Madeira tour route
© Nuno Dias - View of Porto da Cruz
October 21, 2022
October 21, 2022

Bucketlist Tour Madeira – 8 days: the ultimate day-to-day road trip itinerary

Planning a road trip on Madeira? In this new travel guide, I've created a day-by-day itinerary for you, highlighting all the highlights and fun things to do on the island. Madeira isn't a huge island, so you can choose a single hotel as your base for the entire trip, for example, in Funchal. If you don't mind packing and unpacking your suitcase multiple times, it's fun to choose different hotels as your base. If only because you'll wake up to a different view every time! Check out the description below for an 8-day tour of Madeira and create your own ultimate road trip and day-by-day bucket list.

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PUUR JONNIE, an ode to Jonnie Boer. Today I had the honor of being at @delibrijezwolle for the book launch of @jonnie_en_therese. I spent the entire evening reading and browsing. WHAT A BOOK. What stories. WHAT AN ODE. Love, Nature, Pioneer, Fatherhood, Music, Jonnie's Foundation, Friendship, Suppliers, Local products, Relaxation, Entrepreneurship, Humor & The pure human being. Everything is covered, beautifully written by @joel.broekaert. With contributions from, among others, @nelsontanate, @rekkebus, @ronblaauwtje, @jorisbijdendijk, @sidney_schutte & @hvw043. Thanks for the wonderful afternoon @jonnie_en_therese 💚 PUUR JONNIE, Available from April 14 at your local bookstore (and online) 🖊️ @anne_de_buck
This is your ticket to Japan without taking a plane 🥢 @tewatashi.ams in De Pijp serves an authentic Edo-Mae Sushi Experience and is super consistent in their quality. It's the place we keep going back to when we have something to celebrate <3. In this video I'm sharing the 2 hour experience in 60 seconds. Still dreaming about the buttery ika nigiri. 🤤 ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck { one of the best authentic Japanese restaurants in Amsterdam serving premium sushi omakase in De Pijp }
𝗔 𝗯𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗰𝗮𝗳𝗲́ 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆? @eetcafe_de_reiger is the spot to remember. Cozy, casual, and a seasonal menu. This one was on my list to share for a year and finally it's (almost) asparagus season again! 🤤 Another plus? Prices are very reasonable here! 📍 Eetcafé de Reiger Jordaan, Amsterdam City Center Save this spot for when you're craving warm Dutch traditional dishes in the heart of Amsterdam. And did you hear the same team took over Eetcafé van Beeren? I can't wait to go there too! ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck
A grandma's cookbook. Three Michelin stars. And a beautiful 70s villa in a quiet neighborhood in Bangkok, where you are welcomed as if you were at the chefs' home. The Sühring brothers don't cook based on trends; they cook based on memories. Of their grandmother's farm, of the flavors of their youth in Germany, and of techniques passed down through generations. @relaischateaux invited me to experience Sühring during a solo lunch, and this is truly my ultimate definition of culinary self-care. This was a surprising afternoon in Bangkok, where I ate the best German food I have ever tasted. And that in a city where I normally avoid European restaurants. Well, for @restaurant_suhring, you really want to make that exception. Signature dishes that I still think back to regularly? 🍴 Labskaus with caviar 🍴 Enleta waffle with Pfalz vinegar 🍴 Game pâté 🍴 Dry-aged Duck TIP: When you go to Sühring, reserve seats at the kitchen bar so you have a view of the chefs at work! Follow @yourlbb for more tips you can trust. ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck #prinvited #bangkok #michelin #relaischateaux In this reels, I take you along for fine dining in Bangkok at the three-Michelin-starred restaurant Sühring.
This is one of the best free outings in the spring! Did you know that you can gather (or pick, for the connoisseurs 😉) oysters yourself at various locations in the Netherlands? I’m in Zeeland for a bit this weekend, and if we can make it, we’ll go again. 📍In this video, I show you where you can fill your bucket. Comment *oester* for the comprehensive guide with all the details about all 8 locations + handy tips and rules. Important to know: – Max. 10 kilos per person (≈ 1 bucket) – For personal use only – Do not scoop or scrape the seabed – Go at low tide Handy things to bring: Bucket, screwdriver, boots, work gloves, tea towel, clean clothes, and garbage bags (for the oysters *and* dirty clothes). And of course: bring an oyster knife, lemon, and champagne too 🍋🥂 Because you’ll want to taste something right away, won’t you! The oyster season runs from September to about April / early May, so now that the water isn't so cold, this is the perfect outing. In the full guide, I share exactly where you can easily find them, without much effort. Comment oyster and I'll send it to you right away! Who do you want to go oyster gathering with soon? ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck
𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲'𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 These are those few magical weeks each year when the city suddenly feels different. Everything is in bloom and all you want to do is be outside. Coffee to-go in hand, and just head out as soon as the sun shows up. 📍 Bloesempark – Amsterdamse Bos (the classic, yes it gets busy, but totally worth it) 📍 Rijksmuseum 📍 Fruit Garden of West 📍 Westerpark 📍 Jozef Israëlskade 📍 WG site 📍 Nelson Mandelapark 📍 Bos en Lommerplantsoen 📍Amstelpark By mid-April most of the sakura will already be gone, so if you want to catch it: this is your moment. I'll definitely be doing a few more rounds before it's over. ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck _______________________________________________ 🌸 Discover the best places to spot cherry blossom in Amsterdam and enjoy the sakura in full bloom. 🌸

