Madeira: Hiking in an Extraordinary Garden

Arrival in Funchal and transfer to the village of Machico, fishing port and first city founded in Madeira when Zarco landed on the island in 1419. Check-in at your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you can choose to enjoy Machico's beaches, stroll along the seafront, take a birdwatching excursion by boat...

Overnight in Machico in a 3* hotel; half-board.

After breakfast, transfer to Sao Lourenço Point for a loop hike from the reserve parking lot.

This craggy peninsula at the eastern end of the island is one of Madeira's natural gems, with spectacular scenery, unique wildlife and breathtaking panoramic views. The walk takes you along a well-maintained path that winds along the coast, offering a variety of stunning coastal landscapes. The trail is around 8 kilometers (5 miles) long, making it an ideal half-day excursion. During your hike, you'll discover panoramic views of the crystal-clear sea, bizarre rock formations and spectacular cliffs that rise up against the azure sky. Botanical enthusiasts are not to be outdone: the “Ponta da Sao Lourenço” is a preserved ecosystem where you can admire a wide variety of endemic plant species, including cacti, euphorbias and succulents, which have adapted their growth to the arid conditions of the region. Birdwatchers will be delighted to observe seabirds such as petrels, gulls and cormorants nesting on the cliffs.

Transfer to the charming seaside village of Porto da Cruz.

About 3.5 to 4 hours of walking, 8km/5mi, +/-500m/1640ft. Daypack to carry.

Overnight in Porto da Cruz in a 2* hotel; B&B.

After breakfast, transfer to the start of the Levada do Caniçal hike. This stretches between the Caniçal tunnel and the village of Maroços, crossing 3 valleys, each with its own particularities: Ribeira Secca with its lush vegetation, Ribeira de Noia with its agricultural terraces, and Ribeira Grande with its more rugged terrain. After walking the first 8km/5mi almost flat, you leave the levada to reach Boca do Risco, which offers a spectacular view of the ocean from the cliff. You then reach Porto Da Cruz via the coastal path, which is absolutely magnificent and secured by a handrail.  

Alternatively, to avoid the coastal path (in case of vertigo or bad weather): via Larano.
An easier option (with 1 transfer at your expense): from Caniçal to Maroços.

About 5.5 to 6 hours of walking, 17.5km/10.9mi, +500m/1640ft, -565m/1854ft. Daypack to carry.

Overnight in Porto da Cruz in a 2* hotel; B&B.

Here is one of the most beautiful walks in Eastern Madeira. You start in Porto da Cruz and you reach Portela at 600m/1969ft high; through lush gardens spread out in terraces in the valley of Faial.

Short option: it’s possible to reach Portela by taxi (you avoid 600m/1969ft of ascent!) (transfer not included, approx. €16 payable on site)

You start on a good path, along the levada do Furado that continues to the East. The perspectives offered by this route are more and more sumptuous. The high summits of the island will be facing you, framing the sky with their jagged rocky ridges. At first, the path is wide and becomes narrower and then follows deep ravines. The beautiful landscapes are very well protected by the heather trees and by some judiciously placed barriers. In Ribeiro Frio, you will go by Balcoes, an extraordinary balcony over the Faja de Nogueiras and the great peaks of the island. Short transfer to the hotel in São Roque da Faial facing the Pena de Aguia.

About 6.5 hours of walking (or 4 hours without the first climb, 14km/8.7mi, +190m/623ft, -10m/33ft), 17km/10.6mi, +790m/2592ft, -45m/148ft. Daypack to carry.

Overnight in São Roque da Faial in a 2* hotel; half-board.

Transfer after breakfast for a spectacular and not-to-be-missed hike on Madeira Island. Starting from the Pico de Ariero (1818m/5965ft), you'll reach Madeira's highest peak, Pico Ruivo (1862m/6109ft), skirting impressive but well-protected ravines. The hike isn't long (just 6km/3.7mi), but the route alternates between steep ascents and descents. The trail takes you through a variety of landscapes, from steep ridges to narrow paths and rock tunnels. Along the way, you'll glimpse deep valleys and dizzying ravines. These geological formations are typical of Madeira and add to the island's natural beauty. The sloping landscapes and verdant valleys are awe-inspiring. After a beautiful climb shaded by heather trees to the Ruivo refuge, you might like to have a drink on the way back from the easy, panoramic ascent of Pico Ruivo, the highest summit of the island. Descend to Achada de Texeira and transfer to Santana with its fairy tale huts, the largest city on the northern coast. 

About 4 to 4.5 hours of walking, 8.2km/5.1mi, +550m/1805ft, -700m/2297ft. Daypack to carry. 

