Madeira Trekking Tour (15 Days)

15 Days of Freedom on Foot

A Journey of Discovery Through Madeira’s Wild Beauty

Experience the untamed beauty of Madeira on a 15-day self-guided trek, where rugged cliffs, lush valleys, and towering peaks become your playground. This journey takes you from volcanic coastlines to dense laurel forests and dramatic mountain ridges, offering a blend of solitude and adventure.

While you set your own pace and explore independently, we take care of all the logistics—daily transfers, luggage transport, and round-the-clock local support—so you can fully immerse yourself in Madeira’s breathtaking landscapes.

15 Days | Self-Guided Trekking | Moderate to Challenging
Luggage Transport & Daily Transfers Included
Handpicked Hotels in Scenic Locations
24/7 Local Support

Your Trekking Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival – Welcome to Madeira

Arrive in Machico, a charming coastal town with a golden sandy beach. Unwind, explore, or take a swim before your adventure begins.

Hotel in Machico | Dinner

Day 2: Volcanic Wonders – Ponta de São Lourenço

Trek through Madeira’s eastern cape, a surreal volcanic landscape where vibrant tuff and basalt formations create a dramatic contrast against the deep blue ocean. Continue via Pico do Facho to your hotel.

Hiking Time: ~4 hrs
Ascent: +/- 400 hm
Descent: +/- 400 hm

Hotel in Machico | Breakfast & Dinner

Day 3: Clifftop Trails – Machico to Porto da Cruz

Follow an ancient levada to Boca do Risco, a breathtaking viewpoint overlooking the northeast coast. Continue along a historic wine transport path to Porto da Cruz, a coastal village famous for sugarcane rum.

Hiking Time: ~5 hrs
Ascent: +/- 450 hm
Descent: +/-500 hm

Hotel in Santo da Serra | Breakfast & Dinner

Day 4: Into the Laurel Forest – Portela to Ribeiro Frio

Hike through Madeira’s UNESCO-listed laurissilva forests, where moss-covered trees and lush vegetation create a fairytale-like atmosphere. Take a detour to the Balcões viewpoint for panoramic views.

Hiking Time: ~4.5 hrs
Ascent: +/- 300 hm
Descent: +/- 450 hm

Hotel in Santo da Serra | Breakfast & Dinner

Day 5: Hidden Waterfalls – Caldeirão Verde & Inferno

Follow a scenic levada deep into the island’s green heart, where towering waterfalls cascade into natural pools. The untouched wilderness of Caldeirão Verde and Caldeirão do Inferno is a true hidden gem.

Hiking Time: ~5-6 hrs
Ascent: +/- 300 hm
Descent: +/-300 hm

Hotel in Santana | Breakfast & Dinner

Day 6: Summit Challenge – Ilha to Pico Ruivo (1,862m)

Conquer Madeira’s highest peak, Pico Ruivo. This challenging ridge trail offers stunning 360° views, stretching across the entire island. Descend to Achada do Teixeira for a well-earned rest.

Hiking Time: ~6 hrs
Ascent: +/-750 hm
Descent: +/-750 hm

Hotel in Santana | Breakfast & Dinner

Day 7: The Grand Traverse – Pico Ruivo to Encumeada Pass

Hike along Madeira’s most spectacular ridge, linking Pico Ruivo with the Encumeada Pass. This challenging route offers incredible 360° views of both the north and south sides of the island, showcasing Madeira’s dramatic peaks and deep valleys.

Hiking Time: ~7 hrs
Ascent: +/- 600 hm
Descent: +/- 900 hm

Hotel in Encumeada | Breakfast & Dinner

Day 8: Pilgrim’s Path – Encumeada to Fajã Escura

Descend into the Nuns Valley, following an old pilgrimage route beneath Pico Grande. This scenic trek leads you through dense forest and traditional Madeira villages. Choose between taking a scenic bus transfer to your hotel or continue your journey with a short climb to Eira do Serrado for stunning views of the valley below.

Hiking Time: ~4.5 hrs
Ascent: +/- 300 hm
Descent: +/- 600 hm

Hotel in Eira do Serrado | Breakfast & Dinner

Day 9: The Chestnut Path – Curral das Freiras to Ponta do Sol

Trek the ancient Chestnut Trail, once the main path to Nuns Valley. This beautiful route takes you through peaceful forests, leading to the charming village of Ponta do Sol, nestled along the southern coast of Madeira.

Hiking Time: ~5 hrs
Ascent: +/- 500 hm
Descent: +/- 600 hm

Hotel in Ponta do Sol | Breakfast & Dinner

Day 10: Levada Walk – Ribeira Brava to Cabo Girão

Begin your day with a hike through Ribeira Brava and climb 1,700 stone steps that take you to the Levada do Norte, a historic irrigation channel. The path meanders through lush farmland, offering magnificent views of the island, before reaching Cabo Girão, Europe’s highest sea cliff.

Hiking Time: ~4 hrs
Ascent: +/- 400 hm
Descent: +/- 400 hm