Choose this self-drive tour around Madeira and spend 8 memorable days exploring the superb culture and landscapes of this island. Drive along the emerald coastline passing through the charming fish villages Santo da Sierra and Boaventura, take in to the beautiful waterfall called “Veu da Noiva” (The bride’s veil) and discover the legend about the unfulfilled love. Melt into the flavours and aromas by the typical dishes of the local gastronomy in Ponta do Sol and in Funchal, experience the vivid and attractive vibe of the Portuguese culture and traditions. This trip will fill all your senses and will leave great memories for the lifetime.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Boaventura: locally known as nature’s sanctuary due to its unspoiled and green landscape, perfect place for those seeking a relaxing and restful holidays
Ponto do sol: small, tranquil village situated on the southeast coastline of the island, one of the sunniest part of Madeira
Balcões: beautiful place hidden in the Ribeiro Frio Mountains, exemplify the raw, untamed beauty of Portugal's mountain likes landscape
Day 1: ARRIVAL MADEIRA - BOAVENTURA (60 km - 1hr)
Arrive at Madeira International Airport, pick up your car and before driving to the hotel we recommend visiting Santo Da Sierra and Machico. Santo da Serra is about 9 km from the airport. In Santo da Serra is worthwhile visiting the “Quinta do Santo da Serra” where you will be able to have a glimpse of the Madeira vegetation and a wide variety of flowers and plants. Also have a visit to the stables. This “farm” is open daily. Machico was the landing point of the discoverers of Madera in the 15th Century. The bay of Machico invites for a walk along the seafront while enjoying the amazing view over the sea and the island. Weather permitting you can have a swimming in the sea, in the small sand beach “planted” in the bay. Then drive to the village of Boaventura for your first night.
Overnight in Boaventura.
Day 2: BOAVENTURA
Wake up to your tasty breakfast and get ready for your new experience. Drive Santo da Serra, passing by Poiso, Ribeiro Frio, Faial. On your way to Ribeiro Frio you can make a small stop and hike up to the third highest peak “Pico do Areeiro”. Continue driving through our enchanting and magical “Laurissilva” forest, until you get to Ribeiro Frio a well-known place by its trout hatchery. Climbing up to Balcões (short one hour hike) is a must, you will get breathtaking views over this mountainous part of the island and you will fill your senses with these pure natural gems.
Overnight in Boaventura.
Day 3: BOAVENTURA
Enjoy your morning breakfast at the hotel and carry on exploring beautiful Madeira. Depart to Faial and enjoy the natural emerald views over the coastline that this small picturesque village of Santana reveals, maybe stop for a meal at the local restaurants and have a delightful fresh fish or other sea delicate.
Overnight in Boaventura.
Day 4: BOAVENTURA
Start your day with the breakfast at the hotel and get ready for your new adventure. Drive through this beautiful countryside and get a deeper inside into the local country by enjoying the local gastronomy and warm welcoming of the local people. Drive along the coastline and stop to see the wonderful waterfalls, São Vicente and Encumeada Pass display their magnificent views over the north and south of the island, if the weather permit you can even see the island of Porto Santo.
Overnight in Boaventura.
Day 5: BOAVENTURA – PONTA DO SOL – FUNCHAL (55 km – 1hr)
After the energizing breakfast at the hotel, check out from the hotel and depart towards Ponta do Sol, a charming harbour settled on the south-western coast of the island. On the way do not miss to visit a waterfall called “Veu da Noiva” (The bride’s veil) and discover the Portuguese story about unfulfilled love. Local people believe that all couples passing by this spot, have to kiss here so they can happily live together forever. In Porto Moniz, take pleasure at the natural volcanic swimming pools and enjoy a local fish speciality “arroz de Lapas” at one of the restaurants that were signed in the Guinness Book by being the restaurant cooking the biggest “arroz de Lapas” (Limpet’s rice) in the world. After lunch head towards the Paul da Serra Plateau (the only one in Madeira) and then drive down passing the village of Calheta. Once in Ponta do Sol, in this “sunny corner of Madeira”, enjoy the local cobbled stone beach and take a refreshing swim in the sea, maybe snorkel and discover the thrilling underwater world. At the end of the day arrive in Funchal and check in at your hotel.
Overnight in Funchal.
Day 6: FUNCHAL
Wake up to your luscious breakfast at the hotel and enjoy the whole day at leisure. You can drive to the charming villages of Jardim do Mar and Paul do Mar and explore this beautiful region more profoundly. Those small fishing villages are very unique with their wonderful and romantic landscapes. From Paul do Mar you can drive up and head to Prazeres. Take pleasure in these tranquil vivid landscapes and savour the fresh flavours of local gastronomy.
Overnight in Funchal.
Day 7: FUNCHAL
After morning breakfast at the hotel, visit blooming vineyards and banana trees. Stop in Ribeira Brava, a charming village, perhaps take a walk through picturesque streets and busy squares, and get deeper inside of the tranquil local vibe. Take a short hike up to the second highest sea cliff in the world “Cabo Girão” situated close to the villages Campanário and Quinta Grande, and continue to Câmara de Lobos, a small fish village on the east part of the island.
Overnight in Funchal.
Day 8: FUNCHAL – DEPARTURE MADEIRA (20 km – 0.5 hrs)
Spend your last morning in Funchal, savouring your breakfast. Then, hop in to your car and drive back to Madeira, return the rental car at the Madeira Airport and prepare for your return flight.
