Included: 8-day self-guided Best of Mallorca hiking tour (with 5 days of hiking and 1 day off for light walking and sightseeing in Funchal) Accommodation: 7 nights in double occupancy standard rooms with private facilities Meals: All breakfasts included All transfers indicated in the itinerary Numeric roadbook with detailed maps, vouchers, and contacts Emergency assistance 24/7 From 01/01/2025 to 30/10/2025, entry tickets for trails PR8, PR9, and PR10 Not included: Flights to and from Portugal/Madeira Tourist taxes: 2 USD/2€/person/night/per hotel, to be paid on site Drinks Meals not indicated in the itinerary Personal purchases Guide gratuities — optional Travel and medical insurance — optional

How fit do I need to be?

This self-guided hiking tour of the best of Madeira is rated moderate . A reasonable level of fitness is required, so you can expect to be hiking about 14 km / 8.7 mi almost every walking day. For more hiking adventures in Portugal, click here !

What do I need to bring?

Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring: Duffel bag to pack all of the things you need for the tour Day pack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 25-40L bag) Hiking poles — optional Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity) Lightweight hiking boots or shoes Comfortable hiking clothes Spare clothes for layering Clothes and shoes for everyday activities and restaurant Waterproof rain jacket Sunhat Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.) Headlamp or flashlight Sunglasses Camera — optional (but recommended) 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.

What is a self-guided tour?

A self-guided tour is an independent exploration without a formal guide leading the way. Instead of being part of a group with a tour leader, you will navigate the tour yourself, using resources provided by the operator, such as maps, guidebooks, or digital apps. Your guide will also take care of other parts of the tour, such as 24/7 support, accommodation, and transportation.

Group sizes and age requirements

Group sizes and pricing It takes a minimum of 2 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 20 participants. Hiking in Portugal 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 from 15 to 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.

Getting there and meeting location

The starting point of your best of Madeira hiking tour is Santo Antonio da Serra. To get there, most people fly into Madeira Airport (a.k.a. Funchal Airport). Once you’re there, a taxi will transfer you to your accommodation in Santo Antonio da Serra.

Safety measures and insurance

We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection . To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible , simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner! Redpoint tailors their 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. Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!

MADEIRA | PORTUGAL

Self-Guided Hiking Tour: Best of Madeira

5.00 ()

From $1,180 ()

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Duration

8 days

Season

Year-round

Self-guided adventure

Accommodation, breakfasts, transfers, detailed roadbook, and support arranged

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Intro
Itinerary
Brochure
Guides
Food and accommodation
Reviews
Things to know

On this self-guided Madeira hiking tour, the only guide you need is your sense of wonder. Explore stunning basalt cliffs, ancient laurel forests, and levadas, typical Portuguese irrigation canals that feel like they belong in a fantasy novel. With no group to pace yourself against, you’ll have time to enjoy the views and the stories carved into this island’s landscapes. Discover villages steeped in tradition, hike cliffside trails with Atlantic views, and end it all with a splash of Funchal’s charm and maybe a wicker sledge ride—because walking isn’t the only way downhill.

Adventure highlights

Madeira, your way

Explore at your own pace, with nature and culture in perfect harmony
A walk in the clouds

Hike trails with sky-high views and endless Atlantic horizons
Lush laurel forests

Step into UNESCO-protected laurel forests that feel like another world

Download itinerary

Itinerary

Embark on a hiking adventure across Madeira, where dramatic cliffs meet lush forests and history-rich trails. This self-guided tour gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace, following well-marked paths through some of the island’s most stunning landscapes. Walk alongside historic levadas, marvel at the UNESCO-recognized laurel forests, and take in sweeping ocean views from scenic vantage points. Along the way, you’ll encounter charming villages and terraced fields that showcase Madeira’s traditional way of life. With comfortable accommodations, daily breakfasts, and expertly designed routes, this trip offers a perfect blend of active exploration, cultural immersion, and breathtaking natural beauty—all without the constraints of a group tour.

