Premium Walking & Hiking in Madeira

Duration

6 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Unknown

Physical Rating

Average

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Set off on a six-day Premium hiking adventure through Madeira’s dramatic coastlines, volcanic landscapes and lush forests.

Highlights

Experience Madeira's diverse landscape of beaches, green valleys and volcanic terrains.
Hike the coastal Vereda da Ponta de Sao Lourenco for incredible ocean views.
Kick off the hiking boots and enjoy that famous Madeira wine over lunch at a local winery with a view.
Hike along ancient aqueducts, scenic coastal paths and farmlands and take in ocean and mountain views on trails like 25 Fontes or Pico do Ruivo.
Relax in Madeira’s mild, tropical climate and enjoy the beautiful beaches, natural swimming pools and sandy shores – this is the perfect destination for year-round travel, with each season bringing something new.
Soothe tired hiking muscles in the picturesque natural volcanic rock pools of Porto Moniz.

Trip Details

Duration

6 days

Transportation

Private vehicle,on foot

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Funchal, Portugal

Finishes

Arco de Sao Jorge, Portugal

Accommodations

Unknown

Travel Style

Walking & Trekking

Physical Rating

Average

Itinerary

Day 1: Funchal

Ola! Welcome to Portugal. Your adventure begins in Funchal – the capital of the Madeira archipelago, renowned for its scenic harbour, lush gardens and historic wine cellars. When you arrive in Funchal, you’ll be met by a local representative and transferred to your feature stay hotel, before your welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, maybe wander through the traditional Mercado dos Lavradores farmers' market, visit the Funchal Cathedral, take a scenic cable car ride to Monte, relax in the Madeira Botanical Garden or - for those that love soccer - explore the life and career of Cristiano Ronaldo at the CR7 museum dedicated to the football star. After the meeting, enjoy a relaxed evening at a local restaurant, where you’ll get your first taste of Madeira’s cuisine while getting to know your expert tour leader and fellow travellers.

Included Activities:

Funchal - Welcome dinner and Poncha Aperitif
Funchal - Complementary Arrival transfer

Accommodation:

Pestana Quinta Perestrello Hotel (Feature Stay) or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 2: Funchal & Ponta de Sao Lourenco hike

After breakfast and a short drive it's time to lace up your hiking boots and head out on your first guided hike - and it's a special one! Often called The Dragon’s Tail, the Vereda da Ponta de Sao Lourenco is one of Madeira’s most scenic hikes. This loop trail winds along a narrow, rugged peninsula leading to the island’s easternmost point only accessible on foot. As you walk, take in dramatic cliffs, volcanic rock formations shaped by millions of years of erosion, and ocean views on both sides. Pause for a relaxing lunch before heading back to Funchal for the afternoon where you have ample free time to explore this historic town.

Included Activities:

Vereda da Ponta de Sao Lourenco Guided Hike

Accommodation:

Pestana Quinta Perestrello Hotel (Feature Stay) or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 3: 25 Fontes/Levada do Risco hikes, Porto Moniz & Arco de Sao Jorge

Start the day with a short drive to the west of the island to enjoy your second guided hike from Levada as you weave along the green edged tracks through laurel forest to the Risco Waterfall. Have your camera ready when you arrive to capture Risco Falls as it cascades over 100 m down the mountainside. This hike also passes by the 25 water springs that come down from Paul da Serra and give the 25 Fontes hike its name. After the hike enjoy a scenic picnic lunch before driving to the tiny coastal town of Porto Moniz at the very northern tip of the island. When you arrive set off on an orientation walk amongst the red roof buildings and - if the weather’s nice - take a refreshing dip and soothe your hiking muscles in the picturesque natural volcanic rock pools. In the late afternoon, travel to Arco de Sao Jorge and settle into your comfortable hotel, your home for the next three nights.

Included Activities:

25 Fontes & Levada do Risco Guided Hikes & picnic lunch
Porto Moniz - Orientation walk and rock swimming pools

Accommodation:

Pestana Quinta do Arco Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 4: Arco de Sao Jorge & Boaventura Coastal hike

Begin your day with a guided scenic coastal hike from the doorstep of your hotel to nearby Boaventura, taking in vast views of the Atlantic Ocean along the wooden walkways that hug the dramatic cliff faces of the north coast. This route winds along the coast and features plenty of ups and downs – but always with stunning views along the way. After, visit the local Quinta do Barbusano winery to learn about Madeira’s unique winemaking traditions, then indulge in a wine tasting of a few local drops. Sit down for a traditional lunch made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, all paired with regional wines. In the afternoon, return to the hotel to rest or choose an optional short hike to further explore the local area.

Included Activities:

Quinta do Barbusano winery visit with lunch and wine tasting
Arco Sao Jorge to Boaventura Guided Coastal Hike

Accommodation:

Pestana Quinta do Arco Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 5: Arco de Sao Jorge & Pico do Ruivo guided hike

Today, embark on the rewarding guided hike along the Vereda do Pico do Ruivo – at 1862m it is Madeira’s highest peak. While this is the most challenging hike on the trip with many stone stairs, it is also the most spectacular as you take in the mountain views and surrounding rock formations (often eerily covered by mist and clouds). The views alone make the hike worthwhile. After, maybe stop for lunch at a nearby cafe in Achada do Teixiera before visiting a local rum distillery in coastal Porto da Cruz for a tasting experience of the famed ‘Madeira brandy’. Next, stop in the small town of Santana for an orientation walk to explore its traditional houses before returning to your comfortable hotel in the evening to celebrate your journey with a farewell dinner with the group.

Included Activities:

Verada do Pico Ruivo guided hike
Farewell Dinner - Ardo de Sao Jorge
Santana orientation walk
Local Rum distillery and tasting

Accommodation:

Pestana Quinta do Arco Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 6: Arco de Sao Jorge

With no activities planned for today, your trip comes to an end after breakfast. If you’d like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time to arrange additional accommodation.

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
Recommended gratuities/tipping
Optional activities/tours
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.

Important Information

Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.

Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

AUD $5,695

(Tour only)

Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 6 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Average

Set off on a six-day Premium hiking adventure through Madeira’s dramatic coastlines, volcanic landscapes and lush forests.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 28 Jun 2026

View Map

Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989

Book Now