Hiking in Madeira
Duration: 6 days
Begins: Santana
Ends: Funchal
Trip Code: EPHM
From
£879 per person
or Call 01273 099433
Overview
When you think about a series of islands that’s famous for its wine and sunshine, your initial reaction probably isn’t to hike all across it. We’re here to prove that it should be. Immerse yourself in Madeira’s mesmerizing flavours, volcanic landscapes, and rich culture and history on this six-day hiking adventure.
Is this tour for me?
Travel Style
Active
Hiking, trekking, biking, rafting, and kayaking adventures all over the world, made for outdoor types.
Service Level
Standard
Comfortable tourist-class accommodations with character; mix of public and private transport.
Physical Rating
4 - Demanding
Some high-altitude hikes or more strenuous activities, but accessible to most healthy travellers.
Trip Type
Small Group
Age requirement
12+
All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
What's Included
- Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
- Hiking to Boca do Risco from Machico near Santana
- Pico do Arieiro
- Cabo Girão Cliffs and Skywalk
- Hike to São Lourenço Pont
Allow USD160-210 for meals not included.
Full Itinerary
Departure Dates
Day 1 : Santana
Arrive at any time. Tonight, meet your CEO and fellow travellers at the welcome meeting, then opt to head out for dinner with the group.
Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
1h
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Optional Activities - Day 1
A-frame House Visit
Santana
Learn about the region's traditional houses and visit a beautifully preserved, typical A-framed house in Santana, located a short walk from the hotel.
Day 2 : Santana
Explore Madeira's breathtaking north coast on a stunning 14km hike today. Said to provide some of the island's most spectacular vistas, today's hike is sure to take your breath away in more ways than one. Experience the island's diverse flora and fauna and vibrant greenery around each corner, before returning to Santana for a well deserved rest.
Private Vehicle
Santana - São Jorge 0h15m 10km
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Hike from São Jorge to Santana
São Jorge - Santana 6h 14km
Today's 14 km hike along Madeira's breathtaking north coast offers a stunning blend of ocean views, lush rainforests, and captivating waterfalls. Beginning in São Jorge and ending in the charming village of Santana, you will encounter dramatic cliffs, picturesque bridges, traditional thatched-roof houses, and intriguing ruins that whisper stories of the past. With an elevation gain of 600 meters, this hike is sure to be both challenging and rewarding.
Meals Included:
Breakfast | Lunch
Day 3 : Santana/Funchal
Summit one of the island's tallest peaks, the Pico do Arieiro. At an altitude of 1,818m, it's the third highest in Madeira. The hike requires some scrambling with steep ascents, but stunning views of the island above the cloud line make every step worth it.
Private Vehicle
Santana - Pico do Arieiro 1h
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Hike the Pico do Arieiro
Pico do Arieiro 6h 12km
Today's challenging hike up to Pico do Arieiro takes us through uneven, rocky terrain, a man-made tunnel and some steep ascents that may require scrambling over rocks. Reach the summit at 1,500m above sea level. If the conditions are right, find yourself above the clouds, looking down over Madeira. Highest altitude: 1,859m
Private Vehicle
Pico do Arieiro - Funchal 1h
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Meals Included:
Breakfast | Lunch
Day 4 : Funchal
Lace up your hiking boots once again and head out on the Larano Trail, this morning. Witness panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean alongside sheer cliffs dropping dramatically into the sea. Enjoy the fresh, salty air and green hills that are so characteristic of Madeira's mountainous terrain before heading back to Funchal for free time for dinner.
Private Vehicle
Funchal - Machico 0h30m 25km
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Hike the Larano Trail From Machico
Machico 6h 14km
Hike along the Larano trail starting near Machico along Maeira's north coast. Hike to the Boca do Risco viewpoint, with stunning views of the north coast. Then follow the trail to the west before following it back to Porto da Cruz, renowned for its traditional sugar cane distillery. The hike is between 14km and 15km with a total incline of 400 meters. It's along the coast for a majority of the hike, some places with no railings that are considered dangerous, but the trail is wide enough that it's still convenient to walk. It should take around six hours.
Private Vehicle
Machico - Funchal 0h30m 28km
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Meals Included:
Breakfast | Lunch
Day 5 : Funchal
Head out on foot to the Paul da Serra levadas today. Essential to the island's irrigation system, the levadas were created to channel water from the rainy north to the dryer south, complete with walking paths used for this unique hiking opportunity. Move on to the Laurisilva forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site boasting a subtropical rainforest, with a rich biodiversity. On your way back, stop at the dramatic Girão cliffs for another viewpoint, and if time and weather permits, take in the awe-inspiring views from the glass skywalk, adding a thrilling twist to your adventure.
