Madeira Island Hiking Adventure
Inn-Based Hiking Tours
8 Days, 7 Nights 40 MI / 63 KM
Trip Highlights
Join us on this Portugal trekking tour to the island of Madeira! Together, we’ll experience jaw-dropping views as we trek around this island with dramatic cliffsides, immense waterfalls (one over 300 ft tall!), UNESCO designated primary Laurel forests, and 16th century irrigation aqueducts (levadas).
Each night we’ll stay in quaint European towns and boutique accommodations sampling the delicious cuisine of the region. If you enjoy wine, our dinners will include samplings of some that Madeira is known for. With a knowledgeable local guide, you’ll have an insider’s experience of the island of Madeira. Don’t miss this amazing opportunity to experience the best of Madeira!
Looking to explore even more of Madeira? We have you covered with a 1 night/2 day, 4-star lodging package that includes admission to the world-renowned Porto Moniz lava pools. With private transfer to/from Funchal and Porto Moniz and your hand-selected accommodations booked for you, you’ll have time to relax and enjoy an exquisite piece of the North island. Click here to read more about our Porto Moniz Add-On Package!
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Island Hiking on Madeira
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Floating Garden on the Atlantic: rich flora and fauna
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Wild Coastlines, Mountains, Waterfalls, Quaint Villages
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UNESCO Designated Primary Laurel Forest
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Portugal Vacation Package to the "Island of Eternal Sun"
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Elegant European Accommodations & World Class Cuisine
Book This Trip
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Trip Details
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Trip Type
Inn-Based Hiking Tours -
Trip Length
8 Days, 7 Nights -
Daily Hiking Distance
Up to 7 miles -
Group Size
2-12 Guests
- day by day itinerary
- logistical and travel information
- gear and clothing lists and more
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Is This Trip Right For me?
This trip involves hiking with a light day pack (10-15 pounds) from 3-5 hours a day with elevation gain and loss averaging around 1200 ft. This trek features sustained significant to extreme exposure to heights with roped barriers on exposed sections.
Difficulty Level
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Solitude Level
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Trip Itinerary
Please Note: The itinerary for this trip is quite fluid given the unique landscape and weather the island experiences. With their expert local knowledge, guides will often shift the days around due to weather and trail conditions, in order to give you the best experience possible.
We always do everything in our power to follow the set itinerary, however occasionally trips are subject to itinerary changes based on a variety of circumstances, including but not limited to: lodging/campground availability, extreme weather, political or bureaucratic obstacles, earthquakes, fires, flooding, changing boat schedules, and more. Normal terms and conditions apply to trips with itinerary changes.
Day 1
Accommodation: Hotel in Funchal
Welcome to the mesmerizing island of Madeira with its high cliffs, pebbly beaches, levadas, and beautiful greenery. We will meet you at the Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport in Funchal where we’ll transfer to our 4-star accommodation overlooking the Bay of Funchal. You will have some time to rest after your travels, enjoy the panoramic view of the Bay from the pool, or walk around the shops and museums that are nearby. In the evening, we will meet for our orientation before enjoying our first Madeiran dinner.
Day 2
Hiking Mileage: 5.4 mi (8.7 km)
Elevation Gain: 2075 ft (632 m)
Elevation Loss: 2075 ft (632 m)
Drive Time: 40 min.
Accommodation: Hotel in Funchal
It’s an exciting day as we take off to Ponta de Sao Lourenço! After a 40-minute private transfer, our coastal hike takes us to the easternmost point of the island. This point combines the fury of the Atlantic with basalt formations, the largest Caspian gull colony in Madeira, as well as endemic plant species. From this point you’ll be able to see the north and south sides of the island. This trail is dubbed “The Dragons Tail” and once you set eyes on this incredible landscape jutting into the sea, you’ll know why. As we wind our way towards the tip of the island, we’ll have views of many small islets, and we’ll even see agave plants with stems reaching 16 feet tall!
Day 3
Hiking Mileage: 5.3 miles (8.6 km)
Elevation Gain: 1804 ft (550 m)
Elevation Loss: 2297 ft (700 m)
Drive: 50 min.
Accommodation: Hotel in Santana
Please Note: Due to wildfires in the fall of 2024, part of this trail is currently closed. We have an excellent reroute planned for you.
We begin with a 30-minute transfer to the start for our Pico do Ariero hike: one of the most spectacular trails on the island. Very well protected, this path skirts impressive ravines. Panoramic ascents and descents alternate between Ariero and the Pico do Gato, which we cross through a small tunnel, before skirting the Torres to the right and offering sumptuous views over the Eastern part of the island. A beautiful balcony section follows the Torres bypass, taking us below Pico Ruivo. After a beautiful climb shaded by trees to the Ruivo refuge. Here we can enjoy a drink on the way back from the easy, panoramic ascent of Ruivo, the island’s highest peak at 6,109 ft./1862 m. We then descend to Achada do Texeira and transfer to your hotel (20 min), the largest village on the north coast, with its fairytale thatched cottages.
