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Highlights of Madeira

8 days / 7 nights

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Discover the stunning Caldeirão Verde waterfall, dramatic Ponta de São Lourenço, and lush Laurisilva forest along the enchanting Levadas of Madeira.

Starting point

Funchal

Finish point

Funchal

Season

From April to October

Technical level

3/5

Fitness level

2/5

Tour type

Center-Based

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  • Witness the mesmerizing Caldeirão Verde waterfall
  • Experience Ponta de São Lourenço’s dramatic cliffs and arid landscapes
  • Reach Pico Ruivo, Madeira’s highest peak
  • Discover the dense, unique, and UNESCO-protected Laurisilva forest
  • Traverse tunnels and cascades along the Levada do Caldeirão Verde walk
  • Enjoy the freedom of a completely independent self-drive holiday

What’s included in the price?

Self-guided

7 nights in 3-star hotels with breakfast
Digital guidebook with itinerary, route instructions, and practical information
GPS navigation with an easy-to-use app
Tour design and organization
Service and support during your hike

NOT INCLUDED

Tourist tax

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

Luggage transfer
Transfers to/from start/finish points

What to bring to the tour

  • Hiking shoes/boots
  • 25 to 35-liter backpack
  • Base layer
  • Sports T-shirts
  • Hiking shorts
  • Hiking water-repellent pants
  • Waterproof jacket
  • Midlayer
  • Sports socks and underwear
  • Leisurewear for evenings
  • Shade hat/cap
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses
  • Hiking poles
  • ID card or passport
  • Snacks
  • Cash
  • Water bottles or hydration pack
  • Toiletries

Lose yourself in the mesmerizing allure of Madeira on this unforgettable walking adventure, where you'll traverse awe-inspiring Levadas, rugged cliffs, and verdant laurel forests. As you explore it at your own pace, you can revel in the island's diverse natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and fascinating history.

Discover hidden gems like the breathtaking Caldeirão Verde waterfall, nestled within the lush green tunnel of laurel and heather forests.

Experience the dramatic landscapes of Ponta de São Lourenço, with its arid terrain and steep cliffs that give you the feeling of walking on the edge of the world.

Ascend to the island's highest peak, Pico Ruivo, along the undulating Vereda do Areeiro, and soak in the panoramic vistas from above the clouds.

As you take on this self-guided adventure, we'll ensure a seamless and stress-free experience by providing you with a personalized handout that includes a day-by-day itinerary, GPS navigation, and insider tips for making the most of your Madeira adventure.

We also take care of all the details, like accommodation bookings, car rental arrangements, and provide round-the-clock support, so you can focus on creating unforgettable memories without worrying about getting lost or choosing the wrong hike for your abilities.

For those who desire a more intimate and immersive experience, we can arrange for a local guide to accompany you, sharing their passion and knowledge of Madeira's unique landscapes and culture.

So, are you ready to lace up your hiking boots and let Madeira's breathtaking landscapes cast their spell on you? But be warned – Madeira's charm might make you want to stay forever!

Frequently Asked Questions

Our walking holidays try to accommodate a wide range of hikers while preserving the overall quality. We try to keep the stages as undemanding as possible, but you have to understand that, on Madeira, some of the highlights are slightly secluded, and they require a certain amount of effort to reach. You should be used to walking for up to 6 hours on certain days while overcoming nearly 800 meters of elevation.

Nevertheless, most of the hikes return the same way, so you can always turn around sooner than planned if you feel you will not make it back comfortably. And the trails themselves are not technically demanding as you are walking upon well-beaten tracks along Levadas and Veredas. You must have a head for heights for some of these hikes, as some sections can be exposed. They are well-secured, but you should not underestimate them if you are at risk of vertigo.

Most of these hikes can be done with children if they are used to walking and heights. We wouldn’t advise them to be younger than ten years, but you should judge whether they are capable of hiking for multiple hours.

Proper footwear is crucial for our walking tours. We recommend wearing sturdy hiking shoes with ankle support for all our hikes. Even though the paths are mostly beaten or even paved, such shoes come in handy when you are tired or it gets wet. Wearing sneakers can be dangerous, especially if you are not accustomed to hiking on such surfaces, as they do not offer enough protection and support. Robust shoes also provide the necessary support when your legs get tired during long hikes.

We strongly recommend booking in advance to secure your spot, as this will increase your chances of getting your preferred options. If you wait until the start or during the season, we may not be able to guarantee availability in the hotels and apartments. Therefore, it’s best to make your reservations as soon as possible to avoid any inconvenience. Madeira is a popular tourist spot, after all, and the accommodations get booked fast.

Please note that during the hiking season, accommodations in the destinations of our walking tours are in high demand. Thus, it is essential to book early to secure your preferred type of housing. However, we want to assure you that we will always strive to provide you with the most suitable lodging based on your preferences. You can rest assured that we will do everything in our power to ensure your stay is comfortable and enjoyable.

Our tours are well-planned, and all the destinations are easily reachable and straightforward to navigate. Therefore, it’s unlikely that you’ll need a guide. Our detailed handout will provide all the necessary information while allowing you the flexibility of a self-guided vacation.

However, if you would like to have a guide, please inform us, and we will make the appropriate arrangements for you.

