Madeira Small Group Tours
Ever dreamed of exploring Madeira's dramatic levada trails, discovering Funchal's gardens and tasting that fortified wine right where they make it? These small-group island trips balance coastal walks with mountain hikes, traditional villages with subtropical forests. Portugal's Atlantic gem has got these incredible paths carved into cliffs, amazing botanical stuff and volcanic landscapes that feel genuinely otherworldly.
10 best Madeira small group tours
Compiled by

MelissaMadeira travel expert at TourRadar
Perfect for small private groups of 2-4 travelers seeking personalized access to Madeira with total flexibility. Your group gets exclusive access to a rental car, so you can spend as much time as you want at the Ponta de São Lourenço PR8 trail or Fanal Forest without fixed schedules. Unlike larger group tours, you'll have private moments at hidden gems like Véu da Noiva waterfall cascading into the ocean. Swim undisturbed at Praia do Porto do Seixal's black sandy beach. Customize your canyoning adventure with Epic Madeira at your own pace.
Duration 8 days Destinations Funchal, Monte, Faial, Santana, Ribeiro Frio, Caniçal, Rabacal, Pico do Arieiro Mountain, Pico Ruivo de Santana, Ribeira da JanelaSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 4 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator Worldee From
- US$525
This private tour works for 2-4 travelers with flexible pacing, covering 14 destinations across Madeira Islands including Machico, Porto Moniz, and Curral das Freiras. Small group setup means spending more time at Caldeirão Verde waterfall or adjusting the difficulty on the challenging 19 km Pico Ruivo to Pico do Arieiro trek with 5 km elevation gain. A rental car and Worldee App Guide are included, so your group decides when to visit Cabo Girão (Europe's highest sea cliff at 580m) or swim at Seixal Black Sand Beach without waiting for others.
Duration 9 days Destinations Ribeira Brava, Machico, Ilha, Faial, Santana, São Jorge, Pico Ruivo de Santana, Porto Moniz, Ribeira da Janela, PrazeresSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 4 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator Worldee From
- US$618
Madeira in 8 Days: Scenic Road Trip
“I had the chance to see the beauty of the island from all sides, and live so many new experiences.”
Pal, traveled in September
Duration 8 days Destinations Madeira Island, Santana, Machico, Pico do Arieiro Mountain, Pico Ruivo de Santana, Porto Moniz, Prazeres, Ponta Do Sol, Ribeira Brava, Funchal Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 4 Group Type Private Operator Worldee From
- US$545
This private, personalized trip through Madeira accommodates 2-4 travelers, creating an intimate setup that works well for couples or small families. You'll have a rental car and the Worldee App Guide as your 24/7 digital companion, giving complete flexibility to move at your own pace—stopping to photograph the 25 cascading waterfalls at Levada das 25 Fontes, spending extra time at the charming A-shaped casas de colmo houses in Santana, or pausing spontaneously at hidden viewpoints along the levada trails without the constraints of larger group schedules.
Duration 9 days Destinations Funchal, Machico, Monte, Porto da Cruz, Santana, Ribeiro Frio, Sao Vicente, São Jorge Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 4 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator Worldee From
- US$563
This private, personalized adventure accommodates 2-4 travelers, providing an intimate way to see Madeira's diverse landscapes. With complete flexibility in your rental car, you'll navigate at your own pace from Funchal's botanical gardens to Pico Ruivo's 1,862-meter summit, adjusting hiking times to avoid crowds at popular spots like the 25 fountains and Risco waterfall. Small group size allows spontaneous stops along levada trails, extended photo sessions at Fanal's UNESCO-listed laurel forest, and unhurried walks through Santana's traditional Casas de colmo houses.
Duration 7 days Destinations Funchal, Monte, Pico Ruivo de Santana, Pico do Arieiro Mountain, Porto Moniz, Santana, Caniçal Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 4 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator Worldee From
- US$622
Groups are capped at 16 travelers, creating a more intimate way to see Madeira's landscapes and coastal areas. With fewer people, you'll have better access to your guide for questions about the island's levadas, viewpoints, and local culture as you move between stops. Smaller numbers mean navigating narrow mountain paths and traditional villages more easily, with more flexibility if someone wants to spend extra time at a particular viewpoint or take photos without holding up a large crowd.
Duration 8 days Destinations Madeira Island, Rabacal, Funchal, Ponta Do Sol Age Range Ages 16+ Operated in Only: German Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator ASI Reisen From
- US$1,961
Travel with an intimate group of 2-12 people and get personalized attention from your authorized ASI mountain guide throughout all hikes. Small group size allows flexible pacing on moderate trails like the Levada do Furado and makes spontaneous stops at viewpoints across Madeira's peaks easy. Fewer hikers mean easier navigation through narrow levada paths and more meaningful interactions during lunches at mountain huts.
