- Walk through the botanical paradise of Madeira, taking the most scenic trails on the island
- Stroll alongside flower-lined levadas with stunning views over the Atlantic
- Marvel at spectacular mountain scenery, including Pico Ruivo, the island’s highest peak
- Watch sunrise from Pico Arieiro, one of the highest mountains on the island
- Uncover the cultural side of Madeira with an exploration of the capital, Funchal
- Hike through the mystical Fanal Forest, where twisted trees create a fairytale setting
![Walking the Island of Madeira](https://res.cloudinary.com/enchanting/q_80,f_auto,c_lfill,x_w_mul_0.49,y_h_mul_0.65,g_xy_center,w_360,h_270/exodus-web/2022/12/hero1-e1712848730651.jpg)
Walking the Island of Madeira
- Home
- Europe
- Portugal
- Walking & Trekking
- Walking the Island of Madeira
Reviews
Add your own reviewGreat trek, super guide, mixed hotels
This trip shows you the varied aspects of Madeira’s beauty.
Most Inspirational Moment
Sunrise above the clouds
Thoughts on Group Leader
Bruno was excellent
Advice for Potential Travellers
Madeira's weather is very changeable -pack layers.
What a variety of walks!
I was expecting this trip to be full of activity and it did not disappoint. The five days which were dedicated to walking around the different areas of the island all had something unique to offer, from the barren coastline in the east to the misty and mystical forests in the north. The climax of the trip was the final day achieving the summit of Pico Ruivo, from where all the previous walks could be seen after the sunrise.
Most Inspirational Moment
Watching the sunrise from Pico do Arieiro
Thoughts on Group Leader
Nello was cheerful and entertaining. His English was at times slightly faltering, but on the whole he cared for us on the walks, was very knowledgeable about the flora and fauna, and cheered us with his wit and jokes along the way. I thought it was a shame he was not with us at the end of the trip.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Be prepared for the weather not to be always how you want or expect it.
Walking the Island of Madeira
Excellent organisation start to finish. Very good itinerary Excellent guide A good price.
Most Inspirational Moment
The beauty of Madeira, the challenging last day, and the fact that we all did it.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Very careful to ensure that we all were well supported and safe.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Varied day by day. Reflected difficulty grading, challenging but possible. We enjoyed it
Walking the Island of Madeira
This was my fourth Exodus trip and my first travelling solo. I had very good experiences during the first three trips and thought that I knew what to expect and would be safe travelling solo as a female. I walked Amalfi with Tony, Cinque Terre with Michaela and the Camino Trail with Miguel and they all were very organized and met with the group to have a introductory and informative meeting before we started our walk and would often have dinner with the group each night. This did not happen in Madeira. Our meeting was supposed to happen on Saturday, April 13th, the day before our walk began, but Bruno our leader could not get the group all together. He blamed it on miscommunication from some woman at the agency. Our first meeting happened the morning of our first walk. Our group didn’t start having dinner together until the fourth day of our trip. Bruno didn’t have any meals with the group and travelled from his own home to meet up with us for our walks. He said that Exodus would not cover the cost of a room for him. As a solo traveller, I was getting bored of eating dinner alone and I took this trip because I thought all of the trips ran in a similar way. Bruno didn’t know my name, he called me lady when addressing me on one of our walks later in the week. Thursday was his day off and the group was leaving Port Muniz by taxi and travelling to Funchal. There were two confused taxi drivers who picked us up we were not all staying in the same hotel. The group was split in half, some were staying at a hotel mentioned in the trip notes, while the others were staying at another hotel that was not in the trip notes. All of the highlighted names on the list were staying in the same hotel, my name was highlighted, but when we arrived – there was no reservation for me! I was lucky to be travelling with the one person (Trevor) who took a photo of the list and had the other hotel name. They lovely receptionist at the Terrace Mar sorted it all out and I had a place to stay. Bruno was aware of the mix up at the hotel but never addressed it with me. I was very lucky to be travelling with such a good group of people.
We were on our own to purchase lunches but the grocery stores do not have pre made sandwiches or salads. You buy bread, meat and etc. to make your own. One of the hotels did not have a mini bar but offered to store your lunch in a fridge.
The pace of the walk was a little slow for me but the scenery and the weather was beautiful. After a long day in the sun when you want to grab a cold drink, hop in the pool, Bruno would end the day with a long meeting.
Most Inspirational Moment
The weather and scenery was very nice. The last day, walking Pico Arieiro to Pico Ruivo was the highlight for me.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Bruno needs some training or lessons in hospitality.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Madeira has gorgeous scenery and the weather was beautiful. If you are travelling solo and don't mind uncertainty this may work for you.
