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Explore Madeira Island

Breathtaking landscapes

Book Self-Guided Book Guided

Daily Distance

8 - 17 km

Daily Elevation Gain

50 - 500 m

Duration

8 Days & 7 Nights

From

1.430 EUR

Explore Madeira Island

Walk into the wild paradise of Madeira.

This hiking tour offers a great variety of Madeira's best trails. You will discover the stunning sceneries of this volcanic island from its mountains, cliffs, and levadas. The levadas are part of an extensive network of small irrigation channels with gentle slopes, very typical of Madeira island, and a perfect path for any adventurous hiker! Throughout the years, erosion has shaped the island by creating bizarre rock formations and deep gorges. A part of the island is covered by the Laurissilva forest, a rarity in the world that purifies the air and is recognized by UNESCO as a Natural World Heritage site. This tour will be a unique and exhilarating hiking experience across the pearl of the Atlantic - Madeira.

Coastal Nature Summer Winter-Friendly

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Mountain scenery in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean
Levadas’ stunning trails and volcanic rock formations
Laurissilva Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site
Madeira’s highest peaks

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Tour Information

SELF-GUIDED 2026 PRICES

Low Season1.430 EUR
Single Room+ 360 EUR
04 Jan - 26 Feb
27 Oct - 15 Dec

Medium Season1.470 EUR
Single Room+ 380 EUR
27 Feb - 26 Mar
06 Apr - 20 Apr

High Season1.530 EUR
Single Room+ 470 EUR
27 Mar - 05 Apr
29 Apr - 26 Oct

Special Season1.650 EUR
Single Room+ 520 EUR
21 Apr - 28 Apr

Price Notes
• prices per person for a minimum of 2 people in double/twin room
• solo traveler supplement on request

Tour Grade

Distance
8 - 17 km / day
Profile
Hilly
Route
Mountain terrain and Levadas (irrigation channels with gentle slopes)

Accommodation
Comfort / Charming / Superior

Duration
8 Days | 7 Nights
Start
Santa Cruz
Finish
Funchal

Guided and Tailor-Made Tours available on request:

Book Self-Guided Book Guided Request Tailor-Made

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Included and Optional Services

Preparation

Personalized assistance throughout the booking
Pre-departure Information Pack (checklist, general travel information)
Tour Information (description of daily stages & profiles)
Liability and personal accident insurance
Payment of Fees for Classified Walking Routes

Accommodations

7 Nights in standard double / twin room
Breakfast daily
Private bathroom in all accommodations
If any accommodation isn’t available, we will propose an alternative solution

Transfers

Transfer on the day of arrival from Funchal Airport to the first hotel
Transfer from the last hotel to Funchal Airport
Transfers during the tour as mentioned in the daily description
Luggage transfers from hotel to hotel

Orientation

Welcome briefing in English
Digital Information Book delivered before the tour
Smartphone App &
GPS Tracks
Local Support Number (free to call us 24h/day)

Optional

Extra Days & Nights (add them along the way): on request
Different arrival & departure transfers: on request
Not included: Boat trip from Cais do Sardinha to Marina Quinta do Lorde (Day 2)

Itinerary

Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 7 Day 8

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Arrival in Santa Cruz

Welcome to Madeira!

Our guide will pick you up at the airport and drive you to your hotel in Santa Cruz. Once there, you can spend some time at the swimming pool, take a nap, or relax with a beautiful mountainous view.

Santa Cruz - Santa Cruz Village | Hiking Trips | Portugal Nature Trails

Transfer from Funchal

0:10 h

Santa Cruz Village

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Hike Ponta de São Lourenço

You will start your day with a 20-minute transfer to the beginning of the hike.

You will then walk on a trail that will take you around the volcanic peninsula to the easternmost point of Madeira Island. Take a look around you and enjoy the amazing view of the Atlantic Ocean and the two islets that sit nearby. The Desembarcadouro Islet is classified as a natural reserve, and the peninsula is also considered a partial one. All the land and sea by the north coast, up to a depth of 50 meters, is part of the European network of important community sites - Natura 2000. What a day, and what scenery to enjoy and celebrate! The day will finish with a short transfer back to Santa Cruz.

Santa Cruz - Santa Cruz Village | Hiking Holidays | Portugal Nature Trails

Transfer

0:20 h

Distance

8 km

Elevation Gain

+ 300 m

Transfer

0:20 h

Santa Cruz Village

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Alternative
Boat trip from Cais do Sardinha to Marina Quinta do Lorde (not included).

