Hiking in Madeira
Itinerary
Arrive at any time. Tonight, meet your CEO and fellow travellers at the welcome meeting, then opt to head out for dinner with the group.
- Meet Your CEO and Group: Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
- A-frame House Visit: Learn about the region's traditional houses and visit a beautifully preserved, typical A-framed house in Santana, located a short walk from the hotel.
Explore Madeira's breathtaking north coast on a stunning 14km hike today. Said to provide some of the island's most spectacular vistas, today's hike is sure to take your breath away in more ways than one. Experience the island's diverse flora and fauna and vibrant greenery around each corner, before returning to Santana for a well deserved rest.
- Hike from Boaventura to São Cristóvão: Today's 14 km hike along Madeira's breathtaking north coast offers a stunning blend of ocean views, lush rainforests, and captivating waterfalls. Beginning in Boaventura and ending in the charming village of São Cristóvão, you will encounter dramatic cliffs, picturesque bridges, and intriguing ruins that whisper stories of the past. With an elevation gain of 250 meters and a loss of 500 meters, this hike is sure to be both challenging and rewarding.
Summit one of the island's tallest peaks, the Pico do Arieiro. At an altitude of 1,818m, it's the third highest in Madeira. The hike requires some scrambling with steep ascents, but stunning views of the island above the cloud line make every step worth it.
- Hike the Pico do Arieiro: Today's challenging hike up to Pico do Arieiro takes us through uneven, rocky terrain, a man-made tunnel and some steep ascents that may require scrambling over rocks. Reach the summit at 1,500m above sea level. If the conditions are right, find yourself above the clouds, looking down over Madeira. Highest altitude: 1,859m
Lace up your hiking boots once again and head out on the Larano Trail, this morning. Witness panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean alongside sheer cliffs dropping dramatically into the sea. Enjoy the fresh, salty air and green hills that are so characteristic of Madeira's mountainous terrain before heading back to Funchal for free time for dinner.
- Hike the Larano Trail From Machico: Hike along the Larano trail starting near Machico along Maeira's north coast. Hike to the Boca do Risco viewpoint, with stunning views of the north coast. Then follow the trail to the west before following it back to Porto da Cruz, renowned for its traditional sugar cane distillery. The hike is between 14km and 15km with a total incline of 400 meters. It's along the coast for a majority of the hike, some places with no railings that are considered dangerous, but the trail is wide enough that it's still convenient to walk. It should take around six hours.
Head out to the Paul da Serra levadas today. Essential to the island's irrigation system, the levadas were created to channel water from the rainy north to the dryer south, complete with walking paths used for this unique hiking opportunity. Move on to the Laurisilva forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site boasting a subtropical rainforest, with a rich biodiversity. On your way back, stop at the dramatic Girão cliffs for another viewpoint, and if time and weather permits, take in the awe-inspiring views from the glass skywalk, adding a thrilling twist to your adventure.
- Paul da Serra levadas to Laurisilva Forest Hike: Embark on an exhilarating 14.5km hike through the enchanting Paul da Serra levadas, venturing along a lesser-traveled route that leads you deep into the lush Laurisilva Forest. As you walk, you'll enjoy the serene beauty of the two distinctive levadas, eventually ascending through the verdant laurel trees to reach a breathtaking viewpoint overlooking the São Vicente valley, where both the north and south coasts unfold beneath you. The journey includes an elevation gain of 650 meters and a total of about six hours.
- Cabo Girão Cliffs and Skywalk: Take in Cabo Girão's beautiful panoramic views of the sea. Visit the skywalk, jutting out of the cliffs at over 580m above sea level.
Depart at any time.
Trip Inclusions
- Trek to one of the highest peaks in Madeira.
- Discover the history of A-Frame houses in Santana.
- Hike the gorgeous Larano Trail.
- See the jaw-dropping view from the Cabo Girao cliffs and Skywalk.
- Wander through Laurisilva forest - a subtropical forest and UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
- Hiking to Boca do Risco from Machico near Santana
- Pico do Arieiro
- Cabo Girão Cliffs and Skywalk
- Hike to São Lourenço Pont
- Private vehicle, walking
- CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout
- Hotels (5 Nights)
- 5 breakfasts, 3 lunches
- Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included.
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Dates & Pricing
The Great Adventurers Club
GJ Loyalty Discount
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Enquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by G Adventures. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
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