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Portugal Island of Madeira Private Hiking Tour

Verdant Mountains, Scenic Valleys & Coastal Villages


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.

8 Days • 7 Nights

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.

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Hike the high terraced ridges of Madeira and delight in sweeping Atlantic Ocean views

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Encounter subtropical nature at its most spectacular as you follow paths to quaint coastal villages

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Taste the flavors of Madeira on a gourmet walking tour in Funchal and sleep in comfort each night

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Highlights


  • Hike the high terraced ridges of Madeira and delight in sweeping Atlantic Ocean views
  • Encounter subtropical nature at its most spectacular as you follow paths to quaint coastal villages
  • Taste the flavors of Madeira on a gourmet walking tour in Funchal and sleep in comfort each night

Portugal Island of Madeira Hiking

Start: Madeira, Portugal  End: Madeira, Portugal

Itinerary


  • Arrive in Madeira, Portugal

    Day 1

    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.

    Transportation: 40-minute private van transfer

    Meals: Breakfast

Why Travel With Us?


  • MT Sobek is a legendary pioneering outfitter who has been operating adventures throughout Europe since 1970.

  • Our trips are designed for hikers and travelers who are looking for an authentic adventure, not a tourist experience - and this trip is no exception.

  • Hike with expert local MT Sobek guides who know the most beautiful, hidden spots to catch a once in a lifetime view.

Dates & Prices


  • Go Private
  • Go Custom
  • Inclusions

Go Private

Go Private


Gather your favorite travel companions to share an MT Sobek adventure on an easy-to-book Private departure.

Call or email us to get the ball rolling.

*Private trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit.


Looking for a private family adventure?


This trip can accommodate guests with a
minimum age of 16.

Private Trip Pricing: 2025


2 guests from $6,995 per person double occupancy

3 guests from $6,395 per person double occupancy

4 guests from $5,995 per person double occupancy

5 to 7 guests from $5,595 per person double occupancy

8 to 9 guests from $5,395 per person double occupancy

10 guests from $5,295 per person double occupancy

*Seasonal rates may apply.

*Private trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit.

Make Your Own Dates in These Months


Go Custom

Create Your Very Own Adventure


Dreaming of an adventure designed exclusively for you? With insider access and decades of experience, our travel experts create custom tailored adventures that are perfect for families, couples, and large groups. MT Sobek's custom adventures are designed to our exacting standards and led by our award-winning adventure guides.

When to start planning? Earlier is always better when designing a custom trip. More time allows for better availability of preferred accommodations, guides and your desired activities. Ideally, start the conversation with us at least 6 months before you want to travel. If you are looking for a custom trip that departs within three months, chances are greatly diminished in securing requested accommodations and the best guides.

*Custom trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit once an itinerary is agreed upon.

Start Planning

Inclusions

Price Includes


  • Expertise and services of our experienced adventure guides
  • All accommodations as noted in the itinerary
  • All breakfasts, almost all lunches and dinners as noted in the itinerary
  • Snacks and water between meals
  • Additional regional guides and experts on many trips
  • Comprehensive Trip Planner with detailed pre-trip information
  • Private guided tours at historic sites, museums, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the itinerary
  • Special events and other select attractions as mentioned in the itinerary
  • All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
  • Equipment and experienced guides for activities as described in the itinerary
  • Park and other entry fees (unless otherwise noted)
  • Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the itinerary
  • Select transfers as mentioned in the itinerary
  • Baggage transfers and porterage

Price Does Not Include


  • International airfare, airport taxes, and excess baggage fees
  • Alcoholic beverages (MT Sobek provides wine at select events)
  • Gratuities for MT Sobek guides and guide-drivers
  • Travel Protection Program
  • Personal expenses

Contact An Expert


800-974-0300

Need help picking your next adventure? Call us to answer your questions.

Your Guides


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.

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.

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.

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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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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Your trip ends after breakfast with a transfer from the hotel to Madeira Airport.

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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.

Castanheiro Boutique Hotel
Castanheiro Boutique Hotel

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!

Hotel PortoBay Serra Golf
Hotel PortoBay Serra Golf

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
Aqua Natura Bay

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.

What is the minimum age for this trip?
The minimum age for this private trip is 16.

Guest Reviews