Private Vehicle
Funchal - Paul da Serra 1h 50km
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Paul da Serra levadas to Laurisilva Forest Hike
Paul da Serra 6h 14km
Embark on an exhilarating 14.5km hike through the enchanting Paul da Serra levadas, venturing along a lesser-traveled route that leads you deep into the lush Laurisilva Forest. As you walk, you'll enjoy the serene beauty of the two distinctive levadas, eventually ascending through the verdant laurel trees to reach a breathtaking viewpoint overlooking the São Vicente valley, where both the north and south coasts unfold beneath you. The journey includes an elevation gain of 650 meters and a total of about six hours.
Cabo Girão Cliffs and Skywalk
Cabo Girão
Take in the Cabo Girão's beautiful panoramic views of the sea. Visit the skywalk, jutting out of the cliffs at over 580m above sea level.
Private Vehicle
Cabo Girão - Funchal 0h30m
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Meals Included:
Breakfast
Day 6 : Funchal
Depart at any time.
Meals Included:
Breakfast
| dates start-End | Availability remaining spaces | Price Per Person | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 2026 | |||
| Sat, 21 Mar - Thu, 26 Mar | Sold out | ||
| Mon, 23 Mar - Sat, 28 Mar | Sold out | ||
| Sat, 28 Mar - Thu, 02 Apr | Sold out | ||
| Apr 2026 | |||
| Sat, 04 Apr - Thu, 09 Apr | Sold out | ||
| Sat, 11 Apr - Thu, 16 Apr | Sold out | ||
| Mon, 13 Apr - Sat, 18 Apr | Sold out | ||
| Sat, 18 Apr - Thu, 23 Apr | 7 available | £999 | Request a quote |
| Sat, 25 Apr - Thu, 30 Apr | 1 available | £999 | Request a quote |
| Mon, 27 Apr - Sat, 02 May | 7+ available | £999 | Request a quote |
| May 2026 | |||
| Sat, 02 May - Thu, 07 May | 1 available | £999 | Request a quote |
| Sat, 09 May - Thu, 14 May | 4 available | £999 | Request a quote |
| Sat, 16 May - Thu, 21 May | 6 available | £999 | Request a quote |
| Sat, 23 May - Thu, 28 May | 1 available | £999 | Request a quote |
| Sat, 30 May - Thu, 04 Jun | 7+ available | £999 | Request a quote |
| Jun 2026 | |||
| Sat, 06 Jun - Thu, 11 Jun | 7+ available | £1,059 | Request a quote |
| Mon, 08 Jun - Sat, 13 Jun | 7+ available | £1,059 | Request a quote |
| Sat, 13 Jun - Thu, 18 Jun | 7+ available | £1,059 | Request a quote |
| Sat, 20 Jun - Thu, 25 Jun | 7+ available | £1,059 | Request a quote |
| Sep 2026 | |||
| Sat, 05 Sep - Thu, 10 Sep | 7+ available | £1,059 | Request a quote |
| Mon, 07 Sep - Sat, 12 Sep | 7+ available | £1,059 | Request a quote |
| Sat, 12 Sep - Thu, 17 Sep | 7+ available | £1,059 | Request a quote |
| Sat, 19 Sep - Thu, 24 Sep | 7+ available | £1,059 | Request a quote |
| Sat, 26 Sep - Thu, 01 Oct | 7+ available | £1,059 | Request a quote |
| Oct 2026 | |||
| Sat, 03 Oct - Thu, 08 Oct | 7+ available | £999 | Request a quote |
| Sat, 10 Oct - Thu, 15 Oct | 7+ available | £999 | Request a quote |
| Sat, 17 Oct - Thu, 22 Oct | 7+ available | £999 | Request a quote |
| Sat, 24 Oct - Thu, 29 Oct | 7+ available | £999 | Request a quote |
| Sat, 31 Oct - Thu, 05 Nov | 7+ available | £999 | Request a quote |
| Nov 2026 | |||
| Sat, 07 Nov - Thu, 12 Nov | 7+ available | £879 | Request a quote |
| Sat, 14 Nov - Thu, 19 Nov | 7+ available | £879 | Request a quote |
| Sat, 21 Nov - Thu, 26 Nov | 7+ available | £879 | Request a quote |
| Sat, 28 Nov - Thu, 03 Dec | 7+ available | £879 | Request a quote |
| Dec 2026 | |||
| Sat, 05 Dec - Thu, 10 Dec | 7+ available | £879 | Request a quote |
| Sat, 12 Dec - Thu, 17 Dec | 7+ available | £879 | Request a quote |
