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Madeira Hiking Trip: 8-Day Luxury Adventure

8 days | Moderate | 4.72
From $2,700 ()
In local currency: €2,334
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Set just off the African coast, Madeira rises from the Atlantic like a lush, remote playground built for hikers. Sky-high peaks, volcanic cliffs, jungly trails, and spectacular terraced landscapes give us endless ups and downs—exactly the kind that make legs burn and jaws drop! Over 8 days, we’ll move through clouds, past waterfalls, and into secluded corners where the island still feels untouched. Trails here demand a little grit—steep climbs, rolling descents, and big elevation days—but the payoffs are pure island magic. Once we’re back down, ocean-side terraces, soothing pools, and a soft hotel bed set the perfect tone for a slow, easy evening.

Adventure Highlights

  • Discovering the Laurissilva forest: This volcanic island’s flora is protected by UNESCO—explore the incredible and endemic vegetation hiding in the 20 million years old forest
  • Start your days rested: We’ll be staying in beautiful hotels with a pool, ocean views, saunas, and comfy rooms, letting us recharge after each day of hiking
  • Unique volcanic gem: A remote Atlantic jewel, Madeira delivers Hawaii-like drama with towering ridges, deep valleys, and endlessly unique landscapes
Duration
8 days
Season
Year-round
Group size
Up to 10 people
Accommodation
Comfort, Luxury: Stylish & upscale 4-star hotels
Difficulty
Moderate: Great fitness required, not for those with a fear of heights, hiking up to to 14 km (8.7 mi) per day, with up to 550 m (1,805 ft) of elevation gain
What's included
Guide, lodging, all meals, all transfers

The adventure, day by day

Over 8 days of hiking and relaxing, you will visit the most beautiful and emblematic part of this Atlantic pearl. Your guides will take care of all the transfers and meals as you make your way through the gigantic rainforests, lush levadas, golden beaches and basalt cliffs. As the sun sets, return to the comforts of 4-star hotels located in towns boasting beautiful architecture and vibrant communities. Explore the cultural and natural heritage with expert guides and make this a trip you’ll never forget.

Day 1: Welcome to Madeira
Small colorful houses that Santana is known for

Meet and greet your Madeiran hiking guide at the airport and head with them to Santana, a small town famous for its traditional thatched houses. Depending on your arrival time, feel free to explore the quaint city before dinner time.

Accommodation: 4-star hotel
Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Caldeirão Verde
Holding onto rail Madeira

After a nice continental breakfast, your guide will transfer you to the start of your walk where you will discover one of the most spectacular Levada hikes of Madeira. You will enter the famous Laurisilva – remains of the humid and subtropical laurel forest. After passing through several (safe) tunnels and cliffside passageways, you will get to the famous “Green Cauldron” — Caldeirao Verde. Your guide will prepare a delicious picnic for you. After a well-deserved break, continue along the way and back down to the remote village of Ilha, with its magnificent ocean views. Your guides will take you back to your accommodation.

Walking: 4.5 hrs, 14 km (8.7 miles)
Elevation: +110 m / -620 m (+360 ft / -2,034 ft)
Accommodation: 4-star hotel
Meals: Breakfast, lunch box, and dinner

Important: You will go through 4 tunnels so don’t forget your headlamp. The second part of the walk can be slightly dizzying if you are afraid of heights. Cliff edge path with a safety wire. It is possible to turn back half-way.

Day 3: Portela to Ribeiro Frio
Madeira lush flora

The Ribeiro Frio hike is one of the island’s most renowned and enchanting walks. Following a levada, the trail is bathed in sunlight, guiding you through lush vegetation and ancient trees in a primeval forest. The Levada do Furão is particularly striking, as it is carved into the cliffside, with passages under arches etched into the rock. Before returning to Santana, we’ll stop at “Vereda dos Balcões” for a breathtaking view of the Picos. Afterward, you’ll be transferred back to your accommodation.

Walking: 5 hrs, 13.5 km (8.4 miles)
Elevation: +600 m / -365 m (+1,970 ft / -1,200 ft)
Accommodation: 4-star hotel
Meals: Breakfast, lunch box, and dinner

Day 4: Boaventura and the wild coast
Boaventura Madeira

Depart from the hotel and head down an ancient paved royal road, through dense vegetation, as if you were in the jungle, crossing a charming little river then climbing to reach the village of Arco de Sao Jorge and its magnificent viewpoint. Enjoy a well-deserved lunch break in a restaurant overlooking the sea, and try out a brochette, island’s specialty! Next, follow a paved path along the coast, with a splendid panorama of the ocean and waves crashing on small rocky islets. Continue on to a zig-zag descent back to the sea and a final climb to the meeting point. Transfer to Porto Moniz, a sea-resort famous for its natural pools which you can enter and relax in for about 3 EUR. Check in to your splendid hotel where you will stay for two nights.