Madeira Tour: Don't miss these destinations during your road trip

 | HOTEL TIPS: For days 1 through 4, choose a nice hotel in Funchal as your base. Stay at places like Quinta da Casa Branca, Three House Hotel, or Les Suites at The Cliff Bay. For days 5 through 7, the design hotel Estalagem da Ponta do Sol with its sea views is a wonderful base.

DAY 1: Arrival in Funchal

Most flights to Madeira arrive early in the morning. I'd recommend picking up your rental car, checking in at your hotel, and dropping off your luggage. Sunny Cars is a reliable company where I often rent cars when I'm abroad. Then it's time to explore Funchal! For example, go to Farmers MarketVisit the farmers market and browse the local producers. There's a fruit and vegetable section and a fish market. Around the market, you'll find several charming cafes and delicatessens. For example, I bought the cutest cans of fish you often see at tavernas in Portugal. They make a great souvenir! After your visit, it's fun to take the cable car up to Monte. There, you'll find, among other things, a beautiful Botanical Garden, but also restaurants with lovely terraces from where you have a great view.

Tour Madeira route funchal

© ©Andre Carvalho – Funchal

DAY 2: Sunrise Pico do Arieiro & Funchal Old Town

Kick off your Madeira road trip with one of the most beautiful things you'll see this week. For me, the sunrise from Pico de Arieiro is an absolute must. It can be quite windy and a bit chilly, so be sure to bring a jacket and long pants. During our trip, we were treated to the most beautiful cloud cover I've ever seen. It's magical how the sun breaks through the clouds and the valley slowly awakens. Enter the address "Observatório Astronomia" in your navigation system, and you'll have a fantastic view of the sunrise.

In the afternoon it is nice to old center of Funchal There are several charming squares, plenty of cozy bars serving the local drink Poncha or local Madeira wine, and some cool street art on Rua Santa Maria. Discover more tips for Funchal here >>

Madeira bucket list sights

Pico de Arieiro

DAY 3: Prainha do Caniçal, Sao Lourenco & Miradouro do Guindaste

Grab some snacks for the road at the bakery, stock up on water, and hop in the car to explore the rugged São Lourenço peninsula. It's about a 40-minute drive to the very tip, "Miradouro Ponta do Furado." I thought it was such a spectacular view. Standing there, you'll understand why Madeira is sometimes called the Hawaii of Europe. You can also take several hikes on the São Lourenço peninsula. And there are plenty of photo stops (which are indicated on Google Maps)! If the weather is nice, you can take a refreshing dip at Prainha do Caniçal. This beach is easily accessible!