Day 4
Hiking Mileage: 8.7 miles (14 km.)
Elevation Gain: 1412 ft (430 m.)
Elevation Loss: 3053 ft (930 m.)
Drive Time: 30 minutes
After a short vehicle transfer, we’ll start our hike to the lush and verdant Queïmadas. Today’s hike has us traversing a series of wide paths, narrow paths, and tunnels so don’t forget your headlamp! We’ll pass by the “green cauldron” or 100-meter waterfall that descends into a large basin. Our hike back will afford us spectacular views of the north cost villages of Sao Jorge to Santana. At this point we have a short vehicle transfer to our hotel in Santana.
Day 5
Hiking Mileage: 7.5 miles (12 km)
Elevation Gain: 820 ft (250 m)
Elevation Loss: 1476 ft (450 m)
This morning starts with a vehicle transfer to one of the island’s most treasured hikes: the Boca do Risco Pass. This trail was originally used to connect the city of Machico to Caniçal and Porto da Cruz, allowing local merchants to transport and trade goods. Today you’re more likely to encounter trail runners and continental hikers on this historic trail. We’ll climb up over Machico to the Ribeira Seca levada, then towards the pass while looking out over the sea. This hike hugs the cliff with the trail being cut right into its side! From this path we’ll be able to glimpse the tip of São Lourenço and the distant isle of Porto Santo. Another short transfer takes us to the hotel in Santo da Serra.
Day 6
Hiking Mileage: 7 miles (11 km)
Elevation Gain: 1312 ft (400 m)
Elevation Loss: 656 ft (200 m)
Drive Time: 35-40 minutes
Accommodation: Hotel in Santo da Serra
Today’s hike along the Levada do Furado takes us on one of the most beautiful walks in the East of Madeira. This particular Levada is one of the most frequented and oldest public lands in the area. On this hike you’ll witness various endemic tree species, other varied flora, and uniquely designed farmlands of Faial and São Roque do Faial. A wide path become gradually narrower as we eye towering peaks and peek down into undulating ravines. We’ll walk along extraordinary balconies in Ribeiro Frio before a short transfer to our hotel.
Day 7
Hiking Mileage: 7.5 mi (12 km)
Elevation Gain: 2625 ft (800 m)
Elevation Loss: 3281 ft (1000 m)
Drive Time: 30 minutes
Accommodation: Hotel in Funchal
We save one of the most beautiful days for last as today we get to experience the stunning landscapes near Texeira. Here we’ll walk a path bordered by heather with stunning views of nearby peaks. In addition to the heather, you’ll see til, laurel, and possibly Madeira blueberry. We’ll hike to Torrinhas pass, Curral da Freias, Boaventra, Encumeada pass, and finally the Paul da Serra plateau with its monstrous wind turbines. Our day ends with a transfer to Funchal and a celebratory dinner.
Day 8
Shuttle: 30 minutes
Today marks the end of our adventure together. We’ll conclude with enjoying one final Madeiran breakfast together and then depart for a short 30-minute private shuttle to the airport. Thank you for choosing Wildland!
Porto Moniz Add-On Package
Looking to explore even more of Madeira? We have you covered with a 1 night/2 day, 4-star lodging package that includes admission to the world-renowned Porto Moniz lava pools. With private transfer to and from Funchal and Porto Moniz and your hand-selected accommodations booked for you, you’ll have time to relax and enjoy an exquisite piece of the North Island. Click here to read more about our Porto Moniz Add-On Package!
Trip Dates
Click on a date to register. You can also click here to request new dates or book through customer service.
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What's Included
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A detailed trip packet that takes the guesswork out of your travel, training, packing, and preparing for the trip
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Trained hiking guide(s) with years of personal wilderness and hiking experience, medical certifications, and a passion for leading people into breathtaking landscapes. See Guide Bios.
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Lodging for the duration of the tour
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Airport pick up and drop off (at designated times)
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Transportation throughout trip via private transfer
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All meals from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 8
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Use of day pack and hiking poles
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Luggage transfers
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Emergency equipment including a company-issued first-aid kit and communication device
What's Not Included
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Transportation to Funchal, Madeira -
All expenses due to unavoidable events e.g. flight cancellation, personal illness, strikes, etc. (we recommend trip insurance coverage for these variables)
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Clothes, rain gear, and footwear
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Bar bills, drink bills, telephone bills, Wi-Fi bills and other personal expenses (shopping/laundry/spa or sauna)
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Sunscreen, toiletries, water bottles, and personal items
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Guide gratuities are optional and at the discretion of each customer. A suggested guideline is to reward outstanding service with a tip of 10-15% of the total trip cost. Local currency is preferred, or USD is also appreciated.
Accommodations
* These exact accommodations are not guaranteed. In some instances alternative accommodations of similar quality and location may be used.