We’re grateful that Michelle has taken the time to review the experience she had in Madeira, though we’re genuinely sorry to read that it wasn’t as positive as the previous trips she has taken with Exodus.
We expect our tour leaders to hold a meeting on the first day of the trip, to go over the itinerary and introduce themselves and members of the group, so we’re disappointed that Michelle’s leader, Bruno, did not do so until the morning of the first walk. It’s uncommon for this to happen, and we are following up with our local team to see why the welcome briefing didn’t go ahead as usual, and have reminded our leaders of the importance of holding it on the first day.
Similarly, we expect our leaders to make arrangements for group dinners, as we appreciate that especially for solo travellers the social aspect of our trips is really important, and have reminded our local team of this. We’re aware that Bruno’s family lives locally, which is why he returned home instead of eating with and staying with the group; again, this is unusual for an Exodus trip and we have asked Bruno to stay with the group in the evenings on future departures. We would of course cover the cost of rooming for Bruno, as we do with all Exodus tour leaders.
Bruno has received very positive feedback from Exodus customers on previous departures, so we were surprised that Michelle didn’t have the same experience of his leadership; we will certainly be addressing this with Bruno, and are confident he will return to his high standards on future trips.
We understand it will have been surprising that Michelle’s group were split between two hotels in Funchal. Funchal can get extremely busy at peak season, which poses problems for booking groups into a single property. As a result, we book as many group members as possible into the regular hotel we use here, and notify later bookers of the different property they will stay at in Funchal. We’re confident that this system works well, but we recognise that there was somewhat of a mix-up on your trip, for which we do apologise.
Regarding the lunch arrangements on this tour, these are clarified in the trip notes, though we regret Michelle’s disappointment with them and are looking to arrange for groups to be able to put together their lunches in the morning at the hotel.
Again, we’d like to thank Michelle for her feedback and hope that we’re able to welcome her back on another Exodus trip soon.
– Danny Bell, Exodus Product Manager
Walking the Island of Madeira
I felt it was well organised to give a good experience of hiking in Madeira.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Knowledgeable local guide giving a variety of walks.
Walking the Island of Madeira
The trip was well planned and executed, very few minor issues with accommodation check ins, easy itinerary changes to allow for weather- whole trip ran incredibly smoothly and guide was great.
Most Inspirational Moment
The second hike along the coastal path was a very enjoyable walk with constant panoramic views of the beautiful island. The final day we took an alternate view due to weather, and were able to do a wet and challenging but highly enjoyable hike to eagles nest. The amount of passion fruit desserts I enjoyed afterward were an added bonus.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Bruno was a wonderful and enthusiastic group leader. He told us all about the island and some stories from his travels. He was very helpful in preparing us with the information for our hikes, communicating when things might need to be altered, and was a great aid when some members needed a bit more help on some of the trickier trails.
Advice for Potential Travellers
The swim in the volcano pools was an unexpected treat. We were lucky as well since the weather turned the day after we went so they were closed down. Definitely take advantage when you can be sure of it.
Walking the Island of Madeira
Varied terrain and spectacular scenery. This trip surpassed my already high expectations!
Most Inspirational Moment
The scenery which changed throughout the day, and every day was different.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Narcisco was passionate about guiding and preserving the wilderness in Madeira!
Advice for Potential Travellers
Difficulty of the hike was underestimated. Some members of our group struggled difficulty of several hikes.
walking in madiera
Many changes to trip notes – including days walking and lack of public transport
Thoughts on Group Leader
Got better as week went on. First night was dreadful. we had to chase hotel to find out time to meet. Then we were waiting in a separate place and we had to then go and find leader. No group meets in evening arranged until we suggested. I think he didn't know how Exodus operates generally as his first one and I felt sorry for the many lone travellers in our group as they were on their own for 3 evenings I think.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take own snacks from UK for lunches. Local shops poor and unhealthy selections (no M&S Salads!) and often closed when had time to shop
We’re disappointed to read that Jenny felt her trip to Madeira could have been better, though we are thankful for her taking the time to leave a review.
We do highlight in our trip notes that occasionally, the itinerary may be shuffled or changed for a variety of reasons outside of Exodus’ control, most commonly on walking trips because of weather. We have followed up with our local team about the changes made, but are confident that these will have retained the integrity of the original itinerary as much as possible. Regarding public transport, we use this as well as private vehicles, though occasionally for the benefit of the group we use the latter over the former for logistical reasons.
