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 2400

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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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

We had a very enjoyable week in Madeira with our group of 14 and guide Nelio.
We thought the trip worked really well to be able to stay in 4 different locations across the week to really see all parts of Madeira and allow short transfers for each walk. We enjoyed all the walks and liked the variety – coast line, forest, levadas etc.

The biggest disappointment of the week however was not being able to do the main walk of the week on the final day (Pico Arieiro to Pico Ruivo) – due to a fire in the middle of the walk a few weeks previously, as well as bad weather.
But the alternative walk Nelio took us on (a levada from Fajã da Ovelha finishing with a steep descent on PR19 Caminho Real do Paul do Mar) was a real highlight and finished in the little town of Paul do Mar for beers in the sun and a refreshing swim in the sea.

The walk on day 4 at Queimadas Natural Park (walking along the Levada do Caldeirão Verde) was really interesting and beautiful, but we felt far too busy and quite dangerous. You walk along the narrow ledges of the levada with steep dropoffs, with two-way traffic so you have to keep leaning out over the rope barriers to let others pass. There have been incidents there, and it could do with either making it one-way, or certain times where people go in or come out, so it stops the 2-way traffic which the narrow ledges cannot accomodate and makes progress very slow.

One point that we also felt could improve the trip was the ability to buy/make packed lunches. The first day in Machino we all had to go to the supermarket to buy food for the following day. We all found this difficult as there was little options for easy picnic food. The rest of the week most of us just made a sandwich at breakfast to bring with us.
We thought it would make the trip a lot simpler if the hotels allowed guests to make a small packed lunch at breakfast, or alternatively provide a packed lunch service for a small fee. Apparently Exodus had mentioned to some others in our group that it would be possible to buy prepared packed lunches from hotels.
It was not always practical to go to a supermarket, and they often didnt have appropraite items.

We found all the hotels to be of good quality and enjoyed all our stays.
We loved the pool at Hotel Dom Pedro which we enjoyed on both afternoons. The spa at Hotel O Colmo and Hotel Aqua Natura Bay were great, and it was lovely to be able to use the large pool and facilites at the Pestana Casino for the final few days.
Our favourite hotel of the week however was the Hotel Aqua Natura Bay which was super clean, modern, great facilities, large bedrooms, excellent staff and great location just across the road from the natural pools. The included dinners here were fantastic and beautifully presented.

The transport for the week worked well and although the trip notes mentioned public transport, we had a private mini bus for the whole trip. Although be aware on the trip from Porto Moniz to Funchal, all luggage was stacked up in one big pile at the back of the minibus which made it cramped for the people at the back, and any bags at the bottom of the pile got squashed.

Michelle Burton Walking the Island of Madeira