This Madeira campervan itinerary covers 7 days of the best the island has to offer — from misty highlands and dramatic cliffs to volcanic pools and ancient laurel forests. You will experience the dramatic north coast, the misty highlands, the wild eastern peninsula, charming fishing villages, and some of the most spectacular sunsets in the Atlantic — all from the comfort of your own home on wheels.

Why Choose a Madeira Campervan Itinerary?

This itinerary is designed by us — Natalia and Oleg from MadeiraCampers in Funchal. We know every road on this island, and we have put together the route we would recommend to any first-time visitor arriving with a sense of adventure.

Day 1 — Arrival and Funchal

You land at Madeira Airport and we meet you there personally with your fully equipped campervan. No queues, no offices — just a warm welcome and the keys to your adventure.

Spend your first afternoon in Funchal. Walk the Old Town, explore the famous street art on Rua de Santa Maria, take the cable car up to Monte, and have dinner at a local restaurant. Park overnight in the Funchal area and rest after your journey. Tomorrow the real adventure begins.

Day 2 — Funchal to Câmara de Lobos and Cabo Girão

Start the morning with a drive to Câmara de Lobos — the colourful fishing village that Winston Churchill famously painted. Have coffee by the harbour watching the fishermen prepare their boats.

From there, drive five minutes to Cabo Girão — one of the highest sea cliffs in Europe at 580 metres. The glass viewing platform over the cliff edge is genuinely breathtaking. Park your campervan and take it all in. Continue west along the south coast to Ribeira Brava for lunch, then park for the night near the seafront.

Day 3 — Paul da Serra and the Northwest Coast

Drive up to the Paul da Serra plateau — a wide, open highland plateau sitting above the clouds. The landscape feels like Iceland: green, windy, and completely otherworldly. This is also the gateway to Fanal, the ancient laurel forest where massive moss-covered trees emerge from the morning mist. Arrive early to have it to yourself.

Descend to Porto Moniz on the northwest tip of the island. Park your campervan and spend the afternoon swimming in the famous natural lava rock pools. Sleep here overnight — the sound of the Atlantic is your background music.

Day 4 — North Coast to São Vicente

The north coast road from Porto Moniz to São Vicente is one of the most dramatic drives in Europe. Tunnels carved through cliffsides, waterfalls falling directly onto the road, the deep blue Atlantic crashing below. Drive slowly and stop often.

São Vicente is a beautiful village with a river gorge running through it. Explore the volcanic caves, have lunch in the village square, and park overnight near the river. A peaceful and very local experience.

Day 5 — Santana and the East

Drive east along the north coast to Santana — famous for its traditional triangular thatched houses, which are unique to Madeira. Continue to the Queimadas forest park, where ancient laurisilva trees and levada walking trails await.

In the afternoon, head to the northeast corner of the island and park near Ponta de São Lourenço for the night. Wake up tomorrow morning ready for the best hike on the island.

Day 6 — Ponta de São Lourenço and the South Coast

Wake up early and walk the Ponta de São Lourenço trail — 8 km return along the dramatic eastern peninsula. Golden cliffs, turquoise water, and views in every direction. One of the most memorable walks you will ever do.

In the afternoon, drive back along the south coast, stopping at Machico — Madeira’s second largest town and the site where the first Portuguese settlers landed on the island in 1419. Have dinner here and park overnight.

Day 7 — Pico do Arieiro and Return to Funchal

Save the best for last. Drive up to Pico do Arieiro — at 1,818 metres, one of the highest points on the island. If the clouds are below you, the sunrise view is one of the most extraordinary things you will ever see. Try to arrive before dawn.

Descend back to Funchal for your final morning. Have a last coffee in the Old Town, do any last shopping, and return your campervan to the airport when your flight departs. We collect it there — simple and stress-free.

Practical Tips for This Itinerary

The distances on this itinerary are all manageable — Madeira is a small island and no drive takes longer than 90 minutes. Our campervans are compact and handle the mountain roads well. We provide every guest with a detailed map of recommended parking spots, overnight locations, and local tips when you collect your campervan at the airport.

— Natalia & Oleg, MadeiraCampers, Funchal, Madeira Island 🇵🇹

🚐 Ready to follow this itinerary?

Browse Casa da Avo and Geko — our hand-built campervans —
and book your 7-day Madeira adventure today.

👉 Book your campervan: https://www.madeiracampers.pt/bookings/

Every guest receives a personal map of recommended overnight
spots when they collect their campervan at Madeira Airport.