10 Days in Madeira: Coastal Rides, Island Thrills, and Snapper Straight from the Sea

Portugal delivered on every front—fresh fish, sweeping Atlantic views, and just enough adventure to keep us on our toes. We split our time between the artsy energy of Porto and the wild, volcanic beauty of Madeira, moving at a rhythm that felt both active and unhurried. From e-biking along the coast to canyoneering through mountain gorges, here’s how Mike and I made the most of ten unforgettable days.

Day 1: Arrival in Lisbon

We took a late flight into Lisbon from Rotterdam, choosing this route because the airfare was significantly cheaper—and honestly, we didn’t mind. Portugal’s rail network makes it easy to get around, and we were looking forward to the scenic train ride north the next day.

After landing, we checked into the Moxy Lisbon City—a bright, modern hotel that’s perfect for a quick overnight stay. With just one night in the city, we kept it simple: a short neighborhood walk, a relaxed dinner, and a good night’s sleep to reset for the trip ahead.

💡Pro Tip: Sometimes it’s worth flying into a different city for better fares. Portugal’s train routes are efficient and scenic—so you don’t miss out, even on a travel day.

Day 2: From City Streets to Riverside Charm—Lisbon to Porto by Train

We kicked off the morning with a scenic train ride from Lisbon to Porto—a smooth and comfortable journey that’s one of the best ways to see Portugal’s changing landscapes. Rolling past vineyards, tiled towns, and river valleys, it felt like the trip had truly begun.

After arriving at Porto Campanhã station, we walked across the bridge over the Douro River into Vila Nova de Gaia, where we checked into the peaceful and stylish Douro Riverside. Gaia quickly won us over—it’s quieter than Porto’s historic center but full of charm, with cobbled streets, wine cellars, and a local feel that makes it a pleasure to explore.

The city’s hills are no joke, though—so we picked up e-bikes from Ciclo to get around with ease. Their shop is well-located, and the team was incredibly helpful in setting us up for a few days of riding.

💡Pro Tip: If you’re heading to Porto by train, skip the rental car and opt for a base in Gaia. With e-bikes and river ferries, getting around is scenic, simple, and far less stressful.

Day 3: Coastal Pedals, Garden Views, and Market Wanders

We started the day back on our e-bikes, heading north along the coast to Praia da Memória. The ride was breezy and scenic, with well-maintained bike paths that hugged the Atlantic. It’s one of those routes where the ride is just as rewarding as the destination.

The beach itself is wide and peaceful, home to a tall obelisk commemorating the landing of liberal troops in 1832—a pivotal moment in Portugal’s fight for constitutional monarchy. A bit of history, a lot of salty air, and the sound of waves—it was the kind of morning that clears your mind.

After making our way back to Gaia and recharging with a quick bite, we crossed into Porto to explore the Jardins do Palácio de Cristal. This garden is a gem—lush, layered paths lead through fountains, peacocks roam freely, and the views over the Douro are some of the best in the city. It’s a perfect pause from the buzz of the streets below.

From there, we made our way to Mercado do Bolhão—recently restored and full of life. It’s part traditional market, part modern food hall, with vendors selling everything from cured meats and cheeses to fresh pastries and local produce. We sampled a few bites, grabbed a couple of goodies to take back, and soaked in the hum of everyday Porto.

💡Pro Tip: Mercado do Bolhão is ideal for lunch or a snack-heavy stroll—but go early in the day for the best selection and fewer crowds.

Day 4: Flying to Madeira Portugal

The next morning, we flew to Madeira—an island shaped by lava, wind, and sea. As we descended into Funchal, we saw terraced hills and banana plantations tumbling down cliffs toward the Atlantic. It’s a stunning arrival, and the kind of place that immediately feels different from the mainland.

We picked up our rental car at the airport, which gave us the freedom to explore at our own pace for the rest of the trip. Trust me—it’s the best way to see Madeira.

We checked into the Pestana Grand Ocean Resort, a lush property with sea-facing rooms and gardens that blend right into the coastline. From our balcony, we looked out at the horizon beyond layered palm fronds, hibiscus blooms, and walking paths that trace the cliffs.

That afternoon, we wandered the Lido Promenade, a favorite among locals for its access to cafés, sea views, and those iconic lava-rock swimming pools. We toasted our arrival with our first poncha—a punchy mix of aguardente, citrus, and honey that every traveler should try at least once.

💡Pro Tip: Renting a car in Madeira gives you the freedom to reach places most visitors miss—and makes even the drive part of the adventure.

Day 5: From Monte to the Valley Floor

We caught the Funchal Cable Car up to Monte, a hilltop town filled with gardens and colonial architecture. From the station, we walked to Jardim Monte Palace Madeira, a botanical garden packed with tile murals, tropical plants, koi ponds, and art from Africa to Asia. It’s lush and transportive—Madeira’s volcanic soil gives rise to plants you won’t find elsewhere.

Instead of taking the famous wicker toboggan ride down, we opted for the Levada dos Tornos, one of Madeira’s historic irrigation channels-turned-trails. These levadas have been essential to farming on the island for centuries and are now a network of scenic walks. The hike was peaceful and shaded, winding through valleys and back down into town.