Overnight in Santana in a 2* hotel; half-board.

Alternatively, if the Ariero-Achada de Texeira trail is closed, start from Queimadas Park, climb Pico Ruivo and descend to Achada de Texeira. 

About 5 to 5.5 hours of walking, 13km/8.1mi, +900m/2953ft, -300m/984ft. Daypack to carry.

Transfer to the start of the hike. Probably one of the most beautiful landscapes of the island: an open panorama with great views to the northern and southern coasts. We pass from one side to the other of the ridge line on a beautiful, very wild path, bordered by heather trees, with sublime views of the island's highest peaks. From time to time, this exceptional route includes large paved steps, both uphill and downhill. At the Col de Torrinhas, we leave the downhill paths to the south towards Curral da Freiras, and the path to the north towards Boaventura, to continue our rollercoaster ride towards Pico da Jorge. A beautiful passage along the Ferreiro basalt wall among ferns and heather leads us downhill to the Encumeada pass, overlooked by the Paul da Serra plateau and its gigantic wind turbines.

About 6 to 7 hours of walking, 13.5km/8.9mi, +900m/2952ft, -1480m/4855ft. Daypack to carry.

Overnight in Encumeada in a 2* hotel; half-board.

Alternative Option: This difficult hike for experienced walkers can be replaced by a more relaxed day with a scenic taxi transfer from Santana to Encumeada along the great northern coast (transfer is not included). 

Alternatively, when the Achada do Teixeira crossing to Encumeada is closed we advise an itinerary starting from Encumeada as a round trip on the Levada do Norte. It's a delight to hike this lush levada, which is a path adorned with flowers (hydrangeas, agapanthus, lilies, azaleas, conifers, and laurels…). The views over the São Vicente valley are stunning, interspersed with fun tunnel crossings that lead to extraordinary spots like Folhadal, a natural amphitheater of basalt submerged in vegetation, home to endemic species like the lily-of-the-valley tree and the Laurisilva forest. Waterfalls cascade from one natural basin to another, giving the landscape a wild, untamed feel. Finally, the Levada do Norte takes you up to the Encumeada pass, with your hotel located just below. 

About 3 to 4 hours of walking, 4 or 10km/2.5 to 16mi, +/-250m/820ft. Daypack to carry.

We set off from Boca da Corrida via Passo de Ares, Pico do Serradinho and Boca do Cerro along the historic Camino Real da Encumeada. Once a paved royal road that enabled landowners to travel between villages, it is now a picturesque hiking trail offering splendid panoramic views of the valley, the surrounding villages (Curral das Freiras, Funchal, Paul Serra) and the surrounding peaks, including Pico Grande. In addition to the scenery, it's also possible to appreciate many endemic species of Madeiran flora, such as the laurel and the Madeiran mahogany (Persea indica), or fauna, such as the Madeiran kinglet (Regulus madeirensis), the chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs madeirensis) and the kestrel (Falco tinnunculus canariensis). Once we reach Relvinha, Pico Grande rises in front of us, and it's possible to climb it. One of the ten highest peaks on the island, it rewards you with a view of the surrounding peaks. Above all, it's an interesting section to do if you want to take on the challenge of a slightly more technical ascent. Otherwise, the route continues towards Largo do Colmeal via a long, switchback descent. We arrive in the Curral das Freiras valley (Valley of the Nones) in the center of the island, the finishing point of our hike. Transfer to Funchal.

About 4 to 4.5 hours of walking (6 hours if you climb Pico Grande, adds 2.3km/1.4mi, +/-350m/1150ft), 11.9km/7.4mi, +200m/656ft, -800m/2625ft. Daypack to carry.

Overnight in Funchal in a 4* hotel; B&B.

Alternative when this hike is closed: Levada do Norte (Ribeira Brava - Cabo Girão)
Starting from Fajã de Ribeira, in the municipality of Ribeira Brava, you follow the Levada do Norte, one of Madeira's largest and most important levadas, which crosses much of the island. During the walk, you’ll enjoy many stunning views, especially of Câmara de Lobos and Campanário. You’ll see green fields, carefully cultivated lands, and small houses and buildings that form charming villages. The hike ends at the famous Cabo Girão viewpoint. You can visit this platform, suspended over the cliffs, for a €2 entry fee (not included).

About 5 to 6 hours of walking, 16km/10mi, +500m/1640ft, -100m/328ft. Daypack to carry.

Transfer to airport (30 minutes) after breakfast and hotel check-out for your return flight.

*It’s possible to adapt your tour trip to Madeira
- According to the desired length (7 to 15 days)
- According to the level of difficulty of the hikes (difficult or easy)

Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you need any information