Hiking in Madeira
Experience Overview
When you think about a series of islands that’s famous for its wine and sunshine, your initial reaction probably isn’t to hike all across it. We’re here to prove that it should be. Immerse yourself in Madeira’s mesmerizing flavours, volcanic landscapes, and rich culture and history on this six-day hiking adventure.
Highlights
- Trek to one of the highest peaks in Madeira
- Discover the history of A-Frame houses in Santana
- See breathtaking views of the north coast on a hike from Machico to the Boca do Risco viewpoint
- Hike a trail from Funchal to São Lourenço Pont
- The easternmost peninsula of Madeira
- Witness the jaw-dropping view from the Cabo Girão cliffs and Skywalk
Trip Details
Product Code: 2356
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Budget
Transport: Private vehicle, walking.
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Budget
Tour Operator:
G Adventures
Supplier Code: EPHM
Starts: Santana, Portugal
Finishes: Funchal, Portugal
Duration: 6 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Demanding
Includes
Activities
- Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
- Hiking to Boca do Risco from Machico near Santana
- Pico do Arieiro
- Cabo Girão Cliffs and Skywalk
- Hike to São Lourenço Pont
Accommodation
- Hotels (5 nts).
- 5 breakfasts, 3 lunches
Transport
- Private vehicle, walking.
Group Leader
- CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $1,529 ($255 /day)
Itinerary
Day 1: Santana
Arrive at any time. Tonight, meet your CEO and fellow travellers at the welcome meeting, then opt to head out for dinner with the group.
Day 2: Santana
Explore Madeira's breathtaking north coast on a stunning 14km hike today. Said to provide some of the island's most spectacular vistas, today's hike is sure to take your breath away in more ways than one. Experience the island's diverse flora and fauna and vibrant greenery around each corner, before returning to Santana for a well deserved rest.
Day 3: Santana/Funchal
Summit one of the island's tallest peaks, the Pico do Arieiro. At an altitude of 1,818m, it's the third highest in Madeira. The hike requires some scrambling with steep ascents, but stunning views of the island above the cloud line make every step worth it.
Day 4: Funchal
Lace up your hiking boots once again and head out on the Larano Trail, this morning. Witness panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean alongside sheer cliffs dropping dramatically into the sea. Enjoy the fresh, salty air and green hills that are so characteristic of Madeira's mountainous terrain before heading back to Funchal for free time for dinner.
Day 5: Funchal
Head out to the Paul da Serra levadas today. Essential to the island's irrigation system, the levadas were created to channel water from the rainy north to the dryer south, complete with walking paths used for this unique hiking opportunity. Move on to the Laurisilva forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site boasting a subtropical rainforest, with a rich biodiversity. On your way back, stop at the dramatic Girão cliffs for another viewpoint, and if time and weather permits, take in the awe-inspiring views from the glass skywalk, adding a thrilling twist to your adventure.
Day 6: Funchal
Depart at any time.
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
G Adventures
G Adventures is an operator of small-group escorted tours. It is based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada with 28 offices worldwide. It offers more than 700 itineraries in more than 100 countries, and carries 200,000 travelers from 160 countries each year.
In Business Since 1990
Reviews
Raymond M. - Traveled, December 2023
Trip went as expected.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/28/2023
Ingrid Hjortlund N. - Traveled, December 2023
It is a great quality for the money
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/28/2023
Nicoletta P. - Traveled, December 2023
The trip value was no even half of the money spent. Accommodation and food felt very very cheap, the hiking level was level 2 and not 4, I was very disappointed about the hikes. I have been to many hiking trips and I always felt I got some exercise done after a few days, but not this time, hikes were way too short and easy, only the day we went to the mountain I was satisfied. The km were always 2-3 less than the ones in the schedule. The last day hike was absolutely ridiculous, we did not need a guide as we were just walking along the lavada. Generally, I felt really disappointed by the hike choice. You can find the same hikes in viator and find your guides for 30 euro each including pick up and drop off. There was nothing unique or exclusive about what we did.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/28/2023
Anthony H. - Traveled, December 2023
Thoroughly enjoyed the trip. Our bus driver and guide was excellent, They were knowledgeable helpful and friendly. The hotels were excellent. If I had one complaint. It would be the hikes were a bit short. A few extra kilometers would have been more preferable. Overall a very memorable trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/28/2023
Mary H. - Traveled, December 2023
Not challenging, not guided
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/28/2023
Antje Sophie W. - Traveled, December 2023
Overall great experience, but the Hotels could have been better. There's no way to connect with the group members before the trip (the app is not working as it should).
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/28/2023
Elizabeth F. - Traveled, December 2023
G Adventures has excellent booking agents. They have helped me schedule 3 GA trips with flights for two of them. This takes a lot of the heaving lifting off my plate.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/21/2023
Michelle T. - Traveled, December 2023
This was my second adventure tour with G Adventures and they have been great experiences.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/21/2023
Kathleen S. - Traveled, December 2023
it's not for everyone - for example, sometimes there are elements of the itinerary that you may not love but need to go along with in order to stick with the group. However, I have historically found it a great way to meet new friends and see the world at the same time.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/21/2023
Elizabeth F. - Traveled, December 2023
G Adventures has excellent booking agents. They have helped me schedule 3 GA trips with flights for two of them. This takes a lot of the heaving lifting off my plate.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/21/2023
Xiaoling Z. - Traveled, December 2023
Reasonable price, good guidor, beautiful sceneries.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/14/2023
Samatha S. - Traveled, December 2023
Usually has a nice itinerary and is well organized. The hotels could be a bit nicer.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/14/2023
Dearbhla M. - Traveled, December 2023
I think it is good as a guided hike but for other G Adventures tours, the guide was more present and provided more info and ideas on places of interest to see and a few restaurant options even if the group breaks into smaller groups and they take turns going with different people.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/14/2023
Barbara C. - Traveled, December 2023
accommodation could be better.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/14/2023
Lauren N. - Traveled, December 2023
I love traveling with G Adventures and I enjoy the more active tours
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/14/2023
Harley C. - Traveled, November 2023
Very well organised from start to finish and used a local tour guide to give an authentic experience!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/30/2023
Sarah P. - Traveled, November 2023
Well organised maximising each day plus loads of interesting information.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/30/2023
Michael R. - Traveled, November 2023
Great fun and well organised trips
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/30/2023
Anne-Marie H. - Traveled, November 2023
The itinerary and the service (before and onsite).
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/30/2023
Genevieve B. - Traveled, November 2023
Well organised, awesome activities, fantastic guide!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/30/2023
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