3 DAYS IN MADEIRA (November) - What We Learned

MADEIRA IN NOVEMBER: Our 3-Day Diary + Mini Itinerary

TIP: The weather in Madeira is impossible to predict. Microclimates everywhere. One minute rain, the next minute you’re tanning. Hope you'll be better prepared than us. 🌧️🌤

THURSDAY: Arrival
We arrived late to Funchal (Foon-shall) and it was absolutely pouring rain. No rental car this trip, so we relied on Bolt for everything - honestly super reliable and easy. It's definitely possible to experience Madeira WITHOUT a rental car, BUT it would for sure make things way easier.

FRIDAY: P6 + P13 Hike
We woke up early, explored downtown a bit, and then headed out on our first hike: PR6. We were SO unprepared - no raincoats, not dressed properly. The winds were freezing at the top - but the pace kept us warm.
The trail was beautiful and perfect for beginner/intermediate hikers: lush forest, birds everywhere, misty mountain views, waterfalls (it's possible to swim as well).
We combined PR6 with PR13, and THAT humbled us. The amount of stairs… absolutely murderous. But worth it!!!

SATURDAY: Pico do Arieiro - PR1 + PR3
We started slow - breakfast, a stroll around Funchal, a little beach moment - and then took a Bolt to the top. If you get carsick… good luck.
The weather was wild: cloudy, foggy, extremely windy. Basically zero visibility. But we did PR1 anyway - which meant we had almost the whole mountain to ourselves. Probably not the most responsible choice as beginners… but magical nonetheless.
We didn’t reach Stairway to Heaven because of the conditions, but when the sun finally broke through the clouds and revealed the landscape... absolutely breathtaking.
We connected the route with PR3, wandered along another ridge, and then returned to Pico do Arieiro for sunset. The most beautiful, rewarding view (extremely cold, so make sure to dress accordingly).

SUNDAY: Fanal Forest + PR15 to Porto Moniz
We woke up very early to chase the famous Fanal Forest mist… and OF COURSE, it was sunny. But even without the fog, the landscape was stunning with crooked ancient trees, rolling green hills, ocean views.
From there we took PR15 toward Porto Moniz: which is seriously downhill, so do not underestimate how hard it will be on your legs and glutes.
A muddy, slippery experience - in lush forest, jumping rock to rock. And we barely saw anyone.
In Porto Moniz we had lunch at a local restaurant: the BEST fish and potatoes (Art Café Sardinha). It was too cold for the natural pools, so we wandered around town for a bit.
Then came our hero Bolt driver, who drove us while carpooling into the mountains for the final golden hour. When the clouds finally lifted, it revealed one of the most beautiful sunsets of our trip.

Madeira was incredible, chaotic, humbling, breathtaking - all at once.
We’re already dreaming of going back… and one day we WILL return - AND better prepared.

x LB