Breathe in Madeira: A 6-Day Family Island Journey
Ocean spray on volcanic stone. Sweet honey cake. Gentle island roads with your private driver.
Duration: 6 days
Region: Porto & the North · Madeira
From 3950 EUR per person
Overview
Warm Atlantic salt hangs heavy in the morning air. Ripe passionfruit, crushed eucalyptus, and damp volcanic stone fill every breath. Over six slow, immersive days, your family encounters the wild soul of Madeira. Travel in quiet comfort along sculpted coastline paths, from the sunlit harbour of Funchal to the dramatic clifftops of Cabo Girao and the black basalt rock pools of Porto Moniz. Listen to Atlantic swells crashing against jagged shores. Feel cool mountain mist drift through ancient laurel forests. With a dedicated private driver caring for every mile, your family travels seamlessly, free to pause, savour sweet local honey cake, and take in the emerald horizons together.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1 — Arrival in Madeira and Ocean Breezes of Funchal
Warm Atlantic air greets you at Madeira Airport. Your private driver welcomes you, guiding you to a serene hotel arrival. Glaze your eyes over blue water on a slow panoramic coastal drive through Funchal, followed by an evening at your own pace.
- Warm welcome at Madeira Airport by your dedicated private driver
- Glistening ocean vistas along the sun-drenched bay of Funchal
- Salty ocean breezes across historic quays and stone promenades
- Restful afternoon and independent dinner beneath twilight skies
Day 2 — Sights and Scents of Old Funchal and Monte
Sweet passionfruit and cut flowers perfume Mercado dos Lavradores. Rich oak and aging wine linger in the air at Blandy's Wine Lodge. Ascend to Monte, where cool mountain breezes meet sweeping views over the glittering bay of Funchal, before an open afternoon.
- Vibrant blossoms and sweet fruit perfumes at Mercado dos Lavradores
- Cool stone textures beneath your feet on Rua de Santa Maria
- Crisp mountain air and sweeping bay views high in Monte
- Quiet afternoon strolls along the softly lapping harbour waters
Day 3 — Sea Spray and Coastal Cliffs of Cabo Girao
Wooden hulls bob gently on turquoise waters in Camara de Lobos. At Cabo Girao, crisp wind rushes across sheer cliffs rising high above the rolling sea. Pass warm banana groves through Ribeira Brava to sunlit Ponta do Sol, returning for a tranquil evening.
- Colourful painted boats and briny harbour breezes in Camara de Lobos
- Vertiginous ocean drops and rushing sea winds at Cabo Girao
- Sun-warmed coastal terraces and quiet stone shores in Ponta do Sol
- Peaceful afternoon resting pool-side or amidst lush green gardens
Day 4 — Volcanic Basalt and Crashing Swells at Porto Moniz
Deep green moss and tumbling waterfalls line Serra de Agua and Sao Vicente. At Porto Moniz, cool Atlantic waves surge over dark volcanic lava pools. Travel back across the silent, misty expanse of Paul da Serra, resting before an evening meal.
- Lush emerald valleys and rushing mountain water near Sao Vicente
- Foaming salt spray over black basalt lava pools in Porto Moniz
- Wind-swept silence and golden grasses across Paul da Serra
- Gentle late afternoon journey and an evening of island flavours
Day 5 — Thatch, Laurel Forests, and Santana Traditions
Rough thatch roofs catch the morning sun in Santana. Deep in Ribeiro Frio, damp soil and fresh ferns scent the ancient Laurisilva forest. Winds roar across the raw crimson cliffs of Ponta de Sao Lourenco before you return to Funchal.
- Rustic thatched eaves and bright crimson woodwork in Santana
- Earthy scents and cool shade in the ancient Laurisilva at Ribeiro Frio
- Vibrant rust-red headlands and crashing waves at Ponta de Sao Lourenco
- Golden twilight over Funchal for a memorable farewell dinner
Day 6 — Soft Island Mornings and Farewell to Madeira
Savour warm island sunlight and the soft rhythm of waves over the shore. Take in the scent of fresh espresso in Funchal or seek out handwoven wicker. When the moment arrives, your private driver glides you smoothly to Madeira Airport.
- Gentle morning sun and mild sea breezes along the shoreline
- Last leisurely footsteps across the sun-warmed stones of Funchal
- Smooth, restful private transfer directly to Madeira Airport
- A lingering final glance at the dramatic green peaks of Madeira
Frequently asked questions
Is this 6-day Madeira itinerary suitable for families with young children or seniors?
Yes, this journey is crafted with gentle pacing ideal for family travel. Touring in a private vehicle allows you to adjust stops according to your family rhythm. Walks through Funchal markets, coastal promenades, and scenic viewpoints feature accessible paved paths, and your private driver drops you close to key sites to avoid strenuous uphill climbs.
What is included in this private tour of Madeira?
Your trip includes exclusive transportation in a premium, climate-controlled vehicle with a dedicated local private driver for all planned transfers and excursions. Daily itineraries, fuel, highway tolls, and pickup or drop-off at Madeira Airport are fully covered. Accommodations, meals, and optional entry fees or activities remain flexible, allowing you to choose dining and lodging that best suit your family.
How challenging is the walking at sites like Porto Moniz and Cabo Girao?
Most viewpoints and waterfront areas, including the Cabo Girao skywalk and the promenade at Porto Moniz, have paved walkways and safety railings. Walking distances are modest and can be taken at your own pace. If members of your family prefer to rest, shaded cafes and seaside benches are readily available while others explore closer to the water.
When is the best time of year to take this family trip to Madeira?
Madeira enjoys mild, spring-like weather throughout the year, making it wonderful in any season. Spring and summer bring lush floral blooms, calm ocean breezes, and warm conditions perfect for viewing the natural lava pools. Autumn and winter offer softer light, quiet viewpoints, and comfortable temperatures for coastal walks, with temperatures rarely falling below pleasant daytime levels.