Do you have 2 days in Madeira to experience the beauty of this Portuguese island?
Look no further, because this guide has got you covered!
Madeira is a lush, vibrant island located in the Atlantic Ocean.
There are tons of direct flights departing daily from Lisbon and Porto, so visiting Madeira makes a great extension to any Portugal trip.
Spending 2 days in Madeira is also an ideal weekend vacation for those who live in Europe and want both an adventurous and restorative escape.
Madeira’s lush beaches are perfect for relaxation, and the rugged mountains provide limitless hiking routes and viewpoints.
The island’s subtropical climate offers a year-round haven for nature lovers and sun-seekers alike, with temperatures that are rarely too hot or too cold.
Whether you’re seeking the thrill of exploring quaint villages and soaking in panoramic landscapes or yearning for tranquil moments on sandy shores, Madeira’s diverse offerings will captivate your senses.
Some of the best things to do during your quick Madeira itinerary are Porto Moniz, a west island road trip, and Pico do Ariero.
If you can build your trip longer, I recommend spending 4 days in Madeira at the very minimum. However, we know that’s not always doable, so we’ve got you covered with 2 or even 3 days in Madeira.
In order to see some amazing things on the island in just a couple of days, this itinerary is very fast-paced. As always, modify this itinerary as needed in order to suit your travel needs and preferences.
Let’s explore Madeira!
Day 1: Hiking Pico do Ariero
Pico do Ariero is one of the most beautiful things I have seen in my entire life. The hike from Pico do Ariero to Pico Ruivo is quite strenuous, but I say it’s worth it.
Pico do Ariero is by far one of the best hikes in Madeira, and also an accessible hike without a car.
Tips
- I highly recommend completing this activity during your first day on the island. Weather can sometimes be unpredictable, or cloud coverage might distort your views.
- Providing at least one day of flexibility in your itinerary to flip flop activities could make all the difference.
Getting There
For those looking to experience the majestic trails of Pico do Ariero, there are several options for getting there:
- Renting a car offers the freedom to travel at your own pace and the flexibility to take spontaneous detours, though navigating winding roads may be challenging for some drivers and fuel costs can add up.
- Booking a guided tour can enrich your adventure with expert insights and eliminate the stress of planning, although it may come at a higher cost and less personal solitude.
- Alternatively, securing a ride transport service simplifies your journey and is cost-effective, but this option could limit your time exploring due to fixed schedules.
Whichever you choose, preparing for the journey to Pico do Ariero will ensure a memorable hike amid Madeira’s breathtaking landscapes.
Day 2: Best of the West OR East
I recommend deciding if you are more interested in attractions on the West side of the island, or the east side of the island, and then booking a tour or renting a car to take a one-day road trip from there.
Both tours last approximately 8 hours. We will cover the pros and cons here.
Best of the West
Hopping on a best-of-the-west tour or renting a car to road trip the western part of the island is my top recommendation for this day.
While a short road trip only allows you to scratch the surface of Madeira’s Western beauty, it gives you just the amount you need to experience some of the most beautiful island magic in the world and leaves you coming back for more.
Cabo Girao
Cabo Girao is one of the highest viewpoints in all of Europe.
Standing on a glass platform almost 2,000 feet in the air is no joke!
No need to spend too long here, just a spot to take in an other-worldly view. (The only other glass platform I have stood on was a skyscraper box in Chicago…)
It’s free and most tours make a quick stop here. There is a paid bathroom and souvenir shop.
Porto Moniz
Porto Moniz is a lovely, small town on the seaside of Madeira’s west coast. It is highly known for its natural, volcanic salt pool.
I’ve never seen anything quite like this (though apparently there is another natural salt pool near Porto in Matosinhos).
The pool walls are formed by hardened, volcanic lava.
And the pool water consists of waves of Atlantic Ocean water filling the pools. It’s absolutely unbelievable, and so so stunning.
Honestly, I’m not really a swimming person and I think about Porto Moniz all the time. It’s such a natural wonder!
There are two options for pools: one free and one paid.
The free pool has no jagged or sharp rocks and has a lifeguard on duty. There is also a small fee, and lounge chairs are available for rent.
At the free pool, swim at your own risk. There is no lifeguard on duty, and rocks may be jagged or sharp.
Serra de Agua
Serra de Agua is an incredible viewpoint overlooking the Valley of Nuns from the Laurel Forest. West Madeira tours tend to make a quick stop at this viewpoint.
The lush, purple flowers in the summer months painted against the backdrop of green, rugged mountains were something I couldn’t even have dreamed of (though that was most of Madeira for me).
Pros:
- Stunning Porto Moniz
- Cabo Girao
- Serra de Agua Viewpoint
Cons
- Quick stops/tight on timing
Best of the East
I did not personally go on a Best of the East tour while in Madeira.
It didn’t make sense for me, because I prioritized spending a full at some of the best stops on the tour. (This is because I had 4 days on the island).
If you choose to go on a Best of the East tour, these are some of the top stops:
Ribeiro Frio: Levada Walk
Taking a Leavada walk is known as one of the best things to do in Madeira, so it would be pretty cool to scratch this off the list on an East tour.
São Lourenço
São Lourenço is by far one of the best hikes in Madeira. There’s no time to hike on a best-of-the-east tour, but you get to see a pretty cool viewpoint.
Santana
East island tours are most highly advertised for visiting the local Santana houses.
I was told this was very touristy, and the houses you visit are kept to show tourists.
I wasn’t fully certain about the ethical-ness of this (and really didn’t have time to research it a bunch before the trip) but decided for me, this wouldn’t be the thing to prioritize.
Pros:
- Take a Lavada Walk
- Views from São Lourenço and Pico do Ariero
Cons
- The tour stops at Pico do Ariero. You spent the entire day there yesterday.
- Quick stops- same con for both tours.
Note: Make sure your tour operator provides all of the stops provided here.
Weather and other circumstances can cause tour operators to modify their schedule at any time, therefore I recommend reaching out directly once you have made your decision (east or the west!)
Alternative Activities for Days 1 and 2:
- Fanal Forest
- Beach day at Ponta do Sol, Seixal Beach, or Porto Moniz
- Hike São Lourenço
- Hike Valley of Nuns
- Explore Funchal
Conclusion
When planning for two days in Madeira, I recommend prioritizing quality over quantity for the ultimate experience!
The enchanting Levada Walks provide an immersive connection with Madeira’s lush landscape
The iconic São Lourenço and Pico do Ariero provide amazing views.
I’m going to be honest! Spending two days in Madeira might be a bit overwhelming.
There are so many things to do and see, you will need to accept that you’re not going to see all of them and come to peace with the beautiful things you do get to experience.
Take a deep breath, choose a few of the things that look best to you, and dive into the lush, other-worldly landscape of one of the most amazing islands in the world.
