Walking the Island of Madeira

Walking the Island of Madeira

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4,097 Views
8 Days From

$1798

$1530

Walking the Island of Madeira

8 Days Starting in Machico and ending in Funchal

Visiting: Machico, Ponta de São Lourenço, Porto da Cruz, Queimadas Parking Lot, Fanal Forest, Madeira, Funchal, Pico do Arieiro and Pico Ruivo

Tour operator:

Exodus

Tour code:

TSD2

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

5 - 16

Physical rating:

Moderate

Age range:

18-99

Special diets catered:

Please inform Exodus

Trip Styles:

Adventure Tours, Walking Hiking and Trekking

Interests:

Cultural, History

Activities:

Sightseeing, Walking

From:
$1798
$1530 (USD) Operator discount: -$268 -15%

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on a captivating journey through the botanical paradise of Madeira on our "Walking the Island of Madeira" tour. This adventure invites you to explore the stunning landscapes of Madeira, from the majestic peaks of Pico Ruivo to the ancient, UNESCO-listed Fanal Forest. Stroll alongside the picturesque, flower-lined levadas offering breathtaking coastal views, and immerse yourself in the island's mild, year-round climate—perfect for walking enthusiasts. Our carefully curated itinerary includes visits to cultural and historical sites, ensuring a rich and immersive experience. Throughout your trek, enjoy comfortable stays in quality hotels, some boasting incredible coastal views, and savor local cuisine with included breakfasts and select dinners. Whether you're seeking adventure, natural beauty, or cultural insights, this tour promises an unforgettable experience in one of Portugal's most enchanting islands.

Highlights

  • Walk through the botanical paradise of Madeira

  • Stroll alongside flower-lined levadas with stunning coastal views

  • Discover spectacular mountain scenery, including Pico Ruivo, the highest peak on the island

  • Visit Unesco sites include the ancient Fanal Forest

  • Enjoy a mild year-round climate, perfect for walking

Itinerary

tourhub | Exodus | Walking the Island of Madeira | TSD2 | Route Map

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Day 1 : Start Machico

Location: Machico

Meals Included: None

We start at our hotel in Machico, which overlooks the beach of Machico Bay. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, in which we can discuss the adventures to come and you can ask any questions you may have.

Day 2 : Walk To The Easternmost Point Of The Island, Ponta De São Lourenço, A Rocky Peninsula With Ocean Views For Miles

Location: Ponta de São Lourenço

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today we walk the classic route along the Ponta de São Lourenço. Although challenging in parts, this path takes us through fantastic scenery as we admire wallflowers, stalwarts and many other tiny plants that resist the windy environment and grow in soils with high salinity levels. Rocks, sculptured by nature, have a great diversity of colours ranging from black to red, and are in stark contrast to the blue of the ocean. Park rangers watch over the plants and animals that belong to this eastern extremity of the island, around Casa do Sardinha. We return to our hotel in Machico in the afternoon, and there is free time to explore the village or relax at the beach.

Day 3 : Spectacular Walk Along The North Coast Path To The Village Of Porto Da Cruz

Location: Porto da Cruz

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning, we take the public bus and walk a scenic route along a cliff trail on the north coast. We set off along the little Levada do Caniçal, more modest and quieter than yesterday's path, then begin a gradual climb to the crest of the cliffs at Boca do Risco, where we enjoy amazing views along the north coast. We then head west along the coastal path: a spectacular route, in many places cut right into the cliff. We finally descend to Porto da Cruz, once a bustling port but now a sleepy, picturesque village. Time permitting (and if open), we have a short look around a factory that has been producing Madeira rum for several centuries. Later, we transfer to Santana for the night.

Day 4 : Transfer To Queimadas; Walk Along Levada Do Caldeirão Verde To The Remote Village Of Ilha

Location: Queimadas Parking Lot

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

After a quick stop to admire the thatched-roof houses of Santana, we take a short transfer inland to Queimadas Natural Park, where we walk along the Levada do Caldeirão Verde. This route has many waterfalls and we may need to pass under some to continue the path. We use our torches/flashlights to walk through tunnels carved into the mountains. We finish the walk with a descent into the village of Ilha before a transfer to the coastal town of Porto Moniz in the west of the island.

Day 5 : Vereda Do Fanal, The Ancient Forest Of Madeira

Location: Fanal Forest, Madeira

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Our walk today starts on the Paul da Serra plateau and ends at the Unesco World Natural Heritage site of Fanal Forest. We walk via open landscapes with fabulous views over the Ribeira da Janela and Chão da Ribeira valleys, and through the largest surviving area of laurisilva forest on the planet (believed to be 90 percent primary forest).We end the hike at the fairytale Fanal Forest, a small volcanic crater filled with twisted trees and often shrouded in mist. Many of the ocotea foetens trees here predate the founding of Madeira in 1419, and we take time to absorb the unique energy of the forest before returning to Porto Moniz.

