Walking in Madeira, Portugal
$3269.00
Walks & Treks
7 nights in Portugal
What to expect
Four Guided Walks
Discover hidden waterfalls & lagoons
Laurissilva Forest
Wander UNESCO-listed laurel forests
Ponta de São Lourenço
Enjoy volcanic coastlines & epic views
Funchal
Stay in Madeira’s lively capital
About this trip...
What's included?
Return transfers (Funchal airport)
Private Room
Breakfast daily, four lunches & three dinners
Welcome drink
Four guided walks
Accompanying Solos Tour Leader
Fully financially protected
What's extra:
- International flights are not included
- Let us help you book them! Learn more.
- Travel insurance
- Tips & drinks
- Meals when not included in the itinerary
- Activities when not included in the itinerary
- City tax is currently 2,00 euros per pax/night, paid locally.
Itinerary
- Arrival day
- Levada do Rei in São Jorge
- Day at Leisure
- Levada das 25 Fontes
- Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço
- Day at leisure
- Levada do Caldeirão Verde
- Departure day
What you'll be doing
Day One: Arrive in Madeira
- Dinner included
Day Two: Levada do Rei in São Jorge
The Levada do Rei trail takes us through some of the island’s most vibrant natural scenery, eventually leading to a remarkable site often described as a natural sanctuary. The first section leads us through an exotic forest, where we can enjoy views of the characteristic agricultural landscapes of São Jorge and Santana. As we continue, we’ll walk beneath lush vegetation that forms natural tunnels along the Levada.
The rich greenery that defines the Levada do Rei is sustained by the plentiful water flowing through the area. Yet the highlight of the hike awaits at Ribeiro Bonito—an isolated sanctuary blanketed by the dense Laurissilva forest, offering a rare glimpse of this ancient ecosystem. To round off our walk, don’t miss the São Jorge Watermill, the only functioning mill of its kind. Fed by the waters of the Levada do Rei, this three-century-old mill still grinds locally grown cereals under the care of a resident miller.
- Breakfast & lunch included
- Waking Distance: 6 miles
- Ascent/Descent: 330+/330- feet
- Duration: 3.5-4hrs
- Grade: Easy to Moderate
- Transfer Time: 1 hr each way
Day Three: Day at leisure
Day at leisure or join an optional walking tour of Funchal, offering a charming introduction to Madeira’s capital. We begin at Saint Catherine's Park, known for its lovely gardens and stunning views over the harbour. From there, we visit the Sé Cathedral, an architectural gem showcasing a blend of unique Manueline elements and Portuguese Baroque style. At the local market, flower vendors dressed in vibrant traditional attire greet visitors, while colourful fruit and vegetable stalls surround a central courtyard. Downstairs lies the fish market, where you can spot a variety of Atlantic species, including the remarkable black scabbard fish (“espada”).
Our walk continues with a stop at an embroidery factory/shop, followed by a stroll along Funchal’s oldest street, where painted doors and artistic installations give the Old Town a fresh, creative spirit. Before returning to our hotel, we conclude with a visit to one of the island’s most traditional wine cellars for a tasting of several Madeira Wine varieties.
- Breakfast included
Day Four: Levada das 25 Fontes
Levada das 25 Fontes is one of Madeira’s most beloved hiking trails. Surrounded by remarkable natural beauty, the Levada das 25 Fontes offers the opportunity to discover—and take our time admiring—Lagoa das 25 Fontes. This lagoon is fed by waters descending from Paul da Serra, which appear here through 25 natural springs, creating a truly unique and unforgettable sight
Before reaching the lagoon, we’ll encounter several striking viewpoints along the trail. The panoramas over the Ribeira da Janela valley, for instance, stand out for the vibrant green of the Laurissilva forest. Upon arriving at the trail’s highlight—Lagoa das 25 Fontes we can enjoy the tranquillity of the lagoon and gather our energy before retracing our steps along the same route.
- Breakfast, lunch & dinner included
- Waking Distance: 7 miles
- Ascent/Descent: 985+/985- feet
- Duration: 4-4.5hrs
- Grade: Moderate
- Transfer Time: 1 hr each way
Day Five: Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço
Today’s trail leads us to the eastern tip of the island, offering sweeping views of both the north and south coasts. Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço follows the contours of the peninsula that gives it its name. The peninsula is of volcanic origin, predominantly basaltic, with occasional limestone formations. Just offshore lie two small islets: Ilhéu do Desembarcadouro and Ilhéu do Farol.
