My husband, our little daughter (3 years old at the time), and I recently spent two incredible weeks exploring the stunning island of Madeira, Portugal. It was our first time visiting, and we knew very little about the island apart from its reputation for breathtaking landscapes and being a paradise for hiking enthusiasts. As we soon discovered, Madeira is indeed all that and more.
We decided that the best way to experience the island was to drive around it, stopping at various locations to fully immerse ourselves in its beauty and culture. We carefully planned our route, selecting key spots for overnight stays, which allowed us to explore different parts of the island without feeling rushed.
In this article, we’ll share our itinerary and experiences, which we hope will be helpful for anyone planning their first visit to this incredible destination.
Our Circular Journey Around Madeira: A Route Full of Discovery
As I mentioned earlier, our plan was to drive around the island in a loop, making the most of our two-week stay. Madeira isn’t a particularly large island, so it’s quite manageable to explore by car.
While it’s entirely possible to base yourself in one location and take day trips to other parts of the island, we felt that staying in different towns would give us a more immersive experience and allow us to see more without rushing. For this reason, we chose several places to spend the night.
In our situation, we had to ensure that the accommodations we booked had parking, as driving was our primary mode of transport. We opted for a mix of hotels and apartments, each chosen for their convenience, comfort, and proximity to the main attractions.
Our overnight stays were in Funchal, Ponta do Sol, Porto Moniz, Arco de São Jorge, and Santa Cruz, which provided us with a great range of experiences, from exploring the capital to relaxing in smaller coastal villages.
From each of these points, we took the opportunity to visit nearby towns and explore the surrounding attractions. For instance, while staying in Ponta do Sol, we ventured to nearby coastal villages, and from Porto Moniz, we visited the famous natural lava pools and scenic viewpoints.
Similarly, during our stay in Arco de São Jorge, we explored the northern coastline, known for its dramatic cliffs and lush greenery. This approach allowed us to fully experience the diversity of Madeira’s landscapes and culture, making our journey both relaxing and adventurous.
Our Overnight Stops in Madeira: A Blend of Charm and Nature
I wouldn’t be able to single out just one favorite place in Madeira. The entire island is of breathtaking beauty, and each location we visited was unique and unforgettable. I’ll briefly share a bit about the places where we stayed overnight:
Funchal
The capital of Madeira and a vibrant hub, offering a mix of historical sites, markets, and beautiful gardens. It was the perfect place to start our journey.
In Funchal, the capital of Madeira, we had the pleasure of staying in beautiful apartments located just outside the bustling city center, in a peaceful area with stunning panoramic windows.
From there, we enjoyed incredible views of the city – the mountains, the vibrant red rooftops of the old town, the sparkling ocean, and the cruise ships arriving in the port, all contributing to a picture-perfect scene.
Funchal is not a very large city, so we found it easy to explore on foot, even with a stroller. One of the things that stood out to us was the warm climate. It seemed like Funchal was one of the sunniest spots on the island, with clear skies almost every day during our stay.
We visited Madeira in February, specifically to experience the famous Madeira Carnival. The carnival is a spectacular event, full of vibrant colors, music, and performances that add an extra layer of excitement to the already lively city. It’s truly a unique time to visit the island and a must-see if you’re there during the festivities.
The Funchal Carnival is one of Madeira’s most vibrant and exciting events, and we were lucky enough to experience it during our stay. The city comes alive with colorful parades, lively music, and stunning costumes.
The main parade, called Cortejo Alegórico, is a spectacular display of dancers, elaborate floats, and lively samba rhythms, making it feel like a slice of Rio de Janeiro right in the heart of Funchal. People of all ages join in the celebration, with both locals and tourists enjoying the festive atmosphere.
The energy in the streets is contagious, and it’s hard not to get swept up in the joy of the moment. If you’re visiting Madeira in February, the Carnival is an event you simply cannot miss. It’s a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the island’s culture and enjoy the spirit of celebration.
Funchal itself offers a wide range of attractions. One of the highlights of our trip was visiting Monte Palace Madeira, a beautiful garden located high up in the mountains.
To reach it, we took a scenic ride on the cable car, which gave us incredible views of the city and the ocean as we ascended.
The garden is vast, with an impressive collection of plants, flowers, and artworks, making it a perfect spot for a relaxing day in nature.
However, it’s important to note that the weather can change quickly at higher altitudes. When we visited, it was noticeably colder at the top, and we even experienced some rain. Be sure to pack warm and waterproof clothing if you plan to visit.
