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 1.695 €
public Internationals
Viajes fuera de España
public Winter
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 walking clubs

Madeira: Peaks, Levada Trails and Coastal Wonders

An eight-day walking adventure through high mountain landscapes, ancient laurel forests, traditional levadas and Madeira’s dramatic Atlantic coastline.

An island of extraordinary contrasts

Discover the remarkable natural diversity of Madeira on a journey combining mountain hikes, peaceful levada trails and spectacular coastal walks.

From the dramatic peaks of Pico Ruivo and Pico do Areeiro to deep green valleys, hidden waterfalls and rugged sea cliffs, every day reveals a different side of the island.

Carefully selected routes offer experienced hillwalkers rewarding mountain challenges while providing shorter alternatives for those who prefer a more moderate or leisurely pace.

Highlights of the journey

  • Pico Ruivo and Pico do Areeiro
    Experience Madeira’s spectacular high-mountain scenery, with dramatic ridges, volcanic peaks and far-reaching views.
  • Traditional levada trails
    Follow historic water channels through forests, valleys and mountainsides while discovering an essential part of Madeira’s cultural landscape.
  • UNESCO Laurisilva forest
    Walk through the largest surviving area of ancient laurel forest, home to a remarkable variety of endemic plants and wildlife.
  • Waterfalls and green valleys
    Discover peaceful paths surrounded by lush vegetation, mountain streams and hidden waterfalls.
  • Atlantic coastal landscapes
    Explore rugged cliffs, volcanic scenery and panoramic trails overlooking the ocean.
  • Natural volcanic pools
    Enjoy the opportunity to swim or relax beside some of Madeira’s distinctive natural seawater pools.
  • Traditional towns and villages
    Experience local life and regional flavours in places such as Porto da Cruz and Curral das Freiras.

More than a walking holiday

This journey offers a rewarding combination of adventure, tranquillity and cultural discovery.

Walk above the clouds, follow serene levadas through subtropical forest and experience the power of the Atlantic along Madeira’s rugged coastline.

Between walks, enjoy magnificent viewpoints, welcoming villages and the distinctive food and traditions of this Portuguese island.

Choose the right level for your group

Depending on your group’s requirements, the walking programme can be adapted to different abilities and interests.

  • A — Challenging
    More demanding mountain routes with longer distances, sustained ascents and high-level trails.
  • B — Moderate
    Shorter routes with reduced ascent, rewarding viewpoints and a varied combination of mountain and levada walking.
  • C — Leisurely and cultural
    Comfortable scenic walks featuring levadas, villages and places of cultural or natural interest.

Please note: The final selection of walks may be adapted to current trail access, weather conditions and official safety requirements.

The choice is yours

Tell us in advance about your group’s walking experience, preferred level and interests. We will adapt the programme to create the right Madeira experience for your group.

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 in Funchal
    Seven nights’ accommodation at Hotel Quinta da Penha de França.
  • 7 breakfasts
    Breakfast is included each morning.
  • 6 dinners
    Six dinners offering the opportunity to enjoy Madeira’s traditional food and wine.
  • Transport and airport transfers
    All scheduled transport detailed in the itinerary, including airport transfers.
  • Listed activities
    All activities specifically included in the published tour programme.
  • Professional English-speaking guides
    Qualified, certified or officially approved guides throughout the walking programme.
  • Activity insurance and taxes
    Activity insurance for the walking programme and all applicable taxes are included.
  DOES NOT INCLUDE:
  • Picnic lunches
    Picnic lunches are not included, but you can order them from the hotel or buy them at local shops.
  • Drinks
    Drinks are not included unless otherwise specified.
  • Dinner on day 5
    Dinner is not included on day 5 of the programme.
  • Optional excursions
    Book and pay for any optional excursions separately.
  • Flights
    Flights to and from Madeira are not included.

Important booking information

Terms & Conditions

Please read these terms carefully before booking your tour. They explain our payment, cancellation, itinerary and insurance conditions.

By booking a tour with Rumbo a Picos, participants acknowledge and accept the conditions set out below.

01

Tour programme and itinerary

Rumbo a Picos reserves the right to make reasonable changes to the tour programme before departure when considered necessary. Whenever possible, clients will be consulted and informed in advance.

Changes may be required as a result of:

  • Weather or mountain conditions
  • Flight or airport connection changes
  • Increased hotel, transport or guide costs
  • Other significant circumstances affecting the tour

Any adjustments will be made with the aim of maintaining the safety, quality and financial viability of the tour.

02

Payments

Deposit €300

Reserve your place

A deposit of €300 per person is required to reserve a place on the tour. It should be paid promptly so that Rumbo a Picos can confirm your reservation and determine whether the minimum number of participants has been reached.

Final payment 30 days

Before departure

The outstanding balance must be paid no later than 30 days before the tour start date.

03

Cancellation policy

Cancellation by Rumbo a Picos

Rumbo a Picos may cancel a tour up to 30 days before departure if the minimum number of participants has not been reached. In this event, participants will receive a full refund of all payments made to Rumbo a Picos. Refunds will be paid by bank transfer within seven days of the cancellation notice.

65 days or more

Full refund

For cancellations made 65 days or more before departure, all payments received by Rumbo a Picos will be refunded in full.

64–31 days

50% cancellation fee

Cancellations made between 64 and 31 days before departure are subject to a cancellation fee equal to 50% of the amount paid. The remaining balance will be refunded.

30 days or fewer

No refund

No refund will be provided for cancellations made 30 days or fewer before departure.

Changes beyond our control

Rumbo a Picos may modify the programme or itinerary due to circumstances beyond its control, including force majeure, severe or unsuitable weather, or any other situation requiring changes to protect participants’ safety.

Leaving a tour early

A participant who decides to leave the tour for any reason must inform the guide of their decision in writing. Any costs arising from that decision will be the participant’s responsibility.

04

Insurance

Travel with the right protection

Activity insurance is included, but every participant must also arrange suitable personal travel insurance.

Included

Activity insurance

This insurance exclusively covers risks arising from the hiking activities included in the tour programme.

Activity insurance does not replace personal travel insurance.

Required

Personal travel insurance

Every participant must obtain personal travel insurance with adequate cover for:

  • Overseas medical treatment
  • Emergency evacuation and repatriation
  • Baggage and personal equipment
  • Travel and tour cancellation costs

Important: Participants must bring proof of their travel insurance. The guides will ask to see it at the beginning of the tour.

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