Walking: 3 hrs, 7 km (4.4 miles)
Elevation: +550 m / -550 m (+1,800 ft / -1,800 ft)
Accommodation: 4-star hotel
Meals: Breakfast, skewer lunch, and dinner

Day 5: Levada dos Cedros
Madeira wildlife

This morning, reach the Paul da Serra plateau (5,250 ft / 1,600 m). Your group will set off for a hike through the enchanted landscapes, crossing the plateau and reach the ancient crater of Fanal, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site that is home to rare specimens of century-old laurel trees. Continue along the Levada dos Cedros, one of the oldest in the region, built in the 17th century and dug directly into the ground. After exhilirating hikes, transfer to your hotel in Porto Moniz and spend some quality time with fellow hikers over dinner.

Walking: 4.15 hrs, 8 km (5 miles)
Elevation: +150 m / -300 m (+492 ft / -984 ft)
Accommodation: 4-star hotel
Meals: Breakfast, lunch box ,and dinner

Day 6: Levada Alecrim / 25 fontes / Garagem
Clouds Madeira view

After a hearty breakfast, your guides will transfer you to Paul da Serra’s plateau — the start of a charming walk in the middle of an enchanted forest and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take in the stunning scenery of streams and waterfalls and discover the endemic flora that Madeira is so famous for. As usual you will enjoy a delightful picnic. Drive to Funchal, the capital of the island where you will stay for two nights.

Walking: 4.5 hrs, 14 km (8.7 miles)
Elevation: +250 m / -485 m (+820 ft / -1590 ft)
Accommodation: 4-star hotel
Meals: Breakfast, lunch box, and dinner

Day 7: Peninsula of São Lourenço
Panoramic views Madeira

The Peninsula of Sao Lourenço is located to the east of the Island. The landscape is very different from the rest of the island because of the semi-arid climate and its basalt cliffs carved by wind and waves. This nature reserve allows you to observe the unique flora and fauna of Madeira. Your guides will take you to Funchal for a short visit and some free time to explore the city. On your last night in Funchal, the whole group will meet for a final dinner in a restaurant.

Walking: 3 hrs, 8 km (5 miles)
Elevation: +400 m / -400 m (+1312 ft / -1312 ft)
Accommodation: 4-star hotel
Meals: Breakfast, lunch box and dinner

— End of guide services —

Day 8: Departure
Market in Madeira full of fresh fruits and produce

About 3 hours before your flight, a taxi will transfer you back to Madeira airport. Depending on the time of your flight, you might have some time to visit the local market and grab a few souvenirs before going home!

Meals: Breakfast

Photo gallery

Lodging

Adventure, packed to go

Adventure brochure
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What others say about this adventure

