Spend 8 days walking your way through Madeira on this self-guided adventure
The Portuguese island of Madeira, voted the world's best island in 2018, is a nature lover’s paradise best discovered on foot. The 8-day self-guided Madeira Walking Tour will introduce you to some of the island's most remarkable landscapes, allowing you to soak up every moment as you enjoy exciting daily walks at your own pace.
The island is known for its vibrant culture, incredible hiking opportunities, and world-class cuisine. As the tour unravels across magical landscapes, you'll traverse among levadas, staggering coastal cliffs, and fascinating ruins. The tour's final leg has you navigating the ancient trails of the island's Caminho Real, a network of ancient footpaths that circle the entire island, spanning 182km.
Visits and overnight stays to authentic villages on the island will ensure that you get not only a true sense of the land but also its warm and hospitable inhabitants. With the towns of Machico and Santana as your overnight bases, you'll enjoy exhilarating day walks paired with splendid evenings spent unwinding over Madeira's mouthwatering cuisine and local wines.
There's no better way to experience the island of Madeira than this fantastic walking tour!
Highlights of the Madeira Walking Tour
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Madeira Walking Tour
Day 1 Arrival
Arrive at Funchal Airport (FNC) where a private transfer will pick you up and take you to your accommodations in Machico.
Unwind by the hotel’s swimming pool, or get some warm-up steps in on the beach in preparation for your first day of walking the island tomorrow.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Machico
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 2 Explore Madeira’s Famous Levadas
The island of Maderia is home to over 1400km of snaking narrow water channels known as levadas.
A short transfer this morning will take you to Maroços, where you’ll explore your first levada, following its winding paths back to Machico on a scenic adventure. You’ll enjoy spectacular views of the bay and the city below during this walk.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Machico
Distance: 4.5 hours, 15km, 150m of ascent, 400m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Scenic Circuit Walk in Ponta de São Lourenço
The São Lourenço is a well-known natural landmark on the island and a must-see highlight! Its volcanic origins make it the direst point on the island, and you’ll marvel at the contrast in landscape between this area of protected natural reserve and other more lush areas on the island that you’ll soon discover.
Return to your accommodations in Machico this afternoon by public bus or by taxi.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Machico
Distance: 3 hours, 7km, 350m of ascent, 350m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Levada do Caniçal and the Boca do Risco Vista Point
Today’s route is packed with challenging stretches met with ample reward!
A taxi transfer will take you to the start point between Machico and Caniçal, and from here you’ll follow the Levada do Caniçal, warming up for the upcoming steep ascent to the Boca do Risco vista point. Enjoy a picnic here surrounded by mesmerizing views before continuing along the Vereda de Larano, a beautiful path carved into the cliffs.
Finally, arriving in Porto da Cruz, a taxi transfer will take you to your next accommodations in Santana.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Santana
Distance: 5 hours, 15km, 750m of ascent, 505m of descent
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 5 Levada do Furado and Madeira Laurel Forests
A taxi transfer will take you to your start point in Ribeiro Frio this morning, where you’ll begin today’s route tracing the Levada do Furado.
A fairytale woodland surrounds you as you make your way through Madeira’s UNESCO World Heritage laurel forest. The route has you gradually gaining altitude, winning you increasingly majestic views of the coast and the island canyons and hills.
You’ll reach Portela, where you’ll continue on a cobbled path to Porto da Cruz. From here, a taxi transfer will take you back to Santana.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Santana
Distance: 5 hours, 14km, 370m of ascent, 875m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Levada do Caldeirão Verde and the Village of Ilha
A taxi transfer will take you to your start point at the Parque Florestal das Queimadas, where you’ll be invited into a typical Madeiran house bar for a refreshment.
Following the Levada do Caldeirão Verde, you’ll encounter a beautiful waterfall before retracing your steps and enjoying a scenic detour to the picturesque village of Ilha. From Ilha, a taxi will pick you up and return to Santana.
Be aware, It’s important to bring a headlamp and waterproof wear on today’s walk!
Overnight Location: Hotel in Santana
Distance: 4 hours, 11km, 50m of ascent, 650m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 Walk the Caminho Real
Your final day of walking will introduce you to the ancient footpaths of the Caminho Real, a network of paths spanning 182km across the entire island, linking major harbours and villages.
You’ll begin your route in Santana, making your way through fascinating ruins and villages until you reach the end of the route, where a taxi will take you back to Santana.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Santana
Distance: 5 hours, 13km, 560m of ascent, 850m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 Departure
Following breakfast this morning, check out of your accommodations. A private transfer will take you to the airport to depart.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
Madeira Walking Tour Prices and Dates
This self-guided walking tour of Madeira Island is always run as a private tour for your group and the price per person depends on the number of people staying in one room, as well as the season.
