The route
The routes follow a combination of mountain trails, narrow levada paths, and scenic hiking routes along the coast and up steep slopes to higher elevations. You will traverse rocky and occasionally steep terrain, so it is important to be surefooted and have a good head for heights. A solid level of fitness is required for the more demanding stages, which can last up to six hours. In most cases, however, the more challenging sections can be shortened or made easier.
Easy cancellation up to 35 days before departure
This tour is covered by our special easy cancellation policy up to 35 days before departure.
Itinerary
Just a short bus ride from the airport lies the charming coastal town of Machico.
Take a stroll along the golden sandy beach and find a cosy restaurant for your first evening on the beautiful Island of Flowers.
Hotel (example): Hotel White Waters
Today you hike to the summit of Pico do Facho and continue along the dramatic cliffs on the impressive Whalers’ Trail down to the harbour of Caniçal. Afterwards, you can explore the rugged São Lourenço peninsula, the island’s easternmost point, or finish your loop along a levada path high above the ocean.
Hotel (example): Hotel White Waters
Along Levada do Caniçal, you ascend to Boca do Risco, a breathtaking mountain pass high above the cliffs that leads you onto a narrow coastal trail. This path winds dramatically above the sea and ends in Porto da Cruz, where you can cool off with a swim in the natural saltwater pools and relax with a walk along the black sand beach.
Hotel (example): Costa Linda
A transfer takes you up into the mountains. You pass waterfalls and dense fern forests before reaching the high-altitude trail. If you wish, you can make a detour to the Pico Ruivo hut and climb Madeira’s highest mountain, where a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire island awaits. After descending through eucalyptus forests into the valley, you will spend the night in the charming mountain village of Santana.
Hotel (example): Hotel O Colmo
Set out on a fantastic hike along the King’s Trail, a historic mountain path that once connected the island’s interior to its coast. This sunny route winds through lush vegetation, leading you to a series of breathtaking viewpoints. The jungle-like Levada do Rei meanders through tunnels to the end of the lush valley, where a cosy bar invites you for a well-deserved break. From here, you continue by transfer to the charming coastal town of São Vicente.
Hotel (example): Calamar Hotel
A short transfer takes you to the starting point in a remote high valley. From here, you hike through laurel forests up to the high plateau and into the mystical Fanal area, where mist and lichen-covered trees create an enchanting atmosphere. A scenic drive down through the valley then brings you to Porto Moniz, where the black volcanic pools along the Atlantic coast offer a refreshing swim.
Hotel (example): Aqua Natura Madeira
You hike up to the church in Santo, where adventurous trails lead down to the sea gardens at Achadas da Cruz. Here, the steep cliffs rise almost 500 metres above the ocean, and a steep path takes you the final stretch down to the remote terraced gardens. Alternatively, you can take the nearly vertical cable car, which gives a little thrill as it glides along – and if you want to take it back up, you’ll need to call the operator on the radio yourself. If you choose to hike both down and up, the route returns through the impressive gorge back to the plateau above.
Hotel (example): Aqua Natura Madeira
The final day of your tour has arrived, and it’s time to head home. You can choose to book extra nights in Porto Moniz or arrange a transfer to the airport.
Pictures from the trip
Prices and dates
Price includes
ACCOMMODATION
- Accommodation in 3*** and 4**** hotels, plus 1 charming 2** hotel (Porto da Cruz)
FOOD & DRINK
- Breakfast included every day
HIKING
- 6 days of hiking (approx. 93 km)
- Detailed descriptions of carefully selected routes (route maps, route descriptions, information about relevant tourist attractions, and important phone numbers – in English)
- Welcome meeting on arrival day
TRANSPORT
- Luggage transfer between hotels
- Transfers according to the programme
EVERYTHING ELSE
- Entrance fees for levada hiking trails
- Service hotline
- 24-hour staffed emergency phone during the entire trip
- Access to the route in our GPS app, which also works offline (one access per room)
- This is a packaged holiday and is therefore covered by The Travel Guarantee Fund - See which benefits this means for you - click here
- Flights from Denmark to Funchal, return
- Optional ticket for the Achadas da Cruz cable car (approx. €5 per person)
- Travel insurance
- Cancellation insurance
- Any local tourist taxes at the hotels
- Handling fee (EUR 20)
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
- Extra night before or after the tour (see booking page)
- Transfers: Must be booked in advance and paid before departure
Madeira Airport – Machico (see booking page)
Porto Moniz – Madeira Airport (see booking page)
Use the “Calculate Price” function on this page to see the total cost of the trip, including the extras you want.
Practical information
The price is based upon two people sharing. It is also possible travel alone in a single room. Simply choose "1 person" in the booking form and it will automatically add the single room surcharge.
On this tour you will be on your own supplied with maps, route descriptions and luggage transfers. That means that your time is your own and you have plenty of time to enjoy the stages in your own pace.
Check the price quickly
You can quickly check the price of your desired trip without having to fill in anything. Here's how:
- Choose your desired start date
- Click on the green button "See price and reserve your holiday" and go to the booking form
- Select number of people, add any optional extras and see the price at the bottom of the page (you don't have to fill in anything on the form).