4.72 (36 reviews)
M
Matt F.
|October 2025
Beautiful landscape and mountain cows!! Would consider the hikes on the easier side. This did not take away from the fantastic experience.
K
Katherine M.
|October 2025
Ease of registration, excellent coordination of arrivals, transfers, and departure as well as dependable, professional drivers made the international travel as worry free as can be found. The varied trails had the hikers experiencing a variety of terrain, amazing scenery and vista points, while simultaneously immersing the hiker in the local village experience.
J
James W.
|October 2025
The adventure delivered exactly what was advertised, a truly memorable experience
4.72(36 reviews)
M
Matt F.
|October 2025
Beautiful landscape and mountain cows!! Would consider the hikes on the easier side. This did not take away from the fantastic experience.
K
Katherine M.
|October 2025
Ease of registration, excellent coordination of arrivals, transfers, and departure as well as dependable, professional drivers made the international travel as worry free as can be found. The varied trails had the hikers experiencing a variety of terrain, amazing scenery and vista points, while simultaneously immersing the hiker in the local village experience.
J
James W.
|October 2025
The adventure delivered exactly what was advertised, a truly memorable experience
A
Amy H.
|October 2025
The hikes were well curated and well thought out. Out of our guide's control, were the crowds and toilet paper litter everywhere. Sad to see how the tourists disrespect such a beautiful island.
A
Amanda C.
|October 2025
6 great days of hiking. Might recommend building in a mid-week day or rest or shortening some of the days for a bit more down time.
M
Marta D.
|September 2025
The adventure was truly an adventure!
L
Lisa P.
|September 2025
Loved the hikes …even in the rain! Porto Muniz hotel was beautiful! Wish we’d had a bit more time to enjoy the rock pools BUT I was there to hike
S
Susanne M.
|July 2025
Really enjoyed the hikes and the variety on offer. Also liked the fact that there was time to explore the local area after the hikes each day.
L
Linda W.
|June 2025
Wonderful way to explore the beautiful lush landscapes & stunning levada trails on the island of Madeira.
C
Catherine G.
|June 2025
We had a great time exploring the many beautiful trails on the island.
S
Sheila G.
|June 2025
Madeira exceeded my expectations! AMAZING area and beauty. Run don't walk to sign up for this trip.
P
Paula S.
|June 2025
We absolutely loved everything we saw in Madeira! The variations in terrain and vegetation were amazing. Saving the peninsula for the last day summed up the beauty of Madeira perfectly!
J
Jody K.
|June 2025
This was one of my favorite vacations ever with challenging hikes and amazing views.
B
Barbara L.
|May 2025
Such a beautiful country! Our 6 days of hiking in the perfect weather was fantastic!
K
Katherine P.
|May 2025
Every day well planned for our experience and hiking level.
L
Louie F.
|April 2025
It was a great trip with some great hiking. Our guide andreia adjusted some days due to weather and that worked out super great ! B
S
Stella L.
|April 2025
De beaux sentiers, des paysages majestueux et variés
R
Ruth F.
|April 2025
Andrea was wonderful! She was so great about making sure everyone enjoyed themselves, and teaching us about the plants and animals native to Madeira. She also tried to plan our hikes so that we missed as much of the crowds as we could. She did an amazing job, and packed us delicious lunches! Madeira is a beautiful island. I hope it’s resources and beauty don’t get drained by the number of tourists coming to visit.
B
Bastien Serafin

Very professional service coupled with great customer care.

A
Angela R.
|October 2025
The hikes and transportation were amazing. Guide and Drivers were great. Accommodations/Dining were great, EXCEPT, for the last one in Funchal. The hotel was very old/dated , was put in basement with limited views, and food options were poor. It was a real shame that this hotel was included, there were many other options very nearby at probably similar prices. Everyone in our group felt the same way about this hotel.. Really consider a different option for future trips.
P
Penny F.
|September 2025
Guide, driver, hikes rate 5. My only slight downgrade was because of the last hotel. Staff were not friendly and service was adequate, but nothing exceptional- like the other hotel stays.
N
Norma G.
|September 2025
Overall - the hiking was amazing. The accommodations except for enotel (first one) were disappointing .. the last hotel was in a lovely location but the hotel staff were rude and not accommodating at all and the hotel was very tired and old .. you could charge a bit more to find better accommodations. Also , given that the island is not very large, it would have been even better to stay in one hotel the entire time since we were driven to our starting points each day .. packing and unpacking bags takes away from the daily experiences.
L
Louise-Hélène R.
|April 2025
Séjour très agréable. Durée des randos bien équilibrée. Deux des hôtels étaient bien situés avec un confort et une nourriture appréciée. Par contre, au premier hôtel -Dom Pedro Madeira in Machico- le personnel n’était pas chaleureux et la nourriture du buffet bien en dessous du standard attendu… Très beau voyage à ne pas manquer !
T
Tony K.
|April 2025
We had a great experience. Loved Madeira, loved the hiking. Andreia was an awesome guide and made the experience special! She was very friendly, helpful, informative and went out of her way to accommodate the needs of everyone in a very diverse group.
M
Marla M.
|March 2025
I was looking for wonderful views and relaxing hikes. I did get this, but there were also times when the hike was just to put in miles that were grueling and not scenic.
S
Shahauna S.
|November 2024
The hotel in Funchal wasn’t the greatest - full of tour buses. I think they could have chosen a more boutique style hotel in the town. All the Enotel’s were buffet style, which gets a little old after a while. When in Funchal, it would have been nice to explore the city and restaurants more than the one night. The hikes and transportation was excellent.
J
Jill W.
|September 2024
Took a star because of first hotel. The first night, Upon arriving after many flights, they had no room for me! I had to stay in a room with a friend because they had a wedding and they took my room ?! Still don’t quite understand that.
G
Garyl S.
|November 2025
M
M Michelle H.
|October 2025
L
Lisa S.
|September 2025
C
Charles G.
|May 2025
L
Lesya A.
|April 2025
J
Joyce P.
|April 2025
D
Debra G.
|October 2024
J
Johanne R.
|April 2025
C
Charles E.
|September 2024

