Hiking & Trekking Tours & Trips in Madeira
Picture Madeira's peaks, including Pico Ruivo and Pico Arieiro, sitting at 1,862 meters where you're literally walking above cloud layers. Levada trails include Levada do Alecrim winding toward waterfalls, while UNESCO Laurel Forest paths move through ancient trees. The island's hiking goes from high mountain ridges down through forested valleys with those levada water channels creating pathways throughout this Atlantic island.
10 best hiking & trekking Madeira tours
Compiled by
MelissaMadeira travel expert at TourRadar
Walking the Island of Madeira
58 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“A lovely, relaxing holiday with a variety of walks in beautiful and varied countryside.”
Christopher, traveled in April
Varied terrain stretches from Ponta de São Lourenço's coastal paths to Pico Ruivo's 6,109ft summit. UNESCO laurisilva forests, ancient levadas through Queimadas Natural Park, and Porto Moniz's natural pools highlight the journey.
Duration 8 days Destinations Machico, Porto da Cruz, Santana, Curral das Freiras, Funchal Age Range Ages 16+ Physical Rating Moderate Distance 18 mi Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From $2,805
7% Off- US$2,605You save $200
The protected Ariero-Ruivo ridge walk leads through narrow tunnels and past steep ravines, climbing to 1,862m at Pico Ruivo for views of volcanic peaks. You'll hike the flower-lined Mimosa Levada through agricultural terraces and check out Ribeiro Frio's Balcões viewpoint.
Duration 8 days Destinations Machico, Porto da Cruz, Ribeiro Frio, Santana, Pico Ruivo de Santana, Achada de Texeira, Ribeira Brava, Funchal Age Range Ages 16+ Distance 34 mi Operator Grand Angle From
7% Off- US$1,256
Daily walks range from 8-17km through eucalyptus forests, terraced vineyards, and coastal cliffs. You'll trek narrow levada paths along the wild north coast from Machico to Porto da Cruz with 600m elevation changes and walk through Santana's forest vegetation to Ribeiro Bonito waterfall.
Duration 8 days Destinations Porto da Cruz, Machico, Santana, Sao Vicente, Porto Moniz, Prazeres, Calheta, Funchal, Monte Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German Physical Rating Moderate Distance 54 mi Operator Eurohike From
7% Off- US$1,473
Marvels of Madeira Walk
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The Hotel stays were well chosen to give a great, peaceful and comfortable stays.”
Philip, traveled in January
The finest routes of Madeira unfold from Santana to Funchal, featuring Caldeirao Verde's waterfalls and Ponta de Sao Lourenco's nature reserve. Daily walks stretch 10-13km through levada networks and coastal paths, with luxurious stays at Quinta do Furao.
Duration 8 days Destinations Santana, São Jorge, Porto da Cruz, Ilha, Ribeiro Frio, Santo da Serra, Ponta de São Lourenço, Funchal Age Range Ages 12+ Physical Rating Moderate Distance 48 mi Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From
7% Off- US$2,405
Scale Pico do Ruivo from Achada do Teixeira and walk through ancient laurel woodlands of Vereda do Fanal. Complete coastal hikes along Levada do Norte to Cabo Girão's cliffs and loop through Vereda do Jardim do Mar, then try Poncha at Jardim do Mar.
Duration 7 days Destinations Funchal, Jardim do Mar, Santo António da Serra Age Range Ages 15+ Distance 39 mi Operator Intrepid Travel From $1,850
10% Off- US$1,665You save $185
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 da Cruz, Boaventura, Porto Moniz, Rabacal, Ponta Do Sol, Ribeira Brava, Funchal, Pico do Arieiro Mountain, Madeira Island Age Range Ages 16+ Distance 61 mi Operator Explore! From
10% Off- US$2,350
The route to Pico do Ruivo summit at 1,862m takes you up stone stairs through misty rock formations with wide mountain views. Walk through UNESCO-protected laurel forest to see Risco Waterfall dropping 100m down the mountainside, then head to Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço peninsula.
Duration 6 days Destinations Funchal, Monte, Porto, Porto Moniz, Porto da Cruz, Santana, São Jorge Age Range Ages 15+ Physical Rating Moderate Distance 1511 mi Operator Intrepid Premium From $4,245
20% Off- US$3,396You save $849
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 da Cruz, Boaventura, Sao Vicente, Porto Moniz, Rabacal, Ribeira da Janela, Calheta, Funchal, Ribeira BravaSee all destinations Age Range Ages 16+ Distance 94 mi Operator Explore! From
20% Off- US$2,350
Daily treks of 8-14km take you through rugged São Lourenço Peninsula with 350m climbs, laurel forests near Portela Pass, and Levada dos Tornos trail past charming tea houses. You'll see Green Bowl's waterfalls and tunnels in Queimadas Nature Park and climb Pico Alto via the historic King's Trail.
Duration 7 days Destinations Machico, Santana, Funchal Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German Physical Rating Moderate Distance 15 mi Operator Eurohike From
20% Off- US$930
Daily treks take 4-6 hours and climb 600-950m through varied terrain including Boca do Risco pass and Pico Ruivo summit at 1,862m. You'll walk cliffside paths above the Atlantic, go through tunnels on Levada do Rei, and climb old mule tracks to the misty Fanal plateau.
Duration 8 days Destinations Machico, Porto da Cruz, Santana, Sao Vicente, Porto Moniz Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German Physical Rating Heart-pumping Distance 24 mi Operator Eurohike From
20% Off- US$1,060
What people love about Hiking & Trekking Tours in Madeira
- Walking in Madeira (Christmas)
Very enjoyable, the guide was amazing, well organised and nothing was a problem for him. It was a great trip.
- Walking in Madeira
We enjoyed the tour in general. The only thing we missed was a little bit harder hiking, as it was rated as moderate, we thought it would be more complicated.
- Best of Madeira in 5 Days: The Eternal Pearl of the Atlantic
One tour guide was excellent ( Fernando), one for the levada hike and another for tour driver were not- rude, insulted and frustrated with passengers- not cool
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.