Get a quote
For example, if you want a flight included or changes to the trip, you can order a quote for this using the "Get a quote" button. Remember to describe in detail what, if anything, you want changed.
The process of your booking
When you book, we will start booking hotels and arranging all the practical details of the trip. This process typically takes 7-10 working days, but some bookings may take longer. If you are arranging your own transport, we recommend that you wait until we have confirmed your booking before arranging this.
Dates
If you can select the date in the tour calendar at the top of this page, this is a possible start date. We continually update the tours with sold-out dates, after which those dates will turn red and cannot be selected.
The flights to/from Funchal, Madeira are not included in the price. You can easily find a suitable flight via a flight booking engine such as Momondo or Skyscanner.
Notice: we recommend that you book with us and wait for the confirmation before you book your flights.
It works like this:
- You book your chosen holiday with us
- We confirm your holiday (usually within 2-5 working days)
- You arrange your transportation
Get a quote
If you prefer that we handle your flight, then we would be happy to arrange this for you. You simply book a quote below the map on this page and we will return with a quote as soon as possible (usually within 48 working hours). Please note that we add a handling fee of 45 euro to each flight and this means that the flight will be cheaper if you book it yourself.
Upon arrival to Funchal
From the airport in Funchal it is easy to get a bus to Machico. The journey takes roughly 10-20 minutes, depending on departure. It is also possible to get a taxi - the trip is about 7-10minutes by car.
On the bookingformular, you can prebook a transfer to pick you up.
Upon return from the last hotel
Busses from Porto Moniz requires a change in Funcal to get to the airport. It takes about 3 hours by public transportation, and alittle more than 1 hour by car. On the bookingformular, you can prebook a transfer for the journey.
On this tour you will stay at 3*** - and 4**** hotels along with one charming 2 star hotel in Porto da Cruz Breakfast is included.
In the itinerary you can see some examples of the hotels we use on this tour. Notice that the hotels are examples and you may end up staying in different hotels. It depends on availability when you book the tour.
Extra nights
It is possible to book extra nights before or after the tour. See options on the bookingformular.
On this tour breakfast is included every day.
You can easily find bakeries or small shops, if you want to buy a picknic for your walks, and it is also possible to find restaurants along the way.
In the overnight villages there is several restaurants and options to find a nice place dinner.
Luggage transfer is included on this tour. Upon arrival at the first hotel you will be given luggage tags along with the rest of the welcome package. You fill out the luggage tags and put them on your bags where they will remain for the duration of the tour.
Your luggage is picked up from the hotel lobby around 9am every morning and will arrive at your next hotel at 6pm at the latest (often long before that). If there are any special exceptions to the luggage transfer you will be notified upon arrival.
Luggage transfer includes one bag per guest and the bags can weigh 20kg each.
Hiking in mountainous terrain such as the Dolomites and the Alps requires good preparation and respect for nature.
- Be in basic good physical shape before the trip
- Wear proper hiking shoes or boots
- Bring plenty of water and some food or snacks for the hike
- Dress appropriately for the conditions
- Use the provided map or GPS information (for example via the Bering Travel app) and stay on marked trails
- Bring a fully charged phone and a power bank
- Always check the weather forecast and the route before setting out as conditions can change quickly and your own safety should always come before reaching impressive viewpoints
A hiking holiday in Portugals Madeira offers temperatures between 16-25 degrees in the spring months of March, April, and May, with moderate rainfall and mild wind conditions. In the summer months of June, July, and August, you can expect temperatures of 22-30 degrees. Therefore, we recommend that you, especially on particularly hot days, start your daily stage early in the day to avoid the midday heat. During this time, rainfall is rare and wind conditions remain mild. The autumn months of September, October, and November offer continued mild temperatures between 12-20 degrees. Rainfall slightly increases and the mild winds continue. In the winter months of December, January, and February, you can expect mild temperatures between 12-20 degrees, with increased rainfall and continued mild winds.
On this tour, you will receive the following documents:
Upon booking
Immediately after booking this trip, you'll recieve a pre-booking-email where you can get a complete overview of your booking. Once the tour is confirmed you get a confirmation email from us along with practical information about the tour.
One month before departure
You will receive a hotel list and final travel documents.
Upon arrival at the first hotel
You'll receive the welcome pack, which contains everything you need for the trip. There will be route descriptions, maps, luggage tags and specific local vouchers. The documents are in English.
Notice: On some tours it is necessary to either print the documents yourself or to bring them electronically.
We recommend taking out travel insurance that covers at least illness, accident, repatriation, lost holiday, luggage and liability. As a customer, you are responsible for taking out the necessary travel insurance to cover these costs.
Before taking out insurance, you should check whether you are already covered by travel or cancellation insurance through your home insurance company, credit card or similar - please note that there may be differences in insurance coverage.
After booking this trip, you get access to various discount schemes.
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"We look forward to making your holiday dreams come true"
