Hiking in Madeira Tour by Intrepid Travel

7 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers

12 peopleMaximum group size

15 - 99 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Challenging

Demands good physical fitness and stamina for more intense or extended activities.

Starts

Funchal, Portugal

Ends

Vila Real De Santo António, Portugal

Highlights

Explore Madeira’s lush green mountains and diverse flora and enjoy a mild climate while you travel through the ever-changing landscapes.

Traverse Pico do Ruivo (Madeira’s highest peak) and the coastal trail from Machico to Porto da Cruz on guided hikes, led by a local expert.

Follow the Levada do Norte trail from Estreito de Camara de Lobos to Cabo Girao. Take in the lush valleys, small villages and panoramic views of Europe’s highest sea cliffs as you hike.

Hike the scenic loop from Jardim do Mar through Vereda do Jardim and Levada da Calheta. Wander quiet paths, soak in cliffside views and breathe the fresh mountain air.

Hike the dramatic Ponta de São Lourenço peninsula, where rugged cliffs meet the sparkling Atlantic, volcanic rock formations shape the landscape, and panoramic views stretch from sheer cliffs to hidden coves along this windswept eastern tip of the island.

Swim in natural volcanic pools, relax on nearby beaches and explore Madeira’s beautiful coastline as you unwind after each day's hiking adventure.

Itinerary

Set off on a seven-day hiking adventure through Madeira’s dramatic coastlines, volcanic landscapes and lush forests. Hike renowned trails such as Vereda do Fanal, Pico do Ruivo, Levada do Norte and the scenic loop from Jardim do Mar through Vereda do Jardim and Levada da Calheta. Along the way, visit nearby villages like Santana (famous for its traditional thatched houses), as well as Prazeres and Seixal. Take a dip in volcanic rock pools, sip Madeira’s signature Ponch and visit a local rum distillery. With its mild year-round climate and diverse terrain, Madeira offers the perfect active winter escape.

day 1 - Funchal

Ola! Welcome to Funchal – the capital of Portugal’s Madeira archipelago, renowned for its scenic harbour, lush gardens and historic wine cellars. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, maybe visit the Gothic-Romanesque Cathedral, walk around the Sao Tiago Fortress, explore the local markets or enjoy some fresh seafood by the waterfront. After your welcome meeting, head out to optional dinner and get to know your group before hitting the trails tomorrow.

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

day 2 - Jardim do Mar

Today, you’ll set off on your first hike. Travel by private transport from Funchai to Estreito de Camara de Lobos. From here, embark on the Levada do Norte hike, taking in the ocean views as you walk towards Cabo Girao – one of the highest sea cliffs in Europe. When you arrive in Cabo Girao, perhaps relax with a picnic lunch. This afternoon, you’ll travel to Jardim do Mar for a leader-led orientation walk. Explore this peaceful town known for its traditional Madeiran lifestyle and lovely gardens. To end the day, enjoy a refreshing glass of Poncha (a local drink made from sugarcane rum, honey and lemon).

included:Hike Levada do Norte - Estreito de Câmara de Lobos to Cabo Girao, Cabo Girao picnic lunch, Jardim do Mar leader led orientation walk, Poncha drink

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast

day 3 - Jardim do Mar

This morning, you’ll set off on a loop hike starting from Jardim do Mar. Hike the Vereda do Jardim do Mar trail, taking in coastal views. Continue along the Levada da Calheta trail, where you'll walk through lush greenery and wildflowers, with occasional glimpses of traditional farming terraces along the way. After the hike, maybe spend some time wandering around Jardim do Mar – this small seaside village is known for its ocean vistas.

included:Loop hike from Jardim do Mar including Vereda do Jardim do Mar and Levada da Calheta

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast

day 4 - Santo Antonio da Serra

Travel to the Fanal forest, where you’ll start today’s hike. Follow the Vereda do Fanal trail through ancient laurel trees and woodlands. After, travel to Seixal for a leader-led orientation walk through the village’s streets. Take some time to cool off with a swim in Seixal’s natural volcanic swimming pools before visiting the Miradouro de Veu da Noiva viewpoint, famous for its cliffside views and cascading waterfalls. Later today, travel to Santo António da Serra, where you’ll spend the night.

included:Verada do Fanal guided hike, Seixal - leader led orientation walk, Seixal - natural swimming pools, Miradouro de Veu da Noiva visit

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast

day 5 - Santo Antonio da Serra

Your hike starts in Machico today – Madeira’s historic first capital, known for its harbours and beaches. Follow the scenic coastal trails to Porto da Cruz and take in the sweeping views of the town’s orange-roofed houses. After the hike, maybe visit the local rum distillery. Here, you can taste authentic Madeiran rum and learn about its production. Later today, set out on a walk through Santana – a rural village known for its traditional triangular houses called palheiros. Tonight, you’ll travel back to Santo Antonio da Serra, where you’ll spend the night.

included:Machico to Porto da Cruz guided hike

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast

day 6 - Santo Antonio da Serra

This morning, you’ll travel to Achada do Teixeira – the gateway to Pico do Ruivo, the highest peak on Madeira. Hike along Vereda do Pico do Ruivo and take in the mountain views and rock formations (sometimes covered by clouds). After, maybe stop for lunch at a nearby cafe. This afternoon, set out on the Vereda da Ponta de Sao Lourenco hike, famous for its dramatic cliffs and coastal scenery. This trail showcases the island’s unique volcanic landscape and offers panoramic ocean views. Later today, head back to Santo Antonio da Serra for your last night and maybe go to dinner with your group to celebrate an epic trip.

included:Verada da Ponta de Sao Lourenco guided hike, Verada do Pico do Ruivo guided hike

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast

day 7 - Santo Antonio da Serra

There are no activities planned for today and you can depart at any time. If you’d like to extend your stay and explore Santa Antonio da Serra further, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

meals:1 Breakfast

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What's Included

Accommodation

Hotel (6 nights)

Meals

6 Breakfasts

Transport

On foot, Private vehicle

Guide

An expert tour leader

Included Activities

Hike Levada do Norte - Estreito de Câmara de Lobos to Cabo GiraoCabo Girao picnic lunchJardim do Mar leader led orientation walkPoncha drinkLoop hike from Jardim do Mar including Vereda do Jardim do Mar and Levada da CalhetaVerada do Fanal guided hikeSeixal - leader led orientation walkSeixal - natural swimming poolsMiradouro de Veu da Noiva visitMachico to Porto da Cruz guided hikeVerada da Ponta de Sao Lourenco guided hikeVerada do Pico do Ruivo guided hike

What's Excluded

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