Madeira is a green subtropical paradise of volcanic origin, completely different from the Portuguese mainland. Few walking destinations offer such variety with picturesque villages, rugged peaks, alpine plateaus, waterfalls and gorges, verdant valleys, orchards full of cherries, bananas and other fruit, wild flowers in abundance and an unspoilt coastline with towering sea cliffs. The islands are famous for the spectacular levada walks that lead you deep into the hills and valleys. Created centuries ago to allow the locals to maintain essential water courses, these paths take you places only walkers can go. As Madeira's temperature only varies a few degrees either side of 20ºC you can enjoy walking here all year around.
Guided Madeira Walking Holidays
Walking in Madeira Guided Walk 1: Majestic Madeira
On this holiday our experienced guide will take you along the famous mountain levadas and through lush meadows and historical villages on walks that take you the length and breadth of the island . This week will allow you to discover the true Madeira away from the popular tourist centres and to spend time on the unspoilt north coast which sees relatively few visitors or walkers. This 7 night holiday costs 760euros per person
and includes accommodation, all meals, transfers to and from the airport and walks, luggage transfers and an experienced group leader. Next departure date – November 7th 2011
Walking in Madeira Guided Walk 2: Madeira Unwrapped
A flexible guided walking holiday. On this holiday you have your choice of fantastic walks with knowledgable local guides. You'll be staying in the capital Funchal and can choose between a 3 or 4 star hotel. Available all year round and with no set arrival days. Please contact us for more details of the walks available. This 7 night holiday costs October to March: 455euros to 495 euros (depending on accommodation chosen), April to September: 495 euros to 550 euros and includes accommodation, transfers to and from the airport and the walks and 4 guided walks. Single supplements apply.
contact us for a detailed itinerary or for more information about walking in Madeira
Self Guided Walks:
Walking in Madeira Self Guided Walk 1: Discovering Madeira: the Easy Way!
An ideal introduction to the beauties of Madeira. Walk the levadas, enjoying panoramic views of the mountains, vineyards and coast, through fertile valleys of cherry trees and banana farms and along the stunning north coast path. This 7 night holiday costs October to March: 396 euros to 436 euros (depending on accommodation chosen)
April to September: 440euros to 490 euros and includes accommodation, 6 picnics, transfers to and from the airport, luggage transfers and comprehensive walking notes. Supplements apply for Christmas and New Year and single rooms.
Walking in Madeira Self Guided Walk 2: Magical Madeira: Away from it all
This circular walk lets you explore much of the central and eastern Madeira. It takes you from Funchal around the Northern coast and back through the high peaks that characterize the heart of the island. You'll follow quiet paths and levadas through a wide variety of stunning landscapes including wild rugged coastline, lush pastures, flower filled valleys, glorious gardens, lofty mountains and historic villages. This 7 night holiday costs October to March: 490euros to 535 euros (depending on accommodation chosen), April to September: 525 euros to 550 euros and includes accommodation, 6 picnics, transfers to and from the airport, luggage transfers and comprehensive walking notes. Single supplements apply.
Walking in Madeira Self Guided Walk 3: Ultimate Madeira: From North to SouthThis 10 night holiday takes you from the fishing port of Machico in the north-east of the island, along the coast and levadas of the north, over Paul da Serra the highest plateau of the island to the beautiful but little known Southern coastline. There is sublime mountain and coastal scenery and you'll really appreciate the diversity and beauty of the island. You'll be staying in small family run hotels and inns whose restaurants offer typical and tasty Madeiran specialities. This Madeira walking holiday costs October to March: 714euros, April to September: 820 euros and includes accommodation, 9 picnics, transfers to and from the airport, luggage transfers and comprehensive walking notes. Single supplements apply.
contact us for a detailed itinerary or for more information about walking in Madeira
Day and Half Day Walks in Madeira
Perhaps you have your holiday planned but would like to spend day or so walking in Madeira? If so why not join our experienced local guide on one of our regular walks. We offer a weekly programme of day and half day walks that take you to every part of the island. The price shown is per person and includes the guide, transfer to and from your hotel if staying in or near Funchal and public liability insurance.
