Walking Holiday Madeira – Discover the Island

Your walking holiday on Madeira begins in Santa Cruz, a charming coastal town just ten minutes from Madeira Airport. After arrival, you are transferred to your first hotel, where the relaxed island atmosphere immediately sets the tone for your journey.

Stroll through narrow streets lined with white houses, enjoy views over the Atlantic Ocean, and feel the soft sea breeze. In a local restaurant, taste your first Madeiran flavours such as fresh fish, local wine, and Bolo do Caco.

After travelling, relax by the hotel pool or take a short walk along the promenade. As the sun slowly sets over the ocean, your walking week begins with a sense of calm, freedom, and anticipation.

Today your walking adventure starts at the eastern tip of Madeira on the spectacular Ponta de São Lourenço peninsula. After a short transfer, you begin a walk through a unique volcanic landscape where red cliffs contrast with the deep blue Atlantic Ocean.

The trail follows narrow ridges and open cliffs with endless panoramic views. The wind, the scent of salt, and the sound of the sea make this stage a truly sensory experience. Along the route, you pass viewpoints and rugged bays where seabirds and sometimes monk seals can be seen.

After the walk, you return to Santa Cruz. This first stage immediately reveals what makes Madeira so special: raw nature, dramatic scenery, and tranquillity — the perfect introduction to the rest of your walking holiday.

After breakfast, a short transfer brings you to Machico, where you start the Vereda da Boca do Risco, one of the most beautiful coastal trails on Madeira. The route gradually climbs to the viewpoint of Boca do Risco, offering spectacular views over the northern coastline.

From here, the path continues along dramatic cliffs with wide views of the Atlantic Ocean and the lush hills of the interior. The contrast between sea, mountains, and greenery makes this stage especially memorable. You finish in the charming coastal village of Porto da Cruz, known for its old sugar cane mill and peaceful atmosphere.

After the walk, a transfer takes you back to Santa Cruz. This stage combines sea views, mountains, and local culture — the essence of Madeira in one day and a highlight of any self-guided walking holiday.

Today you will quite literally walk above the clouds on Madeira’s iconic mountain trail between Pico do Areeiro and Pico Ruivo, the island’s two highest peaks.

The path winds along dramatic ridgelines, through tunnels, and past rugged rock formations. With every step, new panoramic views unfold: deep valleys, a sea of clouds, and striking mountain scenery shaped by nature over centuries.

The climb is demanding, but the reward is unforgettable. From the summit of Pico Ruivo (1,862 m), you can enjoy sweeping views across Madeira, from the north coast to the south coast.

After descending to Achada do Teixeira, you will be picked up and transferred to your next accommodation in Boaventura. Along the way, the landscape gradually changes from dramatic mountain scenery to a greener, more peaceful setting.

This day is quite literally — and figuratively — one of the highlights of your walking holiday

Today you will experience one of Madeira’s most beloved walks: the trail along Levada do Caldeirão Verde. Starting from Parque Florestal das Queimadas, the route leads you through the lush Laurisilva of Madeira, a UNESCO World Heritage landscape.

Following a centuries-old irrigation channel, you walk through dense vegetation filled with ferns, mosses, and laurel trees. Along the way, tunnels carved into the rock add a sense of adventure, while the gentle sound of flowing water creates a calm and peaceful atmosphere.

At the end of the trail, an impressive reward awaits: a spectacular 100-metre waterfall plunging into a vivid emerald-green pool.

This day is all about tranquillity, nature, and enchantment — an unforgettable experience for anyone wanting to discover the authentic side of Madeira.

Overnight stay in Boaventura.

Today you walk along Levada do Rei, also known as the “King’s Levada” — a peaceful green route through the heart of the Laurisilva of Madeira forest.

The vegetation here is dense and humid, with the scent of laurel in the air and an abundance of flowers, ferns, and mosses lining the path. The trail is mostly flat and easy to follow, making it ideal for enjoying the surroundings at a relaxed pace.

At several points, the forest opens up to reveal views of deep valleys and, in the distance, the ocean. This walk is a true celebration of silence and nature — a well-deserved gentler day after the mountain stages 🌿🍃

In the evening, enjoy another peaceful stay in Boaventura, where local dishes prepared with fresh ingredients complete the day.

Your final walking day offers a beautiful circular route starting from Encumeada Pass. The trail follows a mountain ridge with panoramic views over the valley of Curral das Freiras and the dramatic mountain ranges of central Madeira.

The route alternates between open mountain paths and green forest sections, capturing the island’s rugged natural beauty. Fresh mountain air and distant views of the ocean create a strong sense of freedom and accomplishment.

At the end of the walk, you will be transferred to Funchal for your final overnight stay. Here, you can stroll through the lively streets, enjoy the atmosphere of the island’s capital, and reflect on an unforgettable week of walking filled with nature, tranquillity, and adventure.

After breakfast, your walking holiday comes to an end. Depending on your flight schedule, a transfer to Madeira Airport will be arranged, or you may choose to extend your stay with an additional night in the city.

As you leave Madeira behind, the memories of levadas, mountain trails, waterfalls, and ocean views will remain with you — a journey that brought you closer to nature than ever before.