Madeira Walking Tour
Spend 8 days walking your way through Madeira on this self-guided adventure
Lifetime Deposit
Self-Guided
Madeira Walking Tour Overview
The Portuguese island of Madeira, voted the world's best island in 2018, is a nature lover’s paradise best discovered on foot. The 8-day self-guided Madeira Walking Tour will introduce you to some of the island's most remarkable landscapes, allowing you to soak up every moment as you enjoy exciting daily walks at your own pace.
The island is known for its vibrant culture, incredible hiking opportunities, and world-class cuisine. As the tour unravels across magical landscapes, you'll traverse among levadas, staggering coastal cliffs, and fascinating ruins. The tour's final leg has you navigating the ancient trails of the island's Caminho Real, a network of ancient footpaths that circle the entire island, spanning 182 km.
For more detail on Madeira, levada walks, island routes, and how the region compares with other Portuguese walking destinations, read our walking in Portugal guide.
Visits and overnight stays to authentic villages on the island will ensure that you get not only a true sense of the land but also its warm and hospitable inhabitants. With the towns of Machico and Santana as your overnight bases, you'll enjoy exhilarating day walks paired with splendid evenings spent unwinding over Madeira's mouthwatering cuisine and local wines.
There's no better way to experience the island of Madeira than this fantastic walking tour!
Trip highlights
Explore the majestic island of Madeira, voted the best island in the world in 2018.
Enjoy sensational views at locations like the Boca do Risco vista point on the island’s dramatic northern coast.
Navigate the island’s UNESCO World Heritage lush laurel forests, and the snaking levadas that span 1,400 km.
Enjoy charming accommodations as you immerse yourself in Portuguese island life, savouring exquisite food and wine.
Day By Day Itinerary
Arrive at Funchal Airport (FNC) where a private transfer will pick you up and take you to your accommodations in Machico.
Unwind by the hotel’s swimming pool, or get some warm-up steps in on the beach in preparation for your first day of walking the island tomorrow.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Machico
- Distance:
- None
- Meals:
- None
The island of Maderia is home to over 1,400 km of snaking narrow water channels known as levadas.
A short transfer this morning will take you to Maroços, where you’ll explore your first levada, following its winding paths back to Machico on a scenic adventure. You’ll enjoy spectacular views of the bay and the city below during this walk.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Machico
- Distance:
- 4.5 hours, 15km, 150m of ascent, 400m of descent
- Meals:
- Breakfast
The São Lourenço is a well-known natural landmark on the island and a must-see highlight! Its volcanic origins make it the direst point on the island, and you’ll marvel at the contrast in landscape between this area of protected natural reserve and other more lush areas on the island that you’ll soon discover.
Return to your accommodations in Machico this afternoon by public bus or by taxi.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Machico
- Distance:
- 3 hours, 7km, 350m of ascent, 350m of descent
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Today’s route is packed with challenging stretches met with ample reward!
A taxi transfer will take you to the start point between Machico and Caniçal, and from here you’ll follow the Levada do Caniçal, warming up for the upcoming steep ascent to the Boca do Risco vista point. Enjoy a picnic here surrounded by mesmerizing views before continuing along the Vereda de Larano, a beautiful path carved into the cliffs.
Finally, arriving in Porto da Cruz, a taxi transfer will take you to your next accommodations in Santana.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Santana
- Distance:
- 5 hours, 15km, 750m of ascent, 505m of descent
- Meals:
- Breakfast
A taxi transfer will take you to your start point in Ribeiro Frio this morning, where you’ll begin today’s route tracing the Levada do Furado.
A fairytale woodland surrounds you as you make your way through Madeira’s UNESCO World Heritage laurel forest. The route has you gradually gaining altitude, winning you increasingly majestic views of the coast and the island canyons and hills.
You’ll reach Portela, where you’ll continue on a cobbled path to Porto da Cruz. From here, a taxi transfer will take you back to Santana.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Santana
- Distance:
- 5 hours, 14km, 370m of ascent, 875m of descent
- Meals:
- Breakfast
A taxi transfer will take you to your start point at the Parque Florestal das Queimadas, where you’ll be invited into a typical Madeiran house bar for a refreshment.
Following the Levada do Caldeirão Verde, you’ll encounter a beautiful waterfall before retracing your steps and enjoying a scenic detour to the picturesque village of Ilha. From Ilha, a taxi will pick you up and return to Santana.
Be aware, It’s important to bring a headlamp and waterproof wear on today’s walk!
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Santana
- Distance:
- 4 hours, 11km, 50m of ascent, 650m of descent
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Your final day of walking will introduce you to the ancient footpaths of the Caminho Real, a network of paths spanning 182 km across the entire island, linking major harbours and villages.
You’ll begin your route in Santana, making your way through fascinating ruins and villages until you reach the end of the route, where a taxi will take you back to Santana.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Santana
- Distance:
- 5 hours, 13km, 560m of ascent, 850m of descent
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Following breakfast this morning, check out of your accommodations. A private transfer will take you to the airport to depart.
- Overnight Location:
- None
- Distance:
- None
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Tour Map
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Inclusions
Included
- 7 breakfasts are included.
- Accommodations for 7 nights are included on this tour.
- All private transfers and luggage transportation according to the itinerary are included on this tour. Transfers to and from the airport are also included on this tour.
- Digital route notes and maps
- GPS App
- 24-hour phone assistance
Not included
- Flights
- Public transport transfers
- Visas if required
- Travel Insurance
- Tourist taxes if applicable
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Fees not mentioned as included
Optional Extras
- Activities and excursions unless otherwise mentioned as included
- Single room supplements
- Solo traveller supplements
- Whale watching tour on Pico Island
- Printed tour materials (in addition to digital)
Reviews
These reviews reflect all trips offered by this local tour partner on 10Adventures, not just the tour you’re viewing.
These reviews reflect all trips offered by this local tour partner on 10Adventures, not just the tour you’re viewing.
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FAQ
We rate this tour as a 3 / 5. Daily walks average 4-6 hours in length, excluding breaks. Roads can sometimes be stony, and walkers will at times traverse hilly or mountainous routes, but they are always well-maintained. Please note that this tour is not recommended for those with a fear of heights.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
7 breakfasts are included on this tour.
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip. Get your Travel Insurance.
Arrive at Funchal Airport (FNC, also known as Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport). A private transfer will pick you up from the airport and take you to your accommodations in Machico.
The tour ends in Santana. From here a private transfer will take you to Funchal Airport (FNC) to depart.
Check with your family doctor.
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
The best time to visit Madiera for this tour is between April and October, when whales and dolphins are very common along the coast. The weather stays pleasant and warm throughout these months.
Why book Madeira Walking Tour with 10 Adventures?
Self-guided Specialists
Combine the freedom of travelling on your own with the confidence that all of the logistics are taken care of.
Packed with Inclusions
Accommodations, luggage transfers, gear rentals, and more - all taken care of so you can focus on making memories.
World Class Support
Have peace of mind for when travel plans change with our hassle-free booking process and unbeatable support.
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