Madeira Walking Holiday

Let’s travel to Madeira! Upon our arrival into Madeira airport, we will meet our local expert guide and travel to our hotel in the small seaside town of Machico on Madeira’s east coast.

There will be a welcome meal included tonight with our fellow group members in our hotel so we can dine together and get to know one another ahead of our group walking holiday.

Today let’s discover our first of Madeira’s levadas. A levada is a man-made irrigation channel used to supply water from the mountains to Madeira’s farms. Nowadays, they provide ideal paths to discover the magnificent nature of Madeira Island, with landscapes and species of flora and fauna that are unique in the world.

Let’s uncover the green leaves of the Laurisilva rainforest as we follow the Levada do Caldeirão Verde through five natural tunnels which will then take us into the heart of the mountain forest with glimpses of the north coast sea through the trees. Let’s keep an ear out for the sound of running water before arriving to our destination, Caldeirão Verde’s majestic waterfall falling into the crystal clear lagoon. After some time to relax and admire the waterfall we will follow our path back to our starting point. Green, green, and more green would be the most fitting description for this truly beautiful Madeira levada walk.

Difficulty: Moderate route / Distance: 13 km / Duration: 5 hours / Incline: 93 m

Let’s climb a mountain! Today we have two options of hiking levels due to the terrain to reach the highest point in Madeira, the top of Pico Ruivo from which we can choose.

Starting from Achada do Teixeria this shorter route will lead us to the top of Pico Ruivo. Let’s start by following the cobbled path walking above the clouds in the nearby valleys. Feel on top of the world, admiring the nearby peaks and views towards the mountains on clearer days as we hike onwards towards one of mountain huts on this trail. From here let’s climb a short 500m more up to the mighty summit, which is the highest point on Madeira island at 1,862m above sea-level with a reward of breathtaking panormanic views over the island at the end.

Difficulty: Leisurely route / Distance: 5.4 km / Duration: 2 hours / Incline: 305 m /

If you are looking for more of a challenge, we offer a longer route to reach the peak of Pico Ruivo. Also known as the Highest Peaks route, this takes in the magnificent three highest mountains in Madeira, Pico do Arieiro, Pico das Torres and Pico Ruivo. Follow the path and let’s hike up and down the dramatic staircases that wind themselves around the mountain ridges and up the cliff faces. However, the effort required is offset by extraordinary views that the hike provides, particularly when you reach the peak of Pico Ruivo with its stunning views over the island.

Difficulty: Challenging route / Distance: 12 km / Duration: 5 hours / Incline: 1172 m

Today let’s discover some of the finest cliff scenery in Madeira as we walk the island’s eastern most point, the Ponta de São Lourenço. Let’s follow this coastal track and marvel at the fabulous seascapes of the north and south of the Island and various volcanic rock foundations along the way. Our expert local guide will also point of some of the unique flowers and fauna to be found on this trail as we admire the ocean crashing against the coast. As we finish our walk there will be a chance to refresh ourselves with a swim in the all inviting clear turquoise blue waters of the Atlantic.

Difficulty: Moderate route / Distance: 10 km / Duration: 4 hours / Incline:  417 m /

This hike is one of the most popular in Madeira for a good reason. Let’s follow stretches of three different levadas, surrounded by different waterfalls including the larger Risco waterfall and thick forests. Our trail will lead us towards the 25 fountains lagoon with its weeping wall of waterfalls. Vines and plants drape over the walls in what is a truly magical scene. For nature lovers it is simply a unique and awe-inspiring paradise.

Difficulty: Moderate route / Distance: 11 km / Duration: 4 hours / Incline: 350 m /

Today let’s take the day to relax at your own pace. You can spend time on the beach near your hotel in Machico or head to Funchal for the day. There will be a return shuttle bus to Funchal from your hotel at an agreed time for anyone who would like to visit Madeira's capital. While in Funchal, you could explore the wonderful Botanic gardens, experience the cable cars or try the famous Wicker sledges (not for the faint hearted) the choice is yours! Our expert local guide will be happy to provide some suggestions to suit your tastes.

Let’s explore one of Madeira’s lesser known walks today on the Vereda do Fanal. First let’s begin on the Paul da Serra plateau and start walking along the open path admiring the surrounding green landscapes and glimpses of the Rabacal valley as we hike up and down the undulating stairs along the route. We will then head into the magnificent and lush vegetation of Laurissilva’s forest with its tree overhanging like umbrellas. Our hike finishes at Fanal forest. Keep an eye out for some of the cows that call this forest home.

Difficulty: Moderate route / Distance: 10 km / Duration: 5 hours / Incline: 400 m /

Let’s join our fellow group members at our hotel for a farewell dinner. This is the perfect time for us to reminisce on the adventures we have shared over the last few days in Madeira. Once dinner has come to an end you are free to spend the remainder of the evening as you wish.

It’s time to say ‘adeus’ to the beautiful island of Madeira. Let’s transfer to the airport with our local expert guide to take our flight back home with fond memories of our walking holiday to Madeira.