Madeira isn’t called the floating garden for nothing. On this self-guided walking holiday in Madeira, you’ll hike dramatic volcanic ridgelines, wander through lush laurel forests, and follow historic levadas carved into the mountainsides. One day you’re standing on Pico Ruivo, the island’s highest peak—the next you’re tracing coastal paths above the Atlantic. With luggage transfers, handpicked hotels, and a digital travel pack all arranged, this is Madeira hiking made easy. All that’s left is to step onto the trail and let Madeira unfold beneath your feet.
This Madeira trekking holiday takes you across volcanic ridges, lush levadas, and coastal cliffs over 8 days and 6 hiking stages. You’ll walk through terraced farmland, laurel forests, and historic mountain paths, summit Pico Ruivo, and descend into dramatic valleys before finishing in Funchal. Luggage transfers, hotel stays, and route navigation are arranged in advance, giving you complete flexibility while keeping logistics effortless.
Included:
Add-ons (available to add at checkout):
Not included:
To fully enjoy these Madeira walking holidays, it’s recommended to have a reasonably good level of fitness and prior hiking experience.
You should be comfortable hiking up to 17.5 km (10.9 mi) & 3–7 hours per day with up to 900 m (2,950 ft) ascent, and significant descents up to 1,480 m (4,855 ft). Some sections follow levadas with drops beside the trail.
If you can handle full-day hikes with sustained elevation changes, you’re well suited for this trip.
Want to see what else is there in the area? Discover more Portugal walking and hiking adventures here!
The following items are required for these self-guided walking holidays in Madeira unless otherwise noted. When packing, think layered clothing systems that work together and can be easily added or removed.
Avoid cotton or cycling-specific clothing. Synthetic fabrics dry quickly and perform well in active conditions. Merino wool is also an excellent option—it dries fast, is comfortable to wear, and naturally resists odors even after extended use.
Clothing:
Gear:
First aid kit suggestions:
Carrying a basic personal first aid kit is strongly advised, as unforeseen situations may arise during travel. Access to medications and first aid supplies can be limited in certain destinations, making it essential to bring necessary prescription and over-the-counter items. Travel plans, vaccinations, and medication use should be reviewed with a healthcare provider in advance to ensure a safe and smooth journey.
Here’s a basic list of what’s generally a good personal travel first aid kit:
Optional items:
Self-guided tours are perfect for those who enjoy exploring on their own terms—at their own pace, and with the company they choose. By joining these self-guided walking holidays in Madeira, we take care of:
Rather than joining a guided group, you’ll navigate the tour yourself, using resources provided by the tour operator. For a hassle-free journey with everything arranged for you in advance, there’s no better option!
Digital travel package includes documents available in English, French, and German, sent by email, and provides access to a smartphone travel application for navigating hikes and accessing local maps (available in English only). It also contains the list of booked accommodations, and all the detailed information needed for a successful trip. If desired, a printed version of the travel package can be provided for an additional fee; it will be ready and available at the first accommodation of the itinerary, including maps, a topo guide, and a travel folder—you can add this at checkout.
As a self-guided tour is built around your preferred travel dates, your guide will take care of arranging accommodations and details after you book. Note that exact accommodations and dates might shift slightly, so don’t make any travel arrangements until the details of your adventure are confirmed.
Yes. Luggage transfers between accommodations are included in this trip. Your bags are transported by vehicle to the next hotel, so you only need to carry a daypack with essentials like water, snacks, and personal items during your hikes.
Group sizes and pricing
Self-guided walking holidays 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 price for these self-guided walking holidays in Madeira 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.
The starting point of your self-guided walking holidays in Madeira is Funchal. To get there, most people fly into Madeira Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport (FNC). An airport transfer (1 per group) is included to reach Funchal.
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.
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Flexible
Super Flexible
Excellent organization that we have already experienced several times with pleasure, in France and in Europe.