Madeira Discovery - 5 Days

Once you have arrived at Madeira Airport, a transfer will be waiting to take you to your hotel, where you will stay for the next four nights.

After checking in, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy. You may like to take a leisurely stroll through the charming streets of Funchal and end the day with dinner at a traditional restaurant, where you can sample some of Madeira’s local cuisine.

Funchal – Santana – Machico – Funchal. Today, we will explore the eastern side of Madeira, a region rich in natural beauty and tradition. The first stop is Terreiro da Luta, followed by a drive towards Pico do Areeiro. Standing 1,818 metres above sea level, it is the island’s third-highest peak and offers magnificent views over the surrounding mountains and valleys.

From here, we will descend through the forest towards the coast to see one of Madeira’s last traditional thatched houses. Passing through picturesque villages and along scenic coastal roads, we will reach the island’s easternmost point, where we can enjoy panoramic views of both the northern and southern shores.

On the northern slope, the tour continues to Ribeiro Frio, a well-known area for walks along one of the island’s scenic water channels. This region is home to trout ponds and surrounded by the ancient Laurissilva forest, a lush remnant of Madeira’s original vegetation. We will then stop in Santana, where you will have time for lunch, a charming village famous for its triangular thatched houses.

In the afternoon, we travel towards Ponta de Sao Lourenco, where dramatic cliffs and striking rock formations meet the sea. The day concludes in Machico, where we can admire views over the bay and its golden sandy beach before returning to our hotel.

Funchal - Camara de Lobos – Ribeira Brava – Sao Vicente – Porto Moniz – Funchal. This morning, we will begin our tour at the traditional fishing village of Camara de Lobos, known for its colourful boats and seaside charm. The journey then continues to Cabo Girao, the second-highest cliff in the world and the tallest in Europe, offering breathtaking views over the coastline and the ocean below.

Reaching Ribeira Brava, we will travel north through the narrow valleys of Serra d’Agua towards Encumeada, a stunning viewpoint at the top of the valley where we can see both the southern and northern coasts of the island.

We will then continue to Sao Vicente, one of the largest villages on Madeira’s north coast, before arriving at Porto Moniz. Here, we will have around an hour to enjoy lunch and admire the impressive natural volcanic pools formed by ancient lava flows.

On the return journey, we will cross the island’s highest plateau, Paul da Serra, taking in the sweeping panoramic views that stretch across Madeira’s rugged landscape.

You will have the choice between two exciting experiences: a dolphin and whale watching excursion or the famous Levada do Rabacal hike.

Dolphin & Whale Watching

If you choose the dolphin and whale watching option, you will join local guides who will take you to the best areas for observing these incredible animals in their natural environment. Nature leads the way on this adventure, so each trip offers a new surprise. While the common dolphin is most frequently seen, you may also spot other species such as bottlenose dolphins, minke whales and sea turtles.

Levada do Rabacal

Alternatively, you may prefer to experience the Levada do Rabacal on a four-hour hiking tour. This scenic walk follows one of Madeira’s beautiful water channels through lush greenery and peaceful mountain landscapes. Hiking routes are flexible and may vary depending on the season and weather conditions, so please contact us for further details.

After our final breakfast, you will check out of the hotel and transfer to the airport for your onward flight. Safe travels!