Walking in Madeira

8 days
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Small Group Tour
Discover the Pearl of the Atlantic on our week-long walking tour in Madeira. It might be small, but this volcanic island is bursting with beauty, from its unique geological formations to its breathtaking coastlines and, not forgetting its time-old traditions. Take in the landscapes, walking along cliff tops to the Ponta da Sao Lourenco and past alluring water...
$182 OFF
$1,562
From$1,380
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate

Highlights

    • One-week holiday traversing Madeira Island on foot
    • Follow the levadas as they meander along the southern slopes
    • Enjoy swimming in natural rock pools in Porto Moniz

What's this trip about?

    Discover the Pearl of the Atlantic on our week-long walking tour in Madeira. It might be small, but this volcanic island is bursting with beauty, from its unique geological formations to its breathtaking coastlines and, not forgetting its time-old traditions. Take in the landscapes, walking along cliff tops to the Ponta da Sao Lourenco and past alluring waterfalls, then, at the end of the day, get acquainted with local life, sipping Madeiran wine in quaint, local towns and villages. Levada Paths - See Madeira's beauty at its best on several picturesque walks alongside the island's unique irrigation channels. The Balcony Walk - Take in the spectacular mountain views along this famous path between the peaks of Arieiro and Ruivo. Funchal - Explore the laid-back capital with its beautiful gardens, historic buildings, and colourful farmers' market. Christmas and New Year Departures - Get into the swing of the festive season with Christmas markets, midnight mass and Funchal's epic fireworks.

Details

Itinerary focusOff the Beaten Path
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 20 people
Age range16 to 85 years
Flights and transport
Start CityFunchal
End CityFunchal

Travel Themes

  • Trekking & Expeditions

Attractions

  • Lisbon
  • Moni
  • Pico
  • Porto

Activities

  • Trekking

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 20

Itinerary

Day 1 Join trip in Santana

Our tour begins today in Santana on Madeira's north coast. The beautiful village is home to the famous 'Bordado da Madeira' embroidery and traditional thatched, A-frame houses known as 'palheiros'. For those arriving in time, your Tour Leader will meet you in the h...

Day 2 Scenic coastal walk along the Vereda do Larano to Porto da Cruz

This morning, we'll drive to the starting point of today's walk via peaceful agricultural land where the rich soil yields up to three crops per year. We'll follow a levada (Madeira's unique irrigation canals), weaving through a rural landscape where fruits and vegetab...

Day 3 Walk through UNESCO-listed Laurisilva Forest to Faja do Penedo

This morning, we'll drive up to Boaventura, a hamlet of houses perched on the hillside at the top of the valley. Our trail kicks off with almost 200 metres/656 feet of incline, but the rest of the way is relatively flat, taking us from the top of the valley and windin...

Day 4 Hike Levada do Alecrim from Rabaçal to Risco Waterfall

Today's walk starts at Rabaçal, from where we'll follow the Levada do Alecrim (rosemary), one of the most beautiful levadas in Madeira. Along the trail, we'll spot several species of flora that are endemic to Madeira and take in the views down into the Rabaçal and Rib...

Day 5 Visit the westernmost tip of the island and levada Nova Valley walk

Today, we'll drive to the south coast, making a stop at Ponta do Vigia, the westernmost tip of the island. The lighthouse here stands on the cliffs 300 metres/984 feet above the waves. Built in 1922, it houses a small museum containing an exhibit about the lighthouses...

Day 6 Explore the streets of Funchal. Free afternoon, optional wine tasting and whale watching

This morning there will be the option to get to know Funchal with a guided, hour-long orientation walk with our tour leader. Alternatively, you can explore the old town at your own pace. Take the opportunity to discover the narrow, cobbled lanes as you pass by ren...

Day 7 Walk to Pico de Ruivo, Madeira's highest point

Today's walk starts at Pico Arieiro (1,818 metres/5,965 feet). From here, we'll follow the trail to the summit of Pico Ruivo (1,862 metres/6,109 feet), Madeira's highest point. Our route takes us along part of Madeira's famous Balcony Walk and passes through several t...

Day 8 Trip ends in Funchal

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Funchal. There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart from Funchal at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you'd like an air...

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Dates & Availability

Price From $1,380
Price per day$173
Last Updated: 3/14/2025
Departure Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Single Room (Optional)
Availability
22 Mar 2025
29 Mar 2025
$1,800
$400
29 Mar 2025
05 Apr 2025
$1,730
$400
05 Apr 2025
12 Apr 2025
$1,660
$440
12 Apr 2025
19 Apr 2025
$1,660
$440
19 Apr 2025
26 Apr 2025
$1,660
$440
10 May 2025
17 May 2025
$1,730
$440
17 May 2025
24 May 2025
$1,730
$440
24 May 2025
31 May 2025
$1,660
$440
31 May 2025
07 Jun 2025
$1,660
$440
07 Jun 2025
14 Jun 2025
$1,800
$440

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Explore! Reviews & Ratings

4.6/5  Excellent
Excellent
10,321
Great
3,322
Average
522
Disappointing
158
Terrible
79
T

Trusted Customer

Mar 2025

Written on

Walking in Madeira

The weather in Madeira can be variable in the Spring but overall a nice week with a good tour leader. The accomodation varied a bit but at least it was at most thre...

M

Mel

Mar 2025

Written on

Walking in Madeira

Great tour - everything was well organised but offered enough flexibility for people wanting to do their own thing in the evenings after the guided tours. Most of th...

T

Trusted Customer

Mar 2025

Written on

Walking in Madeira

This trip was one of the highlights of my life. The group, leader, itinerary...

J

Janick

Mar 2025

Written on

Walking in Madeira

Madeira is the ideal place in Europe to enjoy sunshine during the winter months. What's more, you can walk for hours in the mountains without going much up and down,...

Write a Review

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We had a fantastic trip with explore! Starting with a brief intro to Thailand with professional friendly experienced guides Koi, Tri and the fab support Team (Bus dr...

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Mel

Mar 2025

Written on

Walking in Madeira

Great tour - everything was well organised but offered enough flexibility for people wanting to do their own thing in the evenings after the guided tours. Most of th...

D

Darren

Mar 2025

Written on

Efficient and easy to navigate online booking

Booked online. Very easy to do with full information abou...

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Logistics

Accommodation

Transportation & Flights

Minibus,

Transportation & flights

Minibus
Guides
Explore Tour Leader, Driver(s)
Cancellation policy
These conditions are applicable to Discovery & Wildlife, Cycling, Walking and Family Trips. These conditions were updated November 2022. Booked a Polar trip? Please refer to our Polar booking conditions. To make it easy to know the detail of our flexibility, we’ve put it in a grid (these terms apply to all trips apart from our Polar Voyages.) Standard cancellations or changes within 69 days of travel If you’re getting closer to your trip, cancellation charges will apply as follows: For trips confirmed by 31st December 2022: 59-42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100% For trips confirmed from 1st January 2023: 69 -42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100%
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Portugal: Visas are not required by UK, Australian, New Zealand, US and Canadian citizens. Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office. You should confirm all visa related questions with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast : 7
Age Requirements
16 to 85 years
Additional Information
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Trip ID
explore-TM

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