After breakfast, transfer into the island’s dramatic central mountains for one of Madeira’s most spectacular hikes. From Pico do Arieiro (1,818 m/5,965 ft), the trail—now a one-way route, reopened in 2026 after a two-year closure—skirts narrow ridgelines and rock tunnels to Pico Ruivo (1,862 m/6,109 ft), the island’s highest peak. Descend to Achada da Teixeira, then transfer to Santana, home to the island’s fairy-tale triangular houses.
Hiking: 8.2 km (5.1 mi), 4 to 4.5 hours, +550 m/-700 m (+1,805 ft/-2,297 ft)
Alternative (if the Pico do Arieiro–Achada da Teixeira trail is closed): The hike instead starts from Queimadas Park, climbing Pico Ruivo before descending to Achada da Teixeira.
Hiking: 13 km (8.1 mi), 5 to 5.5 hours, +900 m/-300 m (+2,953 ft/-984 ft)
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Accommodation: 2-star hotel in Santana
Excellent organization that we have already experienced several times with pleasure, in France and in Europe.