12 km and 800 m of elevation gain/loss (possible to turn back sooner if it is too much)












Highlights of Madeira
8 days / 7 nights
|
Starting point
Funchal
Finish point
Funchal
Season
From April to October
Technical level
3/5
Fitness level
2/5
Tour type
Center-Based


Starting point
Funchal
Finish point
Funchal
Season
From April to October
Technical level
3/5
Fitness level
2/5
Tour type
Center-Based
- 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
Itinerary of the trip
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What’s included in the price?
Self-guided
NOT INCLUDED
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
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
Ratings & Reviews

5.0 average rating






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.


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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.


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