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Hiking in Madeira

Hiking in Madeira

From $ 2,670 AUD

Description

Set off on a seven-day hiking adventure through Madeira’s dramatic coastlines, volcanic landscapes and lush forests. Hike renowned trails such as Vereda do Fanal, Pico do Ruivo, Levada do Norte and the scenic loop from Jardim do Mar through Vereda do Jardim and Levada da Calheta. Along the way, visit nearby villages like Santana (famous for its traditional thatched houses), as well as Prazeres and Seixal. Take a dip in volcanic rock pools, sip Madeira’s signature Ponch and visit a local rum distillery. With its mild year-round climate and diverse terrain, Madeira offers the perfect active winter escape.

Trip Name
Hiking in Madeira
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
7
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Explore Madeira’s green mountains and diverse flora and enjoy a mild climate while you travel through the ever-changing landscapes.
  • Traverse Pico do Ruivo (Madeira’s highest peak) and the coastal trail from Porto da Cruz to Machico on guided hikes, led by a local expert.
  • Follow the Levada do Norte trail from Estreito de Camara de Lobos to Cabo Girao. Take in the lush valleys, small villages and panoramic views of Europe’s highest sea cliffs as you hike.
  • Hike the scenic loop from Jardim do Mar through Vereda do Jardim and Levada da Calheta. Wander quiet paths, soak in cliffside views and breathe the fresh mountain air.
  • Hike the dramatic Ponta de São Lourenço peninsula, where rugged cliffs meet the sparkling Atlantic, volcanic rock formations shape the landscape, and panoramic views stretch from sheer cliffs to hidden coves along this windswept eastern tip of the island.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns. , OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and may be on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - Funchal
Ola! Welcome to Funchal – the capital of Portugal’s Madeira archipelago, renowned for its scenic harbour, lush gardens and historic wine cellars. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, maybe visit the Gothic-Romanesque Cathedral, walk around the Sao Tiago Fortress, explore the local markets or enjoy some fresh seafood by the waterfront. After your welcome meeting, head out to optional dinner and get to know your group before hitting the trails tomorrow.
Day 2 - Jardim do Mar
Today, enjoy a free morning in Funchal or explore the city at your own pace. After early lunch, travel by private transport from Funchal to Estreito de Camara de Lobos. From here, embark on the Levada do Norte hike, taking in the ocean views as you walk towards Cabo Girao – one of the highest sea cliffs in Europe. When you arrive in Cabo Girao, perhaps relax with a picnic lunch. This afternoon, you’ll travel to Jardim do Mar for a leader-led orientation walk. Explore this peaceful town known for its traditional Madeiran lifestyle and lovely gardens. To end the day, enjoy a refreshing glass of Poncha (a local drink made from sugarcane rum, honey and lemon).
Day 3 - Jardim do Mar
This morning, you’ll start in Paul do Mar with a steep climb along the historic PR19 Caminho Real. The stone staircase winds sharply uphill, quickly rewarding you with sweeping views over the Atlantic, rugged cliffs, and the village far below. At the top, continue into Prazeres and follow quiet roads before joining the Levada Nova path toward Estreito da Calheta. Here, the terrain levels out, and you’ll enjoy an easy walk through green farmland and terraces, with occasional coastal vistas along the way. After reaching Calheta, begin your descent toward Jardim do Mar on paved roads, taking in wide ocean views as you return to the coast. Once there, you might spend some time exploring this quiet seaside village, known for its dramatic setting and relaxed atmosphere.
Day 4 - Machico
Travel to the Fanal forest, where you’ll start today’s hike. Follow the Vereda do Fanal trail through ancient laurel trees and woodlands. Afterwards, travel to the Ribeira da Janela viewpoint, where you can admire spectacular views of the rugged coastline and dramatic valley. Continue to Seixal for a leader-led orientation walk through the village’s charming streets, followed by some time to cool off with a swim in Seixal’s natural volcanic swimming pools. Later today, travel to Machico, where you’ll spend the night.
Day 5 - Machico
This morning, private transport will take you to Porto da Cruz, where you’ll begin today’s hike towards Machico. This marvellous coastal hike takes around six hours and covers approximately 15km, combining spectacular coastal scenery with beautiful sections through Madeira’s lush Laurisilva forest. Along the way, enjoy fantastic views over the rugged coastline and surrounding landscapes, with a beautiful spot to maybe stop for a picnic lunch and take in the scenery. Your efforts are rewarded as you reach Machico, Madeira’s historic first capital, where you’ll finish the hike on the beach. Take some well-deserved time to relax by the sea before returning to your accommodation.
Day 6 - Machico
This morning, you’ll travel to Achada do Teixeira – the gateway to Pico do Ruivo, the highest peak on Madeira. Hike along the Vereda do Pico do Ruivo and take in the impressive mountain views and dramatic rock formations, which are sometimes shrouded in clouds. After the hike, travel to Santana, where you’ll have time for a non-included lunch and a chance to explore the village and see its traditional triangular houses, known as palheiros. This afternoon, continue to the coast for the Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço hike, famous for its dramatic cliffs and striking coastal scenery. This trail showcases Madeira’s unique volcanic landscape and offers panoramic ocean views. Later today, head back to Machico for your last night and perhaps enjoy a farewell dinner with your group to celebrate an epic trip.
Day 7 - Machico
There are no activities planned for today and you can depart at any time. If you’d like to extend your stay and explore Madeira further, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
06-12-202612-12-2026AUD $ 2,670-
25-04-202701-05-2027AUD $ 2,765-
09-05-202715-05-2027AUD $ 2,700-
30-05-202705-06-2027AUD $ 2,695-
20-06-202726-06-2027AUD $ 2,695-
29-08-202704-09-2027AUD $ 2,695-
12-09-202718-09-2027AUD $ 2,910-
10-10-202716-10-2027AUD $ 2,795-
17-10-202723-10-2027AUD $ 2,795-
07-11-202713-11-2027AUD $ 2,695-
23-04-202829-04-2028AUD $ 2,830-
07-05-202813-05-2028AUD $ 2,830-
18-06-202824-06-2028AUD $ 2,830-
27-08-202802-09-2028AUD $ 2,830-
10-09-202816-09-2028AUD $ 2,935-
08-10-202814-10-2028AUD $ 2,935-
05-11-202811-11-2028AUD $ 2,935-

Accommodation

Hotel (6 nights)

Transport

On foot, Private vehicle

Map