Embark on a hiking adventure across Madeira, where dramatic cliffs meet lush forests and history-rich trails. This self-guided tour gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace, following well-marked paths through some of the island’s most stunning landscapes. Walk alongside historic levadas, marvel at the UNESCO-recognized laurel forests, and take in sweeping ocean views from scenic vantage points. Along the way, you’ll encounter charming villages and terraced fields that showcase Madeira’s traditional way of life. With comfortable accommodations, daily breakfasts, and expertly designed routes, this trip offers a perfect blend of active exploration, cultural immersion, and breathtaking natural beauty—all without the constraints of a group tour.
You will be welcomed at the airport and a taxi will transfer you to Santo Antonio da Serra, a typical village known for its market. Depending on your time of arrival, please feel free to wander in the village or enjoy the garden and swimming pool in your accommodation.
Accommodation: 4-star hotel
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 the island.
Meals: Breakfast
Hiking: 7 km / 4.3 mi, 3h
Elevation: 400 m / 1,312 ft
Accommodation: 4-star hotel
Today, you will hike in one of the most rural areas of Madeira. Between the orchid-draped houses, you can marvel at the unique terraced crops that are traditional in Madeira, and many farmers still work the land manually. You will then enter the natural temple of the Laurissilva (laurel forest), following a levada that gradually enters the deep valley. You’ll then return via ancient and restored paths to the village of São Roque do Faial.
Meals: Breakfast
Hiking: 14 km / 8.7 mi, 4h50
Elevation: 400 m / 1,312 ft
Accommodation: 4-star hotel
You’ll transfer to the Tunnel of Caniçal in order to experience one of the most beautiful walks of Madeira on a footpath high above the ocean. After the terraced pastures of the Ribeira Seca valley, the coastal path of Boca do Risco gives you a high-angle view of the backwash and creaks below, and ends with a big descent to the ocean and to the fishermen’s village of Porto da Cruz.
Meals: Breakfast
Hiking: 13 km / 8 mi, 4h15
Elevation: +250 m / +820 ft, -350 m / -1,148 ft
Accommodation: 3-star hotel
On Day 5, you’ll transfer 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 laurel forest. After passing through several tunnels and (safe) cliffside passageways, you will get to the famous “Green Cauldron”, also known as Caldeiro Verde. Then, you will go back on the path to start walking down to the isolated village of Ilha, with incredible vantage points over the ocean. Later on, there’s a return transfer to Boa Ventura.
Meals: Breakfast
Hiking: 14 km / 8.7 mi, 4h30
Elevation: +90 m / +295 ft, -600 m / -1,968 ft
Accommodation: 3-star hotel
After hiking for a bit on a regular path, you’ll arrive at the levada do Furado, which you’ll follow for over 8 km / 5 mi. The famous levadas, small irrigation canals that are typical of Madeira, are located on the mountainside and are punctuated by waterfalls and views of the valleys, leading you through the laurisilva laurel forest. The first part of the Levada do Furado is spectacular, cut into the rock with safety barriers. Arriving at Ribeiro Frio, a short walk along the levada will give you fantastic views over the highest peaks of the island.
Meals: Breakfast
Hiking: 13.5 km / , 5h15
Elevation: +600 m / +1,968 ft, -365 m / -1,197 ft
Accommodation: 4-star hotel
Day 7 is reserved for sightseeing around Funchal, a charming city built like an amphitheatre around the bay. The city’s name originates from the word fennel (foncho in Portuguese) that grew in the bay when the Portuguese first landed here. It’s great to wander through the paved streets, colorful gardens, and walkways along the coast.
If desired, today you can do a few optional activities that are to be paid on site, such as visiting the Monte palace tropical gardens, which are accessible via a cable car, and you’ll get a panoramic view of the city. The other option is to go down from Monte to Funchal center on a traditional wicker sledge called “Carreiro do Monte”. The sledge is used by locals as a quick way of getting to Funchal.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 4-star hotel
Today is the last day of your self-guided hiking tour of Madeira. Approximately 2h30min before the flight, there’s a taxi transport arranged to transfer you to the Madeira airport.
Please note that accommodations are subject to availability and it may not be possible to book the exact accommodations listed day-by-day in the itinerary (in case there is a detailed list).
Also note that your chosen dates for the tour are not guaranteed until confirmed by the guide. If the guide is unable to secure your preferred dates/accommodation, you’ll get a full refund!
Included:
Not included:
This self-guided hiking tour of the best of Madeira is rated moderate. A reasonable level of fitness is required, so you can expect to be hiking about 14 km / 8.7 mi almost every walking day. Check out the itinerary for day-by-day distances and elevation changes.
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Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
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.
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 this best of Madeira self-guided hiking tour , we take care of charming accommodation in 3 and 4-star hotels, all breakfasts, all necessary transfers as in the itinerary, luggage transfers, and a numeric roadbook with detailed maps, vouchers, and contacts. You’ll also have emergency assistance 24/7 available.
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!
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.
Group sizes and pricing
Hiking in Portugal 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.
The starting point of your best of Madeira hiking tour is Santo Antonio da Serra. To get there, most people fly into Madeira Airport (a.k.a. Funchal Airport).
Once you’re there, a taxi will transfer you to your accommodation in Santo Antonio da Serra.
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!