Things to know

  • Included:

      • An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
      • 6 days of hiking and exploration of Madeira
      • Accommodation for 7 nights in local 4-star hotels (double/twin room with ensuite bathroom)
      • All meals, from dinner on Day 1 through breakfast on Day 8 — 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches (5 picnic lunches & 1 skewer lunch), and 7 dinners
      • All transfers as listed in the itinerary

    Add-ons:

      • Single occupancy room — available to add at checkout

    Not included:

      • Airfare to and from Madeira
      • Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
      • Drinks
      • Tourist tax (€1 to €4 per night, per person)
      • Insurance — available to add at checkout
      • Guide gratuities — optional
  • This Madeira hiking trip is ideal for those with previous hiking experience and great fitness. You’ll be hiking for 3-5  hours per day, covering up to 14 km (8.7 mi) per day. Don’t underestimate this wonder of an island—the elevation changes are what make this adventure challenging, with up to 550 m (1,805 ft) of ascent each day, i.e., up to 700 m (2,300 ft) of elevation loss.

    Please note that this tour isn’t appropriate for those with a fear of heights due to occasional exposed trails.

  • Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:

      • Duffle bag to pack all of the things you need for the tour
      • Day pack large enough to carry all the items you need in a day (around a 25-40L bag)
      • Hiking poles — optional
      • Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity)
      • Comfortable hiking clothes
      • Clothes for everyday activities and restaurant
      • Shoes for everyday activities and hotel
      • Hiking shorts and t-shirts
      • Light fleece jacket
      • Spare clothes for layering
      • Water and windproof rain jacket
      • Swimwear
      • Sunhat
      • Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
      • Headlamp or flashlight
      • Sunglasses
      • Camera — optional (but recommended)

    Madeira, small as it is, has its very own climate zones. Whilst it may be pouring down with rain on the northern coast, the south could be enjoying blue skies and warm sunshine. Make sure to check the weather before packing. Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

  • Group sizes and prices:

      • For this group adventure, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 10:1.
      • It takes a minimum of 3 people for this tour to operate.
      • Solo travelers are welcome—they can either share a room with another same-gender solo traveler at no extra cost, or guarantee a private room by paying a single occupancy fee. In case your guides aren’t able to find another traveler to share a room with you, you’ll be required to cover the single occupancy fee.

    Hiking in Madeira can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

    Min. age requirements:

      • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
      • Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the hike on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.

    If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

  • The price for this Madeira hiking trip is based on twin-share rooms, but a single occupancy room can be arranged at an additional fee. You can add it to your booking at checkout.

    Solo travelers are welcome—they can either share a room with another same-gender solo traveler at no extra cost, or guarantee a private room by paying a single occupancy fee. In case your guides aren’t able to find another traveler to share a room with you, you’ll be required to cover the single occupancy fee.

  • To get to Madeira, most people fly into Madeira (Funchal) Airport (FNC). The airport is well connected and offers direct flights to many European and US cities.

    You will meet your guide on Day 1 at the airport and be transferred to your accommodation.

  • We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.

    Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.

  • Deposits

    Secure your spot with a 30% deposit upon booking! The remaining 70% of the trip price must be paid 90 days prior to departure at the latest. If booking within 90 days of departure, the full amount is required at the time of booking.

    Cancellations

    Booking fees are non-refundable after a 48-hour grace period. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options—Basic, Flexible, or Super Flexible. Depending on which one you choose, a different cancellation policy will apply to your booking.

    Basic

      • If canceled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
      • If canceled 60 or more days before departure, a 70% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
      • If canceled within 59 days of departure, no refund will be issued.

    Flexible

      • If canceled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
      • If canceled 60 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
      • If canceled 30-59 days before departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
      • If canceled within 29 days of departure, no refund will be issued.

    Super Flexible

      • If canceled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
      • If canceled 30 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
      • If canceled within 29 days of departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
Have more questions?
Our team is here to answer your questions and plan with you.
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Make it private, make it unforgettable

From private groups to special requests, we’ll customize every detail—dates, group size, terrain, and accommodations—so it’s exactly how you imagined
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