Walking in Madeira

About Madeira

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.

Walking In Madeira

We currently offer

• Guided walking holidays in Madeira




• Self guided walking holidays in Madeira




• Day and half-day walking tours

Guided Walking Holidays:

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 £675.00, $1350.00 or €980 and includes accommodation, all meals, transfers to and from the airport and walks, luggage transfers and an experienced group leader. Departures – May 12 & Oct 27 2008

contact us for a detailed itinerary or for more information about walking in Madeira

Self Guided Walks:

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: £355.00, $710.00 or €500 April to September: £385.00, $770.00 or €540 and includes accommodation, 6 picnics, transfers to and from the airport, luggage transfers and comprehensive walking notes.

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: £425.00, $850.00 or €616 April to September: £455.00, $910.00 or €660 and includes accommodation, 6 picnics, transfers to and from the airport, luggage transfers and comprehensive walking notes.

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 and public liability insurance.

Mondays • Queimadas / Caldeirão Verde
This is a very special full day walk along one of the Madeira’s oldest levadas. You can't fail to appreciate the peace and natural beauty of the island as the path winds through lush valleys and hills past small craters, waterfalls and spectacular sea and mountain views. This walk includes a visit to the Natural Park of Queimadas. Moderate walking • 12 km • 5 hours Cost: £25 / €35

contact us to book your walk or for more information about walking in Madeira

Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays • Gaula / Santo da Serra
A relaxing half day levada walk through the mountain scenery and valleys of Santo da Serra. Discover a landscape of lush natural beauty, abundant flowers and see the hillside terraces where locals grow fruit and vegetables. This walk starts in Gaula and ends in Stº da Serra. Easy walking • 10 km • 3:15 hours Cost: £15.50 / €22.50

Tuesdays and Thursdays • Levada da Serra do Faial
Another relaxing half day walk along one of the beautiful levadas near Funchal with breathtaking sea and mountain views. This walk starts in Caminho do Pico do Infante and ends in Rochão Moderate walking• 7 km • 3:00 hours Cost: £15.50 / €22.50

Wednesdays and Sundays • Rabaçal / 25 Fontes
A full day levada walk deep in the heart of the island. It takes you through fascinating landscapes from dramatic valleys, past spectacular waterfalls to fragrant forests watered by beautiful natural springs. Moderate walking • 9 km • 3:00 hours Cost: £25 / €35

Fridays • Ribeira Frio / Portela
A full day levada walk through unspoilt countryside with fantastic views over the gorges and valleys to Penha D’Aguia in the background. At Portela we'll take time out to enjoy some traditional soup at a local restaurant (included in price). Moderate walking• 10 km • 4:00 hours Cost: £26.00 / €37.50

contact us to book your walk or for more information about walking in Madeira

Fridays • Levada do Norte
All year round, this is a superb walk through rich, cultivated landscape. From Quinta Grande to Campanario, the houses are festooned with dahlias and the aroma of wood fires is in the air. This levada walk, takes you past beautiful scenery including cultivation terraces, pretty rural houses, lovely gardens and fragrant eucalyptus plantations. Easy walking • 8 km • 2:30 hours Cost: £15.50 / €22.50

Saturdays • Prazeres / Ponta do Pargo
Departing from the extreme west of the Island, this walk shows you a breathtaking landscape of high mountains, deep valleys, characterful fishing villages and luxuriant vegetation with the Atlantic Ocean always by your side. Easy walking • 12 km • 4:30 hours Cost: £25.00 / €35

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

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