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Hiking in Madeira

Hiking in Madeira

From $ 2,275 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 lush 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 Machico to Porto da Cruz 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.
  • Swim in natural volcanic pools, relax on nearby beaches and explore Madeira’s beautiful coastline as you unwind after each day's hiking adventure.

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.

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, you’ll set off on your first hike. Travel by private transport from Funchai 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 set off on a loop hike starting from Jardim do Mar. Hike the Vereda do Jardim do Mar trail, taking in coastal views. Continue along the Levada da Calheta trail, where you'll walk through lush greenery and wildflowers, with occasional glimpses of traditional farming terraces along the way. After the hike, maybe spend some time wandering around Jardim do Mar – this small seaside village is known for its ocean vistas.
Day 4 - Santo Antonio da Serra
Travel to the Fanal forest, where you’ll start today’s hike. Follow the Vereda do Fanal trail through ancient laurel trees and woodlands. After, travel to Seixal for a leader-led orientation walk through the village’s streets. Take some time to cool off with a swim in Seixal’s natural volcanic swimming pools before visiting the Miradouro de Veu da Noiva viewpoint, famous for its cliffside views and cascading waterfalls. Later today, travel to Santo António da Serra, where you’ll spend the night.
Day 5 - Santo Antonio da Serra
Your hike starts in Machico today – Madeira’s historic first capital, known for its harbours and beaches. Follow the scenic coastal trails to Porto da Cruz and take in the sweeping views of the town’s orange-roofed houses. After the hike, maybe visit the local rum distillery. Here, you can taste authentic Madeiran rum and learn about its production. Later today, set out on a walk through Santana – a rural village known for its traditional triangular houses called palheiros. Tonight, you’ll travel back to Santo Antonio da Serra, where you’ll spend the night.
Day 6 - Santo Antonio da Serra
This morning, you’ll travel to Achada do Teixeira – the gateway to Pico do Ruivo, the highest peak on Madeira. Hike along Vereda do Pico do Ruivo and take in the mountain views and rock formations (sometimes covered by clouds). After, maybe stop for lunch at a nearby cafe. This afternoon, set out on the Vereda da Ponta de Sao Lourenco hike, famous for its dramatic cliffs and coastal scenery. This trail showcases the island’s unique volcanic landscape and offers panoramic ocean views. Later today, head back to Santo Antonio da Serra for your last night and maybe go to dinner with your group to celebrate an epic trip.
Day 7 - Santo Antonio da Serra
There are no activities planned for today and you can depart at any time. If you’d like to extend your stay and explore Santa Antonio da Serra further, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
21-06-202627-06-2026AUD $ 2,530-
05-07-202611-07-2026AUD $ 2,580-
13-09-202619-09-2026AUD $ 2,760-
11-10-202617-10-2026AUD $ 2,760-
08-11-202614-11-2026AUD $ 2,295-
06-12-202612-12-2026AUD $ 2,295-
25-04-202701-05-2027AUD $ 2,275-
09-05-202715-05-2027AUD $ 2,485-
20-06-202726-06-2027AUD $ 2,390-
29-08-202704-09-2027AUD $ 2,390-
12-09-202718-09-2027AUD $ 2,485-
10-10-202716-10-2027AUD $ 2,485-
07-11-202713-11-2027AUD $ 2,390-

Accommodation

Hotel (6 nights)

Transport

On foot, Private vehicle

Map