Experience the dramatic landscapes of enchanting Madeira, the Pearl of the Atlantic, on this 8-day island adventure. Follow breathtaking trails high above the sea on a network of terraces and distinctive irrigation channels called levadas, which help make the island's mountainous topography accessible to hikers. Wander windswept plateaus above plunging cliffs on the Picos de Madeira, and explore the flower-filled towns of Santana and Jardim do Mar. Savor the flavors of Madeira in Funchal's marketplace and taste traditional Madeiran sweets — and rum. Madeira is often voted one of the world's top island destinations! Now you can explore it on foot with MT Sobek.
Experience the dramatic landscapes of enchanting Madeira, the Pearl of the Atlantic, on this 8-day island adventure. Follow breathtaking trails high above the sea on a network of terraces and distinctive irrigation channels called levadas, which help make the island's mountainous topography accessible to hikers. Wander windswept plateaus above plunging cliffs on the Picos de Madeira, and explore the flower-filled towns of Santana and Jardim do Mar. Savor the flavors of Madeira in Funchal's marketplace and taste traditional Madeiran sweets — and rum. Madeira is often voted one of the world's top island destinations! Now you can explore it on foot with MT Sobek.
Touch down at Madeira Airport and transfer inland to Santo Antonio da Serra. Check into your boutique hotel and spa, surrounded by gardens with lush vegetation. Meet your group for a briefing at 6pm, then enjoy a festive welcome dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel PortoBay Serra Golf
Transportation: 30-minute private van transfer
Meals: Dinner
Hike the Boca do Risco Coastal Path to Porta da Cruz
Day 2
Wake for a panoramic coastal hike on the Boca do Risco Coastal Path at 1,000 feet above sea level. Following a rocky volcanic trail, you'll enjoy sweeping views of the ocean surf below - and simply stunning island vistas from the top of the pass. After a while, the path becomes forested with pine and eucalyptus trees before descending, past small hamlets and terraced crops, towards the village of Porto da Cruz. Toast your hike on a visit to Porta da Cruz's rum factory!
Accommodation: Hotel PortoBay Serra Golf
Activity: 4.5 hours/8 miles hiking with 820' elevation gain and 1,150' elevation loss
Transportation: 45-minute private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Follow Trails to Caldeirao Verde
Day 3
Embark on a fun hike following a levada (irrigation channel) through crop terraces and tunnels carved into the rocks. Your destination is Caldeirao Verde, a misty, fairy-tale jungle with waterfalls and lush vegetation. The scenic return journey takes you above the terraces and affords more panoramic ocean views.
Accommodation: Hotel PortoBay Serra Golf
Activity: 4.5 hours/8.5 miles hiking with 360' elevation gain and 1,960' elevation loss
Transportation: 30-minute private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike the Picos de Madeira
Day 4
Today you'll hike the spectacular Picos de Madeira, an unmissable spot on the island's central ridge. The trail has alternating ascents and descents (often steep) in a tangle of volcanic rocks that make you feel truly at the heart of the island. The views will give you goosebumps — guaranteed! Next, transfer to Porto Moniz and your second 4-star hotel of the trip.
Accommodation: Aqua Natura Bay
Activity: 3.75 hours/6 miles hiking with 2,750' elevation gain and 2,050' elevation loss
Transportation: 2-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Levada Rabacal & 25 Fontes
Day 5
After breakfast, set off on a drive up to Paul da Serra Plateau, one of the island's most popular walking destinations. At 3,940 feet, the plateau affords incredible panoramic views over mountains and lush valleys. Enjoy a scenic hike along levadas and through fields of heather, stopping off to view several pretty waterfalls including the Cascada do Risco.
Accommodation: Aqua Natura Bay
Activity: 4 hours/6.75 miles hiking with 650' elevation gain and loss
Transportation: 2-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The Royal Path of Paul do Mar
Day 6
Starting in the village of Rasposeira, follow a levada to the village of Prazeres. Enjoy incredible ocean and village views (as well as a cha de limao, a local tea flavored with lemon peel) before beginning the descent to Paul do Mar on a spectacular path marked by poios (terraced farmland), succulents and prickly pear trees. This path is part of the vast network of "royal" paths, which once allowed the fishermen of Paul do Mar to access other villages to sell their fish. Transfer to your hotel in Funchal, the capital of the island.
Accommodation: Castanheiro Boutique Hotel
Activity: 3 hours/7 miles hiking with 1,950' elevation gain and loss
Transportation: 1-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Gourmet Tour of Funchal
Day 7
This morning, savor Madeira's local delicacies on a guided gourmet tour. Starting from the hotel, you'll head through historic streets to Mercado dos Lavradores — the city's vibrant market, brimming with flowers, vegetables and exotic fruits. Stroll the stalls before tasting a traditional hot sandwich made with fresh garlic bread. In the afternoon, board a cable car to Monte for a breathtaking view over Funchal Bay and stroll among 18th- and 19th-century quintas (agricultural estates) and botanical gardens. Take the traditional route downhill riding in a wicker basket. A farewell dinner awaits tonight!
