Some islands are for sunbathing. Madeira is for exploring. Floating off the coast of Portugal, this volcanic gem is a hiker’s paradise—a playground of soaring peaks, emerald valleys, and dramatic coastal cliffs. For eight days, we’ll follow centuries-old levadas (small irrigation channels) through ancient laurel forests, stand on rocky summits with jaw-dropping views, and hike down zigzag paths to tiny villages tucked into the hills. Along the way, we’ll swim in volcanic pools, refuel with fresh island food in cozy hotels, and take in more natural beauty than seems fair for one place. It’s not the easiest hiking trip, but that’s the point—the best places never are.
Discover the wild side of Madeira on an 8-day hiking tour through this unique Portuguese island! We’ll follow historic levadas through lush valleys and forests, climb rugged mountain ridges, and descend zigzagging trails to remote villages. Along the way, we’ll discover UNESCO-listed Laurisilva forests, swim in volcanic pools, and take in sweeping Atlantic views from paths carved into cliffs. Off the trail, cozy 3-star hotels, fresh island cuisine, and hassle-free transfers are all taken care of. With an expert guide leading the way, we’ll experience the very best of Madeira’s landscapes—on foot, up close, and at the perfect pace.
Welcome to Madeira! We meet our hiking guide at the airport and transfer to Boaventura on the north coast. We settle into our accommodation, which features a swimming pool and jacuzzi we can enjoy right away.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Solar Boaventura, Boaventura
After a short ride, our taxi drops us off at the starting point of our hike. We begin with a climb that offers magnificent views over the Boaventura valley, one of Madeira’s wildest spots. After taking in the scenery, we descend through a magnificent primary forest, filled with ferns and endemic trees, before reaching Levada de Cima and its beautiful vegetable gardens.
Gradually, the coastline comes into view, offering breathtaking vistas. A superb zigzag path takes us down before we follow a paved route along the cliffs. We then transfer back to the hotel and have some free time to enjoy the swimming pool and jacuzzi before dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Hiking: 15 km (9.3 mi), 6 hours
Elevation gain/loss: +600 m (+1,969 ft), -900 m (-2,953 ft)
Accommodation: Hotel Solar Boaventura, Boaventura
We set off to conquer the iconic massif of the northeast coast: Eagle Peak. Its steep slopes are awe-inspiring, and the wild trail hidden within its cliffs is nothing short of incredible. Named after the buzzards the first inhabitants mistook for eagles, Eagle Peak is definitely a challenge, but the reward is worth it. From the plateau, we enjoy a breathtaking panorama over the São Lourenço peninsula, the coastline of Porto da Cruz and Faial, and the central mountains. We descend towards Cruz, then follow the wild Castelejo valley to our new accommodation in São Roque, a peaceful agricultural village in the mid-mountains. We’ll then transfer back to Boaventura.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Hiking: 18 km (11.2 mi), 6 hours 15 minutes
Elevation gain/loss: +820 m (+2,690 ft), -740 m (-2,428 ft)
Accommodation: Hotel Solar Boaventura, Boaventura
We return to the Paul da Serra plateau (1,500 m / 4,920 ft), the starting point of our long descent down Madeira’s north side. We see an ingenious cable system once used to transport wood and ferns to the Seixal valley. Then, we begin our descent into the Chão de Ribeira valley, dotted with basalt stone huts and cultivated terraces. We arrive in Seixal, a small farming village boasting wild volcanic coves and one of Madeira’s largest black sand beaches. We enjoy a well-earned swim in one of the coves or on the beach, then transfer to Encumeada for two nights in the heart of the mountains.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Hiking: 16 km (10 mi), 5.5 hours
Elevation gain/loss: +200 m (+656 ft), -1,600 m (-5,249 ft)
Accommodation: Valley Views Encumeada, Encumeada
We set off from our accommodation on the slopes of the Paul da Serra plateau along the Levada do Norte, one of the island’s most important levadas. We then descend through the forest on a winding path to reach the Rodrigues levada, which leads us through tunnels, adding a sense of adventure. We catch glimpses of beautiful waterfalls before arriving in the village of Ginjas. On the return, we walk along a forest path in the vicinity of the Chão dos Louros forest park, home to Laurissilva species such as the Canary laurel.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Hiking: 18 km (11.2 mi), 6.5 hours
Elevation gain/loss: +960 m (+3,150 ft), -980 m (-3,215 ft)
Accommodation: Valley Views Encumeada, Encumeada
We transfer from our accommodation to the lunar landscapes of the Paul da Serra plateau. This area is cut by a gorge covered in primary forest. At the heart of the Rabaçal site, we explore numerous levadas, including the well-known 25 Fontes, and waterfalls such as Cascata do Risco. Finally, we follow the beautiful Levada do Alecrim, lined with heather trees, leading to the magnificent Dona Beja waterfall. For those who don’t mind the cold, there’s an option for a swim. We transfer to Funchal for the last two nights.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Hiking: 19 km (11.8 mi), 5.5 hours
Elevation gain/loss: +400 m (+1,312 ft), -640 m (-2,100 ft)
Accommodation: França Mar or Quinta Penha França, Funchal
We transfer to Pico Arieiro, one of the island’s highest peaks. We walk along the ridges, enjoying breathtaking views and an impressive path that makes us feel like tightrope walkers in the sky. We begin our descent toward the capital, following a trail dotted with heather before entering the Funchal Ecological Park, with its small streams. We continue into a coniferous forest and arrive at Pico Alto, which offers magnificent views over Funchal. We then descend to Monte. Here, you can take the cable car down to the town center, visit the tropical garden, or ride a traditional wicker sledge (payable on-site). After dinner, the guide’s services conclude.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Hiking: 15 km (9.3 mi), 4 hours
Elevation gain/loss: +250 m (+820 ft), -1,250 m (-4,101 ft)
Accommodation: França Mar or Quinta Penha França, Funchal
Your adventure in Madeira has come to a close. You’ll be transferred to Madeira airport by taxi 2.5 hours before your flight.
Meals: Breakfast
Included:
Add-ons
Not included:
This hiking tour in Madeira requires great fitness levels and previous hiking experience. You’ll hike for 5-7 hours per day for six consecutive days, covering 15-19 km (9.3-11.8 mi) per day with up to 820 m (2,690 ft) ascent and up to 1,600 m (5,249 ft) descent.
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Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
Luggage
Clothing and footwear
Essential gear
Other essentials
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 pricing
A hiking tour in Madeira can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements
If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
The starting point of your hiking tour in Madeira is Madeira Airport (FNC). Once you arrive, you’ll meet your guide at the airport for an arranged transfer to your accommodation in Boaventura.
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
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.
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Flexible
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