Aside from the natural beauty, Funchal is home to plenty of charming restaurants, where we enjoyed delicious local cuisine, as well as markets filled with fresh produce, and various interesting sights to explore.
Whether you’re wandering through the old town or relaxing at a café, Funchal offers a perfect blend of culture, history, and natural beauty that made our stay unforgettable.
Ponta do Sol
Ponta do Sol was our next stop for a few nights. Although the town is quite small and could be explored in a short visit, we decided to stay longer to soak in its peaceful atmosphere.
We chose to stay at the Enotel Sunset Bay Hotel, primarily because it has an indoor pool with warm water, which our daughter absolutely loved. She insisted on having a pool, and this hotel was perfect for that.
Getting a room with an ocean view turned out to be a fantastic choice. The sunsets in Ponta do Sol were stunning, with the evening light casting a beautiful glow over the town and the ocean. It was such a picturesque and calming scene.
Down by the beach, there’s a cozy bar that serves incredibly tasty clams cooked in olive oil and lemon sauce.
We enjoyed sitting there, savoring the food and watching the sunset in this charming little spot by the sea. It made our stay in Ponta do Sol even more special.
Porto Moniz
Porto Moniz, known for its natural lava pools, was one of the most memorable stops on our trip. The lava pools in Porto Moniz look absolutely stunning, but we decided not to swim as the weather was a bit cool. The town itself is small, but like every corner of Madeira, it’s incredibly beautiful and unique.
Porto Moniz is surrounded by tall mountains, and at the base of these mountains, you’ll find many charming houses scattered around, adding to its picturesque charm.
Near the lava pools, there’s a small aquarium, as well as a turtle museum. The town also offers several restaurants and cafes where we enjoyed trying local dishes. One of the highlights was tasting small snails, and for dessert, we had fresh strawberries drizzled with Madeira wine.
We stayed in spacious apartments with a large terrace that gave us a fantastic view of the entire town. This small coastal town offers stunning views of the ocean and rugged cliffs.
Porto Moniz is the perfect place for nature lovers and those looking to experience something truly unique in Madeira.
Arco de São Jorge
Another special place where we wanted to spend a couple of nights was Pestana Quinta do Arco, a hotel-garden located in Arco de São Jorge.
This small, picturesque village on the northern coast is surrounded by lush greenery and dramatic cliffs, making it ideal for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility.
The hotel is set within a real garden, surrounded by mountains, creating a fairy-tale-like atmosphere.
They offer stays in either charming old-style cottages or modern apartments.
We chose to stay in one of the older cottages to experience the vintage ambiance.
We loved the garden, but since we visited in February, the weather was rainy and cool, and the main rose garden wasn’t in bloom, so we couldn’t make use of the outdoor pool.
Despite this, it didn’t take away from the beauty of the place—it’s truly stunning. The village itself is very small, but perfect for a peaceful stroll, and there’s a little shop for any essentials.
Santa Cruz
Located near the airport, this coastal town provided a convenient and pleasant final stay, with its quaint streets and beachside charm.
Santa Cruz was our final stop before flying onward. We chose a hotel by the ocean, and from our balcony, we had a stunning view of the town, the ocean, and… the airport’s runway!
Watching the planes take off and land became quite entertaining. Since it was carnival time and Santa Cruz is located close to the capital, it was really convenient for us to drive to Funchal for the festivities.
Falling in Love with Every Corner of Madeira
Our two-week journey around Madeira was a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and discovery. From the lively streets of Funchal and its vibrant carnival, to the peaceful charm of Ponta do Sol and the natural beauty of Porto Moniz, each stop offered something unique. Whether it was the breathtaking ocean views, the lush mountain landscapes, or the small cozy towns, every part of the island left a lasting impression.
Aside from the places we mentioned, we visited many more spots in Madeira. We did some short hikes, visited the Banana Museum, and stopped by other small towns on our way to our next stay.
Madeira is a stunning island, with every corner offering something unique and beautiful. We highly recommend renting a small car with an automatic transmission, as the island has many steep hills, and driving a manual car can be challenging. There are frequent cases of cars breaking down, and full insurance doesn’t cover problems caused by a burnt clutch.
Be cautious with Google navigation as well—it can sometimes lead you through residential areas with difficult roads. It’s better to stick to the main roads, even if it takes a bit longer. The roads in Madeira are well-maintained, with many long tunnels, but you might occasionally encounter cows on the mountain roads, so drive carefully.
The locals are friendly and helpful, always ready to assist if any issues arise. Madeira is unbelievably beautiful—explore, hike, and fall in love with it just like we did!
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