Included: An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area 8-day Madeira adventure (6 days of guided hiking) Accommodation for 7 nights in 4-star hotels (double/twin room with ensuite bathroom) Hotel taxes All meals, from dinner on Day 1 through breakfast on Day 8 7 breakfasts 6 lunches (5 picnic lunches & 1 skewer lunch) 7 dinners All transfers as listed in the itinerary Airport transfers — individual pick-up between 10 am and 5 pm on arrival day Add-ons (pricing shown at checkout): Single occupancy room Not included: Airfare to and from Madeira Meals not mentioned in the itinerary Drinks Insurance — available to add at checkout Guide gratuities — optional

How fit do I need to be?

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.

What do I need to bring?

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 age requirements

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.

Is a single occupancy room available?

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.

Getting there and meeting location

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. It’s best if your plane lands between 10 am and 5 pm—you will notify us in the post-booking process of your approximate landing time, and you will be individually picked up.

Safety measures and insurance

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.

Madeira | Portugal

Madeira’s Greatest Trails: Big Hikes, Comfy Nights

Name: Madeira Hiking Trip: 8-Day All-Inclusive Journey, Portugal
Brand: 57hours
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (4 reviews)

8 days | Moderate | 4.77

From $3,057 ()

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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
Explore the iconic Pico do Arieiro: A remote Atlantic jewel, Madeira delivers Hawaii-like drama, including the “Stairway to Heaven”—a dramatic section above the clouds

Duration

8 days

Season

Year-round

Group size

Up to 10 people

The adventure, day by day

Download itineraries

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

You will meet your guide at the airport and be transferred to your accommodation. It’s best if your plane lands between 10 am and 5 pm—you will notify us in the post-booking process of your approximate landing time, and you will be individually picked up. A 30-minute ride gets you 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: Enotel Santo da Serra, Santo da Serra
Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Caldeirão Verde

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: Enotel Santo da Serra, Santo da Serra
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: Pico Ariero to Pico Ruivo

*We set off from Pico Ariero (1,810 m) on one of Madeira’s most spectacular alpine trails, winding through tunnels and up staircases toward the island’s highest point. The route rewards us with sweeping panoramas of jagged peaks, deep valleys, and the Atlantic Ocean along the way. Our guide picks out the perfect spot to stop for a picnic before we continue to Achada do Teixeira, where a cab takes us back to the hotel.

Walking: 4 hrs, 10 km (6.2 miles)
Elevation: +500 m / -700 m (+1,640 ft / -2,297 ft)
Accommodation: Enotel Santo da Serra, Santo da Serra
Meals: Continental breakfast, picnic lunch, and dinner

Please note that today’s trail will be closed for a few days in September due to installation of a walkway (14–17 and 21–22). In that case, an alternative hike will be done instead.

Day 4: Boaventura and the wild coast

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: Aqua Natura Madeira Hotel, Porto Moniz
Meals: Breakfast, skewer lunch, and dinner

Day 5: Levada dos Cedros

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: Aqua Natura Madeira Hotel, Porto Moniz
Meals: Breakfast, lunch box ,and dinner

Day 6: Levada Alecrim / 25 fontes / Garagem

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: Enotel Magnolia or Hotel Caju, Funchal
Meals: Breakfast, lunch box, and dinner

Day 7: Peninsula of São Lourenço & Pico do Aieiro

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. Then, head with a taxi to Pico Arieiro for a short walk along the island’s impressive ridges to the Rija viewpoint. Return on foot to Pico do Arieiro and transfer to Funchal. 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: +445 m / -445 m (+1,460 ft / -1,460 ft)
Pico Arieiro extension: 1 hours, 2.4 km (1.5 miles), +100 m (330 ft), -100 m (-330 ft)
Accommodation: Enotel Magnolia or Hotel Caju, Funchal
Meals: Breakfast, lunch box and dinner

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

Important note

Hiking routes may change due to weather conditions, landslides, and other natural factors. Please note that route conditions and availability can vary.

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Lodging

Stylish 4-star hotels

We sleep in three carefully selected 4-star hotels across the island, each with its own character. We start with three nights at the Enotel Santo da Serra—a renovated Madeiran manor house where modern comfort meets a working organic garden and farm animals guests are welcome to interact with. Nights four and five are spent at the Hotel Aqua Natura Madeira in Porto Moniz, perched just above the island’s famous natural lava pools with sweeping Atlantic views and a jacuzzi, sauna, and solarium to unwind in.

For the final two nights in Funchal, two options are on the table. The Enotel Magnólia offers panoramic mountain and ocean views, spa access, and a pool. For something more intimate, the boutique Hotel Caju—designed by acclaimed Madeiran architect Nini Andrade Silva—trades the pool for something harder to find: century-old stone walls, striking contemporary interiors, and a superb location in the heart of Funchal.

Note that exact accommodations may vary depending on availability, but will always be of the same standard and comfort.

Adventure, packed to go

Madeira’s Greatest Trails: Big Hikes, Comfy Nights

Adventure Brochure

Brochure and video trailer

Download the trip brochure and cinematic trailer—everything you need to plan, share, or start dreaming.

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What others say about this adventure

4.77 (43 reviews)

Donna M.

|June 2026

Everything was great. The hotels were wonderful and Fabio found great restaurants.

Michelle B.

|May 2026

Madeira was great; I highly recommend it. They call it the Hawaii of Europe for a reason -- the rainforests, valleys, mountains were all breathtaking.

Sandy J.

|May 2026

The adventure was amazing. Lots of different types of hikes with everything taken care of. Hotels were wonderful. Hikes were challenging but doable.

Show all reviews

Things to know

Included:
- - An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
  - 8-day Madeira adventure (6 days of guided hiking)
  - Accommodation for 7 nights in 4-star hotels (double/twin room with ensuite bathroom)
  - Hotel taxes
  - All meals, from dinner on Day 1 through breakfast on Day 8
    
    7 breakfasts
    
    6 lunches (5 picnic lunches & 1 skewer lunch)
    
    7 dinners
  - All transfers as listed in the itinerary
  - Airport transfers — individual pick-up between 10 am and 5 pm on arrival day
Add-ons (pricing shown at checkout):
- - Single occupancy room
Not included:
- - Airfare to and from Madeira
  - Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
  - Drinks
  - 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.

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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. It’s best if your plane lands between 10 am and 5 pm—you will notify us in the post-booking process of your approximate landing time, and you will be individually picked up.
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.
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.
- 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.
- Booking fees are non-refundable after a 48 hours grace period.

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