Hike Vereda Boca do Risco

Today, you will head to Facho Peak (322 meters) and enjoy the north coastal cliffs!

Start with a short transfer in the morning and begin your walk in Machico, where you’ll get on a trail along the Caniçal Levada for about 2 kilometers. Soon, you will see the great view of the tiny terrace where islander farmers cultivate the fertile Madeira soil. The path then ascends gently to the crest, Boca do Risco, where you will find a stunning panoramic view of the north cliffs. From Boca do Risco, the trail continues, etched into the cliff face, and follows the 300-meter contour until the town of Porto da Cruz. A final 15-minute transfer will take you to your hotel in Santana for a well-deserved rest.

Santa Cruz - Santa Cruz Village | Hiking Adventures | Portugal Nature Trails

Transfer

0:15 h

Distance

16 km

Elevation Gain

+ 400 m

Transfer

0:15 h

Santa Cruz Village

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Hike Vereda do Areeiro

This morning, you will have a 20-minute transfer that will take you to Achada do Teixeira.

Once you arrive, you will begin your energetic ridge walk! It starts just below Pico Ruivo, the highest summit of the island and the third-highest of Portugal, and heads west through a steep wood slope to the mountain pass at Encumeada. You'll encounter frequent climbs and descents, and the trail will be a little challenging, but it will all be worth it due to the extremely beautiful landscapes. The Central Mountainous Massif and the Laurissilva Forest are also home to an interesting and unique ecosystem.

São Vicente - Solar de Boaventura | Hiking Experiences | Portugal Nature Trails

Transfer

0:30 h

Distance

11 km

Elevation Gain

+ 500 m

Transfer

0:30 h

Solar de Boaventura

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Hike Levada do Caldeirão Verde

Today, the path will go along Caldeirão Verde, one of the most famous Levada walks.

After a 15-minute transfer, start this "out-and-back" walk in the Queimadas Forestry Park and cross some spectacularly steep slopes - one of the finest ways of penetrating the deep valley of the São Jorge brook on foot. You will need a torch on this walk as you'll pass through several tunnels. The Levada of Caldeirão Verde is an impressive work of art that was built in the 18th century. It begins in the mainstream bed of the Caldeira Verde brook and passes through steep cliffs and mountains, carrying the water that runs off the highest mountains of Madeira. It offers the traveler a vertiginous and spectacular view of the mountainous terrain.

São Vicente - Solar de Boaventura | Guided Hiking | Portugal Nature Trails

Transfer

0:20 h

Distance

12 km

Elevation Gain

+ 100 m

Transfer

0:20 h

Solar de Boaventura

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Hike Levada do Rei

Discover a variety of landscapes and magnificent views.

Today's trail is known for its stunning natural beauty and relatively easy terrain. The Levada do Rei, which translates to "King's Levada," is a picturesque trail nestled in the heart of Laurissilva Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its ancient laurel trees, ferns, and moss-covered rocks create a fairy-tale-like atmosphere. As you walk along the Levada, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and the distant Atlantic Ocean. The levada is bordered by vibrant vegetation, including endemic flowers and shrubs, adding bursts of color to the green landscape.

São Vicente - Solar de Boaventura | Scenic Hiking | Portugal Nature Trails

Transfer

0:30 h

Distance

10 km

Elevation Gain

+ 100 m

Transfer

0:15 h

Solar de Boaventura

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Hike Pináculo e Folhadal Loop - Paredão

One hike that shows you why Madeira is a hiker’s paradise.

One of Madeira’s true must-do hikes, combining iconic levada paths with big mountain drama. Starting near Levada das Rabaças and linking into the Levada do Norte, you begin on a peaceful, contouring trail through lush forest and along the water channel, easy to follow, beautifully scenic, and instantly immersive. It’s the perfect warm-up: the sound of running water, deep green laurel woodland, and constant “wow” moments as the valley opens up beside you. Then the hike turns up the adventure as you climb away from the levada toward the rugged Paredão section, where the route hugs the mountainside, and the views feel cinematic. The reward comes at Pináculo and Folhadal, with sweeping panoramas over ridgelines and valleys, and that classic Madeira feeling of being up in the clouds on a clear day.

Funchal - Castanheiro Boutique Hotel | Nature Hiking | Portugal Nature Trails

Transfer

0:15 h

Distance

14 km

Elevation Gain

+ 300 m

Transfer

1:00 h

Castanheiro Boutique

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Departure from Funchal

Your splendid trip has come to an end.

Explore Madeira Island | Cliffside Walking | Portugal Nature Trails

Transfer to Funchal

0:30 h

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