Walking Tours
Walk into the wild paradise of Madeira. This Hiking Tour offers a great variety of Madeira's best trails. You will discover the stunning scenery 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, which are very typical of Madeira Island and are the 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 recognised 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 Profile: Hilly, Mountain terrain and Levadas (irrigation channels with gentle slopes). Recommended for Fit hikers.
Welcome to Madeira! After your arrival, your Guide will pick you up and transfer you to your first accommodation, where you will be introduced to the journey ahead. During a brief briefing, your Guide will provide an overview of the exciting days to come, detailing the tour itinerary and key highlights. Besides that, the day is yours to explore Santa Cruz. Wander through picturesque streets, admire the coastal views and relax in the tranquil Town Square. Don’t forget to savour local specialties like Espetada and Bolo do Caco. Your adventure begins here. Let the magic of Santa Cruz captivate you!
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Explore Madeira’s Easternmost tip, Ponta de São Lourenco! Start your day with a delicious breakfast before a short transfer takes you to the stunning Ponta de São Lourenço, Madeira’s Easternmost Peninsula. Renowned for its dramatic cliffside beauty, this Volcanic landscape of Basalt formations offers a surreal hiking experience surrounded by the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean. The trail follows São Lourenço Point, a historic location tied to the Age of Discoveries and leads to the Peninsula’s tip. Here, you will be rewarded with panoramic views of the ocean and nearby islets. The Desembarcadero Islet, which is a Natural Reserve, and the Peninsula’s protected areas, which is part of the Natura 2000 network, are havens for fascinating birdlife including the Berthelot’s Pipit, Common Canary, Cory’s Shearwater and Bulwer’s Petrel. Along the way, take in the striking contrast between the calm, serene waters of the Southern Coast and the wild, powerful waves of the North. With a bit of luck, you might even spot the rarest Seal in the world, lovingly referred to as Sea Wolf by locals. End this unforgettable adventure with a short transfer back to your accommodation, where you can unwind and savour the anticipation of more amazing experiences to come. Meals: Breakfast
Conquering the Facho Peak! Today’s path combines the culture and traditions of Madeira Island with a mix of landscapes of Sea and Mountains. The day begins with a transfer to Machico, where you will walk on a scenic trail along the Levada do Caniçal for approximately 2 kilometres. Along the way, admire the terraced fields where locals skillfully cultivate the Island’s fertile soil, a testament to Madeira’s Agricultural Heritage. The trail gently ascends to Boca do Risco (322 m), a breathtaking crest offering panoramic views of the dramatic Northern Cliffs and the picturesque Machico Valley. Historically, this spot was vital for Islanders, where towering Bonfires were lit to warn off approaching Enemy Ships. From Boca do Risco, the path continues along a cliffside route, hugging the 300 metre contour and delivering unforgettable coastal vistas before leading you to the charming Town of Porto da Cruz. Here, your transfer will be waiting to return you to your accommodation, capping off a day of exploration and unforgettable scenery. Meals: Breakfast
Discover the highest point on the Mountains of Madeira Island. Today begins at the high Plateau of Achada da Teixeira (1,592 m), one of the easiest access points to Madeira’s Central Mountain Range. The trail gently ascends along stone paved paths surrounded by low altitude heather and Mountain shrubs, offering early glimpses of the dramatic ridges that define the Island’s interior. As you gain elevation, the landscape opens toward sweeping views stretching across the North and South Coasts. Soon, you reach the summit of Pico Ruivo (1,862 m), Madeira’s highest peak. From this privileged viewpoint, often above the clouds, you can admire a full 360° panorama over the Island’s rugged Volcanic backbone including the jagged ridges of Pico do Areeiro, the deep Curral das Freiras Valley and the distant outlines of Ponta de São Lourenço. The trail then continues Northeast toward Ilha, following a gradually descending path that cuts between steep cliffs, ancient rock formations and pockets of Laurisilva Forest. This quieter stretch of the Mountain gives the sensation of entering a remote and untouched landscape. Along the descent, the São Jorge Valley unfolds below, framed by soaring peaks and intersecting ravines shaped by centuries of erosion. The trail leads progressively toward gentler terrain until arriving in the small Rural Parish of Ilha, surrounded by farmland, traditional houses and terraces cultivated for generations. You will be transferred to your hotel in São Vicente. Meals: Breakfast
Caldeirão Verde, Madeira’s enchanting Green Cauldron! This captivating hike takes you through an unforgettable adventure along one of Madeira’s most iconic Levada trails, Levada do Caldeirão Verde, showcasing the natural beauty that makes Madeira a hiker's paradise. The day begins with a transfer to Queimadas Forestry Park, where you will immediately be immersed in the cool, lush atmosphere of Madeira’s Ancient Laurel Forests. From here, the trail follows the Levada, winding through the spectacular São Jorge Valley, offering stunning views of Mountains and Valleys. This Levada, an engineering marvel built in the 18th Century, channels water from the high Mountains of Madeira, providing life to the Island’s Ecosystems. As you walk along its path, you will pass through several tunnels. Don’t forget to bring a flashlight or headlamp for these sections. The highlight of the hike comes when you reach the Caldeirão Verde Waterfall. Nestled in the heart of the Island’s dense jungle, this towering waterfall spills into a crystal clear lagoon, offering an enchanting and peaceful spot to pause. After taking in the stunning scenery, retrace your steps along the Levada back to Queimadas Forestry Park. Here, a transfer will be waiting to take you back to your accommodation. Meals: Breakfast
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 fairytale like atmosphere. As you walk along the Levada, you will 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 colour to the green landscape. A transfer will take you back to your accommodation. Meals: Breakfast
Admire the picturesque Curral das Freiras! Today's hike offers a journey through diverse landscapes and breathtaking views, taking you along the Paredão Ridge where you will enjoy stunning panoramas on both sides. On one side, admire the lush Ribeira Funda Valley, while on the other, take in sweeping views of the iconic Curral das Freiras (Valley of the Nuns). As you follow the ridge, the trail immerses you in Madeira's dramatic and rugged scenery, offering an exhilarating sense of being surrounded by nature. As you descend from the ridge towards Encumeada, the experience continues with the refreshing cool breezes, the scent of Pine Trees and the occasional sight of soaring Birds. These natural elements enhance the sense of adventure and tranquility, making this hike a truly unforgettable exploration of Madeira's wild beauty. A transfer will take you to your hotel in Funchal. Meals: Breakfast
That’s it! This incredible journey comes to an end! Today marks the final day of the tour. Your transfer will be arranged according to your flight schedule and travel preferences, ensuring a smooth and comfortable departure. If you would like to extend your experience, several appealing options are available. You may choose to spend an extra night in Funchal, continue on to another Portuguese City or add an additional day of hiking to further explore the region’s quiet trails and landscapes. Join us on this hiking journey and experience Portugal at its most authentic, where exceptional riding, culture and nature come together in a truly memorable way. Meals: Breakfast
Tour Prices are per person twin share in Australian Dollars. Conditions apply and escorted tours are subject to change and availability. Prices are subject to currency fluctuations. (pnt)
