Portugal – Madeira Island Hiking Tour

Our guide will welcome you at the airport and drive you to Santa Cruz, which is only 10 minutes away. Here you’ll check in to your accommodation and you can enjoy some time in the swimming pool, relaxing, and enjoying the beautiful view of the mountains.

Overnight: Santa Cruz

You will start your day with a short 20-minute transfer to Ponta de São Lourenço, where the trail will take you around the volcanic peninsula to the eastern-most point of Madeira island. From here you can enjoy an amazing view of the Atlantic Ocean and the two islets nearby. The Desembarcadouro Islet is classified as a natural reserve, as is the peninsula. Additionally, all of the land and sea by the northern coast, up to a depth of 50 meters, is part of the European network of important community sites – “Natura 2000.” What a day! And what a scenery to enjoy and celebrate!

Meals: breakfast
Distance: 7 km / 4 mi, +500 m
Highlights: Desembarcadouro Islet & magnificent views
Overnight: Santa Cruz

Today, let’s go to Facho Pic (322 meters) and enjoy the northern coastal cliffs! Start the walk from your hotel at Machico and join a trail along Caniçal Levada. At this point, you’ll start to see the great view of tiny terraces where the island’s farmers cultivate the fertile Madeira soil. The path then ascends gently to the crest, Boca do Risco, and it is only here that you can find this stunning panoramic view of the northern cliffs. From Boca do Risco, the trail continues, etched into the cliff face and following the trail down until the town of Porto da Cruz. A final transfer (30 minutes) takes you to your hotel in Santana to rest.

Meals: breakfast
Distance: 17 km / 11 mi, +450 m
Highlights: Facho Pick, Boca do Risco panoramic views
Overnight: Santana

Morning transfer to Achada do Teixeira, where you will begin your hiking today. This energetic ridge walk begins just below Pico Ruivo, the highest summit of the island and the third highest of Portugal, heads west, high above the steeps, through the wooded slopes to the mountain pass at Encumeada. Marked by frequent climbs and descents, the trail winds along elevations between 1800 and 1000 meters, but it is worth it due to the extremely beautiful landscapes and types of ecosystem that await the traveler. The Central Mountainous Massif and the Laurissilva Forest are incredible! Return to the hotel by foot.

Meals: breakfast
Distance: 14 km / 9 mi, +600 m
Highlights: Pico Ruivo, Encumeada, beautiful landscapes
Overnight: São Vicente

After a morning transfer, start exploring Paúl da Serra plateau and follow the trail to visit several viewpoints, revealing beautiful landscapes, highlighting the view over the valley of Ribeira da Janela and Chão da Ribeira. The trail is located in an area of the Laurissilva forest classified as a World Natural Heritage by UNESCO and member of the European Network of Sites of Community importance – Nature 2000. Reaching the end of the hike, enjoy the magnificent area of Fanal, a small volcanic crater classified as a resting reserve of the Parque Natural of Madeira. The beauty of this area lies not only in the forest of Ocofeafoefens trees (Til), but also in the spectacular landscapes that several sightseeing spots along the way offer.

Meals: breakfast
Distance: 11 km / 7 mi, +200 / -500 m
Highlights: Paúl da Serra plateau, protected valleys & forest, Fanal crater
Overnight: Porto Moniz

Today you will be walking a route full of heritage, located in the west of Madeira island and linking the village of Prazeres to the picturesque village of Jardim do Mar. In the past, this trail was one of the few routes available for the population of Prazeres to access the coastline. Characterized by a height difference of approximately 500 meters, it is an opportunity to walk slowly and take your time absorbing the landscape of the coast and the land, filled with terraced farm plots and stone walls. Designated as a “municipal path,” this trail is a genuine historical heritage, bearing witness to the isolation of past generations and to the ingenious and difficult trails built by the people to overcome it. Before leaving for the hotel, be sure to explore Paúl do Mar, an old fishing village with a quaint church that sits right on the seashore.

Meals: breakfast
Distance: 7 km / 4 mi, +500 / -550 m
Highlights: heritage/municipal walking path, fishing village
Overnight: Arco da Calheta

After a 60 minute transfer to Funchal you will have the day off to enjoy the city! This is the most famous city of Madeira and people love to walk the streets of its cosmopolitan city center, look for its historical sites like the Cathedral or find the best ocean view spots; the opportunities are endless. Be sure to find the market and enjoy part of your day tasting the best gastronomy from the island; from meat skewers to banana cake or the traditional poncha drink, you will not be disappointed. Simply delicious!

Meals: breakfast
Highlights: Funchal exploration
Overnight: Funchal

Today it is your last day and it is time to pack up the good memories and say goodbye! Our guide will transfer you to the airport at 10:00 AM or according to your time schedule. Please let us know in advance if you would like to book additional nights in the area, or if you would like to add on another Pure Adventures tour!

Meals: breakfast