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We’ve created the ULTIMATE 1-week itinerary for adventurous travelers that want to get off the beaten path and have unforgettable experiences in Madeira, Portugal.
This done-for-you itinerary is everything you need!
Grab your Itinerary — $19
26
pages
7
fully-planned days
1
exciting location
Completely DONE-FOR-YOU Itinerary!
We spent hundreds of hours creating this itinerary, including weeks traveling around Portugal ourselves.
A custom travel itinerary like this would cost upwards of $500 — and it’s yours for just $19.
CONFESSION:
I have major trip FOMO.
I hate coming home from a trip only to realize I missed an epic hike or a hidden restaurant I was just around the corner from.
Can you relate?
If so, you are in the right place because we have literally spent hundreds of hours creating this itinerary (no exaggeration) so that you don’t have to worry about missing out.
This is packed with advice (from actual on-the-ground experience) as well as hidden gems most travelers miss.
Here’s a sneak peak at what’s included!
- 26-page detailed PDF itinerary
- 7 fully-planned interchangable itinerary days with daily breakdowns
- recommended stays around the island
- driving directions with distances and timing
- restaurant recommendations for every stop (including what to order)
- hidden gems we stumbled upon ourselves
- budget tips and splurge-worthy experiences
- tons of insider tips from on-the-ground experience
Our itinerary style…
Explore the island in your rental car to get off-the-beaten path.
Visit a mix of iconic sights and hidden gems that see far fewer tourists.
Hike some of the most stunning trails with epic views around the island.
Immerse yourself in authentic Madeiran culture—from local foods to friendly small towns.
A mix of splurge-worthy experiences and free activities that immerse you in nature.
Super unique accommodation recommendations you can choose from.
Are you in?!
If you’re ready to embark on the Madeira trip of your dreams, grab your itinerary now & you’ll soon be on your way.
Cheers to the trip of a lifetime!
Here’s what travelers had to say about our paid itineraries…
It was such a vital part of our planning!
“After researching several travel blogs for [an itinerary], I purchased the TWS itinerary and use it as a guide to help [with planning]. It was such a vital part of our planning and was such an amazing thorough packet of not only recommended places but packing list, campervan rentals, food recs and so much great info and had everything we needed to plan our trip.“
Well worth the money!
“I was hesitant to pay for an itinerary however I’ve found that [TWS itineraries are] well worth the $! It’s FAR more detailed that anything I could find free & has shaped the backbone of our trip. Thanks for all the info!”
It’s an inspiration and such a help!
“I wanted to say thank you for your amazing [itinerary] guide! Me my husband and our 9 month old son just came back one week ago and we had the most amazing time! And as the first bigger trip with a baby it was such a help to have that guide and didn’t need to do my own research! Thank you for everything you guys do! It’s an inspiration and such a help!”
Madeira Itinerary
Overview
This itinerary includes detailed plans for each of these places and activities (+ a whole lot more!) and is customizable based on your interests & travel style.
Day 1
Arrive & settle in. This is a flexible day with plenty of free time depending on your arrival schedule.
Day 2
Hike the Levada das 25 Fontes (25 waterfalls hike) before heading to the south coast to explore Madalena do Mar.
Day 3
Visit the mystical Fanal Forest & swimming spots along the northwest coast.
Day 4
Choose which hike(s) you want to do today, have lunch on the trail and peek inside a traditional thatched roof house.
Day 5
Take the traditional toboggan ride through the streets of Monte, have lunch in Valley of Nuns and a sunset stroll in Câmara de Lobos.
Day 6
Start your morning with a really unique levada hike, then head to the sunniest place on the island before you visit the iconic peak for sunset.
Day 7
Have brunch and walk around Funchal before heading to the airport to drop off your rental car and fly back to the mainland.
Interactive Google Map
Be sure to grab the interactive map with all places pinned for easy access!
Let us help save you SO MUCH TIME.
You could spend 40+ hours researching across dozens of blogs and forums… or you could have our tested, optimized 7-day route in your hands in 2 minutes.
Why trust our Madeira advice?
Before our Madeira adventure, we spent months researching the island—scouting hikes, viewpoints, villages, and figuring out how to get around those winding mountain roads.
We spent a week exploring Madeira—hiking levadas, soaking in volcanic pools, chasing waterfalls, and tasting all the local treats. And thanks to our team member Amanda, who visited just before us, we had insider tips that made our trip even smoother.
