Unveiling Madeira: Your Perfect Long Weekend Itinerary

Day 1: Touchdown in Funchal

As our plane began its descent towards Cristiano Ronaldo Madeira International Airport, we were treated to one of the most unique experiences of our trip right off the bat. The airport, nestled between mountains and the azure sea, is famous for its challenging yet thrilling landings. Pilots expertly maneuvered the aircraft, and as we looked out the window, we were struck by the dramatic landscape unfurling beneath us. It was a heart-stopping moment, full of anticipation and a touch of adrenaline - a preview of the exciting weekend that awaited us on this stunning island.

Touching down in Funchal mid-afternoon, the relief mixed with an overwhelming sense of excitement. This trip had been long anticipated, and as we collected our bags, the promise of an unforgettable weekend stretched out before us. The island, with its rugged mountains, sweeping ocean views, and warm, welcoming people, was ready to reveal its secrets, and we couldn't wait to discover them.

We stayed at the Next - By Savoy Signature, a chic, comfortable hotel in the heart of the city. With an array of hotels ranging from budget-friendly to five-star luxury, Funchal is an excellent base for your Madeira adventure.

After freshening up, we headed out for a late lunch at Victoria Restaurante, just a short stroll from our hotel. The restaurant, despite its location on a bustling main road, was a delight with a variety of scrumptious offerings. Post-lunch, we took a leisurely amble around Funchal, basking in the laid-back vibe of the city. Its charming cafés, serving mouthwatering Pastel de nata (Portuguese custard tart) alongside well-crafted coffee, quickly became our favourite pit stops.

We also made a quick detour to see the Cristiano Ronaldo statue, a nod to the footballer's hometown. The evening rolled in with us experiencing Poncha, a potent rum-based cocktail that's a local favourite. With four varieties on offer, the traditional Pescador stole our hearts.

Our first night in Funchal was rounded off with a visit to Casa Italia Ristorante e Pizzeria, where we enjoyed a sumptuous meal, followed by a few more Ponchas as a nightcap.

Day 2: Island Tour - Exploring the Best Places to Visit in Madeira

The second day had us up early for an all-day tour of the western part of the island. A tour is a fantastic way to experience as much of the island as possible, especially when time is of the essence.

Our tour with Safari Madeira was a delightful and memorable experience that we thoroughly enjoyed. We started in Câmara de Lobos, a quaint fishing village where the charm of old-world Portugal is still palpable. The quick twenty-minute stop gave us a taste of the slow-paced, idyllic life of this place.

From Câmara de Lobos, the tour took us on an off-road track through verdant banana plantations and sugar cane fields, the backbone of Madeira's agriculture. This adrenaline-filled ride was a thrilling contrast to the otherwise peaceful landscapes.

The journey to Porto Moniz was like stepping into a world straight out of a storybook. Nestled within the UNESCO-listed Laurissilva Natural Park, Porto Moniz is famous for its natural lava swimming pools – a highlight of our trip.

The picturesque village of Seixal was next. The beauty of Madeira is in its diversity, and Seixal, with its unique natural scenery, stood as a testament to this fact. The impressive Cabo Girão and the expansive plains of Paúl da Serra were other noteworthy stops on our itinerary.

After a day packed with sightseeing, we wrapped up with a delectable dinner at Beef & Wines, indulging in Madeira's traditional Espetada and sliced Picanha.

Day 3: Funchal - More Than Just a Capital City

On our third day, we decided to explore Funchal more intimately. Our day began with a visit to the local farmers market, a riot of colours, smells, and sounds. Fresh produce, local delicacies, and friendly vendors - the market was a sensory extravaganza.

The old town of Funchal, with its impressive street art, was our next stop. The streets lined with artistically painted doors added a modern touch to the otherwise historic area. The cable car ride to the botanical gardens offered panoramic views of the city. The gardens themselves, a paradise for nature lovers, were home to a plethora of flora, each more exotic than the last.

For our descent, we swapped the cable car for traditional wicker basket sledges - a unique Madeira tradition that you simply can't miss. Navigating steep, winding roads, the sledge ride was a memorable and exhilarating experience.

Capping off our day was an exceptional Madeiran tasting menu at Kampo by Chef Júlio Pereira. The ambiance, friendly service, and, most importantly, the innovative dishes made it a highlight of our Funchal exploration.

Day 4: The Final Day of Our Madeira Adventure

With only a few hours left before our flight, we made the most of our morning by lounging by the hotel's swimming pool, taking occasional dips into the connected natural pools. We were blessed with splendid weather, despite it being February, and it was the perfect farewell to the island.

More Time? More Adventure!

Given more time, we would have loved to experience more of what Madeira has to offer. Visiting Pico do Arieiro for its unparalleled mountain views, exploring the traditional houses in the east, or venturing to the lesser-known southwest of Madeira - the possibilities are endless.

With its blend of natural beauty, cultural charm, and gastronomic delights, Madeira is the perfect destination for a long weekend getaway. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a history buff, or a foodie, Madeira will not disappoint. So, if you've been considering booking those Madeira flights, we say go for it. Madeira awaits you, and we promise, it's going to be an adventure you'll cherish forever.

Inspired to book your next holiday, be sure to check out the latest flight deals on our deals page. Who knows, you might just snag a great deal in shoulder season. Happy travels!