Itinerary at a glance

From the rugged São Lourenço Peninsula, across the Portela Pass to the Eagle Rock, through the jungle-like cloud forest, and along the King’s Trail to Pico Alto – picture-perfect nature hikes at every turn.

Upon arrival in Machico, you’ll be welcomed by Madeira’s gentle Atlantic breeze. The golden sandy beach beckons for a first leisurely stroll – a perfect, relaxed start to your walking adventure on Madeira.

Hotel example: Boutique Hotel White Waters

By bus, you’ll reach the easternmost tip of Madeira, where your walk on the São Lourenço Peninsula begins. Rugged cliffs, deep blue bays, and dark rock spires shape the narrow paths across this barren stretch of land. With a bit of luck, you may even spot Porto Santo on the horizon. A stunningly wild nature experience before returning by bus to Machico.

Hotel example: Boutique Hotel White Waters

After the morning transfer, your walk begins with a gentle ascent through dense laurel forest into the green heart of Madeira. Shaded paths meander through the enchanting cloud forest up to Portela Pass, offering views of the dramatic Eagle Rock along the way. You then stroll down through blooming fields to Porto da Cruz, where a refreshing dip in the seawater pool awaits, before a short transfer brings you to Santana.

Hotel example: Hotel O Colmo

A short transfer takes you to the so-called "Green Bowl", where an impressive hiking backdrop awaits you. Jungle-like vegetation with ferns, small waterfalls and a spectacular course with short tunnels characterise this levada hike. In the Queimadas Nature Park, a charming café invites you to take a break before you descend through sparse eucalyptus forest and flowering fields back to lively Santana. In Santana, it is worth taking a stroll to the typical thatched houses and the theme park.

Hotel example: Hotel O Colmo

From the visitor center in the nature park, you ascend to Pico Alto and enjoy sweeping panoramic views of Madeira’s mountains. The historic King’s Trail then leads down to the pilgrimage site of Monte. From there, you glide by cable car to the Botanical Garden. After exploring the vibrant, colorful gardens, you continue your walk into the lively island capital, with its charming old town.

Hotel example: Four Views Baia

Take the cable car back up to Monte and enjoy the breathtaking view over Funchal. Follow the Levada dos Tornos through a lush green oasis, passing charming tea houses perfect for a short break. Your journey culminates at the expansive Palheiro Gardens, renowned for their remarkable plant collection. After exploring the gardens, return to Funchal and unwind as your week of leisurely walks comes to a relaxing close.

Hotel example: Four Views Baia

Beautiful red and blue traw houses in Santana

High plateau with views of beautiful countryside

Monte Nossa Senhora in Funchal with a view of the sea

View of the beautiful coastline with flowers

Difficulty level

Moderate Walking

The daily routes take you along excellent trails, levadas, forest paths, and occasionally narrow tracks. Sure-footedness and a basic level of fitness are recommended for hikes of up to 4.5 hours. Even on the relatively short stages, you’ll encounter some ascents and descents.

Prices & Dates

Prices per person in EUR

Sustainably on the go

Our contribution to climate protection

124 kg

CO₂-Emissions are offset

With a hiking holiday, you are opting for an extremely climate-friendly form of travel. We are aware that even this generates a certain amount of CO2 emissions, even if this is low compared to other forms of travel. The emissions caused are calculated per travel and person using the internationally recognised ‘Carmacal’ CO2 calculator and offset by supporting carefully selected climate protection projects. A detailed overview of emissions in the areas of transport, accommodation, activities and on-site catering can be found here.

Accommodation (57%)

Meals (23%)

Transport (12%)

Activities (8%)

100%

Services & Information

Further details about this tour

Services

Included

Accommodation in 3***- and 4****hotels
Breakfast
Luggage transfer
Transfers according to program
1 descent Jardim Botanico cable car
1 ascent by the Monte cable car
Entrance fees for Levada hiking trails
Welcome briefing
Digital travel documents incl. navigation app, GPS-data, route book
Servicehotline

Optional

Printed route book, per room EUR 20
Transfers: Madeira Airport – Machico EUR 59 per ride (1–4 people) or Transfer Funchal – Madeira Airport EUR 75 per ride (1–4 people). Reservation required, payable in advance

Information

Arrival / Departure

Funchal Airport. From there, it is a short taxi ride to Machico, costing approx. EUR 25 per trip
Departure by bus (Aerobus) from Funchal to the airport, duration approx. 30 minutes. Departure by taxi approx. EUR 35, duration approx. 25 minutes

Things to note

Tourist tax, if due, is not included in the price.
Entrance fee to Palheiro Gardens, approx. EUR 11
Further important information according to the package travel law can be found here!