Portugal Island of Madeira Private Hiking Tour
Verdant Mountains, Scenic Valleys & Coastal Villages
- Available: April, May, June, July, August, September
- Activity: Level 3
- Accommodations: Comfortable Hotels
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
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 Funchal and your second 4-star hotel of the trip.
Accommodation: Castanheiro Boutique Hotel
Activity: 3.75 hours/6 miles hiking with 2,750' elevation gain and 2,050' elevation loss
Transportation: 1.5-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Gourmet Tour of Funchal
Day 5
This morning is at your leisure to explore the narrow cobblestone streets, take the cable car up to Monte, or visit the botanical garden. This afternoon, 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. You will also discover and taste Madeiran sweets, including sampling honey cakes and ginger biscuits in a traditional 19th-century factory, and enjoying special Madeiran chocolate in a chocolate bar. Meet back with the group for dinner tonight.
Accommodation: Castanheiro Boutique Hotel
Activity: 4 hours easy touring
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Levada Rabacal & 25 Fontes
Day 6
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 Way of Paul do Mar
Day 7
Starting in the charming village of Jardim do Mar, with its narrow cobblestone streets and blossoming bougainvillea, follow an ancient path up to Prazeres. Enjoy incredible ocean and village views from the top before descending via a zigzag path to the fishing village of Paul do Mar. A farewell dinner awaits tonight!
Accommodation: Aqua Natura Bay
Activity: 3 hours/7 miles hiking with 1,950' elevation gain and loss
Transportation: 1-hour private van transfer
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: 2024
2 guests from $6,995 per person double occupancy
3 guests from $6,295 per person double occupancy
4 guests from $5,895 per person double occupancy
5 to 7 guests from $5,495 per person double occupancy
8 to 9 guests from $5,295 per person double occupancy
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
-
April, May, June, July, August, September
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 PlanningInclusions
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
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.
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.
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 easy touring
Day 6
4 hours/6.75 miles hiking with 650' elevation gain and loss
Day 7
3 hours/7 miles hiking with 1,950' elevation gain and loss
Accommodations
Ideally situated 4-star hotels boasting breathtaking views, and offering indoor and outdoor pools with spa services.
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
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 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.
FAQs
Who will meet me on arrival?
You will be met by your guide(s) at the airport in Santa Cruz, 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.
