Hiking & Trekking Tours & Trips in Madeira
4.6 stars on(9,105 reviews)- Choose from 22 Madeira tours
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10 best hiking & trekking Madeira tours
Compiled by
MelissaMadeira travel expert at TourRadar
Best of Madeira in 5 Days: The Eternal Pearl of the Atlantic
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Nice to have the hotels, tours and airport transfers all arranged. Breakfast at the hotel was also lovely.”
Marlee, traveled in September
Moderate trails wind through Levada do Rabaçal to 25 Fontes waterfall and Pico do Areeiro's 1,818m peak. Local guides lead through UNESCO Laurissilva forest and coastal paths, with 4-star Funchal accommodation between hikes.
Duration 5 days Destinations Funchal, Santana, Camara de Lobos, Machico Age Range Ages 10+ Operated in English, Portuguese Physical Rating Moderate Distance 41 mi Operator Portugal Travel Center From
- NZ$1,489
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 All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German Physical Rating Moderate Distance 53 mi Operator Eurohike From
- NZ$1,890
Duration 8 days Destinations Porto da Cruz, Machico, Sao Vicente, Porto Moniz, Calheta, Funchal, Monte Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German Physical Rating Moderate Distance 53 mi Operator Eurohike From
- NZ$2,333
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 Ages 12+ Physical Rating Easy Distance 26 mi Operator Wildland Trekking From
- NZ$7,142
Duration 7 days Destinations Machico, Santana, Funchal Age Range Ages 16+ Operated in Only: German Physical Rating Relaxing Distance 15 mi Operator ASI Reisen From
- NZ$1,588
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 Ages 18+ Operated in Only: German Distance 91 mi Operator SKR Reisen From
- NZ$3,621Incl: Return flight (Frankfurt Intl Airport)
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$3,613
Duration 8 days Destinations Machico, Porto da Cruz, Santana, Sao Vicente, Porto Moniz Age Range Ages 16+ Operated in Only: German Distance 24 mi Operator ASI Reisen From
- NZ$1,809
Duration 8 days Destinations Santa Cruz, Funchal Age Range Ages 16+ Operated in Only: German Physical Rating Moderate Distance 7 mi Operator ASI Reisen From
- NZ$2,194
Porto da Cruz's coastal paths lead to Funchal's mountain routes through Madeira's finest trails. The 15km Boca do Risco trail and Königslevada cut through jungle-like terrain, with daily hikes ranging from 3-5 hours through UNESCO laurel forests.
Duration 8 days Destinations Porto, Porto da Cruz, Sao Vicente, Machico, Porto Moniz, Santana, Calheta, Funchal, Monte, Prazeres Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in Only: German Physical Rating Easy Distance 2329 mi Operator DERTOUR From
- NZ$1,995
What people love about Hiking & Trekking Tours in Madeira
- Walking in Madeira
I’m looking forward to booking with Explore again
- Hiking in Madeira
A great way to see Madeira and enjoy the beautiful hiking and scenery.
- 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.
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.