Overview
This Portuguese archipelago of four islands is way out there in the Atlantic but this week of hiking in Madeira takes place on the main island of the same name. Although it is only 55km long, it’s mostly the coast that has been developed, leaving an inland idyll of wilderness areas. These include the high altitude Madeira Peaks, UNESCO Laurisilva forests and the island’s unique levada trails, man-made irrigation channels dating back to the 16th century. Based in two hotels, this holiday covers a gamut of Madeiran gorgeousness on the north-eastern side of the island.
- Levada trails
- Ponta de São Lourenço
- Caldeirão Verde
- UNESCO Laurisilva of Madeira forests
- Levada do Larano
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Santana
After a private transfer from the airport, arrive in the town of Santana, where you spend the first four nights of the tour. Depending on your arrival time, spend the afternoon relaxing by the swimming pool, strolling along the promenade or visiting the town’s historical buildings, such as the typical triangular-shaped houses of Santana. Many of these are open to the public, selling traditional crafts and regional products.
- Accommodation: Quinta do Furão or similar in Santana
Day 2: Santana – São Jorge | 5.5km
Today’s route joins a section of the Caminho Real, from Santana to São Jorge. The Caminho Real is a 182km path that circles the island, connecting the major harbours and villages. Along the way, explore a series of ruins, landscapes and villages and take in some great views. The walk ends at a traditional restaurant where you can try out the regional spetada Madeirense, made with tender beef. You are transferred back to your accommodation in Santana.
- Walking for the day: 1-2h, 5.5km, ↑413m ↓281m
- Accommodation: Quinta do Furão or similar in Santana
Day 3: Levada do Caldeirão Verde | 19.7km
You are transferred to Parque Florestal das Queimadas, where the walk along all of the Levada do Caldeirão Verde starts. The first stop of the day is a little unusual, with the route leading to a typical Madeiran house with a bar inside. Continue on, following Levada do Caldeirão Verde as far as a a waterfall. Retrace your steps along Levada do Caldeirão Verde back to the starting point, where you are met and transferred back to Santana. A torch and waterproofs are required for this walk, since the route passes through tunnels and small waterfalls along the way.
- Walking for the day: 5h, 19.7km, ↑283m ↓281m
- Accommodation: Quinta do Furão or similar in Santana
Day 4: Levada do Furado | 10-16km
You are transferred to Ribeiro Frio, begin walking along Levada do Furado. Today’s walk takes you through the Laurisilva of Madeira, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest surviving area of primary laurel forest. The route following Levada do Furado is mainly flat, but with a gradual ascent, allowing for views over both the coastline and the laurel forests that cover Madeira’s canyons and hills. Pass through Portela and continue along a cobbled path to reach Porto da Cruz. From there, take a transfer back to Santana, or alternatively, shorten today’s route by taking a taxi from Portela (payable locally).
- Walking for the day: 5-6h, 16km, ↑370m ↓875m (shorter option: 4h, 10km, ↑350m ↓300m
- Accommodation: Quinta do Furão or similar in Santana
Day 5: Porto da Cruz – Machico | 15km
Today’s route is demanding, but the extensive views of the northern coastline make your efforts worthwhile. After a short transfer to Porto da Cruz, begin walking along Vereda do Larano, a spectacular path cut directly into the cliffs. After walking this dramatic coastline you reach Boca do Risco Viewpoint. Take a well-earned break here to take in the panoramic views of the coast. From the viewpoint, follow a woodland track that leads you down to the Levada do Caniçal. To finish, take a relaxed walk along this flat path, offering beautiful views over the fishing village of Caniçal. You are transferred back to your next accommodation in Machico.
- Walking for the day: 5.5-6h, 15km, ↑400m ↓192m
- Accommodation: Baía Madeira Hotel or similar in Machico
Day 6: Ponta de São Lourenço | 7km
You are transferred to the starting point of today’s route. The peninsula of Ponta de São Lourenço is the easternmost point of Madeira, and it is said to be the driest part of the island, due to its volcanic terrain. The peninsula is also a nature reserve, since it is inhabited by several rare plant and animal species, such as the protected sea bird, Cory’s shearwater. We recommend taking time to swim at Cais da Sardinha or book a kayak trip (payable locally), before walking back to the starting point, where you are met and transferred to your hotel.