You will be welcomed at the airport and a taxi will transfer you to Santo Antonio da Serra, a typical village known for its market. Depending on your time of arrival, please feel free to wander in the village or enjoy the garden and swimming pool in your accommodation.

Accommodation: 4-star hotel
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 the island.

Meals: Breakfast
Hiking: 7 km / 4.3 mi, 3h
Elevation: 400 m / 1,312 ft
Accommodation: 4-star hotel
Today, you will hike in one of the most rural areas of Madeira. Between the orchid-draped houses, you can marvel at the unique terraced crops that are traditional in Madeira, and many farmers still work the land manually. You will then enter the natural temple of the Laurissilva (laurel forest), following a levada that gradually enters the deep valley. You’ll then return via ancient and restored paths to the village of São Roque do Faial.

Meals: Breakfast
Hiking: 14 km / 8.7 mi, 4h50
Elevation: 400 m / 1,312 ft
Accommodation: 4-star hotel
You’ll transfer to the Tunnel of Caniçal in order to experience one of the most beautiful walks of Madeira on a footpath high above the ocean. After the terraced pastures of the Ribeira Seca valley, the coastal path of Boca do Risco gives you a high-angle view of the backwash and creaks below, and ends with a big descent to the ocean and to the fishermen’s village of Porto da Cruz.

Meals: Breakfast
Hiking: 13 km / 8 mi, 4h15
Elevation: +250 m / +820 ft, -350 m / -1,148 ft
Accommodation: 3-star hotel
On Day 5, you’ll transfer 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 laurel forest. After passing through several tunnels and (safe) cliffside passageways, you will get to the famous “Green Cauldron”, also known as Caldeiro Verde. Then, you will go back on the path to start walking down to the isolated village of Ilha, with incredible vantage points over the ocean. Later on, there’s a return transfer to Boa Ventura.

Meals: Breakfast
Hiking: 14 km / 8.7 mi, 4h30
Elevation: +90 m / +295 ft, -600 m / -1,968 ft
Accommodation: 3-star hotel
After hiking for a bit on a regular path, you’ll arrive at the levada do Furado, which you’ll follow for over 8 km / 5 mi. The famous levadas, small irrigation canals that are typical of Madeira, are located on the mountainside and are punctuated by waterfalls and views of the valleys, leading you through the laurisilva laurel forest. The first part of the Levada do Furado is spectacular, cut into the rock with safety barriers. Arriving at Ribeiro Frio, a short walk along the levada will give you fantastic views over the highest peaks of the island.

Meals: Breakfast
Hiking: 13.5 km / , 5h15
Elevation: +600 m / +1,968 ft, -365 m / -1,197 ft
Accommodation: 4-star hotel
Day 7 is reserved for sightseeing around Funchal, a charming city built like an amphitheatre around the bay. The city’s name originates from the word fennel (foncho in Portuguese) that grew in the bay when the Portuguese first landed here. It’s great to wander through the paved streets, colorful gardens, and walkways along the coast.

If desired, today you can do a few optional activities that are to be paid on site, such as visiting the Monte palace tropical gardens, which are accessible via a cable car, and you’ll get a panoramic view of the city. The other option is to go down from Monte to Funchal center on a traditional wicker sledge called “Carreiro do Monte”. The sledge is used by locals as a quick way of getting to Funchal.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 4-star hotel
Today is the last day of your self-guided hiking tour of Madeira. Approximately 2h30min before the flight, there’s a taxi transport arranged to transfer you to the Madeira airport.

Self-Guided Hiking Tour: Best of Madeira

Adventure Brochure

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If you have questions or need help with planning a trip, schedule a call with one of our adventure experts.

Meet your guide

5.00

Walk inn

Walk Inn have been organizing cycling and hiking tours for over 15 years now. All their tours were created by their expert team of local guides that have been on site, drew the itineraries, and walked the paths that you will be walking on.

Food and accommodation

Food

All breakfasts are included in the price of this self-guided hiking tour of Madeira. The most common items that can be found on a Portuguese breakfast table include bread, ham, cheese, sandwiches, fruit jams, sweet breads such as pão de Deus, and coffee with milk. And of course, there’s always a chance to get the famous Portuguese pastel de nata custard tarts.

