We Love —
- Benefitting from a stay at the Studios by Aqua Natura Hotels 4*, offering superb Atlantic Ocean views and a prime location just 500 metres from the Madeira Aquarium.
- Wandering through Porto Moniz’s charming village streets, dotted with colourful cafés and artisan shops.
- Dipping into the legendary natural pools of Madeira’s north coast, set against a backdrop of dramatic cliffs and roaring waves.
New Voyage Privé —
Carefully selected by our experts especially for you
Your itinerary in brief —
Spectacular landscapes, sweeping panoramic roads, vibrant villages, and a mild climate throughout the year make Madeira a truly distinctive destination. Staying at Studios by Aqua Natura Hotels 4* in Porto Moniz provides an ideal base from which to explore the island at your own pace, while enjoying comfortable accommodation in a peaceful setting on the north coast.
Your suggested itinerary:
7 night stay
Day 1: Arrive in Porto Moniz
Day 2: Porto Moniz ⇄ Seixal & São Vicente
Day 3: Porto Moniz ⇄ Laurissilva
Day 4: Porto Moniz ⇄ Paul do Mar & Jardim do Mar
Day 5: Porto Moniz
Day 6: Porto Moniz ⇄ Funchal
Day 7: Porto Moniz ⇄ Cabo Girão & Câmara de Lobos (south coast)
Day 8: Depart Porto Moniz
The freedom to explore:
Discover our expertly curated self-guided tours, designed to offer the perfect balance of structure and flexibility. While our travel experts suggest itineraries to help you explore each destination in depth, you have the freedom to tailor activities and pace to suit your personal preferences. Rest assured, the carefully selected hotels will remain as listed, ensuring a comfortable and seamless experience throughout your journey.
Your itinerary in detail —
7 night stay
YOUR SUGGESTED ITINERARY
DAY 1: ARRIVE IN PORTO MONIZ
Arrive on Madeira, pick up your car hire (applicable for flight-inclusive bookings only) or transfer on your own and wind your way along the dramatic north coast to Porto Moniz. Settle into your studio and step straight into village life, where the Atlantic sets the rhythm. Stretch your legs with an easy walk along the seafront, waves crashing against black volcanic rock. End the day in the natural pools, seawater swirling beneath open skies. Sunset here is a quiet spectacle, best enjoyed slowly.
- Arrive at Madeira Airport (FNC)
- Transfer on your own or pick up your car hire (applicable for flight-inclusive bookings only)
- Night at Studios by Aqua Natura Hotels 4*
DAY 2: PORTO MONIZ ⇄ SEIXAL & SÃO VICENTE
We suggest following the rugged coastline east to Seixal, home to striking black-sand beaches and natural pools framed by waterfalls. Continue to São Vicente, a green pocket of valleys and traditional houses tucked between steep mountains. Pause at the Véu da Noiva viewpoint for one of the island’s most memorable ocean panoramas. The road itself is part of the experience, with constant shifts in light and landscape. Return to Porto Moniz for an unhurried evening.
- Breakfast included
- Night at Studios by Aqua Natura Hotels 4*
DAY 3: PORTO MONIZ ⇄ LAURISSILVA
Head inland into the Laurissilva forest, a UNESCO-listed world of mossy trees and misty silence. The Fanal area feels almost otherworldly, especially when clouds drift low through ancient branches. Choose a levada walk suited to your pace, following narrow channels through dense greenery. The scenery changes subtly with every bend, rewarding slow exploration. It’s a day that showcases Madeira at its most elemental.
- Breakfast included
- Night at Studios by Aqua Natura Hotels 4*
DAY 4: PORTO MONIZ ⇄ PAUL DO MAR & JARDIM DO MAR
We suggest driving south along one of the island’s most scenic routes, where cliffs drop sharply into the Atlantic. Stop at Ponta do Pargo lighthouse for wide, wind-swept views, then descend towards Paul do Mar and Jardim do Mar. These villages feel timeless, with cafés perched just above the surf. Take time to linger, watch the ocean, and absorb the unpolished charm. Return north as the light softens.
- Breakfast included
- Night at Studios by Aqua Natura Hotels 4*
DAY 5: PORTO MONIZ
Keep plans flexible and follow your mood. You might head to Funchal for whale and dolphin watching, explore Santana’s traditional houses, or wander through tropical gardens. Alternatively, stay close to home and enjoy another long session at the Porto Moniz natural pools. This is the day to slow down and savour Madeira without an agenda. Sometimes doing less reveals the most.
- Breakfast included
- 1 x daily entrance to natural pools per person per stay
- Night at Studios by Aqua Natura Hotels 4*
DAY 6: PORTO MONIZ ⇄ FUNCHAL
Travel south to Funchal, a lively contrast to the island’s quieter north. Browse the Mercado dos Lavradores, visit the Sé Cathedral, and stroll through the historic streets of Santa Maria. Consider riding the cable car up to Monte for sweeping views, with the option of a traditional wicker toboggan ride back down.
- Breakfast included
- Night at Studios by Aqua Natura Hotels 4*
DAY 7: PORTO MONIZ ⇄ CABO GIRÃO & CÂMARA DE LOBOS
Begin at Cabo Girão, where a glass skywalk hovers above one of Europe’s highest sea cliffs. Continue to Câmara de Lobos, a colourful fishing harbour once painted by Winston Churchill. Watch daily life unfold along the quayside, boats bobbing just offshore. If time allows, stop at a local farm to discover Madeira’s tropical produce. It’s a fitting finale, blending scenery, culture, and everyday island life.
