Itinerary
- Day 1
Arrival in Madeira
You'll get transferred to your hotel when you arrive in Madeira. Depending on what time you get in, there's time to take a casual walk along the beach promenade nearby and catch some fresh Atlantic air with nice coastal views.
Optional Activities
- Leisurely stroll along the nearby beach promenade
Landmarks Funchal - Day 2
Funchal
This morning you'll hike along the Levada de Serra irrigation canal with panoramic views looking out over Funchal. After that, head to the botanical garden to see old trees and different flower varieties. Later, you'll walk through Funchal's old city checking out palaces, mansions, churches and monasteries, then wander around the lively market hall. The day wraps up with a wine tasting at a local winery.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Hike along the Levada de Serra irrigation canal
- Visit to the botanical garden
- City tour of Funchal (palaces, mansions, churches, monasteries)
- Visit to the market hall of Funchal
- Tasting in the wine cellar
Landmarks Levada de Serra Botanical Garden of Funchal Funchal Market Hall - Day 3
Levada Hike
You'll do one of Madeira's popular hikes with great views and interesting cliff formations. Following the levada, you'll see how light filters between rocks, pass waterfalls, laurel trees and heather. In the second half, the terrain opens up across sunny pastures where you'll see mountains, valleys and villages along the distant north coast.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Hike following the levada with views of waterfalls, laurel trees and heather
- Hike across sunny pastures with views of mountains and northern coastal villages
Landmarks Madeira Levada Trails - Day 4
Funchal
Today's flexible. You can stay at your hotel and relax. Or if you want to get out, there's an optional hike along the Levada do Caníçal starting from Machico that goes through villages, gardens, vegetable terraces and banana trees, ending at the Boca do Risco viewpoint above Machico Bay before heading through acacia groves.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Optional excursion along the Levada do Caniçal from Machico
- Hike to viewpoint with views of Machico Bay
- Hike through acacia groves to Boca do Risco
Landmarks Levada do Caniçal Machico Boca do Risco Machico Bay - Day 5
Rabaçal
You'll cross the Pául da Serra plateau to hike toward the Levada do Risco where two waterfalls drop over 100 meters. Then you'll walk through the Levada das 25 Fontes valley with lots of trees, ferns and mosses, and go through an impressive tree heath tunnel before reaching the rock cauldron of 25 Fontes. On the way back to Funchal, there's a stop at a banana plantation in Madalena do Mar to see how the plants grow.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Hike to the Levada do Risco with waterfalls
- Hike along the Levada das 25 Fontes
- Visit to 25 Fontes rock cauldron
- Stop at banana plantation in Madalena do Mar
Landmarks Paúl da Serra Levada do Risco Levada das 25 Fontes 25 Fontes Madalena do Mar - Day 6
Pico Ruivo
Starting from Achada do Teixera, you'll hike an easy trail up to Pico Ruivo, Madeira's highest mountain at 1,861 meters. The path is well-maintained with slabs, steps and tunnels. If weather cooperates, you'll see panoramic views of Madeira and the nearby islands Porto Santo and Desertas. Mid-hike you'll have a lunch snack, explore the 50-meter Pico de Gato tunnel and see the eagle rock formation.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Lunch snack in the middle of nature)
Included Activities
- Hike to Pico Ruivo (1,861 metres)
- Passage through Pico de Gato tunnel
- Views of neighboring islands Porto Santo and Desertas
Landmarks Pico Ruivo Achada do Teixera Pico de Gato Eagle Rock - Day 7
Câmara de Lobos
You'll visit Cabo Girão, Europe's highest cliff, and look out over Câmara de Lobos, the south coast and ocean beyond. There's a hike through eucalyptus groves and terraced fields to Boa Morte with nice views of the former erosion basin Ribeira Brava. For lunch in Câmara de Lobos, you'll try the local specialty Espetada and have time to reflect on the trip.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Typical lunch: Espetada (island specialty)), Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit to Cabo Girão (Europe's highest cliff)
- Hike through eucalyptus groves and terraced fields
- Views of Ribeira Brava erosion basin
- Lunch of Espetada (island specialty) in Câmara de Lobos
Landmarks Cabo Girão Câmara de Lobos Boa Morte Ribeira Brava - Day 8
Departure from Madeira
Time to head out today. If your flight allows, grab a short walk before you go. After you get home, you could think about booking a relaxing beach vacation to wind down from all the hiking.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Short walk before departure (if time permits)
