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A hiker with a wonderful view of the sea

Madeira wild North Coast

Dramatic cliffs, tranquil coves & enchanting mountains

8 Days / 7 Nights
Mountain Hiking
A hiker with a wonderful view of the sea

Beginning at the eastern tip of São Lourenço, spectacular trails lead you through a variety of landscapes, stretching all the way to the rugged cliffs on Madeira’s far western coast. Along the wild north shore, you’ll encounter surreal rock formations, while the lush laurel forests of the high plateau reveal a greener, more mystical side of the island. Your path follows historic mule tracks, traditional levada trails, and alpine-style routes that wind through dramatic mountain scenery—always framed by the coastline and Madeira’s highest peaks. As you make your way across the island, you’ll discover the charming coastal towns of Porto da Cruz, Porto Moniz, and Machico, along with the traditional village of Santana, tucked into the island’s interior. From cliffside trails, peer down at the crashing Atlantic waves, and from the island’s highest summit, enjoy sweeping panoramic views in every direction. Take a refreshing dip at golden beaches and in natural volcanic rock pools, and let the rhythm of the sea accompany your adventure. Get ready for a breathtaking journey across an island unlike any other.

Itinerary at a glance

From the island’s easternmost point, the route leads over its highest peak to the dramatic cliffs of the west. Experience misty laurel forests, roaring waterfalls, levadas, and spectacular panoramic peaks.

Stroll along the golden sandy beach and enjoy your first evening of vacation on the beautiful island of flowers.

Hotel (example): Hotel White Waters

Today you’ll hike to the summit of Pico do Facho and continue along the dramatic cliffside on the impressive Whalers’ Trail down to the harbor of Caniçal. Afterwards, you’ll explore the rugged São Lourenço peninsula, the easternmost tip of the island, or finish your loop along a levada path high above the ocean.

Hotel (example): Hotel White Waters

Along the Levada do Caniçal, you’ll ascend to Boca do Risco, a breathtaking mountain pass perched high above the cliffs that leads onto a narrow coastal trail. This cliffside path stretches dramatically above the sea and finishes in Porto da Cruz, where you can cool off with a swim in the natural saltwater pools and unwind with a walk along the black sand beach.

Hotel (example): Costa Linda

A transfer brings you into the mountains. You’ll pass waterfalls and dense fern thickets before ascending to the high-altitude trail. If you choose, you can stop at the Pico Ruivo hut and summit Madeira’s highest peak, where breathtaking panoramic views of the entire island await. After descending through eucalyptus forests into the valley, you’ll spend the night in the charming inland village of Santana.

Hotel (example): Hotel O Colmo

Embark on a fantastic hike along the King’s Trail, a historic mountain path that once linked the island’s interior to its coast. This sun-drenched route winds through lush vegetation, guiding you to a series of stunning viewpoints. The jungle-like Levada do Rei meanders through tunnels, leading to the lush valley’s end, where a cozy bar welcomes you for a well-deserved rest. From there, you’ll transfer to the charming coastal town of São Vicente.

Hotel (example): Calamar Hotel

A short transfer brings you to the trailhead in a secluded high valley. From there, you’ll hike through endless laurel forests up to the high plateau and into the mystical Fanal area, where lingering mist and lichen-covered trees create an enchanting atmosphere. A scenic drive down the valley then takes you to Porto Moniz, where the black volcanic pools along the Atlantic coast offer a refreshing place to cool off.

Hotel (example): Aqua Natura Madeira

You’ll ascend to the church of Santo, where adventurous paths lead down to the sea gardens of Achadas da Cruz. The steep cliffs here rise nearly 500 meters (1,640 feet) above the ocean. Expect secluded pebble beaches, terraced fields in dramatic locations, and stunning sea views. As an option, you can take the nearly vertical cable car before embarking on the impressive return hike through the gorge.

Hotel (example): Aqua Natura Madeira

Day
08

Departure or extension

Difficulty level

Mountain Hiking

The routes follow a variety of mountain trails, narrow levada paths, and scenic hiking routes along the coast and up steep slopes to higher elevations. You’ll traverse rocky, occasionally steep terrain, so surefootedness and a good head for heights are essential. A solid level of fitness is needed for the more demanding sections, which can last up to six hours. In most cases, the more challenging stages can be shortened or simplified.

Prices & Dates

Prices per person in EUR

Services & Information

Further details about this tour

Included

  • Accommodation in 3***- and 4**** hotels, 1x lovely 2**
    hotel (Porto da Cruz)
  • Breakfast
  • Luggage transfer
  • Transfers according to program
  • Entrance fees for levada hiking trails
  • Welcome briefing
  • Digital travel documents incl. navigation app, GPS-data,
    route book
  • Service hotline

Optional extras

  • Transfers: Madeira Airport - Machico EUR 59 per trip (up
    to 4 persons) and Porto Moniz - Madeira Airport EUR 129
    per trip (up to 4 persons). Booking required, payable in
    advance
  • Printed route book, per room EUR 20

Arrival / Departure

  • Funchal airport. From there, a short taxi ride costs
    approx. EUR 15 per trip
  • Departure by bus from Porto Moniz to the airport in
    approx. 3 hours. Departure by taxi approx. EUR 90,
    duration approx.1 hour

Things to note

  • Tourist tax, if due, is not included in the price
  • Further important information according to the package travel law can be found here!
Lea Stauffer

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Lea Katharina Stauffer
Travel Specialist
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