Accommodation

On the Best of Madeira hiking tour, you’ll spend 3 nights at the Porto Bay Serra Golf in Santo da Serra (4 stars), 2 nights at the hotel Boaventura in Boaventura (3 stars), and 2 nights at the hotel Caju in Funchal (4 stars).

5.00 (2 reviews)

Martha Schrader (source: Google Reviews)

One of our most memorable trips with our kids.

Bastien Serafin (source: Google Reviews)

Very professional service coupled with great customer care.

Things to know

Included:
- - 8-day self-guided Best of Mallorca hiking tour (with 5 days of hiking and 1 day off for light walking and sightseeing in Funchal)
  - Accommodation: 7 nights in double occupancy standard rooms with private facilities
  - Meals: All breakfasts included
  - All transfers indicated in the itinerary
  - Numeric roadbook with detailed maps, vouchers, and contacts
  - Emergency assistance 24/7
  - From 01/01/2025 to 30/10/2025, entry tickets for trails PR8, PR9, and PR10
Not included:
- - Flights to and from Portugal/Madeira
  - Tourist taxes: 2 USD/2€/person/night/per hotel, to be paid on site
  - Drinks
  - Meals not indicated in the itinerary
  - Personal purchases
  - Guide gratuities — optional
  - Travel and medical insurance — optional
This self-guided hiking tour of the best of Madeira is rated moderate. A reasonable level of fitness is required, so you can expect to be hiking about 14 km / 8.7 mi almost every walking day.

For more hiking adventures in Portugal, click here!
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
- - Duffel bag to pack all of the things you need for the tour
  - Day pack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 25-40L bag)
  - Hiking poles — optional
  - Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity)
  - Lightweight hiking boots or shoes
  - Comfortable hiking clothes
  - Spare clothes for layering
  - Clothes and shoes for everyday activities and restaurant
  - Waterproof rain jacket
  - Sunhat
  - Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
  - Headlamp or flashlight
  - Sunglasses
  - Camera — optional (but recommended)
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.
A self-guided tour is an independent exploration without a formal guide leading the way. Instead of being part of a group with a tour leader, you will navigate the tour yourself, using resources provided by the operator, such as maps, guidebooks, or digital apps. Your guide will also take care of other parts of the tour, such as 24/7 support, accommodation, and transportation.
Group sizes and pricing
- - It takes a minimum of 2 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 20 participants.
  - Hiking in Portugal 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 from 15 to 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 starting point of your best of Madeira hiking tour is Santo Antonio da Serra. To get there, most people fly into Madeira Airport (a.k.a. Funchal Airport).

Once you’re there, a taxi will transfer you to your accommodation in Santo Antonio da Serra.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!

Redpoint tailors their 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.

Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!
Deposits
You can secure one of the set dates with a 30% deposit upon booking. The remaining 70% of the trip price is to be paid 90 days prior to departure, at the latest.

Cancellations
Booking fees are non-refundable in all cases. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options:

Basic
- - In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
  - For cancellations 60 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a 70% refund of the trip price.
  - For cancellations 0-59 days before the trip, there is no refund.
Flexible
- - In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
  - For cancellations 60 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a full refund of the trip price.
  - For cancellations 30-59 days before the trip, you are eligible for a 50% refund of the trip price.
  - For cancellations 0-29 days before the trip, there is no refund.
Super Flexible
- - In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
  - For cancellations 30 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a full refund of the trip price.
  - For cancellations 0-29 days before the trip, you are eligible for a 50% refund of the trip price.
57hours partners with Redpoint Travel Protection, offering you a fully integrated program with a single point of contact for all your needs, from emergency services to travel assistance and protection claims. We highly recommend purchasing a comprehensive protection policy from Redpoint, which will protect you both before and during your travels. Before your departure, your investment is protected by the trip cancellation benefit. Once you depart, your policy provides coverage for trip interruption, medical assistance and rescue, baggage loss, trip delay, and more. Once you complete booking with 57hours, we'll create bespoke quote for you (and your group), making sure you're fully protected for the adventure ahead.