Madeira Coast Drive, 7 nights

Machico - Hotel Dom Pedro Madeira

Arrival and handover of the rental car with all other documents. After a short drive you will reach Machico, the oldest town on the island. A beautiful promenade, a great sandy beach and a cozy old town await you here. The right start for your Madeira vacation.

You will spend the night in a club room with a sea view. Further information to your hotel you will find here: Hotel Dom Pedro Madeira

Porto da Cruz - Hotel Costa Linda

You drive from Machico in the northeast to the small fishing village Porto da Cruz. On the way there you should take a detour to the eastern tip of the island, the Ponta São Lourenço. Here you can expect breathtaking views of the east coast of Madeira. A unique hike over bizarre rock formations begins here for hikers. In Porto da Cruz you should take a look at the sugar cane factory and try the national drink, the poncha, which is typical of Madeira.

Overnight at the Hotel Costa Linda, in a superior doubleroom with sea view and balcony. Further information to your hotel you will find here: Hotel Costa Linda

Porto da Cruz - Hotel Costa Linda

A trip inland from Porto da Cruz is worthwhile. Drive through the laurel forest near Ribeiro Frio and climb the Pico do Arieiro by car, the third highest mountain on the island at 1,818m. From here you have breathtaking views of Madeira's mountains. Via a small road just below the summit you can also quickly reach the Nuns Valley, which is located in an impressive mountain crater. You can enjoy great views from the Eira do Serrado viewpoint 600m above.

Overnight at the Hotel Costa Linda, in a superior doubleroom with sea view and balcony. Further information to your hotel you will find here: Hotel Costa Linda

 Porto Moniz - Hotel Euro Moniz

Take the old north coast road to Porto Moniz. On the way you come through Santana, the place with the typical Madeira houses. From here you can also climb the highest mountain on the island, the Pico Ruivo (1,861m), or hike through rainforest-like vegetation in the green basin. Before Porto Moniz, the coastal town of São Vicente awaits you with its beautiful old town, the imposing Bridal Veil Waterfall and the black sand beach of Seixal. In Porto Moniz, a swim in the famous lava pools is of course a must.

Overnight at the Hotel Euro Moniz, in a doubleroom with sea view. Further information to your hotel you will find here: Hotel Euro Moniz

Calheta - Hotel Quinta das Vinhas

Continuing to the southwest is recommended over the Paul da Serra plateau. A completely new landscape awaits you here. A high moor with grazing cows. You look out over the huge laurel forests of Rabaçal. This is where the most famous hike on Madeira is located: the Risco waterfall and the 25 springs. Or let yourself be enchanted by Fanal in the fairy tale forest. Here are the oldest and largest laurel trees on the island, which often appear mystical in the fog that often prevails here.

Overnight at the Hotel Quinta das Vinhas, in a doubleroom. 

Calheta - Hotel Quinta das Vinhas

Enjoy the beautiful pool area of the Quinta das Vinhas or go to nearby Calheta. Here you can relax on the beautiful sandy beach, stroll along the marina with its restaurants or take a trip to whale and dolphin watching. A visit to the idyllic fishing villages Jardim do Mar and Paul do Mar is also worthwhile.

Overnight at the Hotel Quinta das Vinhas, in a doubleroom.  

Calheta - Hotel Quinta das Vinhas

Visit Funchal, the capital of the island, with its famous market hall, the old town with the painted doors, the marina or look for souvenirs to take home. On the way you should stop at Cabo Girão, the second highest cliff in the world, and the quaint fishing village of Câmara de Lobos. The drive takes you along the south coast of Madeira, past banana plantations and vineyards.

Overnight at the Hotel Quinta das Vinhas, in a doubleroom.

Departure

You drive to the airport, which is about 50 minutes away, and hand in your rental car - or you can start your additional week.