Madeira Island Hiking Adventure
Funchal, Madeira
5.0 (2 reviews)Trip Highlights
- Island Hiking on Madeira
- Floating Garden on the Atlantic: rich flora and fauna
- Wild Coastlines, Mountains, Waterfalls, Quaint Villages
- UNESCO Designated Primary Laurel Forest
- Portugal Vacation Package to the "Island of Eternal Sun"
- Elegant European Accommodations & World Class Cuisine
Description
Join us on this Portugal trekking tour to the island of Madeira! Madeira is an incredible hiking destination with stunning North Atlantic seascapes, volcanic landscapes, massive waterfalls, and truly world class trails.
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!
$3750 Per Person
From $880 SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
DIFFICULTY LEVEL 3
Scale of 1-5. 1 is least difficult; 5 is most difficult
This trip involves hiking with a light day pack (8-12 lbs) 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.
Hiking Distances:
Up to 7 miles
Backpack Weight:
Up to 12 lbs
Terrain:
Moderately Rugged
Max Daily Elev. ↑↓:
Up to 2,700 feet
Heights Exposure:
Extreme Exposure
PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THIS TRIP
- Hiking uphill or downhill with an 8-12 lb backpack for 3-5 hours a day
- Maintaining balance and footing on steep, variable and uneven terrain
SOLITUDE LEVEL 2
1 least solitude, 5 most solitude
We rate this Madeira Island Trek a solitude 2. You can expect several hours of solitude at a time.
Minimum of 3 Guests
We require a minimum of 3 guests to confirm this trip. If a trip date is not confirmed yet, you can register and will be notified when the trip is officially confirmed. We recommend not making final travel arrangements until your trip meets the minimum number of guests and is confirmed.
In most cases, if a trip does not reach the minimum number of guests, you may choose to transfer to another trip date or another trip, be refunded your payments in full, or you may have the choice to pay a supplemental fee to run the trip with fewer guests. We make the final determination for these trips 65-60 days before the departure date.
Private Trips
Travel in perfect company by booking a private trip exclusively for your group or family!
In many areas we can run trips with group sizes larger than our normal capacity of 12 guests. There’s no minimum number of guests on a private tour, and in many cases, we have flexibility around minimum age as well.
For all international trips outside the United States, we quote private trip requests on a case by case basis. Please complete the form below to inquiry about a private tour.
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ITINERARY
Day 1
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.
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: 7.5 miles (12 km)
- Elevation Gain: 820 ft (250 m)
- Elevation Loss: 1475 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 4
- Hiking Mileage: 7 miles (11 km)
- Elevation Gain: 1312 ft (400 m)
- Elevation Loss: 656 ft (200 m)
- Drive Time: 35-40 minutes
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 5
- Hiking Mileage: 6 miles (9 km)
- Elevation Gain: 1805 ft (550 m)
- Elevation Loss: 2297 ft (700 m)
- Drive Time: 1 hour
We’ll start the day with a 30 minute transfer to Pico do Ariero: our starting point for the day and another of Madeira’s gems and one of the highest points on the island. In order to get to these gorgeous views of the eastern part of the island will have to hike alongside ravines, hike through tunnels, all while gaining and losing elevation. The Torres bypass and its stunning balconies takes us within stones throw of Pico Ruivo to the Ruivo refuge. Here we’ll have the option of quenching our thirst before a panoramic ascent of Ruivo, the island’s highest peak, weighing in at 6,106 feet (1862 m). This vantage point affords views of jagged ridges and rock masses poking up through the cloud banks. Descending the Achada do Texeira brings us to our hotel transfer to Santana, the largest village on Madeira’s North coast with its idyllic thatched roof cottages.
Day 6
- 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 7
- Hiking Mileage: 7.5 mi (12 km)
- Elevation Gain: 2625 ft (800 m)
- Elevation Loss: 3281 ft (1000 m)
- Drive Time: 30 minutes
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!
2025 Itinerary Updates
2025 Itinerary Update: For any departures in 2025, we will experience all of the same great hikes, but we have rearranged the itinerary. We will send nights 1 and 2 in Funchal and will have one fewer night in Santana.
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!
Please Note: 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.
TRIP DATES & BOOKING
AVAILABLE TO BOOK
This trip is available and bookable online! Click on the date to register now or contact us online to book through our award-winning customer service team!
GOING FAST
This trip has 1 or 2 spots remaining and is bookable online! Click on the date to book now or contact us online to book through customer service.
REQUEST A RESERVATION
This trip is exclusively booked through customer service due to logistics with lodging, permits, staffing, availability, or something else. Please contact us online or call us at 800-715-HIKE (4453) to request a reservation.
Don't see your dates? Call us! We may be able to add new trip dates.
800-715-HIKE (4453)Trip Details
What's Included
- A detailed trip packet that takes the guesswork out of your travel, training, packing, and preparing for the trip
- 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.
- Lodging for the duration of the tour
- Airport pick up and drop off (at designated times)
- Transportation throughout trip via private transfer
- All meals from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 8
- Use of day pack and hiking poles
- Luggage transfers
- Emergency equipment including a company-issued first-aid kit and communication device
What's Not Included
- Transportation to Funchal, Madeira
- Trip insurance that includes medical coverage and at least $200,000 in evacuation and repatriation coverage (required)
- All expenses due to unavoidable events e.g. flight cancellation, personal illness, strikes, etc. (we recommend trip insurance coverage for these variables)
- Clothes, rain gear, and footwear (see recommendations) should have ankle support as terrain can be uneven.
