Steep coasts & flower gardens
As the ‘flower island’ and known for its species-rich flora, Madeira presents itself year-round as a dream destination for ambitious hikers. Diverse paths, sometimes narrow and winding lead over this mountainous island. A good basic condition is needed. But the versatile island will reward you for your physical effort every day. In the dry east at Porto da Cruz you can relax on the black sandy beach. In the north, near Porto Moniz, the view sweeps over the entire north coast, in the mountainous region shady laurel forests await. The abundance of flowers is ubiquitous, even in and around the capital, Funchal. Madeira is like a breathtaking botanical garden.
Our most popular hiking tours in Madeira
Around Madeira
Get to know the unique island in a one-week holiday? We have packed all places worth seeing into an 8-day individual hiking trip. Taste a ‘poncha’ and grab a toboggan and enjoy a speedy ride as a crowning finale.
- All the important information and details about the mountain hiking holiday around Madeira, 8 days can be found here.
Around Madeira with charm
Our Madeira trip with charm offers the ‘extra’ comfort. You spend the night in a room with a sea view everywhere except in Sao Vicente. Our charming hotels are carefully selected and impress with their own black rocky beach, enchanting gardens and the constant sound of the sea.
- Are you interested? Read all the details about the mountain hiking holiday around Madeira with charm, 8 days here.
Useful information about hiking holidays in Madeira
Geographical information about Madeira
The Madeira archipelago is of volcanic origin and consists of five islands. Madeira, the main island is the largest island and almost all of the 300,000 inhabitants live there. Because Madeira is closer to Africa than Portugal, it is geographically part of Africa, but politically part of Europe. Forces of nature formed the island, which rises steeply out of the Atlantic and it is enthusiastically visited by numerous guests. Rivers and streams cut deep gorges and steep cliffs were created by the constant beating of the waves. A thermal spring discovered near Funchal is the last witness of the volcanic pre-history. Madeira has only a few black, coarse grained beaches that are not so inviting for swimming. That is why rock bathing facilities have been created in many places, making use of the natural conditions, which make bathing possible.
Hiking paths in Madeira
Madeira is the ideal hiking island. The Lavada trails are almost without any hills and along narrow irrigation channels. In addition, there are the old routes from place to place, which the people of the island used until only a few years ago. And last but not least, the lonely mountain paths of the goatherds open up almost every corner of the island. You are spoiled for choice between easy hikes in the middle of countless terraced fields and shady forests, dizzying levadas or adventurous coastal paths. Many routes lead through tunnels, so pack a torch and waterproof shoes.
Cuisine in Madeira
On a typical Madeira menu you will find these regional dishes:
Starters: Bolo do Caco com Manteiga de Alho – typical bread with garlic butter
Meat: Espetada – grilled beef skewer, Cozido portugesa – various types of meat with sausage and vegetables, Picado – sliced beef with fries, Prego no bolo do Caco – beef steak in typical bread, Carne vinha de alhos – pork marinated in wine
Fish/Seafood: Bacahlhau – salted dried fish in different variations, Espada – black swordfish in different variations, Tuna – tuna in different variations, Lapas – mussels, Camarao – shrimp in different variations, Caramujos – small sea snails, Ovos de Epada – fish eggs
Dessert: Bolo de mel – honey cake, Pastel de nata – vanilla tarts, Bolo de berlin – vanilla donut
Drinks: Poncha – cane sugar schnapps with lemon/orange and honey, Nikita – beer, white wine and pineapple or vanilla ice cream, Sangria – white wine or red wine, Brisa – regional carbonated juices (speciality: passion fruit, apple, lemon), Coral Bier – regional beer
Small Portuguese dictionary
The national language in Madeira is Portuguese, but in more rural areas the language is characterised by regional dialects and idiomatic expressions. Basically, the Portuguese appreciate it very much if visitors make a little effort during their stay and acquire a few everyday words to use. Many Portuguese speak English. Here are a few helpful words and sentences.