For this trip, I tried out various types of accommodations, food, and activities. Even with some limitations due to an injury that caused a painful inflammation on my foot, it was a vibrant and interactive road trip.
Table of contents
- Machico – Day 1
- East/north coast http://P2-3- Day 2
- North & north/west – Day 3
- West & south west – Day 4
- South and centre – Day 5
- PR1 & Funchal – Day 6
- Funchal – Day 7
- Reviews & tips
Machico and Caniçal are ideal places to start your trip because of their proximity to the airport, especially if you arrive after midday and need to pick up your car.
Where to Stay? look this post Unique accommodations in Madeira
The main island does not have many sand beaches, but both Machico and Caniçal have one. The Machico beach has calm and clear water, making it ideal for relaxing.
Restaurants in Machico:
– Talhadas restaurant and pub, which attracts both locals and tourists; the food was delicious.
– Bolo do caco, the best I’ve had on the island; I ordered it from the Caravela Snack Bar.
PR8 Vereda da Ponta de So Lourenço, this 3 hour hike is one of the most famous trails, and you must bring water and food. However, if you forget them, there is a bar halfway to the view point.
While driving to Santana, stop at some of the scenic overlooks along the way. The one in Porto la Cruz is not especially impressive; you can avoid it.
The traditional houses in this area are the primary attraction. There is a nice park in Santana where these houses have been preserved for tourism; they are colourful and sell souvenirs.
Turn right at the end to see one of the less popular ones; locals still use them as storage buildings or for other purposes. I noticed them while driving around the island.
If you have time, stop at a bar for a poncha; I had one at the snack bar Porto de Encontro. Perhaps the price was a little high for two, but it was absolutely stunning.
Restaurante Calhau de So Jorge serves traditional Portuguese cuisine with a modern twist; I highly recommend it.
We were too tired to drive to the campsite, so we slept in the car to save money.
Stop in A Fronteira bar on the way to Seixail for the best empanadas on the island. This lady is Portuguese, but she has learnt how to cook this Venezuelan dish!
Padaria do Calhau is a second stop where I purchased a bolo do caco and a sweet for a later meal. Because Portuguese people enjoy spending time in a “Padaria” or bakery, this is a great way to feel like a local.
Seixal and Moniz:
The lava swimming pools at Porto Moniz, which are naturally filled by the ocean’s high tides, provide safe bathing water.
Even though you can’t see the sun from here, the sunset tints the water a lovely pinky colour.
This ancient Laurisilva forest can be found near Moniz, Fanal. These hills are surrounded by twisted trees, and the landscape is shrouded in a mysterious fog.
Back to Porto Moniz, treat yourself to a fish soup, a glass of Madeira wine, and a passion fruit cheesecake!
A last minute Airbnd accommodation in Porto Moniz for this night for an average price.
Porto Moniz:
Swim there at 8 a.m. to enjoy the natural pools to yourself; this wonderful location will be even more enjoyable.
PR6 trail to 25:
It’s a pleasant but crowded place to visit; plan on spending about three hours there. If you prefer to stay away from crowded areas, there are additional trails where you can view the lavanderas and lovely waterfalls.
The itinerary for that day included a trip to the south west coast.
After the hike, take a break at the sandy beach known as Praia da Calheta.
The best miradour, you have to avoid the rapid highways and take in the breathtaking views along the coast as you travel to the westernmost point of the island. There are several historic tunnels along the way. Miradouro do Precipício is my favourite.
Arrive at Ponta do Pargo in time to catch the sunset and take in this lovely view, Faro.
Restaurante O Forno, a barbecue and speciality shop where you should definitely try the espetada.
After obtaining a permit via the official website, we proceeded to set up camp at Bishop’s Fountain.
Waterfall of the Angels:
This is probably one of the most famous waterfalls in Madeira, it falls in this panoramic street. If you want to take a nice, quiet shower without having to deal with crowds, I suggest going early in the morning.
Calhau da lapa:
If you choose to visit this undiscovered beach treasure, be prepared for a strenuous walk. This is the ideal spot for snorkelling if you enjoy the sport.
A quick lunch break should be made in the vibrant fishing town of Baía de Câmara de Lobos, which is located near Funchal. Try to avoid dining by the harbour if you want to feel like a local; instead, stop a few streets before the busiest tourist area. I had vila do peixe, which was a little pricey but the food was good.
Curral das Freiras is a small town nestled between mountains, 30 minutes from Camera de Lobos, well worth a visit.
For a last-minute reservation, there are plenty of options in Camera de Lobos and Funchal. For the campsite try Poiso – Santa Cruz. Alternatively, consider a spa hotel like Estalagem Eira do Serrado, if you feel you deserve a special treat.
Hiking PR1
This hard trail needs to be started early. It would take up most of your day to complete this challenging hike, so come prepared with some snacks and liquids. A lot of people simply go to the main miradouro to delight in this breathtaking vista.
You can take a quick stroll through the Monte Palace Tropical Garden while on your way to Funchal.
Funchal at night:
There are many restaurants along the main roads where you can have a nice dinner.
Live music, including fado, can be easily found in bars and restaurants in the funchal area. A few bars also feature fado, the traditional music of Portugal.
Jardin Botanico:
From here you can enjoy the view of funchal surrounded by a beautiful garden. Put your car in park and take the cable car for an alternative experience.
Despite being a popular tourist destination, Mercado dos Lavradores is a pleasant place to visit and observe the vibrant stores selling fruits, vegetables, flowers, and seafood. I strongly advise you to try that tropical fruit, including Monstera Deliciosa and guava.
Kayaking tours are available throughout Madeira, or you can rent it yourself in Fortaleza de So Tiago or by calling Madeira Water Sport. Be careful, the waves can be huge, so only do it in good weather.
Venezuela restaurant, If you want to try something different, there are a couple of authentic restaurants in Funchal.
Reviews & tips
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- I used Centauro to rent the car. My only concern was that the tires were a bit worn, everything else was fine.
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- Pico de Arreiro, there are two entries to pico de arreiro, get to the gate on the east side, on paso do foso. The second entry has an open time.
- Bear in mind from Saturday afternoon to Sunday, many shops are closed and in small towns bars and restaurants can be closed.
- Be local, trying some snack bars and panaderia outside the tourist places is the best way to see the real madeira and save some money on food.
- To save money, you can Camp in different campsites along the island. Book your space here https://simplifica.madeira.gov.pt/services/7-22-101