Walking in Madeira – 8 Day Tour
Walking in Madeira
- Fitness Level : Moderate
- Group: Group Tour Size (Max of 45 people per tour.)
- Suitable for: All age groups
- Duration : 5 or 8 Days
March 7th – 14th 2025
5- or 8-Day Walking Holiday on the Island of Madeira:
Cost depends on what type of room or length of stay you choose – Select Book Now to see options.
What’s included
• 4 or 7 nights Accom. Wonderful 4-star hotel
• 4 or 7 Breakfasts, wide choice to choose from
• Guided walks, Full Guided with local guides
• Transfers for walks, private Transfers for your walks
What’s not included
• Flights, you will need to arrange your own flights.
• Insurance, please have travel insurance
Rocamar and Sentido Hotels, Canico, Levada do Moinho , Rabacal, Risco, 25 waterfalls, Pico Do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo Larano (Boca do Rico), The Kings Levada, Cliffs of Moher, the Aran Islands, Doolin and The Burren.
Walking in Madeira – 8 Day Itinerary
When we arrive and booked into the hotel, we will have some time to explore Canico. The hotel has indoor and exterior pools, Sauna and Spa centre. You can enjoy a sea swim or just relax taking in the coastal view from the hotel. We will have a meal together in one of the many close by restaurants.
Moderate walk approx. 11km, elevation gain 110m, walking time approx. approx. 4.5hrs.
This is a wonderful walk on the south of the Island. The walk starts near the church of Porta do Sol at an elevation of 310m. The trail takes in Levadas do Moinho and Nova. Walking through a valley with spectacular terraces of both side that are used for farming in this region. The trail goes through tunnels as it makes it way up to the valley to the source of the Levada. There are spectacular flora, fauna and waterfalls along on this walk. It’s a great introduction walk to Madeira and its wonderful lush landscape.
Moderate walk approx. 11km, elevation gain 350m, walking time approx. 4hrs.
This is one of Madeira’s most epic walks and very popular bit there is a reason why it’s so popular. The trail travels through the valley of Rabacal.
Starting at the Rabacal guesthouse the walk brings you to the Risco Waterfall and you then descend to the Levada of the 25 waterfalls. When you reach a lake at the bottom of the cliff this is where 25 waterfalls cascade down into the lake. On our return we walk through an 800m tunnel which takes water to the south of the Island.
Moderate to difficult walk approx. 10km, elevation gain 314m, walking time approx. approx. 4+hrs. (If you suffer with Vertigo this walk may not suit you.)
This is probably the most popular walk on Madeira. There are many routes up Pico Ruivo do Paul da Serra (1861m), the highest mountain in Madeira. This is one of the most challenging (so be prepared). The route runs from Pico do Arieiro (Madeira’s third highest mountain, at 1818m) to Pico Ruivo. Near Pico Ruivo you will walk through one of the oldest heather forests in existence. When you reach the Pico Ruivo, the views are incredible all around you. We make our back to Achada do Teixeira where transport will bring you back.
Those on the 5 day trip say adeus to Madeira.
Those on the 8 day have a free day today.
Funchal being the capital city of Madeira has many things to visit and do. You could take the Cable car to the botanical or tropical gardens. Walk along its sea front, visit one of the many restaurants or small cafes.
Moderate walk approx. 11km, elevation gain 240m, walking time approx. 4+hrs. (The walk along the cliff edge is very well fenced)
I personally love this walk due to the incredible coastal views. The walk connects the town of Machico to Porto da Cruz. It was once the local route used by locals to transfer their goods from and to the port. The walk starts Pico do Facho and goes up to the viewpoint of Boca do Rico. The trail then follows along a wonderful cliff face as it makes its way towards Port do Cruz. The views along this section of the walk are breathtaking.
Once we arrive at Porto do Cruz there is time for a drink before making our way back to Canico.
Walk the Kings Levada (Hidden Corners) – easy walk approx. 12Km, elevation gain: 75m, walking time approx. 4hrs.