- Breakfast included
- Night at Studios by Aqua Natura Hotels 4*
DAY 8: DEPART PORTO MONIZ
Savour your final breakfast before checking out. Drop off your car hire (applicable for flight-inclusive bookings only), or transfer on your own, taking with you the lingering charm of Madeira and its stunning landscapes
- Breakfast included
- Transfer on your own or drop off your car hire (applicable for flight-inclusive bookings only)
Important information about your tour and visits: The hotels, which comply with local standards, are indicative and may be changed locally for hotels of a similar category. The itinerary is subject to changes due to compelling reasons such as delayed flights, weather conditions or other cases of force majeure. The order of visits is also subject to change without affecting the overall experience of the itinerary.
Your hotel —
Just for you:
Hand-picked just for you
Throughout your stay, you will be staying at the Studios by Aqua Natura Hotels 4* in Porto Moniz, with uninterrupted views over the iconic natural pools and the Atlantic Ocean. Ideally located between the sea and the Laurissilva forest, the hotel offers a refined blend of comfort and elegance. Its proximity to the aquarium and marina makes it an excellent base for enjoying a variety of water-based activities while appreciating the tranquillity of the surrounding landscape.
If the hotel is unavailable, you will be provided with comfortable accommodation in a similar hotel. Local standards apply.
Your dining choices
This is a bed and breakfast stay.
Optional excursions —
Hop-on Hop-off Tour - Discover Funchal & Câmara de Lobos
Enjoy elevated views over two remarkable destinations from the upper deck of an open-top bus, offering a unique perspective just four metres above the streets. Discover the character of Funchal as you explore its historic and emblematic landmarks, strolling through streets adorned with traditional Portuguese cobblestones and their distinctive patterns.
Câmara de Lobos captivates with its natural beauty and picturesque scenery, a charming coastal town not to be missed. Thanks to the convenient hop-on hop-off service, you are free to explore both locations at your own pace, according to your interests.
Price includes:
- Sightseeing tour of Funchal and Câmara de Lobos
- Exploration of Funchal’s key attractions and the highlights of Câmara de Lobos
- Hop-on hop-off bus service
- Complimentary Madeira wine tasting at the Old Blandy’s Wine Lodge
- Free admission to the Bordal Embroidery Factory
- Ticket valid for 24 or 48 hours
Your journey —
Flights:
You will be able to choose your airline and flight times when you make your booking, in either Economy, Premium, or Business class, depending on the destination and carrier. This flight may include one or more stopovers. Please review your flight options carefully as departure and arrival airports may differ, in order to offer the best price.
Luggage information
Luggage, meals and other services on board may be subject to an additional fee on certain airlines. It is possible to view details of luggage allowances when you choose your flights at the next stage of the booking process. If luggage is not included with your flight, please go to the airline's website before your departure to purchase your luggage for an additional fee.
For domestic flights, airlines do not always offer the option of reserving luggage. In this case, you will need to pay for it at the airport counter.
You will receive all the information you need to check in for your flights after you have made your reservation.
Your destination —
Madeira
Welcome to Madeira:
A lush emerald jewel adrift in the Atlantic, Madeira is Portugal’s wild and wonderful island escape. Here, rugged cliffs plunge into sapphire seas, misty laurel forests whisper of ancient times, and terraced vineyards cling to volcanic slopes. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, winding through botanical gardens, or soaking in natural lava pools, Madeira feels like a world apart—untamed, dramatic, and endlessly enchanting.
Must-sees:
- Levada walks: Hike along centuries-old irrigation channels through emerald forests, past waterfalls, and up to breathtaking viewpoints.
- Monte Toboggan Ride: Take a cable car to Monte, then zoom back down in a traditional wicker toboggan, expertly steered by straw-hatted carreiros.
- Mercado dos Lavradores: Wander through Funchal’s bustling market, where tropical fruits, fragrant spices, and vibrant flowers burst with colour.
- Cabo Girão: Brave the glass-floored skywalk on one of Europe’s highest sea cliffs for dizzying ocean views.
- Lava Pools of Porto Moniz: Take a dip in naturally formed volcanic rock pools filled with crystal-clear Atlantic waters.
Culinary culture:
Madeira’s cuisine is a feast of bold flavours and fresh, local ingredients. Skewer-grilled espetada, sizzling over fragrant laurel wood, pairs perfectly with a glass of punchy Poncha, the island’s signature sugarcane spirit. Sweet tooth? Try bolo de mel, a sticky, spiced honey cake that’s been baked here for centuries. And of course, no visit is complete without sipping on the world-famous Madeira wine—a fortified delight with a history as rich as its flavour.
Dive deeper:
Beyond the tourist trail, Madeira reveals its soulful traditions. Be sure to check out a fado performance, where mournful melodies echo through candlelit taverns, or witness the Festival of Flowers, when the streets explode in a kaleidoscope of petals. Meanwhile, in tiny fishing villages, men still weave basketwork by hand, a craft passed down through generations.
Good to know:
Madeira is about 1h30 by flight from Lisbon, served by Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport in Funchal. The best time to visit is year-round, thanks to its subtropical climate, though April to October is ideal for levada walks and outdoor adventures. The local currency is the euro (EUR), and driving is recommended if you want to explore the island’s dramatic landscapes at your own pace.