💡Pro Tip: Wear shoes with good grip—levadas can get slick. The views, waterfalls, and wildflowers along the way are worth every step.

Day 6: Poolside Pause + Oceanfront Evening

By day five, we were ready to slow down. We spent the morning lounging by the saltwater pool at the Pestana Grand, watching waves crash against the cliffs below. The breeze, the gardens, the sound of the sea—it was the perfect way to recharge.

Later, we walked the Promenade do Lido again, stopping for gelato and people-watching before heading to Restaurante Il Basilico, where we had risotto with local octopus and creamy burrata with Madeiran olive oil. With drinks afterward at Fortim do Lido—a casual bar built into an old sea fort—offered one of the best sunset spots of the trip.

💡Pro Tip: Try a natural swimming pool while you’re in Madeira—these tide-fed pools carved into lava rock are a local institution and a fun break from the beach.

Day 7: Road Trip Around the Island

We hit the road, this time aiming for Madeira’s dramatic northern coast. The island’s terrain changes fast—one moment you're winding through misty hills, the next you're hugging cliffs high above the Atlantic.

Our first stop was Porto da Cruz, a sleepy coastal village known for its striking black sand beach and one of the few remaining sugar cane mills on the island. We paused to walk along the seafront and admire the surf crashing against jagged volcanic rock. If you’re into rum or local spirits, this is a great place to taste aguardente made the traditional way.

From there, we continued to Santana, where the island’s iconic triangle-roofed houses are still proudly maintained. These thatched homes once housed local farmers and are now a charming glimpse into Madeira’s rural heritage.

Later, we rolled into Seixal with plans to grab lunch by the black sand beach—but the area was packed. Turns out Star Wars: The Acolyte was filming in the area, and it was buzzing with equipment and crew.

We ended the day back on the south coast at the Calheta Beach Resort, and just as we were parking, we noticed something unexpected—the Madeira Classic Car Rally had rolled into town. Dozens of beautifully restored vintage cars, mostly British classics, were lined up in the lot right next to our hotel. It was an unexpected and very fun bonus to check them out up close before calling it a night.

💡Pro Tip: Don’t rush the north coast drive. There are plenty of spots like Porto da Cruz worth a spontaneous stop—even just for a coffee and a view.

Day 8: Deep Sea Fishing + Dinner Straight from the Sea

We met Nelson from Fish Point Madeira early at the Calheta Marina and headed out for a morning of deep sea fishing. One of the best parts about fishing off Madeira is how quickly you reach deep water—just a few minutes from shore and you're in prime territory.

We landed a beautiful red snapper, which Nelson cleaned and packed for us to take to dinner. That evening, we brought it to Marina Azul Restaurante, where the chef prepared it two ways: simply grilled and in a traditional Madeira-style stew. Fresh, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying.

💡Pro Tip: If you book a fishing charter, ask your guide if a nearby restaurant can cook your catch. Many places in Madeira are happy to do it—and it makes for a memorable meal.

Day 9: Canyoneering with EPIC Madeira

We capped off the adventure side of the trip with a canyoneering experience through Madeira’s Laurissilva Forest, a UNESCO-protected wonderland of misty trees, tangled roots, and waterfalls that feel lifted from a fantasy novel.

We met up with EPIC Madeira at our meeting point. After a short drive they geared us up for the day—wetsuits, helmets, harnesses, the works. Our guides were knowledgeable, energetic, and safety-focused, which let us fully enjoy the experience: rappelling down mossy rock faces, splashing through clear mountain pools, and hiking through one of the rarest ecosystems on Earth.

Madeira’s interior feels worlds away from the coast—cooler, quieter, and steeped in ancient energy. The Laurissilva is a living time capsule, home to plants and trees that once blanketed much of southern Europe. Few people get to see it this way, and we felt lucky to be among them.

💡Pro Tip: No experience needed—just a basic level of mobility and a willingness to get a little wet. EPIC Madeira takes care of the rest and even captures photos of your adventure.

Day 10: Back to Reality (with a Bit of First-Class Comfort)

We had time for one last oceanfront walk and a slow breakfast before heading to the airport. With poncha still in our memory and sea spray in our hair, it was tough to say goodbye to Madeira’s rhythm.

But thanks to a first-class upgrade through TAP Airlines, the trip home came with a final dose of comfort—priority boarding, quiet space, and a celebratory glass of sparkling wine. A soft landing after an incredible week.

💡Pro Tip: Travel advisors often have access to upgrades, perks, and preferred rates you won’t find on your own. It’s a small touch that can make a big difference—especially at the end of an unforgettable journey.

Thinking about Portugal? Whether you're dreaming of coastal bike rides, volcanic hikes, or just slowing down in a garden by the sea, I can help you build a trip that reflects your pace and style. With custom itineraries, trusted local partners, and someone to call if plans shift, you won’t just travel—you’ll feel taken care of from start to finish. ✨ Let’s start planning something unforgettable.