🇵🇹 Funchal, Portugal
5 days in Madeira: levadas, cliffs & Funchal evenings
Five calendar days based at Savoy Palace in Funchal, Wednesday 2 to Sunday 6 December 2026. The outbound flight is assumed to depart Stockholm Arlanda (ARN) at 08:00 on 2 December, and the return flight is assumed to depart Madeira Airport (FNC) at 16:00 on 6 December for Stockholm Arlanda; these are planning assumptions, not bookings. The itinerary preserves the existing activities, with the final airport transfer timed for the assumed return flight.
Make it yours: the Optimist asks for your dates and hotel and adapts the plan.
Day 1 map
Day 1 · Day 1 · Funchal old town & waterfront
Wed 2 Dec · 3 stops
Arrive in Funchal and settle in at Savoy Palace before an easy introduction to the Old Town and waterfront.
· Activity · 1 h 30 min
Wander the cobbled lanes around Rua de Santa Maria and take in the painted doorways, small squares and historic atmosphere. Keep the route unhurried after travel.
Your must-seeComfortable shoes help on the uneven paving.
15 min walk
· Activity · 1 h
Follow the seafront promenade for harbour views and an easy first look at the city’s waterfront. Sunset is early in December, so enjoy the changing light if conditions are clear.
Your must-seeBring a light layer for the breezy seafront.
10 min walk
· Dinner · 1 h 30 min
Choose a well-reviewed local restaurant in the Old Town for Madeira specialities such as espada with banana, grilled fish or espetada. Check menus and December opening arrangements before setting out.
Booking recommendedReserve if you have a particular restaurant in mind, especially for dinner.
A poncha is a classic local aperitif; pace yourself if you have an early start tomorrow.
Day 2 · Day 2 · Gardens, market & Funchal flavours
Thu 3 Dec · 5 stops
Explore central Funchal and Monte Palace Tropical Garden, returning to Savoy Palace for a relaxed evening.
· Breakfast · 45 min
Start with coffee and a light breakfast in the centre before the market gets busier.
Ask for a bolo do caco if you want a local savoury breakfast.
10 min walk
· Sight · 1 h
Browse the central market’s produce and regional goods. The market is listed as open Thursday 07:00–19:00; hours may differ over the trip dates, so recheck closer to travel.
Compare prices before buying fruit or souvenirs.
Photo: Luke H. Gordon · CC BY 2.0 · Mercado dos Lavradores on Wikipedia
10 min walk
· Lunch · 1 h 15 min
Pause for a relaxed lunch around the centre, choosing a café or tasca with a daily fish or soup special.
Lunch near the centre keeps the afternoon transfer simple.
~20 min by taxi
· Sight · 2 h 30 min
Spend the afternoon among the garden’s subtropical planting, lakes and viewpoints above the city. The official site lists the garden as open daily except 25 December, with October–March hours of 09:00–18:00; verify holiday-season details before visiting.
Allow time to explore the steep paths at a comfortable pace.
~20 min by taxi
· Dinner · 2 h
Return to town for a leisurely local dinner, then enjoy a low-key drink in the Old Town or near the waterfront.
Booking recommendedReserve if choosing a popular restaurant.
Keep the evening gentle before tomorrow’s outdoor day.
Day 3 · Day 3 · Levada walk & mountain nature
Fri 4 Dec · 6 stops
Spend a full day on the Levada das 25 Fontes outing, then return to Savoy Palace for a relaxed dinner.
· Breakfast · 40 min
Have an early breakfast and pack water, layers and a snack for the walk.
Take a waterproof layer; mountain weather can differ from Funchal.
Transfer: ~1 h 15 min drive
· Transfer · 1 h 15 min
Arrange a rental car, taxi or guided transfer from Funchal; journey time is an estimate and can vary with weather and traffic.
Booking recommendedArrange transport in advance, especially if not renting a car.
A guided small-group outing can simplify transport and trail logistics.
10 min walk
· Activity · 4 h
Walk the Rabaçal route to the 25 Fontes lagoon and return by the designated route. The official trail information lists the route as open with controlled one-way circulation; its status must be checked again close to the date.
Booking recommendedCheck current trail access rules and any applicable reservation or fee requirements on the official Madeira trail pages.
Expect a proper walk with steps and uneven, sometimes damp sections; carry water and sturdy footwear.
15 min walk
· Lunch · 1 h
Take a relaxed lunch or picnic after the hike; food options in the area may be limited or seasonal, so bring a substantial snack as a backup.
Pack snacks from Funchal rather than relying on a café being open.
Transfer: ~1 h 15 min drive
· Transfer · 1 h 15 min
Return to Funchal after the walk; allow for mountain-road conditions and a rest on arrival.
Keep the evening open for recovery rather than scheduling another outing.
10 min walk
· Dinner · 1 h 30 min
Choose a relaxed dinner close to Savoy Palace after the full day outdoors.
Try a simple local soup or grilled fish if you want a lighter meal.
Day 4 · Day 4 · Cliffs, harbour & coastal views
Sat 5 Dec · 6 stops
Take a west-coast outing to Cabo Girão and Câmara de Lobos, with a relaxed evening back in Funchal.
· Breakfast · 45 min
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before heading west along the coast.
Check the forecast and visibility before setting out for viewpoints.
~25 min by taxi
· Sight · 1 h
Look out from the high coastal cliff over the sea and cultivated slopes below. Visibility and access conditions vary, and future opening details should be checked nearer the visit.
The glass platform can feel exposed; skip it if heights are uncomfortable.
~15 min by taxi
· Activity · 1 h 30 min
Stroll the colourful harbour and nearby lanes in this traditional fishing town. Pause for a coffee or a small glass of poncha if you like.
The harbour is a pleasant place for an unhurried short walk.
10 min walk
· Lunch · 1 h 15 min
Choose a local seafood restaurant around the harbour for a relaxed lunch.
Booking recommendedReserve if you have a particular restaurant or waterfront table in mind.
Ask what fish is freshest that day.
Transfer: ~25 min by taxi
· Transfer · 25 min
Return to your base with time to rest, browse shops or revisit the waterfront.
Keep some unscheduled time in case the coastal weather changes your morning plans.
10 min walk
· Dinner · 2 h
Have dinner in town, then choose a relaxed bar for a drink or live music if something appealing is on.
Booking recommendedReserve dinner in advance if choosing a popular spot.
Check event listings locally; live music schedules vary.
Day 5 · Day 5 · Funchal farewell & departure
Sun 6 Dec · 4 stops
Have a final breakfast and waterfront stroll, then transfer from Funchal to Madeira Airport for the assumed 16:00 departure to Stockholm Arlanda.
· Breakfast · 1 h
Enjoy a slow breakfast and leave time to pack and check out of Savoy Palace.
Confirm your accommodation’s checkout arrangements the night before.
10 min walk
· Activity · 1 h
Take a final easy walk along the waterfront if your departure schedule allows. Do not start this outing if it would compromise the airport buffer.
Your must-seeFor an early flight, skip the walk and head directly to the airport.
10 min walk
· Lunch · 1 h
Have an early, convenient meal near your base before setting out for the airport.
If your flight is earlier, replace lunch with a takeaway snack.
Transfer: ~30 min by taxi
· Transfer · 30 min
Travel from Funchal to Madeira Airport for the assumed 16:00 departure to Stockholm Arlanda. The drive is estimated at 30 minutes; allow for traffic and aim to reach the airport around 13:00, three hours before departure.
Booking recommendedArrange a taxi or airport transfer once your flight is confirmed.
Confirm the airport transfer and timing with your airline; the flight details are planning assumptions, not a booking.