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Explore magical sights in Madeira in 3 days

Explore magical sights in Madeira in 3 days

We've packed the most magical views from all of Madeira into a 3-day itinerary. We hope you will enjoy them with us. Happy hunting on Miradouros!

Eva a Pavel

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  • Plan for 3 days
  • Map of 9 places
  • Practical tips, accomodation tips
Guide price: xxxxx
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What to expect

Number of days

3 days

Transport

By car

Pace

Medium pace

Difficulty

Low difficulty

Season

All year round

Suitable for

For everyone

Budget

$

Visited places

9 places

Madeira is the land of viewpoints. Get ready for impressive panoramas, fascinating terrain, endless ocean and picturesque cities. We’ll guide you to the most beautiful sights across the island. You don’t have to stick strictly to our sequence and feel free to discover the sights one by one, depending on where you are on the island.

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Before your trip

Flight tickets

The Portuguese national carrier TAP Portugal, which is part of the Star Alliance, has proven itself to us. It flies to Funchal with a stopover in Lisbon. An alternative with a direct flight from Prague may be Smartwings.

TAP Portugal

Prague

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Tickets are around CZK 6,000, but TAP regularly runs promotions where you can get them for half the price. Mostly off peak season though. According to the Skytrax ranking, they are a three-star airline. Even on such a short flight (5 hours) you can count on refreshments on board.

Smartwings

Prague

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Car rental

This itinerary can be done by private car with accommodation in a hotel or apartment, the alternative is a motorhome. We recommend booking your car before arriving in Madeira. There are many rental companies at the airport - we can recommend the local rental company MadeiraRent.

MadeiraRent

Prices from 40 € per day

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Itinerary

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Day 1

Viewpoints near Funchal

Once you land at the airport, rent a car and head towards Funchal. Specifically, to the Pico dos Barcelos lookout, which was built in 1950 and from which you can see the whole city, including the port, in the palm of your hand. Allow 10-20 minutes for your visit.

20.9 km (19 mins)

1
Pico dos Barcelos

Pico dos Barcelos
Funchal

One of the most beautiful sights in the capital city of Funchal. The road to Pico dos Barcelos is an adventure in itself. As you make your way to the top, you’ll pass through picturesque streets and gardens filled with colourful flowers, exotic vegetation and cute little Madeira lizards. On the way up, you’ll enjoy the crisp air and be surrounded by the sounds of birds and rustling trees. Upon arrival at the viewpoint, you will be rewarded with a stunning view of the whole of Funchal and the Atlantic Ocean. At the top of Pico dos Barcelos you will find several viewpoints with benches. Here you will often see artists selling their paintings.

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10.2 km (16 mins)

2
Cabo Girão

Cabo Girão
Câmara de Lobos

Cabo Girao is a popular reef on the southern coast of Madeira. At 580 metres high, it is one of the highest sea cliffs in Europe and offers spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding countryside. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views from the viewing platform, or look directly below through the glass platform. This short stop is definitely worth it.

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After a hearty swim, head west. There is a second stop – the skywalk Cabo Girão. A breathtaking walk on the transparent floor of one of the highest cliffs in Europe will take your breath away. Not to mention the views of the all-encompassing ocean. They’ll keep you kissin‘ „O“ for a while. Visit duration: 30 min.

Rei da Poncha

Funchal • $

The best poncha in Madeira! If you like this fizzy drink, come to Rei da Poncha to taste the different types. Just maybe don’t plan on anything fancy the next morning. 🙂

49.3 km (54 mins)

3
Ponta do Pargo

Ponta do Pargo
Calheta

Ponta do Pargo, one of the westernmost places on the island of Madeira. Here you will find a lighthouse and a lookout point that together offer an unforgettable travel experience. We saw the pinkest sunset here. The white lighthouse with its red roof throws in some beautiful reflections, making it a truly awesome spectacle. People come to the lookout to watch the sunset and relax. There are a few benches here, but a lot of people sit on blankets or smaller rocks. From the viewpoint you will have the natural beauty of “European Hawaii” as Madeira is sometimes called. Rocks, cacti, exotic vegetation and the endless blue of the ocean. If you have time, be sure to take a walk around the area. There are agricultural pastures and beautiful cliffs, sloping steeply into the ocean. It felt like the great Hobbit in places.

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Casa da Manta – Palheiro

Faja da Ovelha • $$

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Absolutely adorable villa with ocean views, private small garden and terrace. You can park your car right in front of the house. Ideal point for exploring the whole western part of the island.

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Guide creator

Eva a Pavel

Eva and Paul spent a month in Madeira. It is their favourite nomadic destination. They walked 135 km on the levadas. They drove all over the island.

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Explore magical sights in Madeira in 3 days is a detailed travel itinerary for Madeira, with a day-by-day plan, an interactive map and practical tips. Part of the Retkee collection of guides for experienced travelers.

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