Madeira Hiking Tours

Top 5 Highlights of Madeira Tours

Levada Walks and Waterfalls

Madeira is famous for its natural beauty, and its waters are no exception. Many walking routes follow ‘levadas’, man-made water channels that route water through the countryside to farmland and villages. Levada do Caldeirão Verde is a route within Queimadas Natural Park that has many cascading waterfalls, some of which we need to pass under to continue the path. Along the way you can use the water to cool off, see wonderful flora and fauna and soak up fabulous views.

Pico Ruivo

Enjoy a strenuous walk to the summit of Pico Ruivo, the highest peak in Madeira rising proudly above the stunning landscape. The walking route starts with Pico Arieiro (5,965ft/1,818m) in time for sunrise, then continues to Pico Ruivo (6,109ft/1,862m). Discover winding trails and from the summit immerse yourself in panoramic views across Ribeira Grande and São Jorge valley.

Madeira’s Ancient Forest

The Unesco World Natural Heritage site of Fanal Forest is a small volcanic crater filled with twisted trees and often shrouded in mist. This is the largest surviving area of laurisilva forest on the planet (believed to be 90 percent primary forest) – many of the trees here predate the founding of Madeira in 1419. This fairytale forest is a mystical and atmospheric place to visit.

Traditional Villages

The villages of Madeira nestle among breathtaking landscapes and offer a glimpse into the island’s rich cultural heritage. Boasting traditional houses adorned with colourful flowers and narrow cobbled streets, it almost feels as though time has stood still. From the vibrant Paul do Mar, known for its striking beauty, to the picturesque Faja da Ovelha and the fisherman’s village of Canical, each has its unique charms. The warm hospitality of the locals also adds to the allure of Madeira tours.

Exploring Funchal

Funchal, the lively capital of Madeira, is a captivating city that stands on the picturesque coastline. As well as boasting crystal-clear waters and golden sandy beaches, it’s also renowned for its charming old town made up of cobblestone streets and colourful buildings. As you stroll through its narrow alleyways you’ll discover quaint shops, local markets and mouthwatering food stalls selling traditional delicacies. On our Madeira tours don’t miss the chance to visit the São Tiago Fortress or the Madeira Story Centre, which provide insights into the island’s history and traditions.

Madeira Hiking Trips

Explore Portugal’s largest and most enchanting island, the main island of Madeira. With its all-year-round subtropical climate, exotic botanical gardens, black sand beaches and volcanic mountain scenery, Madeira hiking tours are perfect for walkers and hiking enthusiasts alike.

It comes as no surprise that the Maderia Islands have won Europe’s Leading Island Destination 2020 at the World Travel Awards six times in a row. Located in the Atlantic Ocean, 350 miles from Morocco the island of Madeira boasts natural pools carved out of lava rocks, waterfalls and beautiful black sand beaches, there are plenty of opportunities to swim, snorkel and windsurf in the island’s warm waters.

On our hiking in Madeira trip discover the island’s spectacular coastal way-marked trails, visit the quaint fishing village of Machino and wander through the old trading centre of Funchal to learn about how their sugar and wine were exported to the Indies and the New World. On this Madeira tour, hike to the top of the island’s highest mountain, Pico Ruivo (1862m), enjoy a beautiful walk through the chestnut and eucalyptus woods from Encumeada and delve into the local history with a visit to the bustling Mercado dos Lavradores, “workers market” for a true cultural experience. We recommend trying their wide selection of tropical fruits, like peach-passion fruit, pitangas and Indian figs, or pick up some coloured bonbons that vary from Poncha to Madeira wine flavours.

Another spectacular Madeira tour is our Marvels of Madeira Self-Guided Walk. While on this Madeira tour, you’ll explore the ancient cobbled circular route towards Sao Jorge, go on a gentle hike from the Parque das Queimadas to the Vale de Lapa and enjoy an exhilarating walk through pink belladonna flowers and eucalyptus trees to the lofty sea cliff of Cabo Girao for unforgettable views of the Atlantic.

Our Best Madeira Hiking Tours

8 Days from USD 2398

USD 2250

Guided Group (Incl. Taxes)

Explore the verdant landscapes on one of Portugal’s most scenic islands

Walking & Trekking

8 Days from USD 3600

Guided Group (Incl. Taxes)

Experience a Portuguese island with a unique identity, rich food-and-drink heritage and subtropical landscapes

Culture

8 Days from USD 2375

Self-Guided Holidays (Incl. Taxes)

Enjoy magnificent mountain scenery and stunning coastal paths

Walking & Trekking

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Glad I have seen Madeira and you will on this trip. The variety of walks is very good, although due to bad weather we could not do the scheduled walk on the final day, the one I was really looking forward to. Such is life and our excellent walk leader, Paulo, took us on another flat Levada walk instead. The rating is right in my opinion for the level of walks, having been on other Exodus walking holidays. I would say that outside of summer arriving on the the early Group Flight is not really worth it as there is not much to do in Machico in the afternoon except for the beach. The first hotel, Dom Pedro, is very tired and needs a refurb in all honesty. Breakfast coffee at the Dom Pedro and Pestana Casino is from a machine and awful, I was not the only one to make that observation. Paulo helped me to sort out a room lock issue at Aqua Natura Bay (the best of the three hotels), some had massages/treatments here and found them to be good. Breakfasts are ok at the hotels, basically as described in the trip notes. We had some pleasant meals out in Machico and Funchal. You can get what you need for a snack lunch in the supermarkets they take you to ahead of each walk. Having paid the single supplement, I did get decent double rooms which is not always the case.

Jeremy Wyett Walking the Island of Madeira

Madeira is a beautiful island and the hikes were just the right length to get in some good exercise but still be able to enjoy going out and about on foot afterwards.

Sara Mankoski Walking the Island of Madeira

This holiday lived up to expectations! It was wonderful to see the whole island with varied walks and hotels and a really friendly group who gelled well from the outset. Bruno was an excellent guide who looked after us well and imparted much local knowledge as we passed through different terrain. The views on the coastal paths were spectacular, and the levada walks, especially the waterfalls one, were unique. We had to adapt due to a storm on the first day making the peninsula unsuitable, but Bruno quickly planned an alternative, and the rest of the week was dry and warm, with some days of sunshine, and some mist on occasion which added to the atmosphere.

Nikki Groarke Walking the Island of Madeira

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