Drive & Hike on Madeira

Upon arrival at Madeira's airport, you pick up your rental car and drive towards the northeast coast. Depending on your chosen accommodation category, you settle in for three nights in the area. Porto da Cruz is a small village on the wild northeast coast, with a beach and natural sea pool, dominated by the characteristic Eagle Peak. Boaventura offers a rural hotel on the north coast with indoor pool, jacuzzi and sauna. This is the start of your days filled with hiking, nature and coastal experiences.
Accommodation: Porto da Cruz or Boaventura.

Over two days you explore one of Madeira's most emblematic and authentic regions: the northeast coast and the central mountains. The area is both lush and wild — the rugged coast meets fertile valleys with terraced cultivation irrigated by levadas, and further up UNESCO-protected laurisilva forests spread out. High volcanic ridges rise between approximately 1,000 and 1,800 meters and offer magnificent views. You have the opportunity to choose from several carefully selected hikes with varying character:

• São Lourenço Peninsula – Wild coastal hike along colorful cliffs and exposed headland formations, ending with a swim on a sandy beach. Walking time: approx. 3 hours | +/- 425 m.
• Caldeirão Verde – From Queimadas botanical park you follow an old levada into the "Green Cauldron" ravine, past waterfalls and a prehistoric forest of giant ferns and laurel trees. Walking time: approx. 3½ hours | +/- 90 m.
• Ribeiro Frio – Through primeval forest with beautiful viewpoints over the Fajã de Nogueira valley and Madeira's highest peaks. Walking time: approx. 3 hours 40 min | +/- 350 m.
• Castelejo – A rural levada walk through terraced cultivation and traditional dry stone houses. Walking time: approx. 4 hours 50 min | +/- 400 m.
• Boaventura – Discover one of the wildest laurisilva areas with terraced fields, smaller levadas and isolated agricultural settlements. Walking time: approx. 5 hours 15 min | +/- 450 m.
• Boaventura loop – A varied circular trail, far from the crowds, combining endemic forest, terraced gardens and sea balconies. Walking time: approx. 3 hours | +/- 550 m.
• São Jorge – From the village of São Jorge, with traditional thatched houses, terraced crops and extensive views over the west coast. Walking time: approx. 3 hours | +/- 350 m.
• Levada dos Cedros / Fanal – A magical landscape with centuries-old laurel trees and breathtaking views over the steep northern slopes. Walking time: approx. 3 hours | +/- 420 m.
  
  Accommodation: Porto da Cruz or Boaventura.

See day 2.

After the morning's hike, you drive south to spend three nights on the south coast. Here the landscape changes: the sunnier southern side has dramatic cliffs, picturesque villages and subtropical cultivation. An expert tip is to extend the trip with two extra nights on the north coast (e.g. in the authentic village of Seixal or in Porto Moniz with its volcanic natural pools) if you want to experience more of the wild north side.
Accommodation: Jardim do Mar or Estreito da Calheta.

Over two days you get to discover the sunny south coast: high cliffs protecting beautiful villages, tropical cultivation (bananas, avocado, papaya, mango) and a hilly interior rising towards the Paul da Serra plateau at approximately 1,500 m, with open heathlands and dramatic ravines. The hikes vary from green levada walks to plateau and coastal hikes:

• Levada das 25 Fontes & Risco – In the Janela ravine you follow levadas through lush, humid forest filled with waterfalls. Walking time: approx. 4 hours | +/- 400 m.
• Paul da Serra plateau – Fanal – A peaceful area with ancient laurel trees, perfect for a shorter hike and different landscape. Walking time: approx. 1 hour 10 min | +/- 75 m.
• Prazeres – Paul do Mar – You are transported to Prazeres and then hike down a spectacular mule track to Paul do Mar, where your driver meets you. (Return transfer not included and paid locally.) Walking time: approx. 3 hours | +230 m / -850 m.
  
  Accommodation: Jardim do Mar or Estreito da Calheta.

See day 5.

On your last full day you can choose between a final hike or exploring Funchal, the island's charming capital in an amphitheater-shaped bay — the city is named after the fennel (funcho) that grew here when the Portuguese arrived. Options for the day:

• Active choices: Take the cable car from the city center up to the fantastic tropical gardens surrounding elegant quintas; rinse down with a view or take the traditional wicker toboggan (toboggan requires extra fee on site).
• Catamaran cruise (2.5 hours) – Set out to sea to admire Madeira's dramatic coast and spot dolphins, whales and seabirds. During summer, a short swimming stop at Cabo Girão is included. (Optional, must be booked in advance.)
• Gourmet city walk in Funchal – For food lovers: a guided tasting walk through Funchal's historic quarters with 7 stops and approximately 15 tastings, where you get to try local specialties such as garlic sandwich with pork, black scabbardfish, grilled tuna, ginger cookies, honey cake and the local poncha cocktail. (Availability: Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri at 1:00 PM; Wed at 10:30 AM & 5:00 PM; Fri at 5:00 PM — optional, must be booked in advance.)
  
  Accommodation: Funchal.

After a week of adventure, it's time to drive to the airport, return the rental car and begin the journey home.