Madeira Paradise
Portugal Hiking + Walking Tours
Portugal’s Pearl of the Atlantic
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Tour Type
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Skill Level
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Length8 days
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Prices from€1385 Rates
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Overview
If you love to explore on foot, this hike on Madeira Island, Portugal, will provide many opportunities to truly experience the unique landscape of this island world that famous soccer player Cristiano Ronaldo calls home.
Madeira was created by volcanic eruptions and erosion throughout the years, sculpting the island with bizarre rock formations and deep gorges. The best Madeira trails are full of wonders, and you will discover them as you hike on the mountains, cliffs, and levadas.
Breathtaking scenery and highlights, such as the natural pools of Porto Moniz and the Laurissilva Forest (both UNESCO Natural World Heritage sites), will leave you stunned and amazed! It's your time to explore this hiking paradise!
Highlights
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Porto Moniz & Laurissilva Forest
- Quiet trails, awesome ocean views
- Unique black sand beaches from being a volcanic island
- Madeira gastronomy, fresh fish & produce
Take a look at all our hiking tours!
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Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival at Funchal Airport and transfer to Ponta do Sol
Day 2: Levada do Moinho to Ponta do Sol, 10 km (+100 m)
Day 3: Rabaçal & 25 Fontes, 10 km (+100 m)
Day 4: Jardim do Mar to Paúl do Mar, 6 km (+600 m)
Day 5: Paúl da Serra – Fanal, 10 km (+200 m)
Day 6: Pedregal to Cabo Loop, 12 km (+400 m)
Day 7: Visit Cabo Girão and Free Day in Funchal
Day 8: DepartureDay 1: Arrival at Funchal Airport
After arriving in Funchal, you’ll be transferred to Ponta do Sol (1 hour). During your welcome briefing, your guide will review your itinerary and provide essential information for the week ahead. The rest of the day is free to explore the charming seaside village, its coastal views, and local Madeiran cuisine.Accommodation: Enotel Sunset Bay
Alternative hotel: Estalagem Ponta do Sol
Transfer: Funchal → Ponta do Sol (1 hour)Day 2: Levada do Moinho to Ponta do Sol, 10 km (+100 m)
A short transfer takes you to Lombada Church, where you begin walking along the historic Levada do Moinho. This peaceful levada path features terraced farmlands, waterfalls, deep green vegetation, and ocean views toward Ponta do Sol.Accommodation: Enotel Sunset Bay
Alternative hotel: Estalagem Ponta do Sol
Transfer: Hotel → Track start (20 min)Day 3: Rabaçal & 25 Fontes, 10 km (+100 m)
Transfer to the Rabaçal trailhead and walk toward Levada do Risco and the Lagoa das 25 Fontes. This UNESCO Laurissilva Forest area features lush vegetation, waterfalls, and scenic levada paths. A transfer returns you to your accommodation.Accommodation: Enotel Sunset Bay
Alternative hotel: Estalagem Ponta do Sol
Transfers: Hotel → Track start (45 min); Track end → Hotel (20–25 min)Day 4: Jardim do Mar to Paúl do Mar, 6 km (+600 m)
Walk a steep historical route connecting the seaside villages of Jardim do Mar and Paúl do Mar. The trail highlights stone-walled terraces, dramatic ocean views, and coastal landscapes. Explore the fishing village before transferring back.Accommodation: Enotel Sunset Bay
Alternative hotel: Estalagem Ponta do Sol
Transfers: Hotel → Track start (25 min); Track end → Hotel (25 min)Day 5: Paúl da Serra – Fanal, 10 km (+200 m)
Begin on the Paúl da Serra plateau and follow viewpoints overlooking Ribeira da Janela and Chão da Ribeira. Continue through the Laurissilva Forest to Fanal, a volcanic crater area filled with ancient trees and atmospheric forest scenery.Accommodation: Aqua Natura Bay
Alternative hotel: Aqua Natura Madeira
Transfers: Hotel → Track start (25 min); Track end → Hotel (20 min)Day 6: Pedregal to Cabo Loop, 12 km (+400 m)
Transfer to Pedregal and walk through the lush western landscapes of Madeira. Follow Levada Nova past waterfalls and forest paths, stopping at viewpoints near the Capela da Nossa Senhora da Boa Morte. Complete the loop and return to Porto Moniz.Accommodation: Aqua Natura Bay
Alternative hotel: Aqua Natura Madeira
Transfers: Hotel → Track start (30 min); Track end → Hotel (30 min)Day 7: Visit Cabo Girão and Free Day in Funchal
Visit Cabo Girão, Europe’s highest cliff skywalk, with dramatic ocean views from its glass platform (tickets not included). Continue to Funchal for a free afternoon to explore its historic center, ocean promenades, shops, and restaurants.Accommodation: Castanheiro Boutique Hotel (upgrade available)
Alternative hotel: Sé Boutique Hotel
Transfers: Porto Moniz → Cabo Girão (45 min); Cabo Girão → Funchal (30 min)Day 8: Departure
After breakfast, you will take your transfer back to the airport (30 mins) or extend your stay with a few extra nights.If walking Madeira Island isn't your flavor, check out our full list of hiking & walking tours or view all our featured bicycle tours, specials, and news.
