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Premium Walking & Hiking in Madeira

Premium Walking & Hiking in Madeira

From $ 4,825 AUD

Description

Set off on a six-day Premium hiking adventure through Madeira’s dramatic coastlines, volcanic landscapes and lush forests. Hike the 25 Fontes trail and visit Risco Waterfall, relax in natural volcanic rock pools at Porto Moniz, take in the sweeping ocean views on your hike to Vereda da Ponta de Sao Lourenco and hike to the highest point on the island on the Vereda do Pico do Ruivo. Along the way, visit small mountain villages, learn about the region’s local culture and indulge in Madeira’s most famous local produce, wine and rum. With its mild climate and diverse terrain, Madeira offers the perfect escape and hiking destination all year round.

Trip Name
Premium Walking & Hiking in Madeira
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
6
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Experience Madeira's diverse landscape of beaches, green valleys and volcanic terrains.
  • Hike the coastal Vereda da Ponta de Sao Lourenco for incredible ocean views.
  • Kick off the hiking boots and enjoy that famous Madeira wine over lunch at a local winery with a view.
  • Hike along ancient aqueducts, scenic coastal paths and farmlands and take in ocean and mountain views on trails like 25 Fontes or Pico do Ruivo.
  • Relax in Madeira’s mild, tropical climate and enjoy the beautiful beaches, natural swimming pools and sandy shores – this is the perfect destination for year-round travel, with each season bringing something new.
  • Soothe tired hiking muscles in the picturesque natural volcanic rock pools of Porto Moniz.

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 maybe 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., MUSEUM VISITS & OPENING TIMES Many sites, attractions and museums are closed on Mondays (and sometimes Tuesdays). We recommend checking the opening times of anywhere you're interested to visit and making reservations where required/possible.

Day 1 - Funchal
Ola! Welcome to Portugal. Your adventure begins in Funchal – the capital of the Madeira archipelago, renowned for its scenic harbour, lush gardens and historic wine cellars. When you arrive in Funchal, you’ll be met by a local representative and transferred to your feature stay hotel, before your welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, maybe wander through the traditional Mercado dos Lavradores farmers' market, visit the Funchal Cathedral, take a scenic cable car ride to Monte, relax in the Madeira Botanical Garden or - for those that love soccer - explore the life and career of Cristiano Ronaldo at the CR7 museum dedicated to the football star. After the meeting, enjoy a relaxed evening at a local restaurant, where you’ll get your first taste of Madeira’s cuisine while getting to know your expert tour leader and fellow travellers.
Day 2 - Funchal
After breakfast and a short drive it's time to lace up your hiking boots and head out on your first guided hike - and it's a special one! Often called The Dragon’s Tail, the Vereda da Ponta de Sao Lourenco is one of Madeira’s most scenic hikes. This loop trail winds along a narrow, rugged peninsula leading to the island’s easternmost point only accessible on foot. As you walk, take in dramatic cliffs, volcanic rock formations shaped by millions of years of erosion, and ocean views on both sides. Pause for a relaxing lunch before heading back to Funchal for the afternoon where you have ample free time to explore this historic town.
Day 3 - Santana/Sao Jorge
Start the day with a short drive to the west of the island to enjoy your second guided hike from Levada as you weave along the green edged tracks through laurel forest to the Risco Waterfall. Have your camera ready when you arrive to capture Risco Falls as it cascades over 100 m down the mountainside. This hike also passes by the 25 water springs that come down from Paul da Serra and give the 25 Fontes hike its name. After the hike enjoy a scenic picnic lunch before driving to the tiny coastal town of Porto Moniz at the very northern tip of the island. When you arrive set off on an orientation walk amongst the red roof buildings and - if the weather’s nice - take a refreshing dip and soothe your hiking muscles in the picturesque natural volcanic rock pools. In the late afternoon, travel to Arco de Sao Jorge and settle into your comfortable hotel, your home for the next three nights.
Day 4 - Santana/Sao Jorge
Begin your day with a guided scenic coastal hike from the doorstep of your hotel to nearby Boaventura, taking in vast views of the Atlantic Ocean along the wooden walkways that hug the dramatic cliff faces of the north coast. This route winds along the coast and features plenty of ups and downs – but always with stunning views along the way. After, visit the local Quinta do Barbusano winery to learn about Madeira’s unique winemaking traditions, then indulge in a wine tasting of a few local drops. Sit down for a traditional lunch made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, all paired with regional wines. In the afternoon, return to the hotel to rest or choose an optional short hike to further explore the local area.
Day 5 - Santana/Sao Jorge
Today, embark on the rewarding guided hike along the Vereda do Pico do Ruivo – at 1862m it is Madeira’s highest peak. While this is the most challenging hike on the trip with many stone stairs, it is also the most spectacular as you take in the mountain views and surrounding rock formations (often eerily covered by mist and clouds). The views alone make the hike worthwhile. After, maybe stop for lunch at a nearby cafe in Achada do Teixiera before visiting a local rum distillery in coastal Porto da Cruz for a tasting experience of the famed ‘Madeira brandy’. Next, stop in the small town of Santana for an orientation walk to explore its traditional houses before returning to your comfortable hotel in the evening to celebrate your journey with a farewell dinner with the group.
Day 6 - Departure
With no activities planned for today, your trip comes to an end after breakfast. If you’d like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time to arrange additional accommodation.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
28-06-202603-07-2026AUD $ 4,825-
06-09-202611-09-2026AUD $ 5,605-
20-09-202625-09-2026AUD $ 5,605-
18-10-202623-10-2026AUD $ 5,605-
15-11-202620-11-2026AUD $ 5,350-
13-12-202618-12-2026AUD $ 5,350-
16-05-202721-05-2027AUD $ 5,825-
27-06-202702-07-2027AUD $ 5,560-
11-07-202716-07-2027AUD $ 5,560-
05-09-202710-09-2027AUD $ 5,825-
19-09-202724-09-2027AUD $ 5,825-
17-10-202722-10-2027AUD $ 5,825-
14-11-202719-11-2027AUD $ 5,560-

Accommodation

Comfortable hotel (3 nights), Feature stay hotel (2 nights)

Transport

Private vehicle, on foot

Map