Day 6 : Morning Transfer To Funchal; Free Day To Explore The City Or Join An Optional Whale-Watching Excursion

Location: Funchal

Meals Included: Breakfast

After a morning transfer (approximately one hour) via the mountainous interior, today is free for you to explore Funchal, the island capital and our base for the final two nights of the trip. The city is easily explored on foot and sites of interest include Sé Cathedral, built between 1493 and 1514, and the imposing statue of Madeira founder, João Gonçalves Zarco, on Avenida Arriaga.Alternatively, take the cable car to Monte Palace and Tropical Gardens to enjoy fascinating installations and magnificent views over the city, learn about the production of Madeira's ever-popular wine at Blandy's Wine Lodge, or join a whale-watching tour to spot some of the 28 whale and dolphin species that grace Madeira's waters throughout the year.

Day 7 : Early Departure For Pico Arieiro; Continue The Path To Pico Ruivo

Location: Pico do Arieiro and Pico Ruivo

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today we embark on the most strenuous walk of the trip. We depart early to reach the third highest mountain on the island, Pico Arieiro (5,965ft/1,818m), in time for sunrise, then continue to Pico Ruivo (6,109ft/1,862m), the highest peak, for more fantastic views. We finish by taking the 1.9mi (3km) path to Achado do Teixeira. The path has lots of ascents and descents along the way, but the memorable scenery is ample reward. At the end of the walk, we transfer back to Funchal.Please note: On occasion, the route to Pico Ruivo may be closed due to mudslides or inclement weather. Our guide will always try to offer another route up to Pico Ruivo, but if this is not possible, an alternative walk from Ribeiro Frio to Portela will be available. This route traverses native forest and offers wonderful coastal views.

Day 8 : End Funchal

Location: Funchal

Meals Included: Breakfast

The trip ends in Funchal after breakfast. Hop into your free transfer to the airport. Or, if you’d like a little longer on the island, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.

What's Included

  • All breakfasts and two dinners

  • All accommodation

  • All transport and listed activities

  • Tour leader throughout

  • Arrival and departure transfers for everyone

  • 30th December 2023 departure: special New Year's Eve dinner with transport to/from Funchal for spectacular fireworks

What's Not Included

  • Lunches and dinners not mentioned in Inclusions

  • Travel insurance

  • Single accommodation (available on request)

  • Visas or vaccinations

Food

Breakfast: All breakfasts are included and usually consist of coffee/tea, fruit juice, rolls or bread, butter and jam, cereal, ham and cheese.



Lunch (not included): The ingredients for lunch are usually bought at a nearby shop or supermarket each morning before taking the transfer/public bus to the start point of the walk. Premade sandwiches and snacks are available, or you may prefer to purchase bread rolls and freshly cut cheese/meat to create your own lunch.



Dinner: Two dinners are included while in Porto Moniz. For dinners not included, we aim to eat in a different restaurant each night. Scabbard fish is a local delicacy, along with espetadas (beef skewers). Typical Madeiran cuisine incorporates a lot of meat and fish with rather plainly cooked vegetables and boiled potatoes. There will generally be at least one vegetarian option on the menu, but vegetarians should be prepared to request an alternative dish if required.

Accommodation

Throughout the trek, we stay in good quality hotels, some right on the coast with amazing views. Below are the hotels we normally use:Machico: Hotel Dom Pedro (nights 1 & 2)The hotel has sweeping views over Machico Bay and offers a range of leisure amenities, including table tennis, a pool table, and an outdoor pool (open in good weather). There is a piano bar with occasional live music and coffee/cake is served throughout the day in the lounge area.Santana: Hotel O Colmo (night 3)In the heart of Santana, a traditional village in the north, this hotel has spacious rooms and an indoor pool. It also has a much-loved restaurant, which serves typical Madeiran and Portuguese cuisine (plus international) and attracts a local crowd from Funchal.Porto Moniz: Hotel Aqua Natura Bay (nights 4 & 5)The Hotel Agua Natura Bay has an enviable location with views over the natural swimming pools in town. Hotel amenities include a hot tub and sauna where you can rest your tired limbs, and we dine in the excellent hotel restaurants during our stay.Funchal: Hotel do Carmo,  Terrace Mar Suite Hotel or Pestana Casino Suites (nights 6 & 7)Hotel do Carmo has a quirky 1960s theme, with each room paying homage to a different star from the Swinging Sixties. There’s also a rooftop pool, along with a lovely outdoor terrace on the ground floor. The Terrace Mar Suite Hotel (pictured above) is a 43 all suite property with a heated rooftop pool and jacuzzi. The Pestana Casino Suites is a 5 minute walk to the centre of Funchal with an outdoor pool and access to the indoor and spa facilities of the neighbouring Pestana Casino Park Resort.

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Check out our Q&As

  • What meals are included in the tour?

    The tour includes all breakfasts and two dinners. Lunches and dinners not mentioned in the inclusions are excluded.

  • What kind of activities are included in the tour?