Levada das Refertas an easy half day walk of 6km on Monday mornings and afternoons
This is the ideal walk for anyone who wants to experience the beauty of the Madeira levada walks without having to walk too far. Along the way you'll be able to see all the crops cultivated in Madeira and how the levadas contribute to their success. You'll walk through an exotic forest full of unusual and luxuriant plants and enjoy fantastic views over Porto da Cruz.
This walk costs 22euros per person and includes approximately 2 hours of easy walking.
Levada da Caldeirão Verde a moderate walk of 12km on Tuesdays and Thursdays
This is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful of the Madeira levada walks. The route winds through lush emerald green Laurissilva forest watered by pretty streams and waterfalls. The forest is home to many interesting animals and birds such as the Bis-Bis (Firecrest) and the Tentilhão (Madeiran Chaffinch). There are fantastic views of S. Jorge and after exploring five tunnels of natural basaltic rock time to relax by the crystal clear waters of the Caldeirão Verde waterfall. This levada walks costs 36euros per person and includes approximately 4.5 hours walking.
Please contact us for more information on our Madeira levada walks.
Rabacal/25 Fontes Levada Walk
a moderate walk of 11km on Fridays.
This walk sets out from the largest plateau of Madeira, the Paul da Serra to Madeira’s prettiest valley, the Rabaçal. Highlights of the walk include abundant water features including a spectacular turquoise lagoon and the chance to see a wide selection of interesting flora and fauna endemic to Madeira. This levada walk costs 36euros per person and includes approximately 4 hours walking.
Levada do Rei (São Jorge)
an easy to moderate walk of 10km on Saturdays.
The Levada do Rei is renowned for its tranquil beauty and as you walk along it you get a sense of the wild and exuberant landscape that the Portuguese sailors first saw way back in 1419. The route takes you through two different forests, in the first forest exotic species, that have been introduced over the centuries, flourish in Madeira's gentle climate. Then you'll enter the Laurissilva forest, one of the 7 Wonders of Portugal, where you'll find an abundance of native flora and fauna, many of which are unique to Madeira. This is a fascinating walk for naturalists and a chance for everyone to enjoy Madeira’s natural beauty and diversity
The Madeira levada walks include an experienced guide, insurance and transport to and from your hotel in Funchal (or nearby towns). Advance booking is recommended.
Madeira Flora and Fauna Walk
This walk offers you the chance to observe the flora and fauna of the ancient laurissilva forest with a particular focus on the birds and flowers. The forests are home to many species of flora and fauna that are endemic to Madeira and are a must-visit for anyone with an interest in the natural world. On the walk you will be accompanied by a specialist guide and if you are particularly interested in a particular aspect of the flora and fauna then the tour can be adapted to your needs. The price of the tour is 40 euros per person with a minimum of 2 people.
Please use the form below to contact us with any questions or to book the Madeira levada walks or flora and fauna walk.
Walking in Madeira: Practicalities
You will need: walking boots or sports shoes with a good grip, light waterproofs, a jumper or light jacket, sun cream and a hat or a cap.
Day and Half Day Walks:
Excursions may be cancelled due to weather conditions or events beyond our control. A credit for an alternative excursion or a full refund will be given in such cases. No refund can be given for cancellations made by yourselves within 24 hours of departure of excursion.
For detailed itineraries, to book any of the walks or for more information about walking in Madeira please use the form below
Thank-you for your interest in walking in Madeira. We hope to see you soon
Links to more information about walking in Portugal
General Information about walking in Portugal
Other walking holidays in Portugal with this company
All walking holidays in Portugal
Read other travellers' stories about walking in Portugal
Blink
Del.icio.us
Digg
Furl
Google
Simpy
Spurl
Technorati
Y! MyWeb