Since this will be our final walk on the Island, I decided that we should take things a little easy with a gentle walk on one of the Levadas. We will get a transfer to the beautiful valley of St George (Sao Jorge). This is one of the lushest valleys on the Island walking through Madeira’s rain forest. The trail follows the King’s Lavada deep into the woods and valley through a waterfall and up to a wonderful picnic area at the sources of the Levada. We return the way we came, where at the end you can a drink before returning back to Canico. You can choose to chill in Canico or do another activity.
Today we say goodbye to Madeira for now and make our homewards. We get an early transfer to the airport.
- 4 or 7 nights Accom. Wonderful 4-star hotel
- 4 or 7 Breakfasts, wide choice to choose from
- Guided walks, Full Guided with local guides
- Transfers for walks, private Transfers for your walks
- Airport Transfers for those on 8 day tour.
- Lunches.
- Evening Meals.
- Flights, you will need to arrange your own flights.
- Insurance, please have travel insurance.
- Rocamar and Sentido are very comfortable, modern and next door to each other.
- There is Free WiFi in all the accommodations we use.
- All the rooms are en-suite.
- Hotels have Pools and Spas.
- The accommodation we use are well used to us bringing them guests after a day’s walk and know that they somewhere comfortable to relax and freshen up.
Here’s a quick list of essentials to bring for your walk in Madeira:
- Waterproof jacket and trousers – The Island can be wet on the Northern side.
- Comfortable, sturdy walk boots – Trails can be uneven and wet, so good grip and support are essential.
- Layers of clothing – Dress in layers to adjust to changing temperatures, with a warm layer like a fleece.
- Backpack – A small, comfortable backpack for carrying essentials.
- Water bottle – Stay hydrated, especially on longer hikes.
- Snacks or packed lunch – Some hikes may not have food stops along the way.
- Sun protection – Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, as the sun can be strong even on cooler days.
- Camera or phone – Capture the stunning landscapes!
- Personal medication – If needed, bring any essential medications.
A deposit of 10% is required to secure your booking.
The balance of the cost of your tour / walk (including any applicable surcharge) is due not less than 6 weeks prior to scheduled departure. If we do not receive this balance in full and on time, we reserve the right to treat your booking as cancelled by you in which case we shall retain your deposit.
- Loss of deposit applies for cancellations made 6 weeks or more in advance.
- Cancellation fee of 40% applies for cancellations made less than 41 days in advance.
- Cancellation fee of 80% applies for cancellations made less than 4 weeks in advance.
- Cancellation fee of 100% applies for cancellations made less than 2 weeks in advance, or in case of no-show.
Tour Cost:
| Price: Depending on choice of room and length of stay. |
Deposit of 10% required when booking. |
Got a Question?
Do not hesitate to give us a call. We are an expert team and we are happy to talk to you.
17 Dodder Lawn, Dodder Valley Park, Firhouse Dublin 24, Ireland
Testimonials
WALKING TRIP IN SW IRELAND
Great walks, fabulous scenery, great accommodation and food, lovely people.
FAQs for Hilltoptreks' Walking Holiday in Madeira
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The walks on these tours are of a mixed level with the option on some days to shorten. All the walks are taken at a pace to suit the group. If the weather is too bad on a certain day to do the suggested walk, then the guide will suggest an alternative one. The Guide will have the final say on the day about the walk for the safety of the group.
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We choose our accommodation very carefully, it’s a mix of quality hotels. There is Free WIFI in all the accommodations we use. Pool and Spa areas in each hotel. All the rooms are en-suite. The accommodations we use are well used to us bringing them guests after a day’s walk and know that they somewhere comfortable to relax and freshen up.
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Breakfasts are included and there is a wide selection to choose from including a Full Irish, fruit, cereals etc. Lunches for the walks: We will visit some local shops to get supplies. Evening Meals: A known restaurant or Cafe will be suggested for evening meals in the places and towns you visit. There are many places in Madeira that accommodate both Vegan and Vegetarian diets.