- Walking for the day: 3h, 7km,↑350m ↓350m
- Accommodation: Baía Madeira Hotel or similar in Machico
Day 7: Levada dos Maroços – Machico | 14.5km
Today’s route follows Levada dos Maroços, The island has around 200 of these narrow water channels, which are shallow and no longer than a metre wide. After a short transfer to the start of the route, walk along Levada dos Maroços back towards Machico, passing green valleys, farmland and small villages. Stop at Pico do Facho viewpoint on the way and take in the views over Machico and Ponta de São Lourenço.
- Walking for the day: 4.5-5h, 14.5km, ↑156m ↓303m
- Accommodation: Baía Madeira Hotel or similar in Machico
Day 8: Departure
Departure after breakfast with a private transfer to the airport, or extend your stay in Machico.
What to expect
Accommodation
Accommodation on this tour includes a mix of mostly small, locally-owned hotels, B&Bs and traditional guesthouses. They have been carefully selected based on a variety of criteria including their location, warm hospitality, fine local food or commitment to responsible tourism. All rooms have en-suite or private bathrooms.
Click to view default hotels
- Quinta do Furão (Santana)
- Baía Madeira Hotel (Machico)
Hotels are subject to availability. In the event of a particular hotel being fully booked for your chosen dates, we will replace it with a hotel of equal value and quality level. We will provide exact accommodation details to you upon booking confirmation.
Meals
Breakfast is included on all days. When no restaurant location is available en route, lunches and snacks can either be bought from local shops or packed lunches can be pre-ordered from your hotel the night before. Dinner is available either at the accommodation or from restaurants in the local area. A mandatory dinner supplement is required for bookings falling on 24 and 31 December.
Difficulty and terrain
This tour is rated moderate to strenuous and is suitable for seasoned walkers, with daily walking distances ranging between 7-17km and daily maximum elevation gains of up to 560m. Hiking experience and a good level of fitness is required to get the most out of this tour. The daily routes follow very diverse, way-marked paths, which can sometimes be narrow and exposed. Many of the paths run along the coastal cliff edges and levadas (irrigation canals), therefore sure-footedness is essential and the tour may not be suitable for those with a fear of heights (read more about difficulty grades).
We strongly advise you to only follow marked trails and never try to shorten the path through unknown and unmarked terrain. We will provide you with detailed route notes and maps and you can call our 24/7 local assistance phone number anytime. More detailed information on route navigation will be included in your holiday information pack.
When to go
This trip is available all year. The flexibility of self-guided holidays means there are no fixed dates, meaning you can start your trip on any date during the season.
Due to its mountainous topography, Madeira has diverse microclimates. The difference in altitude makes it possible to find snow on the top of the mountains in winter, yet sunny weather, with temperatures of up to 23C, at sea level or below what’s known as the banana line. The summer months are generally hot and dry, with average temperatures of 21-24C, and the winter months are cooler with more rainfall and average temperature of 16-19C. For more information, see our blog on the Best time to go to Portugal.
Getting there
Click to view travel options
By plane
Our recommended airport for this tour is Madeira Airport (FNC).
Private arrival and departure transfers to and from Madeira Airport are included.
Inclusions
Included
- 7 nights accommodation
- 7 breakfasts
- Luggage transfer when changing hotels (one piece per person, up to 20kg)
- Airport transfers to and from Madeira Airport
- All transfers on walking days as listed in the programme
- Detailed digital holiday information pack including GPS-checked and regularly updated route descriptions, road notes and maps. Please note that the information pack is emailed to you prior to departure, and no printed documents are mailed or provided locally
- 24/7 phone support by our local office/representative
Excluded
- Airfare and connecting land transfers
- Lunches, dinners, drinks and snacks
- Travel insurance (required – get a quote online)
- Personal expenses
- Local tourist taxes and entry fees (payable locally)
- Any items not explicitly listed as included
- eSIM data for international travel (get an eSIM)
Options, extras and supplements
- If you’re travelling in a group, a supplement applies to group members who would like to have a room of their own
- This holiday is available for solo travellers; a supplement will be charged as accommodation and luggage transfer costs are not shared (we never mix and match – solo travellers will be accommodated in single rooms)
- Extra nights are available upon request
- Trail hiking tax
- Hotel supplements apply during Easter, Christmas, New Year and other public holidays
