4-Day Funchal Gardens, Levadas & Atlantic Cliffs Break

Year-round spring on a volcanic island of gardens and cliff walks.

Day-by-day plan

Day 1: Arrive and the seafront

Stay between the centre and the hotel zone.

Morning: Bus from the airport along the coast.

Afternoon: Mercado dos Lavradores and the old town painted doors.

Evening: Espetada dinner in the Zona Velha.

Day 2: Monte and the cable car

The classic Monte loop.

Morning: Cable car up to Monte Palace Tropical Garden.

Afternoon: Toboggan sled ride down towards the city.

Evening: Madeira wine tasting lodge.

Day 3: Levada day

The island highlights in one excursion day.

Morning: Guided levada walk such as the 25 Fontes.

Afternoon: Cabo Girao skywalk on the return.

Evening: Seafood dinner by the harbour.

Day 4: Botanical Garden and departure

Terraces of flowers before the flight.

Morning: Botanical Garden above the city.

Afternoon: Last poncha in the old town.

Evening: -

Budget

  • Flights — Return fare anchor: lastminute.com's London-Madeira route page lists return flights from £99 per person (one-way from £48) (lastminute.com/flights/r_london--funchal, checked 3 Nov 2026); 'from' fares are lead-in prices including taxes and do not guarantee availability on specific dates. — 99 GBP
  • Accommodation — 3 nights sole occupancy at about £91 a night. Anchor: budgetyourtrip.com's Funchal page puts the average double-occupancy hotel room at about USD116 (~£91) a night (budgetyourtrip.com/portugal/funchal, checked 3 Nov 2026). — 273 GBP
  • Food & drink — Market snacks, espetada and seafood dinners. — 75 GBP
  • Activities — Cable car, gardens, skywalk and a guided levada contribution. — 40 GBP
  • Local transport — Airport bus and local buses. — 20 GBP

Tips

  • Monte Palace Tropical Garden: Hillside garden reached by cable car.
  • Levada walks: Irrigation-channel paths through laurel forest.
  • Cabo Girao: Glass-floored skywalk on one of Europe highest sea cliffs.
  • Farmers Market: Exotic fruit stalls at Mercado dos Lavradores.