This peaceful volcanic island set in the Atlantic archipelago remains the ultimate destination for photographers and outdoor travelers with its otherworldly landscapes and uncrowded trails. The most important treasure of the island are its emblematic levadas, a system of irrigation channels traced back to the 15th century. This system passes through the lush and gigantic vegetation of the Laurissilva rainforest and the rugged terrain of high mountains and deep valleys. With numerous viewpoints, waterfalls and stunning beaches, the hiking trails of Madeira never run out of surprises for those willing to step out of their comfort zone. And in this case, your comfort won’t be too compromised as you’ll spend each night in one of the local hotels offering saunas, spas and pools overlooking the ocean. Is there a better way to spend your vacation?
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.
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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 —
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
Included:
Add-ons:
Not included:
This hike in Madeira is most suitable for hikers with some previous hiking experience. You should be in generally good health and have a solid fitness level. You will be hiking for 3-5 hours, 7 to 14 km (4.4 to 8.7 miles) per day. Elevation can vary with ascent/descent of 100 to 700 meters (330 to 2300 ft) per walk. This tour is not appropriate for those with a fear of heights due to some exposure on days 2 and 3.
Keep in mind, the weather can vary and you’ll be packing a daypack filled with water and other things you’ll need throughout the day.
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
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:
Hiking in Madeira can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements:
If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
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.
You can also travel via ferry as the Port of Funchal is well-connected to various other Portuguese and European ports.
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.
Basic
Flexible
Super Flexible
