Use Funchal as a starting point, but divide your stay between the coast, the mountains and the north of the island. Choose walks that suit the weather.
Reserve separate days for the levadas, Pico do Areeiro and the natural pools. The roads are winding, so always allow more time when traveling.## Understanding the scale of Madeira
The island looks small on the map, but the terrain, tunnels, winding roads and rapid changes in altitude make travel times unintuitive. Organize the program by zones and don't count on crossing the island repeatedly on the same day.
South and Funchal
Reserve at least one day for Funchal and another for Câmara de Lobos, Cabo Girão and Ponta do Sol. Market, Cathedral, gardens and old town are at different levels; confirm transport before arranging downtown with Monte.
Mountains and levadas
The central massif, Pico do Areeiro, Pico Ruivo and levadas depend on weather, maintenance and closures. Choose only official routes suitable for the group's experience and check the condition of the trails on the day.
North and west
São Vicente, Seixal, Porto Moniz and Santana deserve their own stages. Natural pools, viewpoints and traditional houses have different accesses and opening hours. Keep a free margin to adapt the route to wind, rain, cloud cover or road work.