Hiking & Trekking Tours & Trips in Madeira
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10 best hiking & trekking Madeira tours
Compiled by
MelissaMadeira travel expert at TourRadar
- Walking in Madeira (Christmas)
- Madeira Island Hiking Adventure
- Around Madeira
- Around Madeira with Charm
- Walking in Madeira (New Year)
- Hiking Madeira
- Madeira: "Levada" Hiking Trails (Self-guided Tour; Extended Program)
- Madeira: "Levada" Hiking Trails (Self-guided Tour)
- Madeira - levadas, laurel, Lava rocks
- Madeira: Hiking & Culture
Walking in Madeira (Christmas)
159 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Very enjoyable, well organised and nothing was a problem for him. It was a great trip.”
Valerie, traveled in December
The iconic Balcony Walk connects Pico Arieiro (1,818m) and Pico Ruivo (1,862m), Madeira's highest peak. A 12km path along Levada do Alecrim winds through Rabaçal Valley to Lagoa do Vento waterfall. Coastal paths on Vereda do Larano offer dramatic Atlantic views.
Duration 8 days Destinations Santana, Porto Moniz, Rabacal, Paul do Mar, Prazeres, Faja Da Ovelha, Funchal, Pico do Arieiro Mountain Age Range 16 to 85 year olds Distance 63 mi Operator Explore! From
- NZ$2,200
Madeira's remarkable paths lead from Dragon's Tail peninsula to Pico Ruivo summit at 6,106 feet. The route covers dramatic coastal trails, ancient levadas, and UNESCO Laurel forests while spanning 4-7.5 miles daily with elevation gains up to 2,625 feet.
Duration 8 days Destinations Madeira Island, Machico, Caniçal, Porto da Cruz Age Range up to 80 year olds Physical Rating Easy Distance 26 mi Operator Wildland Trekking From
- NZ$6,814
Around Madeira
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Very well organized. The instructions were clear and our driver helped us a lot with finding places to see and things to do.”
Nicole, traveled in April
UNESCO laurel forests and Paul da Serra plateau showcase Madeira's diverse landscapes. Daily hikes cover 10-17km with elevation gains up to 550m, including Levada do Rei and Levada Nova trails. Selected hotels serve as bases while discovering the island's unique ecosystems.
Duration 8 days Destinations Porto da Cruz, Machico, Sao Vicente, Porto Moniz, Calheta, Funchal, Monte Age Range 2 to 80 year olds Operated in English, German Physical Rating Moderate Distance 53 mi Operator Eurohike From
- NZ$1,815
Duration 8 days Destinations Porto da Cruz, Machico, Sao Vicente, Porto Moniz, Calheta, Funchal, Monte Age Range up to 99 year olds Operated in English, German Physical Rating Moderate Distance 53 mi Operator Eurohike From
- NZ$2,240
Historic levadas guide you to Lagoa do Vento waterfall and through UNESCO Laurisilva Forest. The famous Balcony Walk connects Pico Arieiro (1,818m) and Pico Ruivo (1,862m), Madeira's highest peak. Coastal paths from Boca do Risco to Porto da Cruz reveal dramatic cliff-top views.
Duration 8 days Destinations Santana, Porto Moniz, Paul do Mar, Prazeres, Faja Da Ovelha, Funchal, Pico do Arieiro Mountain, Achada de Texeira Age Range 16 to 85 year olds Distance 63 mi Operator Explore! From
- NZ$2,640
Diverse landscapes unfold from the scenic Levada do Caniçal to the spectacular 25 waterfalls trail. Pico Ruivo offers panoramic Atlantic views, while Quinta Grande presents rural paths. Guided hikes lead to Machico Valley and Funchal's botanical gardens, with traditional Espetada lunch breaks.
Duration 8 days Destinations Caniço, Funchal, Caniçal, Machico, Porto Santo, Ribeira Brava Operated in Only: German Physical Rating Easy Distance 105 mi Operator Gebeco From
- NZ$3,469
Madeira: "Levada" Hiking Trails (Self-guided Tour; Extended Program)
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The trails along the ancient irrigation channels and through the cloud forests of Madeira were simply stunning.”
Terence, traveled in June
Spectacular trails lead from Boca da Corrida to Pico Grande (1654m). Paths along Levada do Furao, ascent to Pico Ruivo (1862m), and Paul da Serra plateau offer diverse terrain. Daily hikes extend up to 17km with elevation gains reaching 840m.
No departure dates availableDuration 10 days Destinations Funchal, Machico, Porto da Cruz, Santana, Paul do Mar Age Range 8 to 75 year olds Physical Rating Moderate Distance 55 mi Operator Traventuria Madeira: "Levada" Hiking Trails (Self-guided Tour)
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Madeira is such a beautiful and diverse island! And the hikes along the levadas were great too.”
John, traveled in April
Ancient forest paths connect Ribeiro Frio to Pico Ruivo's 1862m summit. The spectacular Boca do Risco balconies rise 300m above the ocean, leading to Caldeiro Verde's emerald pools. Detailed GPS tracks and daily luggage transfers enhance the experience.
No departure dates availableDuration 8 days Destinations Funchal, Machico, Porto da Cruz Age Range 8 to 80 year olds Physical Rating Moderate Distance 20 mi Operator Traventuria 
Challenging routes stretch from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo, Madeira's highest peak, alongside the dramatic Cabo São Lourenço peninsula. Ancient levada water channels weave through laurel forests, while Pico Grande provides panoramic Atlantic views. The 10-day itinerary features scenic walks along Boca do Risco and Levada Norte.