Duration 8 days Destinations Funchal, Rabacal Age Range Ages 16+ Operated in Only: German Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator ASI Reisen From
- US$2,054
This private self-guided tour works for groups from 4 to 1 rider, giving complete flexibility in daily pacing across 8 days of cycling. Solo travelers get personalized routes with digital navigation apps and local support numbers, tackling challenging stages like the 37km descent from Bica da Cana on their own. Small groups can check out Santana's triangular A-frame houses and Porto da Cruz's historic rum distillery, with luggage transfers between 7 nights of accommodation so riders can focus on Madeira's coastal roads.
Duration 8 days Destinations Santa Cruz, Camacha, Santana, Porto, Porto da Cruz, Porto Moniz, Prazeres, Ribeira Brava, Funchal, Camara de LobosSee all destinations Age Range Ages 16+ Operated in Only: German Group Size Max Group Size 1 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator ASI Reisen From
- US$1,756
This guided hiking trip keeps groups between 4-15 travelers, creating a close-knit atmosphere as you hike through Madeira's terrain together. Your authorized ASI mountain guide leads safely through challenging tunnels on the north coast path (you'll need flashlights) and up to Pico do Arieiro at 1,818 meters and Pico Ruivo at 1,862 meters - Madeira's highest peaks. You'll stay at the 4-star Quinta da Penha de França in Funchal and Hotel Aqua Natura Bay in Porto Moniz as base camps for your adventures. The group hikes the levadas irrigation systems through Ribeira da Janela valley and treks across the fern-covered Paúl da Serra plateau, sharing accomplishments along the way.
Duration 8 days Destinations Porto Moniz, Porto da Cruz, Funchal Age Range Ages 16+ Operated in Only: German Group Size Max Group Size 15 Group Type Group Operator ASI Reisen From
- US$2,317
Small groups of 4-12 hikers walk through Madeira's laurel forests and levada trails, with personalized attention from an ASI mountain guide throughout terraced slopes and mountain peaks. You'll stay at the 5-star Quinta Mirabela hotel in Funchal, where the intimate group size helps connect with fellow travelers while hiking from Pico do Arieiro through stone landscapes to Rabaçal's 25 springs. The compact group allows flexible pacing through Folhadal valley and Machico's scenic north coast, suitable for ages 16+.
Duration 8 days Destinations Madeira Island, Machico, Funchal, Rabacal, Pico do Arieiro Mountain Age Range Ages 16+ Operated in Only: German Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator ASI Reisen From
- US$2,487
Reviews of Small Group tours to Madeira
- Walking in Madeira
Exceeded our expectations. While the guide by himself was exceptional, the connections, lodging, organization, and deep thought and experience put into this trip were beyond excellent.
- Hiking in Madeira
I had a great time on this tour! Andre my guide was fantastic! He knew the area so well. He accommodated our activities based on the weather so that we could get the most out of our trip. The accommodation was excellent! Nothing special but the rooms were spacious and clean. Everything ran smoothly and was tons of fun. My only wish was that we would have started the hiking earlier in the morning.
What our customers ask about Madeira Small Group Tours
What is the ideal group size for experiencing Madeira Islands?
Groups of 8-15 travelers provide the right balance for exploring Madeira's natural landscapes and cultural sites. This size allows everyone to hear the guide clearly and move efficiently between locations. At properties like Hotel do Carmo in Funchal smaller groups can take full advantage of intimate spaces such as the rooftop terrace. A TourRadar traveler noted "I had a great time with a fantastic small group - it made exploring places like Pico do Arieiro and the Laurisilva Forest much more personal and enjoyable."
How does accommodation differ for small group tours in Madeira?
Smaller tours stay in distinctive properties that showcase local character such as the 4-star Quinta do Furao in Santana and the Porto Bay Serra Golf hotel. These properties give travelers direct access to Madeiran hospitality with attentive service and local insights. A TourRadar traveler shared "Staying at smaller hotels meant we really got to know the staff and experience genuine local hospitality especially at Hotel do Carmo with its unique 1960s charm."
What unique experiences are available on small group tours in Madeira?
The smaller size allows for special access to local experiences including private tastings at Blandy's Wine Lodge guided walks on Levada do Alecrim and visits to traditional villages like Santana. Groups can reach less-visited spots such as the Lagoa do Vento waterfall. A TourRadar traveler noted "Our small group size allowed us to visit local restaurants and get amazing insights from our guide about Madeiran culture that wouldn't be possible with larger groups."
What is the typical daily schedule like on a small group tour in Madeira?
Days begin with breakfast at properties like Quinta da Bela Vista followed by 4-5 hour guided walks such as the Vereda do Larano coastal path. Afternoons mix cultural visits with free time while evenings often feature optional group dinners. A TourRadar traveler mentioned: "The pace was perfect - we had plenty of time to enjoy each location and our guide could adjust the schedule based on our group's interests and energy levels."
How do meal experiences differ in small group tours of Madeira?
Smaller numbers allow access to family-run restaurants and local establishments rather than tourist venues. Groups can try traditional dishes like espetada and fresh seafood in authentic settings in towns like Porto Moniz and Santana. A TourRadar traveler shared: "Being in a smaller group meant we could dine at intimate local restaurants where we tried amazing Madeiran specialties and got personal attention from the owners."





















