Hiking - The Best of Madeira

Upon arrival in Madeira, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your first accommodation.

Standard: Accommodation in the charming coastal town of Machico, the island's first settlement and former capital. Here you can stroll along the waterfront promenade, enjoy the sea views and soak in the relaxed atmosphere.
Comfort: Transfer to the small coastal town of Santa Cruz where you check into a comfortable 4-star hotel with pool.

Today's hike takes you to the easternmost part of Madeira, the spectacular São Lourenço peninsula. Here you'll encounter a completely different landscape than the rest of the island – a barren and almost desert-like area with dramatic basalt cliffs shaped by wind and sea. The nature reserve is known for its unique flora and fauna as well as its magnificent sea views. Transfer back to accommodation.

Standard: Accommodation in Machico.
Comfort: Accommodation in Santa Cruz.

One of Madeira's most classic hikes awaits today. You follow a levada through the lush Laurisilva forest, where sunlight filters through ancient trees creating an almost fairy-tale atmosphere. Along the way you pass the spectacular Levada do Furado, carved directly into the mountainside, and the viewpoint Balcões with views over the island's green mountain world. Transfer back to accommodation.

Standard: Accommodation in Machico.
Comfort: Accommodation in Santa Cruz.

Transfer to the start of one of Madeira's most beautiful coastal hikes. The trail follows the mountainside high above the Atlantic and offers fantastic views over the sea and the dramatic coastline. After valleys and terraced cultivations, the hike continues along the famous Boca do Risco trail, before you reach the fishing village of Porto da Cruz.

Standard: Accommodation in Porto da Cruz.
Comfort: Transfer to Santo António da Serra.

After a short transfer, one of Madeira's most spectacular levada hikes awaits. You hike through the UNESCO-protected Laurisilva forest and pass tunnels, waterfalls and dramatic mountain passages before reaching the famous lagoon Caldeirão Verde ("The Green Cauldron"). The trail then continues down towards the small village of Ilha with magnificent views over the sea. Transfer back to accommodation.

Standard: Accommodation in Porto da Cruz.
Comfort: Accommodation in Santo António da Serra.

Transfer to Achada do Teixeira and hike to Pico Ruivo (1,862 m), Madeira's highest peak. Here await some of the trip's most impressive views over the island's dramatic mountain landscape and deep valleys. After the hike you continue to Funchal, where you spend the last two nights.

Accommodation in Funchal.

Free day for sightseeing around Funchal, a charming city built like an amphitheater around the bay. The city's name derives from the word fennel (Foncho in Portuguese) that grew in the bay when the Portuguese first landed here. It's wonderful to wander through the cobblestone streets, the colorful gardens and the promenades along the coast.

Optional (to be paid on site):
• Take the cable car up to Monte Palace tropical gardens. You will get a panoramic view over the city.
• Ride down from Monte to Funchal's city center on a "Carreiro do Monte", a traditional wicker sled, used by locals as a quick way to get to Funchal.

Optional (to be booked before departure):
• Whale watching tour aboard a catamaran.
• Day trip to Porto Santo Island to enjoy the beach. (In spring and summer). Including transfer from hotel to the port in Funchal, round-trip ferry and transport from the port to Vila Baleira and back in Porto Santo.

See prices under the "Prices & What's included" tab.

Accommodation in Funchal