If you’re staying in Porto Moniz, you’ve chosen one of the most dramatic and authentic parts of the island.
This 3-day north Madeira itinerary is designed for travellers who prefer wild landscapes, fewer crowds, and flexible exploration. It combines volcanic coastline, ancient forest, mountain plateau, traditional villages, sunrise viewpoints, and optional walking — all based from the north.
Day 1 – The wild northwest: forest, lava and ocean
Start locally in Porto Moniz.
Morning:
- Swim in the natural lava pools
- Walk along the pier
- Explore the volcanic coastline
Then head inland toward:
- Fanal Forest
- Ribeira da Janela
Fanal isn’t just a photo stop — it’s a place to walk slowly. Short forest walks between ancient laurel trees allow you to experience the mist and silence properly.
This day reflects much of what’s covered in the Full-Day North West Tour, but can easily be adapted depending on weather and walking preference.
Day 2 – The north coast and mountain plateau
Day two is about contrast.
Drive east along the coast toward:
- São Vicente
From there, climb toward:
- Paúl da Serra
The plateau feels like a different island — open skies, fast-moving clouds, and long panoramic views.
On the way back, stop in:
- Seixal
Here you’ll find the famous black sand beach, but also quieter swimming spots and traditional village life.
For those who enjoy gentle hiking, short levada sections or ridge walks can easily be integrated into the day. North Madeira works beautifully as a hybrid experience — part scenic drive, part exploration on foot.
This route mirrors many elements of the Full-Day North East Tour but adjusted for a northern base.
Day 3 – Sunrise, slow travel and specialised experiences
Your final day is about depth rather than distance.
Sunrise over the Atlantic
Early morning on the north coast is powerful and quiet.
Head toward elevated viewpoints such as:
Here the Atlantic stretches endlessly west, and the cliffs catch first light dramatically.
A dedicated sunrise experience allows for slow photography, short cliff walks, and complete stillness before the day begins.
Wine tasting with local insight
Madeira is world-famous for its fortified wine — but there’s much more to the island’s wine culture than most visitors realise.
A private wine-focused experience can include:
- Vineyard visits
- Tasting different Madeira wine styles
- Understanding production methods
- Food pairing discussions
As a professional sommelier, you can offer deeper insight into structure, ageing, and terroir — something standard tours rarely provide.
Custom hybrid exploration
Not every traveller wants a fixed route.
North Madeira is ideal for customised private days that combine:
- Off-road access
- Short scenic walks
- Hidden valleys
- Seasonal waterfalls
- Quiet agricultural villages
This flexible approach reflects the philosophy behind your Custom Private Tours.
Can you combine walking with private tours?
Yes — and north Madeira is perfect for it.
Off-road access allows you to reach quieter trail entrances, avoiding crowded starting points. From there, you can explore on foot at your own pace.
This hybrid style suits travellers who want more than a scenic drive but don’t want a demanding full-day hike.
Practical tips for exploring the north
North Madeira is:
- Steep
- Rural
- Weather-sensitive
- Less connected by public transport
Before deciding how to explore, it’s helpful to read:
- Your guide to exploring north Madeira without a car
- Your article on driving in Madeira
Both will help you decide whether renting a vehicle or choosing guided exploration is right for you.
Who this itinerary is ideal for
This 3-day north Madeira itinerary suits travellers who:
- Prefer staying outside Funchal
- Value scenery over city life
- Want flexibility
- Appreciate local knowledge
- Enjoy combining driving with short walks
It’s not about ticking off attractions.
It’s about experiencing the north properly.
Final thoughts
Three days based on the north gives you access to:
- Ancient forest
- Volcanic coastline
- Mountain plateau
- Traditional villages
- Powerful sunrises
- Optional wine and walking experiences
North Madeira rewards flexibility and local insight.
Whether you explore independently or prefer a structured private experience, this part of the island offers some of the most dramatic landscapes in Madeira.