Itinerary
- Day 1
Machico
You'll arrive in Machico and get settled into your accommodation. This evening, take a walk along the golden sandy beach and spend some time relaxing. The island's known for its flowers, so you'll notice them throughout your surroundings.
Optional Activities
- Stroll along the golden sandy beach
Landmarks Machico Beach - Day 2
Machico
Start with breakfast, then head out for a hike to Pico do Facho's summit. From there, follow the whalers' path along steep cliffs down toward Cani\u00e7al port. If you're up for more, check out S\u00e3o Louren\u00e7o, the easternmost point of Madeira, or take the levada path that overlooks the ocean instead.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Circular hike to Pico do Facho summit
- Hike along whalers' path to Caniçal port
- Explore São Lourenço headland (easternmost point of Madeira)
- Levada hike high above the ocean
Landmarks Pico do Facho São Lourenço Caniçal - Day 3
Machico to Porto da Cruz
Breakfast comes first, then you'll follow the Levada do Cani\u00e7al up to Boca do Risco, a mountain pass sitting high above the cliffs. The narrow coastal path that follows is something special, running far above the sea on what used to be a mule track. By afternoon, you reach Porto da Cruz where there's a saltwater pool for swimming and a black beach to walk along.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Hike Levada do Caniçal to Boca do Risco pass
- Walk narrow coastal path above cliffs
- Swim in saltwater pool in Porto da Cruz
- Walk along black beach in Porto da Cruz
Landmarks Boca do Risco Porto da Cruz - Day 4
Porto da Cruz to Santana
After breakfast, a transfer takes you into the mountains. You'll hike past waterfalls and fern thickets to reach the high trail. There's an option to visit the Pico Ruivo hut and climb Madeira's highest peak if you want those island-wide views, or stick with the main route. Either way, you'll descend through eucalyptus forests to reach the traditional village of Santana for the night.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Transfer to mountain starting point
- Hike past waterfalls through fern thickets
- Climb to high trail
Optional Activities
- Visit Pico Ruivo hut and climb Madeira's highest peak
Landmarks Pico Ruivo Santana - Day 5
Santana to São Vicente
Breakfast included, then you're walking the King's Path, a historic footpath that once connected the island's center to the coast. It's a sunny route with nice vegetation and several spots to stop and take in views. The Levada do Rei runs through tunnels to a green valley where there's a bar waiting. A transfer gets you to S\u00e3o Vicente by evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Hike the King's Path (historic footpath)
- Hike Levada do Rei through tunnels
- Transfer to São Vicente
Optional Activities
- Rest at bar in green valley head
Landmarks Levada do Rei São Vicente - Day 6
São Vicente to Porto Moniz
After breakfast, a short transfer takes you to a secluded high valley. From there, you'll hike through laurel forests to the high plateau and reach Fanal, where fog typically hangs around and trees are covered in lichen. Later, an interesting drive takes you down into the valley and to Porto Moniz, where you can swim in black volcanic pools in the Atlantic.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Short transfer to high valley hiking start
- Hike through laurel forests to high plateau
- Visit mystical Fanal terrain
- Drive to Porto Moniz
- Swim in black volcanic pools in Atlantic
Landmarks Fanal Porto Moniz - Day 7
Porto Moniz
Breakfast first, then you'll climb to the Church of Santo and follow adventurous paths down to sea gardens at Achadas da Cruz, which sit beneath nearly 500-meter cliffs. You'll find secluded pebble beaches, terraced fields in dramatic locations, and great sea views. There's a nearly vertical cable car option if you'd rather skip the steep descent, though the return journey through the gorge is impressive either way.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Climb to Church of Santo
- Hike down adventurous paths to sea gardens of Achadas da Cruz
- Explore secluded pebble beaches
- Walk terraced fields
- Return hike through gorge
Optional Activities
- Take nearly vertical cable car instead of hiking down
Landmarks Church of Santo Achadas da Cruz - Day 8
Departure or extension
This is your departure day, though breakfast is included if you need it. You have the option to extend your stay on Madeira if you'd like more time on the island.
- Meals
- Breakfast