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Map
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Accommodation
You will be accommodated in family-owned Agriturismo establishments or 3-star hotels, such as Estalagem Ponta do Sol in Madeira and Castanheiro Boutique Hotel in Funchal. Please see the day-to-day details for preferred hotels. The final hotel list will be based on availability.
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Inclusions
What’s Included
- 7 nights accommodation with breakfast
- Welcome briefing in English
- Transfer on arrival day from Funchal Airport to your first hotel
- Transfer from the last hotel to Funchal Airport
- Transfers during the tour, as mentioned in the itinerary
- Luggage transfer
- Tour information (detailed description of the daily stages)
- Information book
- Trail entrance fees for hikes that require them
- GPS tracks (to download to your own device/phone)
- 24-hour support telephone number
What’s Not Included
- Remaining meals not mentioned as included
- All beverages with included lunches or dinners
- Ticket to Cabo Girão
- Gratuities
- City taxes (in some locations €0-5 per person per night)(payabe locally)
- Travel Insurance
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Dates & Pricing
Dates & Pricing
Questions about dates or pricing? We’re here to help! Call 800-951-4384 to talk to a Tour Specialist now.
Pricing shown is for a self-guided tour. Guided tour departures are available on request. Kindly share your preferred travel dates, group size, and any special requests so we can provide an accurate quote based on your details.
Dec 14, 2025Dec 14, 2025 € 1385 Dec 14, 2025Dec 14, 2025 € 1835 Jan 4–31, 2026 (Daily)Jan 4–31, 2026 (Daily) € 1525 Book Jan 4–31, 2026 (Daily)Jan 4–31, 2026 (Daily) € 1975 Book Feb 1–28, 2026 (Daily)Feb 1–28, 2026 (Daily) € 1525 Book Feb 1–28, 2026 (Daily)Feb 1–28, 2026 (Daily) € 1975 Book Mar 1–26, 2026 (Daily)Mar 1–26, 2026 (Daily) € 1525 Book Mar 1–26, 2026 (Daily)Mar 1–26, 2026 (Daily) € 1975 Book Mar 27–31, 2026 (Daily)Mar 27–31, 2026 (Daily) € 1825 Book Mar 27–31, 2026 (Daily)Mar 27–31, 2026 (Daily) € 2365 Book Apr 1–5, 2026 (Daily)Apr 1–5, 2026 (Daily) € 1825 Book Apr 1–5, 2026 (Daily)Apr 1–5, 2026 (Daily) € 2365 Book Apr 6–20, 2026 (Daily)Apr 6–20, 2026 (Daily) € 1525 Book Apr 6–20, 2026 (Daily)Apr 6–20, 2026 (Daily) € 1975 Book Apr 21–28, 2026 (Daily)Apr 21–28, 2026 (Daily) € 1975 Book Apr 21–28, 2026 (Daily)Apr 21–28, 2026 (Daily) € 2575 Book Apr 29–30, 2026 (Daily)Apr 29–30, 2026 (Daily) € 1775 Book Apr 29–30, 2026 (Daily)Apr 29–30, 2026 (Daily) € 2275 Book May 1–31, 2026 (Daily)May 1–31, 2026 (Daily) € 1775 Book May 1–31, 2026 (Daily)May 1–31, 2026 (Daily) € 2275 Book Jun 1–26, 2026 (Daily)Jun 1–26, 2026 (Daily) € 1775 Book Jun 1–26, 2026 (Daily)Jun 1–26, 2026 (Daily) € 2275 Book Jun 27–30, 2026 (Daily)Jun 27–30, 2026 (Daily) € 1825 Book Jun 27–30, 2026 (Daily)Jun 27–30, 2026 (Daily) € 2365 Book Jul 1–31, 2026 (Daily)Jul 1–31, 2026 (Daily) € 1825 Book Jul 1–31, 2026 (Daily)Jul 1–31, 2026 (Daily) € 2365 Book Aug 1–31, 2026 (Daily)Aug 1–31, 2026 (Daily) € 1825 Book Aug 1–31, 2026 (Daily)Aug 1–31, 2026 (Daily) € 2365 Book Sep 1–30, 2026 (Daily)Sep 1–30, 2026 (Daily) € 1775 Book Sep 1–30, 2026 (Daily)Sep 1–30, 2026 (Daily) € 2275 Book Oct 1–26, 2026 (Daily)Oct 1–26, 2026 (Daily) € 1775 Book Oct 1–26, 2026 (Daily)Oct 1–26, 2026 (Daily) € 2275 Book Oct 27–31, 2026 (Daily)Oct 27–31, 2026 (Daily) € 1525 Book Oct 27–31, 2026 (Daily)Oct 27–31, 2026 (Daily) € 1975 Book Nov 1–30, 2026 (Daily)Nov 1–30, 2026 (Daily) € 1525 Book Nov 1–30, 2026 (Daily)Nov 1–30, 2026 (Daily) € 1975 Book Dec 1–15, 2026 (Daily)Dec 1–15, 2026 (Daily) € 1525 Book Dec 1–15, 2026 (Daily)Dec 1–15, 2026 (Daily) € 1975 Book Pricing details and extra options
- Season 1 2025 Daily Oct 27–Dec 15 from € 13852025 departures: Daily Oct 27–Dec 15
2025 October Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 November Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 December Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Tour Package Double occupancy € 1385 Single occupancy € 1835 Solo traveler € 2295 - Extra Options
Extra options GPS rental € 53
- Season 1 2026 Daily Jan 4–26, Jan 27–Feb 26, Feb 27–Mar 26, Apr 6–20, Oct 27–Nov 26 & Nov 27–Dec 15 from € 15252026 departures: Daily Jan 4–26, Jan 27–Feb 26, Feb 27–Mar 26, Apr 6–20, Oct 27–Nov 26 and Nov 27–Dec 15
