed, so you can truly enjoy this beautiful island at a relaxed pace. Download it now and start planning your trip! 🌿🏔️🌊