What to see and do in Madeira in 4 days
A 4-day break in Madeira can lift your mood and provide an escape from your routine. The Madeira archipelago, comprising the islands of Madeira, Porto Santo and a series of uninhabited islands, is an attractive and exotic destination close to continental Europe. Barely a thousand kilometres separate this group of islands from Lisbon; however, their lifestyle, climate and terrain could not be more different. To step onto Madeira’s soil is to be transformed, to experience a sense of joy and well-being that is only possible on these islands.
Whether via a direct flight, or a stopover in Lisbon or Oporto, it is worth the effort to enjoy a four-day trip, which will allow you a leisurely tour of the capital, Funchal, as well as the chance of a few excursions inland to see the island’s highest peaks. Other essential experiences in Madeira include hiking along the levadas (old irrigation aqueducts), a visit to a picturesque town such as Câmara de Lobos or Santana, and a dip in a natural swimming pool (Porto Moniz or Seixal). An optional, but highly recommended, excursion is a trip on the ferry to the island of Porto Santo, where you will find the archipelago’s finest beaches.