No departure dates availableDuration 10 days Destinations Funchal, Machico, Porto Santo, Porto da Cruz, Pico do Arieiro Mountain, Sao Vicente Operated in Only: German Physical Rating Easy Distance 96 mi Operator Gebeco 
Five distinct Madeiran trails include the 13km Caldeirão Verde route through UNESCO Laurisilva forest. Rocky paths traverse São Lourenço's peninsula and Paúl da Serra's 1,400m plateau, while expert guides reveal hidden waterfalls and dramatic coastal viewpoints.
Duration 10 days Destinations Funchal, Ribeira Brava, Porto Moniz, Sao Vicente, Machico, Santana, Camara de Lobos, Curral das Freiras Age Range up to 85 year olds Operated in Only: German Distance 91 mi Operator SKR Reisen From
- NZ$3,477Incl: Return flight (Frankfurt Intl Airport)
What people love about Hiking & Trekking Tours in Madeira
- Walking in Madeira (Christmas)
The Explore tour itself was wonderful: a great guide, a lovely bunch of fellow travellers, a variety of walks/hikes, plus the added bonus of the Christmas lights and festivities. I was not happy however with the service by Tourradar who failed to book two extra nights I had requested: in future I will aim to work directly with the tour provider rather than an intermediary.
- Around Madeira
Well organized, no hiccups, beautiful scenery, good exercise (!), great hotels. I've enjoyed the trip quite a lot, there's nothing much to add here, really. One minor thing is that there was a bus pickup location specified towards the end of one of the hikes, it would've been nice to get picked up given you're in unfamiliar territory rather than fumbling your way around and hoping you get on the right bus and go where you're supposed to.
- Madeira: "Levada" Hiking Trails (Self-guided Tour; Extended Program)
We booked a tour in Madeira with Traventuria. The trails along the ancient irrigation channels and through the cloud forests of Madeira were simply stunning. The flowers were in full bloom. And the vistas from Pico Ruivo above the clouds will be something we will remember forever. The choice of hotels was great. All transfers were on time and the navigation materials we were given never let us down. Definitely one of the best tours we have booked in the past years.
What our customers ask about Hiking & Trekking Tours & Trips in Madeira
How long are the daily hiking distances on Madeira tours?
Daily hikes on Madeira span between 8 and 17 kilometers with various difficulty levels. The Levada do Norte path stretches about 15 kilometers with steady climbs while the Monte circular route provides a gentler 8-kilometer walk. For those seeking more rigorous paths the north coast trails between São Jorge and Santana reach 14 kilometers. A TourRadar traveler shared "Each day's walking brought new challenges and incredible views." Many tours use central hotels like the Savoy Saccharum in Calheta as a base letting hikers choose their preferred daily distances.
What types of accommodation can I expect on Madeira hiking tours?
The lodging options blend traditional Madeiran hospitality with modern comfort. Quinta do Furao in Santana offers rooms overlooking the Atlantic while Porto Bay Serra Golf provides upscale amenities in Santo da Serra. A TourRadar traveler noted "The accommodation was excellent rooms were spacious and clean perfectly located for accessing trails." Tours typically mix 3-4 star hotels with occasional stays in authentic Madeiran houses giving visitors a true sense of local life.
What is the best time of year for hiking in Madeira?
April through October presents the most reliable weather for hiking in Madeira. The northern coastal paths from São Jorge to Santana work best during summer months (June-August) when rain is less frequent. Southern levada walks near Funchal remain accessible throughout the year. Spring brings colorful wildflowers along routes like the Levada do Norte. A TourRadar traveler noted "I experienced Madeira in such a beautiful manner because of the perfect weather conditions." The Quinta do Furao in Santana serves as an excellent base for exploring seasonal trails.
What should I pack for a multi-day hiking tour in Madeira?
The hiking essentials include waterproof boots rain gear layered moisture-wicking clothing sun protection and a headlamp for navigating levada tunnels. Hotels like Pestana Casino Studios in Funchal and Hotel Do Carmo provide ample storage for gear. A TourRadar traveler advises: "Layer clothing as temperatures vary significantly between coast and mountains. Also bring walking poles for steep descents and a good torch for the levada tunnels."
What wildlife and vegetation can I expect to see while hiking in Madeira?
The trails weave through varied landscapes from the UNESCO-listed Laurisilva forests to coastal areas. Hikers often spot local birds like the Madeiran firecrest and native plants including Pride of Madeira flowers. One TourRadar traveler described "The Laurisilva forest was magical with its unique biodiversity and subtropical atmosphere." Paths near Hotel Aqua Natura in Porto Moniz present frequent opportunities for wildlife viewing.
How physically demanding are Madeira's hiking tours?
The difficulty levels range from leisurely walks to challenging treks. Levada routes around Funchal take 3-4 hours with 150-350m elevation changes suitable for average fitness levels. The more demanding Pico do Arieiro trek involves 850m elevation gain over 6-7 hours. One TourRadar traveler noted "While levadas are flat getting to and from them requires a good deal of effort." Tours include rest periods at hotels like Porto Bay Serra Golf letting hikers recover between active days.