Planning a week on Madeira’s wilder side? This 7-day itinerary for Madeira is all about the west – dramatic cliffs, volcanic pools, flower-filled villages, and golden-hour towns. It starts and ends in Funchal.

Stone tower structure with battlements in a garden with succulent plants under a partly cloudy sky.
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Hi, I’m Hazel, a British travel writer with a love for wild coastlines, local food, and getting a little lost (on purpose). I’ve travelled solo across Europe and beyond, but Madeira has a special place in my heart. After spending a sun-drenched week exploring the island’s western side, I built this itinerary to help you do the same.

This 7-day itinerary explores the stunning west of Madeira. For eastern adventures, check out my 7 Day Itinerary for East Madeira.

🚗You can stay overnight in each town, or use Funchal as a base and do day trips. Either way, I recommend hiring a car through Discover Cars and picking it up from Funchal Airport.

Map of Your 7 Day Madeira Road Trip 🗺️

See below for the full Google map with driving instructions. Tap the blue star to save it and use it as your on-the-go guide.

Ready to explore the wild west of Madeira? Let’s hit the road!

Day 1: Colourful Corners of Funchal 🗺️

Arrive in Madeira’s capital, where the streets are lined with painted doors, ocean views, and Poncha-fuelled cafés.

Wander the Mercado dos Lavradores, peek inside the Sé Cathedral, and stroll along the seafront promenade. Don’t miss the botanical gardens or the cable car up to Monte if you arrive early.

A sunny, tree-lined plaza in Funchal old town features benches, lampposts, and a historic building with white walls and green windows in the background.
A person with long hair and sunglasses smiles in front of a waterfront with boats, under a clear blue sky in Funchal, capturing the essence of their Madeira itinerary.

👉 Want more? See my post 15 Unmissable Things to Do in Funchal.

🏨 Where to stay: Boutique charm at Castanheiro Boutique Hotel, seafront views at Hotel Baía Azul, or five-star vibes at Reid’s Palace.

Day 2: Monte Views & Cabo Girão Cliffs ⛰️

On day 2, you could take the cable car to Monte, visit the elegant Monte Palace Tropical Gardens, and zoom downhill on a traditional toboggan ride.

People in white uniforms with straw hats skillfully operate wicker sleds, reminiscent of toboggans, on a paved road under a lush green canopy.

Later, drive out to Cabo Girão, one of the highest sea cliffs in Europe, and step onto the glass-floored skywalk. There are some lovely little shops here too.

Aerial view of the scenic Cabo Girao overlook in Madeira, featuring a platform perched on a cliff and surrounded by lush green trees, all overlooking the vast blue ocean.
Cabo Girao, Madeira.

🏨 Where to stay near Monte: Try Quinta Mirabela for charm and views above the city.

Day 3: Ribeira Brava & Sunsets in Ponta do Sol 🌅

Today you will head west to spend the morning in Ribeira Brava, a peaceful riverside town with tiled churches and a charming promenade.

Overlooking the scenic Ribeira Brava in Madeira, this coastal town boasts red-roofed buildings embraced by lush green hills and winding roads next to the sea under a cloudy sky.
Ribeira Brava, Madeira.

After seeing Ribeira Brava, continue to Ponta do Sol, known as the sunniest town in Madeira. Perfect for slow lunches, seafront strolls and evening cocktails.

Aerial view of a lush, hilly landscape in Ponta do Sol, a charming town in Madeira, with terraced farms and clusters of red-roofed houses under a clear blue sky.
Ponto do Sol.

🏨 Where to stay: Estalagem da Ponta do Sol for clifftop luxury, or Fajã dos Padres for something remote and cable car-access only.

Day 4: Beach Days in Calheta & Flower Power in Jardim do Mar 🏖️

Day 4, and you can spend a morning on the beach if you like!

Soak up the sun at Calheta’s golden beach, visit the sleek MUDAS Arts Centre, or set off on a short boat tour from the marina.

Aerial view of Praia Da Calheta, a coastal town with a pier extending into the ocean, bordered by rocky cliffs and buildings along the shoreline under a cloudy sky.
Praia Da Calheta

👉 Tempted by sandy beaches and seaside cocktails? Check out my full guide to Calheta.

After Calheta, wind your way to Jardim do Mar, a car-free village bursting with colour and cobbled charm.

A scenic coastal promenade at Jardim do Mar in Madeira features a paved walkway curving alongside a rocky cliff. The clear blue ocean lies to the left, while sparse vegetation lines the right beneath a bright, clear sky.
Jardim do Mar

🏨 Where to stay: Design lovers will like Savoy Saccharum in Calheta (read my honest review), while Tarmar Place in Jardim do Mar has panoramic ocean views.

Day 5: Laid-Back Paul do Mar & Lava Pools in Porto Moniz 🌊

Start your day in Paul do Mar, a mellow surf town where time slows down. You can sit with a coffee and watch the surfers do their thing (or even take part!)

A coastal village sits at the base of steep, rocky cliffs beside calm blue water, with a pier extending into the sea under a partly cloudy sky—a picturesque scene you’d find in any Madeira travel guide.
Paul do Mar village in Madeira

Then head north to Porto Moniz for a dip in the famous volcanic pools – Mother Nature’s answer to the infinity pool. There’s also a small aquarium (housed in an old fort – you can see it below) and some lovely coastal walks.