 | MADEIRA HERE YOU COME! 14 reasons why you should go on holiday to Madeira this year >> 

Miradouro do Guindaste

DAY 4: Whale & dolphin watching tour & wine tasting

Of course, it's always a matter of waiting to see what you'll see on a safari. Especially on the water! But if you're lucky, you can see dolphins off the coast of Madeira year-round. And between April and October, you can even see whales! If you enjoy a thrilling boat trip, this is definitely not to be missed. Most tours depart from Funchal harbor.

In the afternoon it is nice to do a wine tasting and one of the wineries Madeira is a great place to visit. Just make sure you agree on who's designated driver, of course ;-). You could take a wine tour or just a tasting. Whatever you're in the mood for! If you're in Madeira in August or September, check if there are any special activities surrounding the annual wine festival.

Madeira road trip route

Dolphin & Whale Watching Tour

DAY 5: Camara de Lobos, Cabo Girão & Faja dos Padres

Hopefully the weather will be clear today! Today, I'm planning a visit to the Cabo Girão viewing platform. I'd recommend going early, as it can get quite crowded. And of course, Madeira boasts countless beautiful viewpoints with fewer tourists. What makes Cabo Girão unique is that it's made of glass! Admission is free, so I thought it would be a nice way to experience it during my trip.

Afterwards, enjoy a delicious lunch in Câmara de Lobos. Personally, I thought it was one of the nicest villages on the island. It has a charming harbor, a small beach at low tide, and a few low-key restaurants. Enjoy a delicious lunch here and be sure to order something local, like the delicious Lapas shells. So simple, yet so good. They're brought straight from the stove to the table. Add a little lemon and they're ready to eat! Great restaurants in the village include: Villa da Carne (meat, including the traditional espetada, a type of kebab that hangs on a stick on your table) and Vila do Peixe (fish).

Have you decided to change hotels today? Then it's time to head to Ponta do Sol and check in at Estalagem da Ponta do Sol! Be sure to reserve a table for dinner overlooking the bay.

Madeira road trip route

Chamber of Wolves

DAY 6: Levada walk '25 Fontes Levada', Porto Moniz & Ponta do Sol

One of the reasons you're probably vacationing in Madeira is because you love nature and hiking. Madeira offers several beautiful leveda walks, following a path along what were once the island's irrigation canals. A well-known and popular walk is the "25 Fontes Levada" walk, which also takes you past the Risco waterfall.

After the levada hike, it's time to relax and unwind! On to Porto Moniz, where you can swim in natural pools formed by the rocks. A bit out of the way, but still worth seeing and doing.

In the evening, you can head into Ponta do Sol and grab a bite to eat at a local restaurant. But lingering at the hotel with an Aperol Spritz as the sun sets is also a great idea!

© Andre Carvalho – Levada walk

DAY 7: Relax day

Today is the day to relax and soak up the impressions of the past week. I always love booking a hotel with a pool and/or a spa. Book a massage beforehand and fully enjoy your well-deserved vacation. Feel like venturing out in the evening? Enjoy a delicious meal at Nini's Design Centre or one of chef Julio Pereira's restaurants (Akua or Kampo).

 | MADEIRA FOOD GUIDE: View all culinary tips for Madeira in the comprehensive food guide >>

Madeira tour best restaurants

© Restaurant Akua Funchal

DAY 8: Departure Funchal

First, a nice, leisurely breakfast. Perhaps a last swim in the pool. And then it's time to head back to the airport and return the car.

Feeling like going to Madeira?

Have fun exploring Madeira on your next vacation! Curious for more tips? Then also take a look at the Visit Madeira website >>

Madeira tour route

Touring through the mountains

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With love,

Anne 

In collaboration with Visit Madeira 

 

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