Accommodation: Castanheiro Boutique Hotel
Activity: 4 hours easy touring
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Depart from Madeira
Day 8
Your trip ends after breakfast with a transfer from the hotel to Madeira Airport.
The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.
Fabio C.
A native of Madeira, Fabio loves showing guests the secret corners of the island. An experienced mountain guide, he relishes rambling mountain trails with guests, sharing the stories and traditions of the region and pointing out local flora and fauna. Certified as an official mountain guide, he also trains other mountain guides. He is most at home in Madeira’s majestic mountains and is looking forward to revealing their beauty and lore when you adventure with him.
Andreia S.
Born and raised on the “Pearl of the Atlantic,” Andreia has been a guide since 2016 and loves nothing more than sharing her knowledge of the history, local food, and wine of Madeira while you enjoy the warm sun on your skin and the beauty of the island. She enjoys meeting guests from around the world and learning about their homes and traditions. Her goal is to make you fall in love with Madeira and she’s confident you will.
Touch down at Madeira Airport and transfer inland to Santo Antonio da Serra. Check into your boutique hotel and spa, surrounded by gardens with lush vegetation. Meet your group for a briefing at 6pm, then enjoy a festive welcome dinner.
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[ActivityHighlight] => On this trip, you will be hiking 3-5 hours a day, at elevations below 6,000 feet. While the elevation is not significant, the trails can be steep and rocky, requiring stamina, excellent balance, and coordination. You need to be in good physical condition to enjoy this experience.
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Activity Level
This trip is rated activity level 3. On this trip, you will be hiking 3-5 hours a day, at elevations below 6,000 feet. While the elevation is not significant, the trails can be steep and rocky, requiring stamina, excellent balance, and coordination. You need to be in good physical condition to enjoy this experience. Learn more about activity levels here.
Activity Snapshot
Day 2
4.5 hours/8 miles hiking with 820' elevation gain and 1,150' elevation loss
Day 3
4.5 hours/8.5 miles hiking with 360' elevation gain and 1,960' elevation loss
Day 4
3.75 hours/6 miles hiking with 2,750' elevation gain and 2,050' elevation loss
Day 5
4 hours/6.75 miles hiking with 650' elevation gain and loss
Day 6
3 hours/7 miles hiking with 1,950' elevation gain and loss
Day 7
4 hours easy touring
*Mileage and elevation change information is approximate and may vary slightly depending on trail conditions, weather, and route adjustments, and the guide’s discretion.
Accommodations
Ideally situated 4-star hotels boasting breathtaking views, and offering indoor and outdoor pools with spa services.
The unique 4-star Castanheiro Boutique Hotel comprises five historically classified buildings that lead guests on a journey through three centuries of Funchal, from the 18th century to today! Its 81 rooms are beautifully appointed and come with modern amenities. Step outside into the historic part of Funchal or take a dip in the lap pool with panoramic views!
Guestrooms offer free Wi-Fi, satellite TV and minibars, as well as safes, and tea and coffeemaking equipment. A spa offers massages, an indoor pool, a sauna and an exercise room. Other amenities include a game room, a restaurant and a garden. A casual lounge with a fireplace serves afternoon tea.
Aqua Natura Bay is known for its ideal location and sweeping views over the Atlantic Ocean mountainside. Guestrooms offer private bathrooms, eco-friendly amenities, cable TV, safe, minibar, coffee and tea facilities, Wi-Fi internet, and air conditioning.
Weather
Madeira is known as the island of eternal spring. Coastal temperatures hover around 68/70°F through April, and reach 77/79°F from July to October.
Jul
Aug
Sep
Funchal
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
Funchal
74
64
76
66
76
65
Madeira
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
Madeira
63
53
65
55
65
54
FAQs
Who will meet me on arrival?
You will be met by an MT Sobek representative at the airport in Madeira, Portugal upon your arrival.
Is previous hiking experience required?
If you do not have previous hiking experience, you will enjoy this experience more if you embark on a moderate training program prior to your trip. Call us for details.
Is it difficult to get to Madeira?
No. Generally, you'll need to fly to Europe and then connect to Madeira. Most flight route through Madrid and Lisbon, but there are many other connections.
What is the cuisine of Madeira?
Madeira is famous for its hearty meat dishes, fresh seafood delights, and a variety of tropical fruits, but most diets can be accommodated.
Who is this trip perfect for?
This adventure is perfect for people who want to hike at a moderate pace with ample time to take in breathtaking views, delicious food, and the spa.