Natural rock pool with a staircase leading up to a stone tower, surrounded by lush hills.
Porto Moniz Madeira.

🏨 Where to stay: Splash out at Aqua Natura, or try Madeira Paradise Glamping for a unique stay.

👉 Obsessed with lava pools? (Same.) Dive deeper with my guide to Porto Moniz.

Day 6: Caves of São Vicente & Black Sand in Seixal ⛰️

Explore the São Vicente Caves and Volcanism Centre, a pretty cool way to learn about Madeira’s geology.

The Sao Vicente Caves feature an underground cave pool with illuminated rocky walls and a small waterfall, creating a serene and reflective atmosphere.
Sao Vicente Caves.

Then head to Seixal for a black sand beach you’ll want to keep secret. Surrounded by waterfalls and cliffs, it’s one of Madeira’s hidden gems. Don’t forget your camera. I actually wished I had stayed longer in Seixal.

Woman in a blue dress standing in front of a cliff with a house on top under a clear blue sky.
Aerial view of a curved beach with dark sand beside a cliff, with a breakwater and buildings nearby. Part of an itinerary for Madeira.

🏨 Where to stay: Try Solar da Bica in São Vicente, or Baía Seixal Oceanfront right on the beach in Seixal.

Day 7: Levada Walk & Back to Funchal 🌿

Wrap up your trip with a levada walk – Levada das 25 Fontes or Levada do Rabaçal are great picks on the west side. These peaceful trails wind through forests, past waterfalls and along cliff edges.

A woman in sunglasses is taking a selfie in front of a mountain on levada do moinho
A small stream runs along the side of a mountain.

Head back to Funchal for your final evening and one last plate of espada with banana. Madeiran food is bold, fresh, and full of unexpected combos – like tropical fruit with grilled fish, or sugarcane rum paired with seafood by the sea.

👉Ready to lace up your boots? Here are 16 of the best levada walks in Madeira.

✨ More Itineraries for Madeira

🗓️ 7 Day Itinerary for East Madeira
Think dramatic cliffs, quiet villages, and lush levadas. This route covers Funchal, Santana, São Jorge, Ponta de São Lourenço, Machico, and Porto da Cruz, with a levada walk to top it off.

🗓️ 12 Day Coastal Madeira Road Trip
Circle the whole island on this epic coastal route. You’ll explore the best of Madeira’s seaside towns, including:

  • East coast gems like Machico, Porto da Cruz, and Ponta de São Lourenço.
  • North coast wilds like São Vicente, Seixal, and Porto Moniz.
  • Laid-back west towns like Paul do Mar, Jardim do Mar, and Ponta do Sol.
  • Plus south coast favourites like Funchal and Câmara de Lobos.

FAQs about your itinerary for Madeira 💡

Below are some frequently asked questions about itineraries for Madeira.

Q: How many days do I need to explore West Madeira?

I’d say 4 to 5 days is the sweet spot – long enough to soak up the natural pools, golden beaches, and cliffside villages without rushing from one view to the next.

Q: What are the absolute must-visit spots in the west?

A: You can’t miss Porto Moniz and its lava pools, Calheta’s rare sandy beach, and the dramatic volcanic caves in São Vicente. If you’re into luxury, the Savoy Saccharum makes a dreamy base.

Q: What activities can I enjoy during my Western road trip itinerary for Madeira? 

A: Think coastal hikes in Porto Moniz, cave exploring in São Vicente, and lazy beach days in Calheta. You can also visit rum distilleries, walk levadas, and get your zen on in flower-filled villages like Jardim do Mar.

Q: Do I need to rent a car for this itinerary for Madeira?

A: Short answer: yes. While buses exist, they don’t always match up with scenic stops and levada trails. I recommend picking up a car from Discover Cars when you land at Funchal airport – more freedom, fewer logistics. I have also included a driving map above.

Q: Are there driving tips for this Madeira itinerary

A: Take it slow! The roads can be narrow and winding, especially in the mountains. Stick to speed limits, watch for sudden viewpoints (they’re everywhere), and keep snacks handy for scenic stops.

Q: What should I pack for a road trip in the west of Madeira Island?

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.

Related Reading for Your Madeira Trip 📚

Planning more adventures? Here are a few guides you might love:

🗓️ 12 Day Madeira Road Trip: Coastal Itinerary – A deeper dive around the whole island.
🗓️ 7 Day Itinerary for East Madeira – Levada walks, triangle houses, and epic viewpoints.
🏝️ 20 of the Best Day Trips from Funchal – Handy if you’re using Funchal as your base.
🥘 Food in Madeira: What to Eat and Drink – Espada, poncha, bolo do caco… yes please.
🏨 Where to Stay in Madeira: 14 Top Hotels – Boutique charm, beachy resorts, and rural hideaways.

West Madeira Itinerary – Pin It for Later 📌

Loved this 7-day itinerary for the west of Madeira? Save the images below to your Pinterest boards for travel planning inspiration later on!

Promotional travel itinerary poster for a 7-day itinerary for madeira, featuring images of scenic landscapes and a mapped route.
Explore the rugged coastlines of west madeira with a 7-day road trip itinerary for Madeira.

👉 Looking for practical travel tools? Check out my Travel Resources page.

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