8 - 17 km
50 - 500 m
8 Days & 7 Nights
990 EUR
Mountain scenery in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean
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PARTNERS, CREDENTIALS AND MORE
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.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Tour Information
SELF-GUIDED 2024 PRICES
Low Season990 EUR
Single Room+ 300 EUR
01 Jan - 24 Mar
27 Sep - 15 Dec
11 May - 26 Jun
Medium Season1.025 EUR
Single Room+ 330 EUR
25 Mar - 31 Mar
27 Jun - 26 Sep
High Season1.100 EUR
Single Room+ 400 EUR
25 Apr - 10 May
Price Notes
• prices per person for a minimum of 2 people in double/twin room
• solo traveler supplement on request
Included and Optional Services
Itinerary
Transfer from Funchal Airport to 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.
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.
Alternative
Boat trip from Cais do Sardinha to Marina Quinta do Lorde (not included).
Hike 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.
Hike Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo
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.
Hike Levada do Caldeirão Verde
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.
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.
Hike Encumeada - Paredão Loop
Today is your last hiking day, so let's make the most of it!
The trail takes you along the Paredão ridge, offering breathtaking views on both sides. You may see the lush Ribeira Funda valley on one side, while on the other, you'll have panoramic vistas of the Curral das Freiras (Valley of the Nuns). The trail follows the ridge, providing hikers with an exhilarating sense of being surrounded by Madeira's dramatic scenery. The loop continues as you descend from the ridge, heading back towards Encumeada. That loop provides a true mountain experience, with cool breezes, the scent of pine trees, and the occasional glimpse of birds soaring in the sky.
Transfer to Funchal Airport
Your splendid trip has come to an end.
We hope the memories and experiences we have created and shared stay with you forever. Come back soon to discover some more of Portugal's Nature Trails!