| Sat, 19 Dec - Thu, 24 Dec | 7+ available | £879 | Request a quote |
| Feb 2027 | |||
| Sat, 06 Feb - Thu, 11 Feb | 7+ available | £879 | Request a quote |
| Tue, 09 Feb - Sun, 14 Feb | 7+ available | £879 | Request a quote |
| Sat, 13 Feb - Thu, 18 Feb | 7+ available | £879 | Request a quote |
| Sat, 20 Feb - Thu, 25 Feb | 7+ available | £879 | Request a quote |
| Sat, 27 Feb - Thu, 04 Mar | 7+ available | £879 | Request a quote |
| Mar 2027 | |||
| Sat, 06 Mar - Thu, 11 Mar | 7+ available | £879 | Request a quote |
| Tue, 09 Mar - Sun, 14 Mar | 7+ available | £879 | Request a quote |
| Sat, 13 Mar - Thu, 18 Mar | 7+ available | £879 | Request a quote |
| Sat, 20 Mar - Thu, 25 Mar | 7+ available | £879 | Request a quote |
| Tue, 23 Mar - Sun, 28 Mar | 7+ available | £879 | Request a quote |
| Apr 2027 | |||
| Sat, 03 Apr - Thu, 08 Apr | 7+ available | £999 | Request a quote |
| Tue, 06 Apr - Sun, 11 Apr | 7+ available | £999 | Request a quote |
| Sat, 10 Apr - Thu, 15 Apr | 7+ available | £999 | Request a quote |
| Sat, 17 Apr - Thu, 22 Apr | 7+ available | £999 | Request a quote |
| Tue, 20 Apr - Sun, 25 Apr | 7+ available | £999 | Request a quote |
| Sat, 24 Apr - Thu, 29 Apr | 7+ available | £999 | Request a quote |
| May 2027 | |||
| Sat, 01 May - Thu, 06 May | 7+ available | £999 | Request a quote |
| Tue, 04 May - Sun, 09 May | 7+ available | £999 | Request a quote |
| Sat, 08 May - Thu, 13 May | 7+ available | £999 | Request a quote |
| Sat, 15 May - Thu, 20 May | 7+ available | £999 | Request a quote |
| Sat, 22 May - Thu, 27 May | 7+ available | £999 | Request a quote |
| Sat, 29 May - Thu, 03 Jun | 7+ available | £999 | Request a quote |
| Jun 2027 | |||
| Tue, 01 Jun - Sun, 06 Jun | 7+ available | £1,059 | Request a quote |
| Sat, 05 Jun - Thu, 10 Jun | 7+ available | £1,059 | Request a quote |
| Sat, 12 Jun - Thu, 17 Jun | 7+ available | £1,059 | Request a quote |
| Sat, 19 Jun - Thu, 24 Jun | 7+ available | £1,059 | Request a quote |
| Sat, 26 Jun - Thu, 01 Jul | 7+ available | £1,059 | Request a quote |
| Sep 2027 | |||
| Sat, 04 Sep - Thu, 09 Sep | 7+ available | £1,059 | Request a quote |
| Tue, 07 Sep - Sun, 12 Sep | 7+ available | £1,059 | Request a quote |
| Sat, 11 Sep - Thu, 16 Sep | 7+ available | £1,059 | Request a quote |
| Sat, 18 Sep - Thu, 23 Sep | 7+ available | £1,059 | Request a quote |
| Tue, 21 Sep - Sun, 26 Sep | 7+ available | £1,059 | Request a quote |
| Sat, 25 Sep - Thu, 30 Sep | 7+ available | £1,059 | Request a quote |
| Oct 2027 | |||
| Sat, 02 Oct - Thu, 07 Oct | 7+ available | £999 | Request a quote |
| Tue, 05 Oct - Sun, 10 Oct | 7+ available | £999 | Request a quote |
| Sat, 09 Oct - Thu, 14 Oct | 7+ available | £999 | Request a quote |
| Sat, 16 Oct - Thu, 21 Oct | 7+ available | £999 | Request a quote |
| Sat, 23 Oct - Thu, 28 Oct | 7+ available | £999 | Request a quote |
| Sat, 30 Oct - Thu, 04 Nov | 7+ available | £999 | Request a quote |
| Nov 2027 | |||
| Tue, 02 Nov - Sun, 07 Nov | 7+ available | £879 | Request a quote |
| Sat, 06 Nov - Thu, 11 Nov | 7+ available | £879 | Request a quote |
| Sat, 13 Nov - Thu, 18 Nov | 7+ available | £879 | Request a quote |
| Sat, 20 Nov - Thu, 25 Nov | 7+ available | £879 | Request a quote |
| Sat, 27 Nov - Thu, 02 Dec | 7+ available | £879 | Request a quote |
| Dec 2027 | |||
| Sat, 04 Dec - Thu, 09 Dec | 7+ available | £879 | Request a quote |
| Sat, 11 Dec - Thu, 16 Dec | 7+ available | £879 | Request a quote |
| Sat, 18 Dec - Thu, 23 Dec | 7+ available | £879 | Request a quote |
| Tue, 21 Dec - Sun, 26 Dec | 7+ available | £879 | Request a quote |
