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Madeira Island Walking

5.0Based on
8 days
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8 daysDuration
Private TourPrivate experience, no group joining
20 peopleMaximum group size
18 - 99 yearsAge range for participants
EnglishGuide language
Moderate
Involves sustained activity requiring a reasonable level of fitness and endurance.
Select Date
Best price guaranteedNo credit card or booking fees.Carbon neutral tours.
2 other people are considering this tour right now.

Highlights

Mild temperatures & year-round walking opportunities, even in the heart of winter

Walk along Madeira's unique ‘levadas’ system – the only place in the world

Treat yourself to a mix of 4* and smaller traditional properties in beautiful surroundings

Take in the dramatic mountains, deep valleys and rugged Atlantic coastline

Summit Pico Ruivo (1862m) - Madeira's highest peak

Admire the exotic and tropical flora

Choice in walks on several days

Itinerary

Madeira’s dramatic peaks and lush valleys await on the "Madeira Island Walking" tour, an eight-day self-guided adventure tailored for experienced travelers and seniors with a passion for moderate walking. Trace the famed levadas, traverse terraced hillsides, and reach the island’s pinnacle at Pico Ruivo. Stay in a blend of 4-star hotels and traditional lodgings, and enjoy detailed route notes to enrich your journey. With its year-round mild climate, volcanic beauty, and intricate irrigation channels, Madeira is a paradise for walkers. The unique selling point is the unparalleled walking access to the island’s hidden gems, plus the flexibility to extend your stay for more exploration. Accommodation, transport, and meals are included for a worry-free hiking holiday.

day 1Arrive Madeira

On arrival at Funchal airport, a short taxi transfer is included to Machico on the east coast.
Machico was the landing point when the island was discovered. This peculiar corner of the island boasts the oldest church, the 'Capela dos Milagres', and two forts still bear witness of the locals’ defence against the many pirate attacks on the village.

Accommodation
Stay two nights at one of two small ‘residencial’ (pension). All rooms have private facilities. The pensions have their own restaurant, where you can enjoy the evening meals. There are also good other places to eat.

day 2Machico

day 3Machico to Santo da Serra via Sao Lourenco peninsula 9.12km /5.7 miles, 3.5h

day 4Santo da Serra

day 5Walk Santo da Serra to Ribeiro Frio, transfer to Santana 13.5 km /8.4 miles, 5-6h

day 6Achada do Teixeira to Ilha via Pico Ruivo (overnight Encumeada) 11 km /10 miles, 5h

day 7Boa Morte to Cabo Girao (bus to Funchal) 12 km /7 miles, 4 hrs

day 8Arrangements end after breakfast

What's Included

Accommodation
4 nights accommodation in pensions & guesthouses and 3 nights in hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilitiesTransfer from Funchal airport to first accommodation and from last accommodation back to Funchal airport
Meals
7 breakfasts, 1 dinner
Transport
Vehicle transfers day 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6
Others
Luggage transferDigital information pack including Navigational App, maps and route notesEmergency hotlineGPX files can be supplied upon request

Customer Reviews

4.8

based on 16 reviews
13
3
A
AnonymousVerified Traveler
5.0 | Excellent

Madeira hiking was breathtaking. Beautiful, clean scenery and friendly locals.

A
AnonymousVerified Traveler
5.0 | Excellent

Beautiful variety of walking, the itinerary provided a good mix of length & difficulty of days.

A
AnonymousVerified Traveler
5.0 | Excellent

We had a great trip. Madeira is a beautiful island and the hiking was amazing. The tour was well planned with no major issues. We did additional nights in Machico, Sanata and Funchal which were very good decisions.

A
AnonymousVerified Traveler
5.0 | Excellent

Fantastic trip! Best ever. Do not hesitate!

A
AnonymousVerified Traveler
5.0 | Excellent

Our hiking trip to Madeira Island with Utracks was wonderful. The food, the lodging, the hiking was all top notch. We especially appreciated the RoadBook app, which made navigating a breeze. The transfers/shuttles to and from the hikes all went very well. And of course, the scenery is stunning. We were a bit concerned when we got the route notes for the hikes a week before leaving, which made the hiking and navigating seem a bit daunting. But the night before the trip started local guide Edouardo met with us to go over all the details, and put our minds at rest. We found the hiking to be relatively moderate. The second day's trip out to the Sau Lourenco peninsula was extremely windy and crowded, with loose gravel and steep, narrow steps. While the scenery was spectacular, the hiking made my 72 yo husband a bit nervous.

Good to Know

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1 month ago

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