It was Jenny’s tour leader, Narcisco’s, first Exodus trip, for which we provide comprehensive training and a leader handbook. However, it sounds like he did not arrange meetings and group meals as we would expect, and we have followed up with our local team to remind him to do this on any future trips he leads. Narcisco should also have been more proactive in leaving messages at reception so that your group could gather for your welcome briefing, and we are sorry this was not done and caused some real inconvenience.
We are also exploring the possibility of providing healthy lunch options which our customers can pack at their hotel in the morning before walks.
We hope that the above can show that we are following up on Jenny’s concerns, and hope that we will be able to welcome her back on another Exodus trip when she travels again.
– Danny Bell, Exodus Product Manager
Walking the Island of Madeira
The trip to Madeira was awesome. Seeing different landscapes and vegetation each day made for a great hiking experience. Guide was excellent and knew the island and culture very well.
Most Inspirational Moment
A nice mix of scenery each day. Good length of hikes. A 9:00AM start time was great.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Madeira's scenery was way nicer than I had expected. We fortunately did not have ANY rain. The temperature was also warmer than expected.
not sure what you mean? review the name of the trip? Fine!
A varied selection of walks around the island. 3 out of 4 hotels were excellent – the second one was a bit dark and cold. Length of walks were good – about 7 miles. Pace for me was a bit slow. One of the walks (high up near the tops) was frustrating as there was no view over the hedges. The replacement walk as the highest peak was closed was in fact my favourite (on the Friday)
Most Inspirational Moment
For me, swimming in the natural sea pool after the walk on the third day (Porto Moniz)
Thoughts on Group Leader
Excellent. Very friendly and knowledgeable
Advice for Potential Travellers
Mainly walks in a line on the flat, with steps (many) at beginning and end of walks
Start
Finish
Availability
Land Only Trip Price
Optional Single Supplement
Saturday Saturday
14 Sep 2024 14 Sep 2024
Saturday Saturday
21 Sep 2024 21 Sep 2024
Availability
Guaranteed (On Request)
Land Only Trip Price 1 440 €
Optional Single Supplement
+516 €
Available upon Request
Availability
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead but there are only 3 spaces left. Do not delay your booking!
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
21 Sep 2024 21 Sep 2024
Saturday Saturday
28 Sep 2024 28 Sep 2024
Availability
Guaranteed (On Request)
Land Only Trip Price 1 440 €
Optional Single Supplement
+516 €
Available upon Request
Availability
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and can be booked, although some components will need to be requested. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
05 Oct 2024 05 Oct 2024
Saturday Saturday
12 Oct 2024 12 Oct 2024
Availability
Guaranteed (On Request)
Land Only Trip Price 1 440 €
Optional Single Supplement
+516 €
Available upon Request
Availability
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and can be booked, although some components will need to be requested. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
12 Oct 2024 12 Oct 2024
Saturday Saturday
19 Oct 2024 19 Oct 2024
Availability
Sold Out
Land Only Trip Price 1 440 €
Optional Single Supplement
+516 €
Available upon Request
Availability
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and is now fully booked, although we may have people holding spaces without payment. Please contact our Sales team for further information.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
19 Oct 2024 19 Oct 2024
Saturday Saturday
26 Oct 2024 26 Oct 2024
Availability
Sold Out
Land Only Trip Price 1 440 €
Optional Single Supplement
+516 €
Available upon Request
Availability
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and is now fully booked, although we may have people holding spaces without payment. Please contact our Sales team for further information.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
02 Nov 2024 02 Nov 2024
Saturday Saturday
09 Nov 2024 09 Nov 2024
Availability
Guaranteed (On Request)
Land Only Trip Price 1 440 €
Optional Single Supplement +516 €
Availability
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and can be booked, although some components will need to be requested. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
16 Nov 2024 16 Nov 2024
Saturday Saturday
23 Nov 2024 23 Nov 2024
Availability
Guaranteed (On Request)
Land Only Trip Price 1 560 €
Optional Single Supplement +516 €
Availability
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead but there are only 2 spaces left. Do not delay your booking!