    The tour includes all transport and listed activities, with a tour leader throughout. Activities mainly involve walking and hiking through various scenic routes on the island of Madeira.

  • What type of accommodations can be expected on the tour?

    Throughout the trek, participants stay in good quality hotels, some right on the coast with amazing views. The hotels normally used include Hotel Dom Pedro in Machico for nights 1 & 2, Hotel O Colmo in Santana for night 3, Hotel Aqua Natura Bay in Porto Moniz for nights 4 & 5, and either Hotel do Carmo, Terrace Mar Suite Hotel, or Pestana Casino Suites in Funchal for nights 6 & 7.

  • What is the ending location of the tour?

    The tour ends in Funchal.

  • What are the highlights of the Walking the Island of Madeira tour?

    The highlights of the tour include walking through the botanical paradise of Madeira, strolling alongside flower-lined levadas with stunning coastal views, discovering spectacular mountain scenery including Pico Ruivo, the highest peak on the island, visiting UNESCO sites like the ancient Fanal Forest, and enjoying a mild year-round climate perfect for walking.

  • Are there any special meals included for specific departure dates?

    Yes, for the 30th December 2023 departure, there is a special New Year's Eve dinner included, with transport to/from Funchal for spectacular fireworks.

  • What are the exclusions of the tour?

    Exclusions include lunches and dinners not mentioned in inclusions, travel insurance, single accommodation (available on request), and visas or vaccinations.

  • What is the starting location of the tour?

    The tour starts in Machico.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Exodus has been trading since 1974

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.

Reviews from Travellers on this Tour

Spectacular walking and scenery

Excellent trip. We saw so much of the island.

Excellent trip. We saw so much of the island.

well-organised and relaxing walking trip

This holiday provided straightforward walking in e

This holiday provided straightforward walking in exceptional and sometimes unusual scenery in great company and with an experienced and characterful guide. It was exactly what we were looking for in a short break from the British winter. The accommodation was excellent and the whole trip was well organised, and good value. Everyone involved that we met (eg hotel staff, transfer vehicle drivers etc) were without exception helpful and friendly. We found the holiday relaxing and rewarding.

Thank you, Andre!

This was a great trip. Madeira is a stunning islan

This was a great trip. Madeira is a stunning island, with an abundance of natural beauty. We were very lucky to have sunny clear weather for the Pico Ruivo, and the views were well worth the at times tricky climb. The food and wine were lovely in Madeira!

Wonderful walks showing the beauty of Madeira!

What a wonderful way to experience the varied land

What a wonderful way to experience the varied landscape and unique plant life in Madeira! This was my first walking trip, and I was worried that I would get bored after a few days of walking, but what we saw each day was so different from the last! We did have one day of walking in the rain, but I think we got very lucky as the walk we did that day was covered for a lot of the way by trees and we were walking through some tunnels as well. The hotels were comfortable and lovely, but the one in Porto Moniz was beauuuuutiful!

Great trip. Amazing views.

This walking trip was a great way to spend a week.

This walking trip was a great way to spend a week. There’s a great variety of walks which meant each walking day was different and interesting. Staying at four different hotels across the week, we covered a lot of the island. We went at New Year and the weather was really mild, t-shirt weather during the day. The views were fantastic and it’s a lovely island. Highly recommended. Local food was great. A good balance of walking and some time to relax.

Trekking in Madeira

Lovely island, great guide and group. Really nice

Lovely island, great guide and group. Really nice hotels, lucky with the weather! However, the most interesting walks to the Eastern peninsula and the central mountains were very busy. Also, for me, the overall pace was rather slow and the distances covered could have been greater.

Excellent trip, booking was frustrating.

Andre was an attentive, highly knowledgeable and e

Andre was an attentive, highly knowledgeable and enthusiastic guide, it was a pleasure to walk with him. The itinerary had been changed before we arrived, and was adjusted during the trip to the weather. It included some stunning scenery, and unfortunately quite a bit of damp weather in the hills. I would say that we got the best of the island for the time of year. Regarding booking, I was a bit awkward in wanting to stay extra nights, which meant booking other flights via Exodus to maintain ATOL. Your process for doing this needs review, as it was unreasonably long winded and error prone. At one point, weeks after my initial calls, I was sent an invoice showing the wrong flights from the wrong airport, for considerably more money than we’d already agreed. I almost gave up at that point. That said, the trip itself was the usual Exodus pleasure, and I’m sure I’ll be joining you again soon.

not sure what you mean? review the name of the trip? Fine!

A varied selection of walks around the island. 3 o

A varied selection of walks around the island. 3 out of 4 hotels were excellent - the second one was a bit dark and cold. Length of walks were good - about 7 miles. Pace for me was a bit slow. One of the walks (high up near the tops) was frustrating as there was no view over the hedges. The replacement walk as the highest peak was closed was in fact my favourite (on the Friday)

Read all 8 reviews

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  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Exodus allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus, 43 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Exodus requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.