Madeira Self-Drive Luxury Retreat

Escape to Madeira and enjoy 8 days staying in the hills above Funchal at the 5-star Casa Velha do Palheiro, formerly a hunting lodge built in the 18th century. The hotel is located within the Palheiro Gardens, a nearly 300-acre estate featuring over 20 kilometers of hiking trails, plus a par 72 championship golf course. You will also find a tea house and a gourmet restaurant where dinner is served by candlelight. Casa Velha do Palheiro is less than 20 minutes from downtown Funchal, plus from its privileged location you can easily explore the rest of the island with the included car rental.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1:

Welcome to Madeira

Upon arrival at Madeira International Airport, pick up your rental car and continue to the 5-star Casa Velha do Palheiro, just 20 minutes from the airport. The day is then yours to get settled. Relax by the outdoor pool, enjoy the sauna, or explore some of the estate’s nature trails.

Day 2:

Explore the Estate

You have 6 full days to enjoy however you choose. Today, you may wish to take advantage of the golf course, spa facilities, and walking trails.

Day 3:

Funchal Old Town

In Funchal, walk the streets of the charming old town, visit Funchal Cathedral, and stroll along the waterfront. Then take the gondola up to the village of Monte, explore an urban botanical garden, and experience a toboggan ride back down to Funchal.

Day 4:

Porto Moniz

Drive out to the northwestern part of the island to the naturally-formed swimming pools in Porto Moniz. You will also wish to visit Serra d'Água, Ginjas, Estanquinhos, Paúl da Serra, Fanal, Ribeira da Janela, Seixal and São Vicente.

Day 5:

Nun's Valley

While the coastline of Madeira is outstanding, don’t forget the island’s interior. Head to the center of the island to visit Nun’s Valley to see the town completely surrounded by mountains.

Day 6:

Levada Walk

For some hiking, go out for a levada walk. “Levada” is the Portuguese word for channel and the lush forests of the island are crisscrossed by these levadas that bring water from the rainy and wet north to the drier south. Levadas are cut into the steep mountain slopes of the island, with trails about a foot wide built alongside them.

Day 7:

Câmara de Lobos

Drive over to the fishing village of Câmara de Lobos and relax in the sunshine at a cafe. While in the area, visit the Cape Girão Skywalk for a stunning view.