Hiking & Adventure Trips

MADEIRA: PEAKS, LEVADA TRAILS, AND COASTAL WONDERS

calendar_month 8 days trip
trip Group trip
location_on Trip to know Portugal
MADEIRA: PEAKS, LEVADA TRAILS, AND COASTAL WONDERS
from 1.495 €
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public Internationals
Viajes fuera de España
public Spring
public Summer
public Autumn
public Hiking trips
Viajes de Senderismo
public Easy Level
Baja
public Moderate Level
Media
public Guided Inn-based hiking tours
De hotel en hotel
public Eire
MADEIRA: PEAKS, LEVADA TRAILS, AND COASTAL WONDERS

 

Embark on an unforgettable 8-day adventure through the stunning landscapes of Madeira. This tour offers a perfect blend of breathtaking mountain hikes, serene Levada trails, and rugged coastal walks, showcasing the island’s rich natural beauty. From traversing the dramatic peaks of Pico Ruivo and Pico Areeiro to exploring lush Laurisilva forests, hidden waterfalls, and idyllic villages, you’ll experience the essence of Madeira at every step. With options to suit different hiking levels, this journey caters to both seasoned trekkers and leisurely walkers. Relax with scenic vistas, swim in natural volcanic pools, and savour the island’s local flavours in charming towns like Porto da Cruz and Curral das Freiras.

Whether you’re seeking adventure or tranquillity, this tour promises an immersive experience in one of Portugal’s most beautiful archipelagos.

 

Depending on your brief, we can facilitate “A” walkers with more challenging options such as mountain hut combinations,  “B” walkers with shorter walks with more peaks & “C” walkers comfortable walks featuring areas of historic or cultural interest.  The choice is yours, just let us know in advance.  

 

 

Day 1. Arrival in Madeira

Upon arrival in Funchal, meet your guide for a transfer to the hotel. After check-in, the guide will explain the program for the trip. Dinner and accommodation.


Day 2. LEVADA DE MACHICO TO PORTO DA CRUZ

Level A & B. LEVADA DE MACHICO TO PORTO DA CRUZ (13 KM, +200M/-400M)


Start the day with breakfast before heading to the outskirts of Machico, where we begin our walk along the Levada near the Caniçal tunnel. A gentle climb takes us through the picturesque Ribeira Seca Valley, eventually reaching the coastal path. At the Boca do Risco viewpoint, we’ll enjoy stunning northern coastline views stretching from Caniçal to Porto da Cruz. The trail then winds along the cliffs, culminating in the beautiful town of Porto da Cruz, known for its charming streets and sunny weather. Transfer back to the hotel. Dinner and accommodation.


Day 3. PICO RUIVO TO PICO AREEIRO

After breakfast, embark on one of Madeira's most challenging yet rewarding hikes. The trail connects two of the island’s highest peaks—Pico do Areeiro and Pico Ruivo—offering breathtaking views. As we ascend through the Central Massif, we may even find ourselves above the clouds, with dramatic landscapes surrounding us. Passing through tunnels, we finally reach Pico Ruivo, Madeira's highest peak (1,862m).

  • Level A 12 km, +900m/-850m: Hike from Achada do Teixeira to Pico Ruivo and continue to Pico Areeiro.
  • Level B : 12 km, +600m/-600m: Pico Areeiro round trip.

Return to the hotel for dinner and accommodation.


Day 4. LEVADA HIKES

Level A. Levada do Norte - 11 km, +900m/-600m. After breakfast, we start the hike at Ribeira Grande and follow the Caminho Norte to the Encumeada viewpoint. The Levada do Norte leads through a tunnel and into the lush Laurisilva Forest, where we encounter the rare Folhados (Clethra arborea). As we continue, we are treated to spectacular views, cascading waterfalls, and more tunnels before entering pine and eucalyptus forests. The hike ends in the agricultural lands of Ginjas.
Level B. Levada Caldeirão Verde to Caldeirão do Inferno - 14 km, +225m/-225m. This route to the Caldeirão Verde is one of the island’s most scenic. Carved into the rock, the levada takes us through verdant gorges and past dramatic waterfalls. If energy permits, we’ll continue to the awe-inspiring Caldeirão do Inferno, crossing waterfalls, tunnels, and canyons

Return to the hotel for dinner and accommodation.


Day 5. FREE DAY

Enjoy breakfast and a relaxing day at your own pace. You may choose to rest or explore Funchal on a guided tour or going to Porto Santo Island. Free dinner. Accommodation.

PORTO SANTO ISLAND. Come and discover the island of Porto Santo, on an unforgettable cruise! Travel aboard the ship Lobo Marinho and visit this island and its magnificent beach of 9km of fine sand, with therapeutic properties, and a calm turquoise sea and a unique temperature (18 to 20 degrees).


Day 6. FANAL TO RIBEIRA DA JANELA OR LEVADA DAS 25 FONTES

Level A. Fanal to Ribeira da Janela - 16 km, +200m/-1,200m: After breakfast, we’ll trek through the Central Massif along the Fanal trail, passing through a special conservation area with numerous viewpoints, including one that reveals much of the island's north coast. In the afternoon, relax with a refreshing swim in Porto Moniz’s natural saltwater pools.