The semi-arid climate and the peninsula’s exposure to northern winds explain the low vegetation and absence of trees, creating a stark contrast with the rest of Madeira. This area is classified as a Partial Nature Reserve and shelters rare plant species as well as diverse fauna. Besides being home to one of the region’s largest seagull colonies and protected seabirds—such as Cory’s shearwater and the black-winged stilt—we may also be lucky enough to spot marine wildlife, including the endangered monk seal. We finish our hike with a refreshing swim at Sardinha Pier.
- Breakfast & lunch included
- Waking Distance: 5 miles
- Ascent/Descent: 1675+/1675- feet
- Duration: 4hrs
- Grade: Moderate
- Transfer Time: 40 mins each way
Day Six: Day at leisure
Today we'll enjoy a well-earned rest and perhaps relax by the pool and enjoy the hotel's facilities. Alternatively, join an optional excursion that begins with visits to the fishing villages of Câmara de Lobos and Ribeira Brava. The journey continues along the southwest coast to Calheta before ascending to the Paul da Serra plateau. From there, we descend to Porto Moniz, renowned for its natural volcanic swimming pools, and then follow the dramatic north coast road to São Vicente.
The return route crosses the scenic Encumeada mountain pass and concludes at Cabo Girão, one of the highest sea cliffs in the world.
- Breakfast included
Day Seven: Levada do Caldeirão Verde
For our last hike, we’ll explore the island’s interior relief, celebrated for its grand and dramatic landscapes. An enchanting setting awaits in this lush green paradise, beginning at the charming Queimadas house. This shelter preserves the traditional architectural style of Santana, featuring the iconic triangular shape and thatched roof.
A short distance into the walk, we’ll reach the open esplanade of the Caldeirão Verde Levada. Here, in the heart of the Laurissilva forest, water is guided through this historic 18th-century Levada toward the agricultural fields of the parish of Faial. As we follow the route, framed by cliffs and mountains, the trail leads us through four rock-carved tunnels. Upon reaching Caldeirão Verde, we take in the breathtaking sight of the towering waterfall plunging into a cold, crystal-clear lagoon. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a picnic while relaxing to the soothing sound of cascading water.
- Breakfast & dinner included
- Waking Distance: 8 miles
- Ascent/Descent: 295+/295- feet
- Duration: 4.5hrs
- Grade: Moderate
- Transfer Time: 50 mins each way
Day Eight: Return home
We gather one final time for breakfast before making our way back to Funchal Airport for our flight home.
- Breakfast included
Accommodations
Vila Baleira Funchal
Dates & Prices
Essential Information
Below are the distances for each walk, however please bear in mind these are approximate and subject to change due to local conditions.
- Waking Distance: 6 miles
- Ascent/Descent: 330+/300- feet
- Duration: 3.5-4hrs
- Grade: Easy to Moderate
- Waking Distance: 7 miles
- Ascent/Descent: 985+/985m- feet
- Duration: 4-4.5hrs
- Grade: Moderate
- Waking Distance: 5 miles
- Ascent/Descent: 1675+/1675- feet
- Duration: 4hrs
- Grade: Moderate
- Waking Distance: 8 miles
- Ascent/Descent: 295+/295- feet
- Duration: 4.5hrs
- Grade: Moderate
- Walking boots with good ankle support
- Waterproofs – jacket and trousers
- Walking poles – recommended as they provide good support for the knees, particularly on downhill sections of walks and when conditions are wet/slippery
- Lightweight trousers and shorts with pockets
- Shirts or t-shirts for walking in
- Walking socks – several pairs
- Lightweight fleece or jumper
- Daysack/rucksack for walking
- Lightweight drinking bottle to carry water whilst walking
- Small first aid kit – plasters, insect repellant, etc
- Good, high factor sunscreen, sunhat and sunglasses
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If you are taking part in an excursion which includes hot air ballooning, 4 x 4 off road drives, quad biking, motorcycling or snowmobiling you need to check your travel insurer will offer you adequate cover. You will also need to sign a waiver form.