Prices below are per person.
Departure between June 29th and September 15th, 2023:
- Price per solo traveller: $1,750 USD
- Price per person in a single room (group of 2+): $1,525 USD
- Price per person sharing a double room: $950 USD
- Price per person sharing a triple room: $825 USD
Departure between September 16th and October 31st, 2023:
- Price per solo traveller: $1,650 USD
- Price per person in a single room (group of 2+): $1,450 USD
- Price per person sharing a double room: $925 USD
- Price per person sharing a triple room: $775 USD
Departure between November 1st and December 24th, 2023:
- Price per solo traveller: $1,525 USD
- Price per person in a single room (group of 2+): $1,325 USD
- Price per person sharing a double room: $850 USD
- Price per person sharing a triple room: $725 USD
Departure between December 25th, 2023 and January 2nd, 2024:
- Price per solo traveller: $1,675 USD
- Price per person in a single room (group of 2+): $1,450 USD
- Price per person sharing a double room: $925 USD
- Price per person sharing a triple room: $795 USD
Departure between January 3rd and February 23rd, 2024:
- Price per solo traveller: $1,525 USD
- Price per person in a single room (group of 2+): $1,325 USD
- Price per person sharing a double room: $850 USD
- Price per person sharing a triple room: $725 USD
Departure between February 24th and March 29th, 2024:
- Price per solo traveller: $1,575 USD
- Price per person in a single room (group of 2+): $1,350 USD
- Price per person sharing a double room: $875 USD
- Price per person sharing a triple room: $750 USD
Departure between March 30th and June 29th, 2024:
- Price per solo traveller: $1,675 USD
- Price per person in a single room (group of 2+): $1,450 USD
- Price per person sharing a double room: $925 USD
- Price per person sharing a triple room: $795 USD
Departure between June 30th and September 15th, 2024:
- Price per solo traveller: $1,750 USD
- Price per person in a single room (group of 2+): $1,550 USD
- Price per person sharing a double room: $975 USD
- Price per person sharing a triple room: $825 USD
Departure between September 16th and December 23rd, 2024:
- Price per solo traveller: $1,675 USD
- Price per person in a single room (group of 2+): $1,450 USD
- Price per person sharing a double room: $925 USD
- Price per person sharing a triple room: $795 USD
Departure between December 24th and 31st, 2024:
- Price per solo traveller: $1,750 USD
- Price per person in a single room (group of 2+): $1,550 USD
- Price per person sharing a double room: $975 USD
- Price per person sharing a triple room: $825 USD
Supplements for special dinners on the 24th and 31th of December + minimum stays might apply.
Book NowAccommodation on the Madeira Walking Tour
This tour is based in 4-star hotels. All accommodations on the tour are equipped with modern amenities to make your stay more comfortable. All accommodations offer private rooms with ensuite bathrooms.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
If you are a solo traveller or prefer a single room, the required supplements are included in the listed price.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Dom Pedro Ocean Beach Hotel in Mahicho ★★★★
This stunning oceanfront hotel offers guests a serene setting, with a swimming pool and wellness services available for your use.
Quinta do Furão in Santana ★★★★
Located in a scenic enclave, this beautiful hotel overlooks the northeast coast of Madeira and the mountains that surround Santana. Rooms are elegantly decorated, and the hotel boasts a spectacular in-house restaurant.
What’s included in the Madeira Walking Tour?
Meals
7 breakfasts and 1 dinner are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 7 nights are included on this tour.
Transportation during the Tour
All private transfers and luggage transportation according to the itinerary are included on this tour. Transfers to and from the airport are also included on this tour.
Also Included
- Digital route notes and maps
- GPS App
- 24-hour phone assistance
Not included
- Flights
- Public transport transfers
- Visas if required
- Travel Insurance
- Tourist taxes if applicable
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Fees not mentioned as included
Optional Extras
- Activities and excursions unless otherwise mentioned as included
- Single room supplements
- Solo traveller supplements
- Whale watching tour on Pico Island
- Printed tour materials (in addition to digital)
Frequently Asked Questions about Madeira Walking Tour
Explore the hidden corners of Europe by bike or on foot with S-Cape. Their self-guided trips have been hand-crafted by local experts to highlight every detail of your destination. S-Cape designs tours that allow you to explore without restrictive timetables and immerse yourself in the diverse culture and natural beauty of Europe at your own pace.
Learn MoreMap of Madeira Walking Tour
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