Madeira Tours & Trips
4.6 stars on(9,002 reviews)- Choose from 50+ Madeira tours
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Table of contents
- The best Madeira tour packages
- What people love about Madeira Tours
- Travel Madeira your way
- Best tour companies for Madeira tours
- Popular Madeira Cruise Ships
- Madeira tours for every type of group
- Top Madeira travel itineraries to fit your plans
- Demographics
- Best time to visit Madeira
- Contact our Madeira travel experts
- What our customers ask about Madeira Tours & Trips
The best Madeira tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaMadeira travel expert at TourRadar
Walking in Madeira
160 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The hikes were very well planned and there was always a great view or waterfall. The leader was always making sure we were safe while being very enthusiastic and encouraging.”
Paul, traveled in June
The vintage-styled Hotel do Carmo in Funchal serves as your base. The spectacular Balcony Walk between Pico Arieiro and Ruivo awaits, along with Porto Moniz's volcanic pools and walks through UNESCO-protected Laurisilva Forest, while enjoying local cuisine and poncha tastings.
Duration 8 days Destinations Funchal, Santana, Porto da Cruz, Porto Moniz Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Explore! From $2,300
10% Off- NZ$2,070You save $230
Hiking in Madeira
18 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Madeira is a beautiful island. Climbing Pico Ruivo and Pico Areioro in one day was a challenge, but that's what made it memorable.”
Ghazala, traveled in December
The route takes you to Madeira's third-highest peak Pico do Arieiro (1,818m), along the stunning Larano Trail coastline, and through UNESCO Laurisilva rainforest. Six days of diverse hiking includes São Jorge's coastal paths and Paul da Serra levadas. Stay in Santana and Funchal with daily breakfast and expert CEO guidance.
Duration 6 days Destinations Santana, Funchal Age Range Ages 12+ Operator G Adventures From
10% Off- NZ$1,819
Island Hopping in Madeira & Porto Santo: From Volcanic Violence to Beach Mystery (from Porto to Porto Moniz)
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers
Duration 10 days Destinations Funchal, Santana, Porto Moniz, Ponta Do Sol, Porto Santo Age Range Ages 99+ Operator Journaway From $3,961
37% Off- NZ$2,515You save $1,447
Experience Madeira's finest from The Vine hotel in Funchal. Visit Monte Palace Gardens, trek through UNESCO-listed Laurissilva Forest, and explore Porto Santo island. Premium adventure includes wine tasting at Quinta do Barbusano and traditional dining experiences.
Duration 8 days Destinations Funchal, Monte, Santana, Machico, Porto da Cruz, Porto Santo, Porto Moniz, Caniçal Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From
37% Off- NZ$6,600
Duration 6 days Destinations Funchal, Monte, Porto, Porto Moniz, Porto da Cruz, Santana, São Jorge Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Premium From
37% Off- NZ$6,075
What people love about Madeira Tours
- Walking in Madeira
An excellent holiday despite some bad weather. The success of the holiday was down to jenny. Explore has uncovered a real gem of a guide. She worked to make the holiday successful for virtually every single waking hour. She was full of energy and had unbounded enthusiasm for her native Island. Botanist, ecologist, geologist, geographer, historian. Jenny, answered the wide range questions thrown at her and found out about anything she didn’t know.
- Hiking in Madeira
Great experience, beautiful hikes.
- Madeira Island Discovery
good introductory tour of Madeira
Travel Madeira your way
Madeira's levada network creates perfect conditions for varied hiking experiences across the island. The routes between Pico Ruivo and Pico Arieiro take you literally above the clouds at 1,862 meters, while gentler walks along the Levada do Alecrim lead to hidden waterfalls and quiet pools where you can cool off with a swim. Many of our tour customers tell us they loved starting early to catch the sunrise from Pico Arieiro before other visitors arrive. The UNESCO Laurel Forest walks are particularly special - our guides know exactly where to spot unique local species and share stories about this ancient forest's history. The coastal paths near Boca do Risco show you a different side of Madeira, with trails winding past terraced farms and small fishing communities. Our TourRadar travelers often mention how much they enjoy the variety - you'll walk both easy levada sections and more challenging mountain trails. Most tours include 5-6 days of actual hiking, covering 8 to 13 kilometers daily. What makes these routes particularly interesting is how they mix walking with local culture - you might stop at a traditional rum distillery in Porto da Cruz or browse through a local market between walks.
See all Hiking & Trekking toursWant to really get to know Madeira? Our explorer tours run 8 to 14 days and take you deep into the island's culture, starting right from Lisbon. You'll get your hands dirty making traditional tiles in Azeitão and taste your way through Porto da Cruz's historic rum facility. Our travelers love how these tours mix things up - one day you're walking coastal paths, the next you're discovering Obidos' medieval corners. We balance the famous spots like Jeronimos Monastery with local secrets such as traditional cork production. There's plenty of guided time but also free moments to explore at your own pace, perfect for photographing Cabo Girao's cliffs or spending extra time around Santana's distinctive triangular homes.