- Bar bills, drink bills, telephone bills, Wi-Fi bills and other personal expenses (shopping/laundry/spa or sauna)
- Sunscreen, toiletries, water bottles, and personal items
- 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.
Click here to see a printable, downloadable trip information packet with more detailed guidance about what to pack.
Meals: What To Expect
Madeira’s cuisine is both rich and colorful drawing equally from its Portuguese and maritime roots. A variety of soups, grilled seafood, meat & fish stews, and grilled meats are sure to please your palette. Madeira’s specialty is the Espetada or brochette which is a beef skewer with a mixture of seasonings. Another specialty is the Prego Sandwich made up of thin slices of beef seasoned with garlic and served with sauteed onions on a bread roll. Madeira is also known for cultivating wine and rum, which you can sample in its signature drink of Poncha.
We can often accommodate vegan, vegetarian and non-gluten diets and make adjustments for food allergies. These and other special dietary requests may require an additional fee, and in some countries may be more difficult to accommodate than others. Please inquire with us for more information about the specific trip you’re interested in.
Gear We Provide
We provide all group gear which includes the following:
- Company-issued first-aid kit
- Emergency Communication Device
- Trekking poles
- Day pack
Guest Packing List
When you register for this tour you’ll receive access to a printable, downloadable trip information packet with a detailed packing list specific to this trip (click here to see it now.) All trips require a sturdy pair of hiking shoes or hiking boots, rain gear, a recommended clothing system, a headlamp or flashlight, a hydration system (water bottles and/or bladder) and other items specific to each trip.
Trip Logistics
How Do I Register?
Reserve your spot today! In the Trip Dates & Booking section of this page, the green and red dates are bookable online by simply clicking on the date, and blue dates must be booked through our customer service team for a variety of possible reasons. To email our customer service team, you can click here to get the ball rolling. Our adventure consultants will confirm availability, and if you’re ready to register we’ll email you a link to a registration profile. You’ll have 72 hours to complete your profile (and that of any dependents) and pay the deposit.
Feel free to call us for more info – we’re here 7 days a week!
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.
Essential Eligibility Criteria
Essential Eligibility Criteria (“EEC”) have been specifically identified to help you understand the skills and abilities necessary to participate on each Wildland trip, and they apply uniformly to all potential trip participants, irrespective of the presence or absence of any disability.
Once you identify a trip in which you may be interested, please carefully review the EEC and itinerary details. If after reviewing the EEC that apply to your desired trip, you determine you need an accommodation in order to meet the EEC, please contact us prior to registering to discuss your requested accommodation.
The EEC exist for your own safety and the safety and enjoyment of all participants. If you are unable to meet the EEC for the trip, with or without an accommodation, you are not eligible for that trip. If you register and arrive for a trip for which you do not meet the EEC, you will be disqualified from participation on the trip and will be dismissed or evacuated from the trip without a refund.
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.
Weather In Madeira
Madeira’s weather is consistent, pleasant, and generally quite mild. The island’s mountainous topography lends itself to many different and diverse microclimates. The sun shines brighter during the summer months but it is generally sunny and pleasant throughout the winter. This consistently nice weather makes Madeira a popular destination for travelers and surfers year-round.
In the summer you will find an average temperature of 75°F (24° C) to 80°F (27°C). In the cooler months expect a temperature of around 64°F (18° C). Be prepared to have some sun layers or sunscreen as well as a nice insulating layer for the evenings.
Accommodations
CASTANHEIRO BOUTIQUE HOTEL
0-3 Nights
Castanheiro Boutique Hotel is located in the heart of historic Funchal. Here you’ll encounter a blend of detailed architecture, modern design, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. This hotel boasts a lap pool, 81 rooms, pleasing views of the Bay of Funchal, as well as close proximity to shops, museums, restaurants, and bars. Buildings on this site range from 18th to 20th century and have housed a typography company and an embroidery company. The hotel includes period pieces, antique furniture, and other antiques that reflect the site’s history resulting in a unique and cultural experience in the heart of Funchal.
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 located in Santana’s city center on the north coast of Madeira Island. Here you’ll find traditional thatched roof cottages with beautiful views of both the mountains and ocean. O Colmo is located in a tranquil garden setting with views of both the mountains and ocean. This hotel also has a heated pool.
* These exact accommodations are not guaranteed. In some instances alternative accommodations of similar quality and location may be used.
Trip Reviews
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Amanda M
Can’t wait to book my next Wildland tour.
Had a great time on this tour with our small group. The guides were both very helpful and knowledgeable and it was nice to be able to relax and have a nice dinner and warm shower after each of the hikes. They handled all the logistics so that it was truly stress free ( minus climbing up the mountains of course). The hikes were all beautiful, and the food on the hikes and at the included restaurants was all delicious. Can’t wait to book my next Wildland tour.
Scott K
Dynamic & Diverse
Great guides, fabulous food, scintillating scenery, dynamic & diverse destinations, and luxurious lodgings!
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