Level B. Levada das 25 Fontes - 7 km, +140m/-115m: We explore Rabacal, an enchanting region with turquoise mountains, cascading waterfalls, and tranquil levadas. Our walk includes the famous "25 Fountains" levada and the Boca do Risco waterfall. After soaking in the serene atmosphere, we transfer to Porto Moniz for an optional swim in its volcanic rock pools.

Return to the hotel for dinner and accommodation.


Day 7. PICO GRANDE OR BOCA DA CORRIDA TO CURRAL DAS FREIRAS

Level A. Pico Grande - 11 km, +670m/-670m: Ascend Pico Grande, which—though not among Madeira’s highest peaks—offers some of the island's most spectacular views. The summit, with its fascinating tuff stone formations, reveals how the elements have sculpted the landscape. After the hike, enjoy a traditional lunch in Curral das Freiras.

Level B. Boca da Corrida to Curral das Freiras - 7 km, +200m/-500m: Begin with breakfast, then head to Câmara de Lobos for a scenic hike from the Boca da Corrida viewpoint to Curral das Freiras. The valley, surrounded by imposing mountain peaks, offers breathtaking views. After the hike, enjoy a traditional lunch in Curral das Freiras.

Return to the hotel for dinner and accommodation.


Day 8. DEPARTURE

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return journey.

  IT INCLUDES:
  • 7 nights at Hotel Quinta Da Penha de França in Funchal.
  • 7 Breakfast 
  • 6 dinners to experience the gastronomy (food & wine) of the towns/villages.
  • All transport and listed activities. Airport transfers
  • Guides – English speaking qualified/certified/approved guides
  • Insurances and taxes
  DOES NOT INCLUDE:
  • Picnic lunch.  It can be purchased in the hotel or local shops.
  • Drinks.
  • Dinner on day 5.
  • Extra optional excursions
  • Flights 

TERMS & CONDITIONS

 

TOUR GROUPS 

The minimum number necessary to complete a tour is 8 clients.  They may all be from a Walking Club or a group of friends or just a number of individuals who wish to book a tour.  To ensure the safety of each member of the tour & their enjoyment of the walks, clients must inform the tour company of their competence level A or B.  This should be done at the time the client is discussing the reservation with the tour company.  Each route has been designed to the commonly used competency standards of hillwalking clubs members of Mountaineering, Ireland. 

 

WALKERS LEVELS

Tour groups may be composed of walkers of all similar levels or a mix of different levels both of fitness & experience. As indicated above, clubs & individuals should make their level known to the tour company well in advance so that the walks offered in the tour fit the appropriate levels.  While minor adjustments may be made during the tour, it is best for the enjoyment of all to divide the group into different competence levels & walk the route best suited to their abilities.  Clearly dividing groups into levels requires a dedicated guide to each group & there is an associated cost.  In that regard, it is necessary to have a minimum number of 4 for each such group.  If individuals are making up less than four wishes to undertake the route, the tour company will charge them the cost of the Guide, which will be divided among them.     

  

DEPOSIT

A deposit of €300 is required to reserve a place on tour.  The Deposit should be paid immediately to ensure that the tour company Rumbo a Picos can confirm your reservation & to ensure that the minimum number required to run the tour has been reached. 

 

FINAL PAYMENT

Final payment must be made not later than 30 days before the tour start date.  

 

CANCELLATION POLICY

 

  • The tour company Rumbo a Picos reserves the right to cancel the tour if there are not the minimum number of participants, up to 30 days prior to the tour start date.  In the event of such cancellation, participants shall be refunded 100% of the payments they have made to the tour company Rumbo a Picos. The refund shall be made by Bank Transfer to the client’s bank account within 7 days of the notified cancellation. 
  • If the client cancels his/her booking prior to the tour start date,  to cover the tour company’s costs & administrative expenses the company will retain for a  cancellation prior to 90days/€50, 60days/€100, 30days/€150 and will refund to the client all other payments received by the company from the client.
  • If the client cancels his/her booking within 30 days of the tour start date, the tour company will not make any refund to the client.
  • The tour company reserves the right to modify the tour program & the itinerary in the event of circumstances outside of its control such as Force Majure, severe or unsuitable weather or any other circumstances it considers necessary to ensure the safety of the tour participants. 
  • If a participant decides to abandon the tour for whatever reason, he/she should inform the Guide in writing of their decision.  Any related expenses must be paid by the participant.  

 

INSURANCES

 

INSURANCE INCLUDED IN THE PRICE. This insurance covers exclusively the risks related to your hiking activities with us and as a passenger in our company transport foreseen in the trip. It does not cover travel insurance.  

 

All customers must have travel and medical insurance. They should bring a copy with them, and give it to the Rumbo a Picos leading guides at the start of the trip. Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and travel cancellation expenses.

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