Most of the accommodations offer vegan and vegetarian meal options, and we can arrange either for you after you let us know through our inquiry form. Similarly, you won’t face many issues finding restaurants with such options as Madeira offers a variety of different dining places.

While people tend to visit Madeira during summer, such a time is not the optimal choice for hiking and walking. The temperatures are high, and the sun is beating down on you tirelessly. If you are visiting in summer, you can rather visit the island’s magical beaches and soak in the refreshing Atlantic Ocean.

The best time for a walking holiday in Madeira is generally between April and May and between September and October, as the weather is mild and pleasant during these months. Spring (April-May) offers beautiful blooming flowers, while autumn (September-October) presents a vibrant display of foliage. However, Madeira boasts a mild subtropical climate year-round, making it a suitable destination for walking holidays even during winter, although you may encounter more rainfall and cooler temperatures. Ultimately, the choice depends on your personal preferences and desired walking conditions.

Ratings & Reviews

Google Reviews

5.0 average rating

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David Boddy

Verified customer · about 1 month ago

We had an incredible time on the 5 day hut to hut hike in Croatia. The views were perfect, the accommodation much nicer than we imagined and we had a fantastic support guide - Ivan - who was very friendly and made the whole trip possible. We were also able to go to the beach most days after we finished our hiking and everything was very flexible. I would highly recommend this to anyone.

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Megan Duggan

Verified customer · about 2 months ago

We had an incredible trek! The itinerary was exactly what we wanted, communication was excellent with the company. They were so helpful throughout the planning process and when we were in country. Slovenia exceeded our expectations. We can't recommend them enough!

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Chris Johnson

Verified customer · 2 months ago

Tour was very well organised with lots of information to help guide us through the holiday. All the accommodation was great. Particularly liked the self catering Glamping Mountain Fairytale and the Berghi Hotel. Food at the Hotel Starkl restaurant was great as well. The route took us through a beautiful part of the country on quiet roads and cycle paths. The cycle paths are much better than in the UK and I would also like to say that Slovenian car drivers are much more patient and tolerant than many drivers in the UK. Beautiful country. Really enjoyed it.

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Valerija Bencak

Verified customer · 3 months ago

Walking in the Bernese Oberland felt like a dream. The trails were incredibly scenic, with views of snow-capped peaks, turquoise lakes, and picturesque Swiss villages. The accommodations were comfortable and ideally located, making it easy to explore the surrounding area. Lan was wonderful in helping me plan my days and ensuring I had everything I needed. Switzerland’s natural beauty is unmatched, and this trip was the perfect way to experience it on foot.

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Ilma Durmic

Verified customer · 3 months ago

My walking holiday in Chamonix and the French Alps was unforgettable. Each day brought stunning views of towering peaks, alpine meadows, and glacial streams. The routes were well-marked and varied in difficulty, making it easy to tailor the days to my pace. The accommodations were charming and perfectly situated for breathtaking morning views. Lan was so helpful in suggesting how to make the most of my time in the region, and their support made the whole trip seamless. If you love mountains and fresh air, this trip is a must!

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Jan Šilec (Jan Silec)

Verified customer · 3 months ago

Walking the GR10 was an incredible way to experience the Pyrenees. Each day brought something different—lush valleys, high mountain passes, and charming villages. The huts provided a warm bed, great meals, and a chance to meet fellow hikers. The clear itinerary and support from Hut to Hut Hiking Europe made it easy to focus on enjoying the trail. I’d recommend this hike to anyone looking for a multi-day trek with lots of variety.

All available guidance options

Join a Group

For solo hikers or hikers who wish to meet other like-minded souls, and don’t want to stress about tour-planning and other annoying details. We’re going to find you a group of like-minded outdoor enthusiasts and take care of all the other details. The tour will be led by our guide, who’ll make sure everything runs smoothly, ensuring maximum hiking enjoyment.

Private Guided Group

Experience the great outdoors on a private guided tour tailored just for your group. It’s for those who want a hassle-free adventure and enjoy the flexibility of a small private group and not stress about the details of everyday planning. The guide will be fully at your disposal to make this experience as personalized as possible, maximizing enjoyment during and after the tour.

Self-guided

Those who like a good adventure and limitless flexibility should go on a self-guided tour. We prepare the itinerary and book your accommodations while you enjoy the journey without our guide, being fully in charge of all the daily decisions. While you’ll have the full support of our team in case of any emergencies or concerns, a certain level of self-reliance is required.

Hassle-Free

Hassle-Free

We handle route planning, accommodations, transfers, and anything else you prefer not to deal with, so you can enjoy a carefree hike.

Tried & Tested Adventures

Tried & Tested Adventures

Only the best hiking adventures in Portugal, cherry-picked by our local team with an in-depth knowledge of the region.

Book With Confidence

Book With Confidence

We are a financially protected company, fully bonded and insured, keeping your money safe and allowing you to travel with confidence.

Unbeatable Support

Unbeatable Support

Our 24/7 customer support is where we show our passion, bringing you a better experience by making your well-being our number one priority.

from 985 € /person
We help you discover every magical corner of the most breathtaking island in the Atlantic on our guided or self-guided walking holidays in Madeira.

Have questions? Talk to us.

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Samo Korelec
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