ARTS IN
HOTEL PORTOBAY SERRA GOLF
3 Nights
Hotel Portobay is located next to the Santo da Serra Golf Course, surrounded by nature with a traditional Madeiran atmosphere. The main house was restored in 1999 and originally built in 1920. The hotel’s garden has over 90 varieties of flowers and plants, clearly identified for the curious observer. The hotel also has multiple pools, both indoors and outdoors.
HOTEL O COLMO
1 Night
Hotel O Colmo is a two-star hotel in an ideal location. Though this hotel is not as high of a standard as our other two hotels, it has everything we need. Most importantly, it is the perfect jumping off point for our hike in this region! The hotel is located in Santana’s city center on the north coast of Madeira Island. O Colmo is located in a tranquil garden setting with views of both the mountains and ocean.
Trip Logistics & FAQs
Where Do We Meet?
We will meet you at the Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport (FNC) in Funchal, Madeira on Day 1 of the trip. Depending on what time you arrive, you may have time to relax after your travels in the hotel or explore some of the town on your own before our orientation meeting at 6 pm. Check-in at the hotel begins at 3 pm. Please plan for your flight to arrive no later than 4 pm on Day 1.
Our pre-trip support team will be in contact approximately 45 days before your trip to coordinate your rendezvous and answer any last-minute questions you have.
Travel To/From Funchal, Madeira
Day 1: We will meet you at the Christiano Ronaldo International Airport (FNC). Flights to and from Madeira are the guest’s responsibility. Please plan for your flight to arrive no later than 4 pm. Check-in at the hotel begins at 3 pm. We will meet in the evening at 6 pm for our orientation meeting and then enjoy our first dinner together.
Day 8: We have one group departure planned, leaving at 10 am to Christiano Ronaldo International Airport (FNC). Departing flights should be planned no earlier than 1 pm to utilize our provided airport transportation this day. Should you need a transfer at a different time, we can arrange that for an additional fee.
Pre and Post-Trip On Request Lodging
We secure limited amounts of pre and post trip lodging in Funchal as an optional add-on for guests of this trip. This lodging is on request, and is available on a first come, first serve basis. If interested, please reach out directly to our team to check availability.
We also provide a Porto Moniz Add-On package for this trip. This one-night package includes transfer to Porto Moniz, lodging, and breakfast. Please find more details here.
Safety Precautions
Your safety is our top priority. Our hiking tours are led by professional hiking guides, all of whom are wilderness-certified first responders or EMT’s, each with years of guiding and wilderness experience. Guides adhere to standardized risk management protocols in case of any potential or actual incident, and all tours carry an emergency communication device and comprehensive first-aid kit. Additionally we have a “24/7” system through which guides or guests can reach Wildland support personnel at any time.
In the interest of your safety, it’s important to refer to the Center for Disease Control website for up-to-date recommendations on immunizations before your trip.
Guides
Our approach to international travel is to combine the best of two worlds: the dialed-in details, professionalism, and consistency Wildland trips are known for; and the cultural immersion and intimate regional knowledge that only locals can provide. To excel with this approach, we vet and hire the best local guides, welcome them into the Wildland family and train them to meet our standard of excellence with every aspect of a trip. But along with managing logistics and safety, your guides will teach you about the area’s history and culture, and provide a level of familiarity and intimate detail only locals can.
Check out our Meet Our Team page for staff bios.
Age Restrictions
Age restrictions on this trip are as follows:
- 7 and older to join scheduled and private tours
Trip Insurance Requirements
Field evacuation, repatriation, and medical insurance is REQUIRED as a condition of partnership terms with our European vendors (field evacuation and repatriation minimum coverage is a combined $200,000 USD).
We recommend IMG/iTravelinsured. They are one of the world’s leading providers of travel insurance and policies meet all Alps requirements.
For information on the recommended IMG/iTravelinsured policies please click here.
If you already have the required insurance or wish to purchase from anyone other than IMG/iTravelinsured, we recommend careful consultation with the provider to ensure appropriate coverage. This is because many providers have a number of policy exclusions.
Reviews
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Olga M
6 months agoLoved this trip
I loved this hiking trip in Madeira. Nature is so beautiful and guides were very helpful. Be prepared to quick changing weather conditions (layers and rain gear is a must) as well as up and downhill trails.
Arlene T
6 months agoMagnificent Views
Madeira is beautiful, the food is good, and the people are friendly. But be prepared, the hikes on this trip are steep and long, get in shape before the trip. The trails are also crowded so bring your patience, it will be rewarded by the magnificent views. As always with a trip like this, be flexible and you’ll have a great trip.
Debbie E
7 months agoSo Impressed
This was my second trip with Wildland Trekking. I’m so impressed with their guides! They are professional, knowledgeable, and ready to meet your needs. Several of the group participants hope to go on another trip together soon!
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