2026 January Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2026 February Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2026 March Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2026 April Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2026 October Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2026 November Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2026 December Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Tour Package Double occupancy € 1525 Single occupancy € 1975 Solo traveler € 2525 - Season 2 2026 Daily Apr 29–May 26, May 27–Jun 26, Sep 1–Oct 15 & Oct 16–26 from € 17752026 departures: Daily Apr 29–May 26, May 27–Jun 26, Sep 1–Oct 15 and Oct 16–26
2026 April Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2026 May Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2026 June Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2026 September Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2026 October Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Tour Package Double occupancy € 1775 Single occupancy € 2275 Solo traveler € 2825 - Season 3 2026 Daily Mar 27–Apr 5, Jun 27–Jul 26 & Jul 27–Aug 31 from € 18252026 departures: Daily Mar 27–Apr 5, Jun 27–Jul 26 and Jul 27–Aug 31
2026 March Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2026 April Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2026 June Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2026 July Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2026 August Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Tour Package Double occupancy € 1825 Single occupancy € 2365 Solo traveler € 2915 - Season 4 2026 Daily Apr 21–28 from € 19752026 departures: Daily Apr 21–28
2026 April Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Tour Package Double occupancy € 1975 Single occupancy € 2575 Solo traveler € 3125
Please Note
- Rates are per person, based on double occupancy
- Tour prices are based on the fuel costs at time prices are set, often months or years in advance. In rare cases, additional fees may apply for fuel cost increases.
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
- Season 1 2025 Daily Oct 27–Dec 15 from € 1385
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Extra Info
Skill Level — Easy
This self-guided or guided hiking tour is rated easy. Daily distances are from 6 to 11 km that takes place on mostly flat terrain on Levada. There are hills but the climbs are soft. The route consists of hiking trails and Levadas (water irrigation channels).
Airport Info
Fly to Cristiano Ronaldo Madeira International Airport, commonly known as Madeira Airport or Funchal Airport (FNC).
Local Travel
You will be provided an arrival airport transfer as well as a departure airport tranfser.
Climate
Madeira generally has a very mild and moderated subtropical climate. Summers are dry and warm. On the other hand, winter months are mildly cool and wet because of the increase in precipitation. The temperatures year-round are never extreme, never uncomfortably hot nor uncomfortably cold. The temperature does not reach extreme points. The summer months are not horribly hot while the winter months do not bring intolerable cold. The average temperature is between 61 and 74 degrees Fahrenheit. Please check local conditions before your arrival. There are many good websites to visit to explore regional weather including average high/low temperatures, average rainfall, and more.
Remarks
For those of you on a self-guided hike, you can add extra days/nights along the way if you wish to explore a particular location a little longer.
Important to know
Documents
Before you travel, please check the passport and visa requirements of the country/countries you plan to visit. For US citizens, the US Department of State website is a good source of information. The Country Information tab in the International Travel section provides details about passport validity, blank passport pages required, etc. For our other international clients, please be sure that you research your own country's travel requirements. It is each traveler's responsibility to ensure proper documentation.
*Important note: Please check on the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) status as once implemented, this will be required to visit any of the 26 Schengen-member countries for tourism, business, medical, or transit. This is an additional check on security rather than a visa.
Tour Operator
This tour is run by Portugal Nature Trails.
We value the strong relationship we have with our local partners and the services we provide.
We are not a broker.
We do not inflate tour prices.
We are simply travelers helping travelers.Would you like to learn more About Us? How about What Makes Us Different than other companies?
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