9-Day Hiking in Madeira

Itinerary

1. Day 01: Welcome to Madeira

   We welcome you to Madeira at Funchal airport, where you collect your rental car and drive to Quinta do Furão. Perched on a cliff on the lush north coast, with wine-making roots and superb views over the Atlantic, it is a fine base for the first three nights. The rest of the day is yours. 

2. Day 02: Larano Cliff Walk

   We begin with the Larano Cliff Walk, following an ancient path that once linked the north and south coasts between Machico and Porto da Cruz. The trail crosses farmland and crops, with superb views over the São Lourenço peninsula, Porto Santo and the north east coast. 

   12 km | about 4h30 | Difficulty 3 (Moderate) 

   Meals: Breakfast 

3. Day 03: Ponta de São Lourenço

   We walk the Ponta de São Lourenço, a nature park at the island’s eastern tip where bare volcanic rock contrasts with the green of the levada paths. We see both the north and south coasts, curious rock formations shaped by the island’s volcanic origins and the unique flora and fauna of the park. 

   8 km | about 4h00 | Difficulty 3 (Moderate). Sports shoes with good grip or hiking boots are recommended, and weather can change quickly. 

   Meals: Breakfast

4. Day 04: North Coast to Porto Moniz

   We drive to Aqua Natura Madeira in Porto Moniz, perched just above the village’s famous natural pools with views over the Atlantic. Set between the sea and the Laurissilva, the UNESCO World Heritage laurel forest, it is a perfect place to spend the afternoon at leisure. 

   Meals: Breakfast

5. Day 05: Levada do Caldeirão Verde

   We set off from the Queimadas guesthouse and follow the levada through an emerald green landscape, with views of the villages far below. The path leads through small tunnels and a waterfall before ending at the spectacular Caldeirão Verde waterfall. 

   13 km | about 4h30 | Difficulty 3 (Moderate) 

   Meals: Breakfast

6. Day 06: Valley of Rabaçal

   We descend from the Paul da Serra plateau into the Valley of Rabaçal, one of nature’s great masterpieces, and walk to the Risco waterfall. We continue along the Levada das 25 Fontes to a small lake, where 25 springs cascade from a cliff, and return by a different route through a tunnel carrying water to the south of the island. We then continue to Funchal and The Three House Hotel, whose rooftop pool is ideal for tired legs. 

   11 km | about 4h00 | Difficulty 3 (Moderate) 

   Meals: Breakfast

7. Day 07: Fanal and the Nini Andrade Silva Design Centre

   We walk from Paul da Serra to Fanal, one of the few places where the Laurissilva can be seen at its best. We pause among ancient trees and birdlife for views over the valleys of Ribeira da Janela and Chão da Ribeira. In the evening we enjoy a private guided visit to the Design Centre Nini Andrade Silva, whose permanent exhibition explores the designer’s career and philosophy alongside the island’s heritage and its deep connection with the sea. 

   10.8 km | about 4h30 | Difficulty 3 (Moderate). Sports shoes with good grip or hiking boots are recommended, and weather can change quickly. 

   Meals: Breakfast

8. Day 08: Madeira Peaks

   Today is the great mountain day. We start at Pico Areeiro (1,818 m) and move through jagged pinnacles and towers of volcanic rock veined with lava, to the island’s highest point, Pico Ruivo (1,862 m). We pass through the oldest heather forest, where the trees were already ancient when Zarco first landed on the island, before descending to Achada do Teixeira. 

   10 km | about 5h00 | Difficulty 4 (Difficult). Sports shoes with good grip or hiking boots are recommended, and weather can change quickly. 

   Meals: Breakfast

9. Day 09: Departure from Funchal

   After breakfast, we drive to Funchal airport, return the rental car and take the flight home.