Select from our extensive range of 26 fully guided tours to enjoy a worry-free experience through Madeira with our expert guides leading the way.
Explore a wide diversity of self-guided tours through Madeira. We have 19 adventures that vary from 7 days to 15 days. With the greatest number of departures in October, this is also the most popular time of the year.
Best tour companies for Madeira tours
View operators
Popular Madeira Cruise Ships
Madeira tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Group
31 tours in MadeiraExplore a wide diversity of group tours through Madeira. We have 31 adventures that vary from 6 days to 15 days. With the greatest number of departures in March, this is also the most popular time of the year.
Small Group
11 tours in MadeiraMadeira's small-group tours balance scenic hikes with authentic cultural encounters. Travelers tell us the 8-14 day formats give them time to truly sync with island life, starting their days on ancient levada paths and spending afternoons discovering local traditions. The most sought-after routes take you up Pico Arieiro at 1,818m for sunrise, then wind down to coastal trails near Porto da Cruz, where groups pause at historic rum distilleries. What sets these journeys apart is their seamless blend of walking and tradition - you'll bake bread alongside locals in Santana, visit celebrated wine lodges, and take refreshing dips in Porto Moniz's volcanic pools. Our guides tailor daily walks of 8-13km to match group abilities, combining challenging mountain sections with gentler levada walks. Winter visitors appreciate the intimate atmosphere while watching Funchal's New Year fireworks from select locations, and spring guests enjoy ample space to capture the island's flowering landscapes. Having just a small group means everyone can linger in the Laurisilva Forest, or take extra moments photographing Santana's distinctive triangular houses.
Private / Personalized
19 tours in MadeiraPrivate tours give you total flexibility over 5 days while keeping expert guidance at hand. The program adapts to what interests you most - whether that's hiking, wine experiences or diving into local culture. Your dedicated driver-guide can adjust the timing and stops as you go. You'll visit family ceramic workshops and spend time at traditional quintas. Our travelers like how they can take extra time where it matters, maybe getting more photos at Pico do Arieiro or finding hidden spots in Funchal's old quarter. The routes thoughtfully cover both island coasts with plenty of chances to see local life away from the busy spots.
Top Madeira travel itineraries to fit your plans
Don't miss out on visiting:
Funchal, Pico do Arieiro Mountain, Monte, Santana, Achadas da Cruz, Porto Moniz
See all tours
Our 10-day Madeira tours hit that sweet spot between hiking and cultural discovery. You'll cover about 13km each day on well-marked paths, with enough elevation to keep things interesting but not overwhelming. The routes take you through the incredible Laurisilva forests (they're UNESCO-listed) and along centuries-old levadas. What our travelers really like is how the days unfold - morning walks through misty forests, afternoon visits to local poncha distilleries and plenty of time to explore spots like Porto Moniz's volcanic pools. We've built in free time too, so you can check out places like the Ethnographic Museum or traditional sugar cane mills at your own rhythm.
See all toursDemographics
Our 8-day hiking tours in Madeira blend active walks with plenty of cultural experiences, which works really well for solo travelers. They tell us they love how the days mix guided exploration with free time to do their own thing. The routes take you along those unique levada water channels and up to Pico do Arieiro at 1,818m – getting above the clouds for sunrise is something special. What makes these tours click for solo travelers is meeting other hikers while sharing local wine tastings, afternoon tea at Reid's and dinners in the narrow streets of Funchal's old town. The walking pace suits most fitness levels and our guides adapt the routes based on how everyone's feeling.
Portuguese connection tours draw young travelers to 8-day journeys starting in Porto, where urban exploration meets local culture. The days flow between discovering street art in Agueda and joining hands-on sessions at wine cellars and bustling markets. Moving to Madeira, travelers take on levada trails, glide up to Monte by cable car, and cool off in Porto Moniz's volcanic pools. There's a nice rhythm between guided activities and free time - mornings might be spent hiking coastal paths while afternoons let you wander through Funchal's old quarters at your own pace. Social moments weave naturally through the experience, with welcome dinners, wine tastings, and visits to traditional villages in Santana where travelers connect easily. The cycling version covers the island over the same 8 days, starting at seaside spots and moving through villages known for basket weaving before taking on spectacular coastal roads. Daily rides cover 9-12 kilometers with stops that add local flavor, like visits to working sugar cane mills and island distilleries, making it an adventure that balances physical activity with genuine cultural encounters.
Our longer 10-14 day tours combining mainland Portugal and Madeira really hit the mark with senior travelers. They appreciate how we plan proper time to settle into each spot, with carefully chosen hotels and private transfers throughout. The days mix easier walks along Madeira's levada channels with interesting cultural bits like traditional tile workshops and visits to the wine lodges. What makes these tours work so well is the rhythm - active mornings followed by relaxed afternoons browsing Funchal's markets or enjoying tea at historic hotels. While avoiding the steeper sections, we still get to all the key viewpoints and our guides always adjust the pace to what works for the group. For those interested in December travel, our New Year's departures include prime spots to watch Funchal's famous fireworks display.
