Hiking in Madeira

When you think about a series of islands that’s famous for its wine and sunshine, your initial reaction probably isn’t to hike all across it. We’re here to prove that it should be. Immerse yourself in Madeira’s mesmerizing flavours, volcanic landscapes, and rich culture and history on this six-day hiking adventure.

Day 1 Santana
Arrive at any time. Tonight, meet your CEO and fellow travellers at the welcome meeting, then opt to head out for dinner with the group.

Day 2 Santana
Hike the Larano trail along Madeira's north coast. Start near Machico and hike to the viewpoint of Boca do Risco, offering breathtaking views of the north coast. Then follow the sea to the west and take the trail back to Porto da Cruz. The hike is about 15km with a total incline of 250 meters. It's along the coast for a majority of the hike, some places with no railings that are considered dangerous, but the trail is wide enough that it's still convenient to walk.

Day 3 Santana/Funchal
Summit one of the island's tallest peaks, the Pico do Arieiro. At an altitude of 1,818m, it's the third highest in Madeira. The hike requires some scrambling with steep ascents, but stunning views of the island above the cloud line make every step worth it.

Day 4 Funchal
Hike the trail to São Lourenco Point, the easternmost peninsula of Madeira. Wander along the cliff admiring the scenery as this walk explores the long, thin peninsula. This trail is often referred to as the 'Dragon's Tail' as it takes you along a narrow stretch of rugged coastline where you will see some great rock formations. This hike is very different from the other hikes as the topography is volcanic and very little vegetation. The hike is about 8km and the pathway rolls the entire way. The trail is rocky and mostly gravel with a total incline of almost 500 meters. There are two private beaches along the route where it is possible to take a dip.

Day 5 Funchal
For the first part of the day hike to the Cabo Girão viewpoint, one of Europe's highest and rightfully a popular destination on the island. Traverse the skywalk, a glass walkway that extends over the edge of the cliffs, looking down straight into the sea and enjoy stunning views of the southern coast. The rest of the time is yours. Opt to take a scenic jeep tour, explore the town, or take a cable car up to nearby Monte and take an exhilarating toboggan ride back down to Funchal.

Day 6 Funchal
Depart at any time.