Between the three of us, we experienced the island in different ways, which helped us create what we think is the ultimate Madeira itinerary: a perfect balance of adventure, relaxation, and can’t-miss highlights, thoughtfully paced for an unforgettable trip.
-Katie & Ben Zweber
Looking for something different?
Headed to the mainland too?
Our 2-week Portugal Hidden Gems itinerary takes you to the iconic sights and unforgettable experiences in Lisbon, Sintra, Óbidos, Monsanto, Peneda-Gerês, Porto, the Duoro Valley & more!
Navigate like Portugal like a pro!
Our Interactive Portugal Map includes our top recommendations in Lisbon, Sintra, Óbidos, Monsanto, Peneda-Gerês, Porto, Duoro Valley, Madeira Island and more!
Bundle and save!
Grab our ultimate Portugal Bundle which includes our 2-week hidden gems itinerary, our Lisbon & Porto itinerary, our 1-week Madeira itinerary our Portugal map + printable planning worksheets you won’t get anywhere else!
“We’ve packed this with insider tips that’ll make the difference between a great trip & the most unforgettable trip of your life!”
– Katie & Ben Zweber
Your dream trip awaits…
Let’s turn your dream Madeira trip into reality!
We’ve done all the hard work for you. This itinerary will truly save you SO MUCH time and headache. All you’ve got to do is pack your bags and you’ll be off on the trip of a lifetime!
Grab your Itinerary — $19
Planning a trip in the future?
Madeira books up fast! Grab this now — the earlier you start planning, the better deals you’ll find.
FAQs
Who is this itinerary for?
This is a perfect route for anyone who has roughly 1 week to spend in Madeira and wants to see the top sights as well as some little-known gems. This would make an amazing honeymoon or special trip.
This itinerary is for you if you:
- want a mix of bucket list spots and off-the-beaten-path gems
- enjoy hiking, outdoor adventures, and jaw-dropping landscapes
- prefer traveling independently (not on a tour)
- like having flexibility, but also appreciate a well-thought-out plan
- are comfortable driving a rental car
- want to make the most of your time in Madeira without the pressure of planning
What is the budget?
The accommodation, experiences, and activities recommended are for those with a mid-range budget.
Portugal is pretty affordable, and we’ve done our best to keep costs reasonable.
We’ve included a handful of (optional) worthy splurges, but have mostly stuck with mid-range prices.
What type of accommodation is recommended?
We’ve included a mix of Airbnbs and hotels in our accommodation recommendations (including the exact Airbnb we stayed at).
Do I need a car to follow this itinerary?
This itinerary was created as a road trip, and therefore you will need your own vehicle.
You DO NOT need a 4×4 for this itinerary, but we do suggest getting an automatic car (even if you know how to drive manual—Madeira has lots of steep roads and intersections on hills).
How much physical activity does this itinerary require?
This itinerary is pretty hiking-forward, but we’ve done our best to spread out the hikes so you’re not hitting the trails every single day.
That being said, we think anyone with a moderate level of fitness should be able to enjoy this itinerary, and you can always swap out of a hike for another less strenuous activity if you’re not feeling up for it.
What time of year can I follow this itinerary?
Madeira is a year-round destination so in theory you could do this itinerary for any time of year.
In the winter months (November – March), you’ll have a higher chance of rain, but you’ll also be able to see the winter blooms. Conversely, the summer months (June – August) are the hottest months of the year, and also the busiest season.
We’d suggest following this Madeira itinerary during the spring or fall months (April/May or September/October). We went in the first week of June and had pretty ideal weather for our trip!
What if I have less time?
Each of the planned days in our Madeira itinerary is standalone, so you can mix them up or skip one if you like.
What is your return policy?
We’re so confident you’ll love this itinerary that we’ve kept it incredibly affordable at just $19. With our track record of helping thousands of travelers plan unforgettable trips, we stand behind every page.
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Want it all? Grab our ultimate Portugal Bundle and save! This includes our 2-week Portugal road trip itinerary, the Lisbon & Porto standalone itinerary, our 1-week Madeira itinerary + printable planning worksheets you won’t get anywhere else!
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Still have questions?
If you still have questions, feel free to reach out and ask away!
Get in touch!