Solo Travelers36 tours All tours for Solo Travelers- Couples25 tours
- Seniors (50+)12 tours All tours for Seniors
Best time to visit Madeira
- Fall / Autumn 2025
Autumn brings perfect walking weather with mild temperatures and good visibility. Our top-rated routes take you up to Pico Ruivo's summit then mix in easier levada walks so you experience both the mountains and valleys. The timing works well for wine enthusiasts too - our tours stop at local wine lodges during harvest season where you'll see how Madeira wine is made. São Lourenço Peninsula walks are particularly good now as the coastal plants turn golden. We've found mixing walks with local culture works really well - you might spend your morning in the Laurisilva Forest then visit Santana's traditional houses or learn to make Madeiran bread in a local kitchen. The folks who travel with Explore consistently mention how well-organized their tours are, and their guides really know their stuff inside out. Though TourRadar works as a booking platform, we've heard from quite a few travelers who ran into some hiccups with their reservations - which is why many people end up booking directly through operators like MB Travel instead. MB Travel has built up a solid reputation for getting the basics right: they're on time for pickups, choose good places to stay and start things off with really detailed orientation sessions. It's those little touches that make such a difference when you're just starting your trip. The picture isn't quite as rosy over at Headwater Travel UK though, particularly when it comes to meals. Several of their customers have mentioned the food wasn't up to par, which really matters since meals are often included in the package price. It's worth checking exactly what's covered in your meal plan before you book - sometimes paying a bit more upfront for better food options or having the flexibility to find your own restaurants works out better in the long run. This mix of feedback gives you a good sense of what to expect from each operator: some excel at logistics and local knowledge, while others might need to step up their game when it comes to certain aspects like food quality and booking processes.
- 18 tours
- 28 tours
- popular 30 tours
- Winter 2025 / 2026
Winter brings something different to Madeira with a mix of clear-day hikes and evening festivities. Our tours blend daytime mountain walks with local Christmas and New Year's celebrations that make evenings special. The levadas are at their best now - you'll see the water channels full and active as you walk alongside them. We've found our guests really enjoy staying at traditional quintas with their warm atmosphere, exploring Funchal's holiday markets and getting prime spots on hotel terraces for the firework displays. Some tours take you to unique seasonal events like midnight mass at the Sé Cathedral or the lively December 23rd market where locals come together for an all-night feast and celebration.
- December 2025 popular 23 tours
- 22 tours
- Spring 2026
Spring is when Madeira's trails really come alive and our hiking tours make the most of it. The eastern island walks consistently get top marks from our travelers - you get those clear views from Pico do Arieiro and might spot the native Madeira Firecrest birds along the coastal paths. The levada walks show off rich plant life this time of year, and you'll pass through farming areas where three daily harvests are happening. We've designed several tours that mix up the walking with cultural stops - you could spend your morning in the Laurisilva Forest and later visit Reid's Hotel to learn about when Churchill stayed there. After a good walk, Porto Moniz's natural pools are just right for cooling off.
- popular 26 tours
- April 2026 20 tours
- May 2026 20 tours
- Summer 2026
Summer tours work with the warm weather and calm ocean conditions. Our most popular trips combine morning levada walks with afternoon boat rides where you'll often see dolphins and whales out in the Atlantic. The Porto Moniz routes get great feedback since you can jump into the volcanic pools after walking. Some tours head up to higher ground like Paul da Serra plateau where it's cooler and you get long views across the island. Our customers really like how we schedule early morning hikes, leaving afternoons free for a swim at Funchal's lido or taking the cable car up to explore Monte's gardens.
- popular 20 tours
- 15 tours
Contact our Madeira travel experts
Alex
Expert in Madeira at TourRadar
Alex is one of our seasoned Madeira Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about Madeira tours answered!
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+64 4888 0182What our customers ask about Madeira Tours & Trips
What's So Special About Madeira's Levada Walks?
You'll discover these amazing ancient water channels carved right into the mountainsides that double as walking paths taking you deep into Madeira's most stunning landscapes. The engineering is pretty remarkable and the natural beauty just takes your breath away. Our guests absolutely love the Levada do Rabaçal especially when it leads them to these gorgeous 25 Fontes waterfalls and lagoons you can explore them on our "Best of Madeira in 5 Days" or "Madeir\"Levada\" Hiking Trails" tours.
How Do I Get to See Those Amazing Views from Madeira's Highest Points?
You can actually drive right up to Pico do Arieiro the island's third highest peak which makes for an incredible sunrise spot. If you're up for a challenge you can hike from there to Pico Ruivo the highest point where you'll get these incredible panoramic views of the whole island. It's a bit demanding but totally worth it and we include it in our "Hiking in Madeira" tour.