A Perfect Tour Of Madeira

Day 1

Funchal finery

Split your first day in the capital Funchal between the magnificent Quinta das Cruzes and the Adegas de Sao Francisco, the historic wine lodge. In the former you can check out the antiques and faded splendour of one of Funchal’s grandest mansions, and in the latter you can taste Madeira’s extraordinary fortified wines.

Day 2

Cable-car & market

Still in Funchal, take in the amazing views via cable car (temporarily closed due to damage caused by 2016 wildfires, due to reopen in early 2017 – check website, www.telefericojardimbotanico.com , before visiting) from Funchal’s lush Jardim Botãnico, and explore the gardens themselves on foot. Next, browse your way around the Mercado do Lavoradores, a busy, colourful spectacle, with leather goods, wickerwork, and handicrafts on sale alongside fruit, vegetables and fish.

Day 3

Wicker toboggans

It’s a short hop to the hilltop town of Monte, where you can explore the many local gardens, such as Jardim do Palácio do Monte, and indulge in a traditional downhill wicker toboggan ride, aided by drivers dressed in straw boaters.

Day 4

Hill gardens

Spend the day exploring the Palheiro Gardens, most magnificent of Madeira’s many splendid gardens. The hill-draped estate is a short bus ride from Funchal, and famous for its exotic plants, wild ravine, and gorgeous winter camellias.

Day 5

Pico do Ariero

You can take a bus tour to the summit of Madeira’s third highest mountain, Pico do Ariero in the central highlands of the island. It’s something of a moonscape, whose plunging barren volcanic landscapes glow russet red in the sunlight.

Day 6

Nuns’ refuge

Next, head to the equally spectacular Curral das Freiras, which you can reach via bus, car or organised tour, a 10km (6-mile) trip from Monte into another world. The village’s name means ‘Refuge of the Nuns’, and it’s encircled by a ring of mountains and was for a long time barely accessible to the outside world. It’s an extraordinary sight, with the steep slopes around it dotted with terraces.

Day 7

São Vicente

The enchanting prettiness of Sao Vicente is worth the cross-island trip from Funchal. Not only will you see one of Madeira’s most picturesque villages, but if you’re feeling adventurous you can drive the heart-stopping, dazzling old coastal road from here to Porto Moniz.

Day 8

Porto Santo

On the last day of your trip, fly or boat it over to the island of Porto Santo, with its 9km (5.6 miles) of golden beach. This tiny, mountainous, white-sand-fringed island is the ideal place to relax and spend the last day or so of your holiday.