Planning to explore the lush, wild east of Madeira? This 7 day Madeira itinerary takes you from Funchal city to cliffside villages, thatched-roof hamlets, and jaw-dropping hikes. Expect golden beaches, tropical gardens, and plenty of poncha breaks.
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I’m Hazel, a British travel writer who’s wandered solo through Europe, Africa, the USA and New Zealand. I fell hard for Madeira in 2023 and have written loads of helpful, honest guides to help you plan your trip. Whether you’re into levadas, lighthouses or lazy beach days – you’re in the right place!
For this Madeira itinerary, you can stay overnight in each town or base yourself in Funchal and do day trips. Either way, I recommend hiring a car through Discover Cars and picking it up from Funchal Airport. I also have a matching West Madeira itinerary if you fancy seeing doing both sides of the island.
Your Madeira Road Trip Route – Interactive Map 🗺️
Below you can see a map of your full route before you hit the road. Save it to your own Google Maps and use it as a day-by-day driving guide.
👉 Looking for inspiration on where to stay or stop along the way? Don’t miss my post on the Best Towns in East Madeira.
Now on to your 1 week East Madeira itinerary – let’s hit the road!
Day 1: Discover Funchal’s Old Town Vibes 🎨
Arrive in Funchal, Madeira’s colourful capital. Think painted doors, tropical gardens, market buzz and breezy waterfronts.
Walk through the Mercado dos Lavradores, sip poncha in the old town, and ride the cable car for some sky-high views. If time allows, explore the botanical gardens or take a stroll along the Lido Promenade.
🎨 Want more? See my post 15 Unmissable Things to Do in Funchal.
🏨 Where to stay in Funchal: Design-forward at Castanheiro Boutique Hotel, classic glam at Reid’s Palace, or budget-friendly Hostel Santa Maria.
Day 2: Monte Gardens & Toboggan Thrills 🛷
Take the cable car up to Monte, home to the magical Monte Palace Tropical Gardens. Meander past koi ponds, orchids and Asian-style pavilions.
Pop inside Monte Church, then grab a toboggan ride down – yes, a real wicker sled, steered by two men in hats. On the way down, stop by a café for coffee with a view.
🏨 Where to stay in Monte: Quinta Mirabela offers old-school elegance and sweeping city views..
Day 3: Traditional Santana & Wild São Jorge 🌊
Drive north to Santana, where the thatched-roof houses look like they’ve fallen out of a fairy tale. Explore the Madeira Theme Park (which is more fun than it sounds) especially for learning about island life.
Then head east to São Jorge for dramatic coastlines, cliff-edge views and a peaceful, off-the-beaten-path vibe.
🏨 Where to stay: Stay in style at Hotel Quinta do Furão in Santana, or book a charming cottage in São Jorge with sea views.
Day 4: Hike Ponta de São Lourenço 🌋
Time to lace up your boots! Ponta de São Lourenço is a rocky peninsula with Martian landscapes, ocean spray, and a legendary sunrise if you’re up early. Bring water, sunscreen and a hat – there’s zero shade on the trail.
On your way back, stop by Prainha de Caniçal, a black-sand cove perfect for cooling off. While you’re in town, don’t miss the Madeira Whale Museum, a surprisingly fascinating dive into the region’s whaling history and marine life.
🏨 Where to stay: Try Home Away From Home or see all accommodation in Caniçal.
Day 5: Coastal Chill in Machico & Porto da Cruz 🏖️
Begin in Machico, a laid-back town with one of the island’s rare sandy beaches. Visit the Fort of São João Baptista and grab an espresso by the shore.
After lunch, continue to Porto da Cruz. Check out the Engenho do Norte Rum Factory, where steam engines still power the old sugarcane presses.
🏨 Where to stay: White Waters Hotel or the Dom Pedro Madeira hotel in Machico.
Day 6: Levada Walk 🌿
Time to slow down and wander. Choose a levada walk like Levada do Rei (lush forest tunnel vibes) or Levada do Caniçal (drier, but great sea views). Some routes wind past waterfalls, laurel forests, or scenic overlooks.
If you’re after a challenge, Levada das 25 Fontes offers stunning payoffs. Pack snacks and plenty of water – and don’t forget your camera!
Walking the levadas was 100% my favourite and best thing I did during my time in Madeira!
👉 Check out my guide to the Best Levada Walks in Madeira.
Day 7: Jardim Botânico & Farewell Views 🌺
Spend your last morning in the Madeira Botanical Garden, admiring geometrically planted terraces, exotic blooms and panoramic views over Funchal.
With colourful tropical plants and peaceful pathways, it’s the perfect place for a slow goodbye.
Afterwards, grab a relaxed lunch by the sea – maybe one last poncha – before heading to the airport.
More Itineraries for Madeira
🗓️ 7 Day Itinerary for West Madeira – Funchal, Ribeira Brava, Calheta, Jardim do Mar, Porto Moniz, São Vicente, Seixal, and more.
🗓️ 12 Day Coastal Madeira Road Trip – coastal loop from Funchal, including Ponta de São Lourenço, Santana, São Jorge, Porto Moniz, Ponta do Pargo, Paul do Mar, Calheta and more.
FAQs about your Madeira Itinerary 💡
Below are some frequently asked questions about East Madeira itineraries.
A: II recommend allocating at least 4 to 5 days to fully explore the east of Madeira Island at a leisurely pace.
A: Renting a car is the most convenient way to travel around Madeira Island, including the eastern part. The roads are well-maintained, and driving allows for flexibility in exploring various attractions.
A: Some must-visit destinations include Santana with its traditional triangular-shaped houses, Ponta de São Lourenço for stunning coastal landscapes, and São Jorge with its rugged coastline.
A: It’s advisable to book accommodations in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to ensure availability and secure preferred choices. I use Booking.com.
A: While the roads in Madeira are generally safe, some mountain roads may be narrow and winding. It’s important to drive cautiously, especially on unfamiliar routes, and adhere to speed limits.
A: You can enjoy a variety of dining options ranging from local taverns serving traditional Madeiran cuisine to seafood restaurants along the coast. Be sure to try regional specialities such as Espetada (beef skewers) and Bolo do Caco (traditional Madeiran bread).
A: Comfy walking shoes, layers (the weather can change with altitude), swimwear, a rain jacket, sunscreen, reusable water bottle, and a daypack for hikes (this one is cool). And don’t forget your camera – Madeira is wildly photogenic. You might also want to brush up on your photography skills!
A: Madeira wine is a must. You’ll also find lovely Madeiran souvenirs like embroidery, wickerwork, artisanal chocolates, and handmade soaps. Farmers’ markets are great for edible gifts like honey, herbs, and local jam.
Related reading for Madeira 📚
Below is a list of some of my Madeira travel guides which may interest you.
🏰 Best Towns in West Madeira.
🏠 Best Towns in East Madeira.
🚗 20 Best Day Trips from Funchal.
😋 Food in Madeira: What to Eat and Drink on Madeira.
🏨 Where to Stay in Madeira: 14 of the Best Hotels.
🌿 Madeira Travel Guide.
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👉 Looking for practical travel tools? Check out my Travel Resources page.
Tags: East Madeira, Europe, Islands, Itineraries, Madeira, Portugal
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