Three days is the most common length for a first Madeira trip — long enough to see the highlights, short enough that you have to make choices. After guiding hundreds of visitors, this is the itinerary I'd plan for a friend with three full days on the island.
Stay in Funchal — it's central, has the best restaurants, and most tours start there. Hire a driver or rent a car; public transport doesn't reach most of the best spots.
Day 1 — Funchal & the south
Start in the old town (Zona Velha) with a coffee and pastel de nata. Walk through the Mercado dos Lavradores in the morning when it's most alive — try local fruits like anona and tabaibo.
Mid-morning, take the cable car up to Monte. Visit the tropical garden, then come down in a traditional wicker toboggan (carros de cesto) — a 200-year-old Madeira tradition.
Afternoon: Cabo Girão, Europe's highest sea cliff skywalk, then sunset at Câmara de Lobos (Churchill's old painting spot) with grilled limpets and a poncha.
Day 2 — The west and the north
This is the day for the dramatic side of Madeira. Drive west via the south coast to Ribeira Brava, then up to Encumeada pass and across to São Vicente. Continue on the coastal road to Seixal (one of the best swim spots) and Porto Moniz for lunch and the natural volcanic pools.
On the way back, take the inland road past Fanal forest if the weather is foggy — it's worth the detour.
Day 3 — Mountains and east
Early start for Pico do Areeiro — ideally for sunrise, above the clouds. If you're fit, hike the PR1 ridge towards Pico Ruivo (have a driver pick you up at Achada do Teixeira).
Continue to Santana for the famous A-frame thatched houses, then drive east to Ponta de São Lourenço for the Mars-like cliffs at golden hour.
What to skip on a first trip
- Long-distance ferries to Porto Santo — losing a day each way is rarely worth it on a 3-day trip
- Dolphin/whale boats during rough sea days — check forecasts
- Big bus tours — Madeira's roads suit small vehicles, and you'll miss the best photo stops
Where to eat
- O Cesto (Câmara de Lobos) — best limpets on the south coast
- Santo António (Ribeira Brava) — proper espetada de carne
- Cantinho da Serra (Santana) — mountain-style stews
- Restaurante O Polar (Porto Moniz) — fresh fish above the natural pools
This itinerary works whether you drive yourself or book a local guide. If you'd like the route done for you — hotel pickup, no parking stress, and stories along the way — see our private Madeira day tours. We can compress this 3-day plan into a single epic island tour or stretch it over several relaxed days.