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
04 Jan 2025 04 Jan 2025
Saturday Saturday
11 Jan 2025 11 Jan 2025
Availability
Available
Land Only Trip Price Usually 1 558 €Now 1 380 €Saving 178 € Usually 2 038 €Now Saving 178 € Book with 345 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +576 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
01 Feb 2025 01 Feb 2025
Saturday Saturday
08 Feb 2025 08 Feb 2025
Availability
Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price 1 560 € Book with 390 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +576 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
08 Feb 2025 08 Feb 2025
Saturday Saturday
15 Feb 2025 15 Feb 2025
Availability
Available
Land Only Trip Price 1 560 € Book with 390 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +576 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
22 Feb 2025 22 Feb 2025
Saturday Saturday
01 Mar 2025 01 Mar 2025
Availability
Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price 1 560 € Book with 390 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +576 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
01 Mar 2025 01 Mar 2025
Saturday Saturday
08 Mar 2025 08 Mar 2025
Availability
Available
Land Only Trip Price 1 560 € Book with 390 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +576 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
08 Mar 2025 08 Mar 2025
Saturday Saturday
15 Mar 2025 15 Mar 2025
Availability
Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price 1 560 € Book with 390 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +576 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
15 Mar 2025 15 Mar 2025
Saturday Saturday
22 Mar 2025 22 Mar 2025
Availability
Available
Land Only Trip Price 1 560 € Book with 390 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +576 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
29 Mar 2025 29 Mar 2025
Saturday Saturday
05 Apr 2025 05 Apr 2025
Availability
Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price 1 560 € Book with 390 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +576 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
05 Apr 2025 05 Apr 2025
Saturday Saturday
12 Apr 2025 12 Apr 2025
Availability
Available
Land Only Trip Price 1 560 € Book with 390 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +576 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
12 Apr 2025 12 Apr 2025
Saturday Saturday
19 Apr 2025 19 Apr 2025
Availability
Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price 1 620 € Book with 405 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +576 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
10 May 2025 10 May 2025
Saturday Saturday
17 May 2025 17 May 2025
Availability
Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price 1 620 € Book with 405 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement
+576 €
Available upon Request
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
17 May 2025 17 May 2025
Saturday Saturday
24 May 2025 24 May 2025
Availability
Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price 1 620 € Book with 405 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +576 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
07 Jun 2025 07 Jun 2025
Saturday Saturday
14 Jun 2025 14 Jun 2025
Availability
Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price 1 620 € Book with 405 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +576 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
14 Jun 2025 14 Jun 2025
Saturday Saturday
21 Jun 2025 21 Jun 2025
Availability
Available
Land Only Trip Price 1 620 € Book with 405 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +576 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
05 Jul 2025 05 Jul 2025
Saturday Saturday
12 Jul 2025 12 Jul 2025
Availability
Available
Land Only Trip Price 1 620 € Book with 405 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement
+576 €
Available upon Request
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
30 Aug 2025 30 Aug 2025
Saturday Saturday
06 Sep 2025 06 Sep 2025
Availability
Available
Land Only Trip Price 1 620 € Book with 405 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +576 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
13 Sep 2025 13 Sep 2025
Saturday Saturday
20 Sep 2025 20 Sep 2025
Availability
Available
Land Only Trip Price 1 620 € Book with 405 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +576 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
20 Sep 2025 20 Sep 2025
Saturday Saturday
27 Sep 2025 27 Sep 2025
Availability
Guaranteed (Available)
Land Only Trip Price 1 620 € Book with 405 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +576 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
27 Sep 2025 27 Sep 2025
Saturday Saturday
04 Oct 2025 04 Oct 2025
Availability
Available
Land Only Trip Price 1 620 € Book with 405 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +576 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
04 Oct 2025 04 Oct 2025
Saturday Saturday
11 Oct 2025 11 Oct 2025
Availability
Available
Land Only Trip Price 1 620 € Book with 405 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement
+576 €
Available upon Request
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
18 Oct 2025 18 Oct 2025
Saturday Saturday
25 Oct 2025 25 Oct 2025
Availability
Available
Land Only Trip Price 1 620 € Book with 405 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +576 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
01 Nov 2025 01 Nov 2025
Saturday Saturday
08 Nov 2025 08 Nov 2025
Availability
Available
Land Only Trip Price 1 560 € Book with 390 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +576 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
15 Nov 2025 15 Nov 2025
Saturday Saturday
22 Nov 2025 22 Nov 2025
Availability
Available
Land Only Trip Price 1 560 € Book with 390 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +576 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesSaturday Saturday
27 Dec 2025 27 Dec 2025
Saturday Saturday
03 Jan 2026 03 Jan 2026
Availability
Available
Land Only Trip Price 1 560 € Book with 390 € deposit
Optional Single Supplement +576 €
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
View Trip NotesWould you like to include flights with your booking?
- ATOL protected
- Competitive flight prices
- Full refunds in the event of FCDO cancellations or major disruption at your UK departure airport
- Specialist support to rearrange flights and transfers
- Regional flights available from many UK airports
You may also like
The Adventure Begins Here
Get regular inspiration straight to your inbox from Exodus' experts.