Experience Overview
Set off on a six-day Premium hiking adventure through Madeira’s dramatic coastlines, volcanic landscapes and lush forests. Hike the 25 Fontes trail and visit Risco Waterfall, relax in natural volcanic rock pools at Porto Moniz, take in the sweeping ocean views on your hike to Vereda da Ponta de Sao Lourenco and hike to the highest point on the island on the Vereda do Pico do Ruivo. Along the way, visit small mountain villages, learn about the region’s local culture and indulge in Madeira’s most famous local produce, wine and rum. With its mild climate and diverse terrain, Madeira offers the perfect escape and hiking destination all year round.
Highlights
- Experience Madeira's diverse landscape of beaches, green valleys and volcanic terrains.
- Hike the Vereda da Ponta de Sao Lourenco and feel the spray of the cascades at the Risco Waterfall.
- Kick off the hiking boots and enjoy that famous Madeira wine at a local winery with a view.
- Hike along ancient aqueducts, scenic coastal paths and farmlands and take in ocean and mountain views on trails like Sao Vicente and Pico Ruivo.
- Relax in Madeira’s mild, tropical climate and enjoy the beautiful beaches, natural swimming pools and sandy shores – this is the perfect destination for year-round travel, with each season bringing something new.
- Experience amazing post-hike hospitality, local produce and seafood feasts at Arco de Sao Jorge.
Trip Details
Product Code: 37145
Tour Type: Kleine Gruppe
Accommodation: Unknown
Transport: Private vehicle,on foot
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator: Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: ZMXW
Starts: Funchal, Portugal
Finishes: Sao Jorge, Portugal
Duration: 6 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating: Average
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (5), Lunch (3), Dinner (2)Accommodation: Comfortable hotel (3 nights),Feature stay hotel (2 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $5,300 ($883 /day)
Itinerary
Ola! Welcome to Portugal. Your adventure begins in Funchal – the capital of the Madeira archipelago, renowned for its scenic harbour, lush gardens and historic wine cellars. When you arrive in Funchal, you’ll be met by a local representative and transferred to your feature stay hotel, before your welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, maybe wander through the traditional Mercado dos Lavradores farmers' market, visit the Funchal Cathedral, take a scenic cable car ride to Monte, relax in the Madeira Botanical Garden or - for those that love soccer - explore the life and career of Cristiano Ronaldo at the CR7 museum dedicated to the football star. After the meeting, enjoy a relaxed evening at a local restaurant, where you’ll get your first taste of Madeira’s cuisine while getting to know your expert tour leader and fellow travellers.
Included Activities:
- Funchal - Welcome meeting
- Funchal - Welcome dinner and Poncha Aperitif
- Funchal - Complementary Arrival transfer
Accommodation:
- Pestana Quinta Perestrello Hotel (Feature Stay) or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast and a short drive it's time to lace up your hiking boots and head out on your first guided hike - and it's a special one! Often called The Dragon’s Tail, the Vereda da Ponta de Sao Lourenco is one of Madeira’s most scenic hikes. This loop trail winds along a narrow, rugged peninsula leading to the island’s easternmost point only accessible on foot. As you walk, take in dramatic cliffs, volcanic rock formations shaped by millions of years of erosion, and ocean views on both sides. Pause for a relaxing lunch before heading back to Funchal for the afternoon where you have ample free time to explore this historic town.
Included Activities:
- Vereda da Ponta de Sao Lourenco Guided Hike
Accommodation:
- Pestana Quinta Perestrello Hotel (Feature Stay) or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Start the day with a short drive to the west of the island to enjoy your second guided hike from Levada as you weave along the green edged tracks through laurel forest to the Risco Waterfall. Have your camera ready when you arrive to capture Risco Falls as it cascades over 100 m down the mountainside. This hike also passes by the 25 water springs that come down from Paul da Serra and give the 25 Fontes hike its name. After the hike enjoy a scenic picnic lunch before driving to the tiny coastal town of Porto Moniz at the very northern tip of the island. When you arrive set off on an orientation walk amongst the red roof buildings and - if the weather’s nice - take a refreshing dip and soothe your hiking muscles in the picturesque natural volcanic rock pools. In the late afternoon, travel to Arco de Sao Jorge and settle into your comfortable hotel, your home for the next three nights.
Included Activities:
- 25 Fontes & Levada do Risco Guided Hike & picnic lunch
- Porto Moniz - Orientation walk and rock swimming pools/Sao Jorge -Orientation walk and rock swimming pools
Accommodation:
- Pestana Quinta do Arco Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Begin your day with a guided scenic coastal hike from nearby Santana to Sao Jorge, taking in vast views of the Atlantic Ocean along the wooden walkways that hug the dramatic cliff faces of the north coast. This route winds along the coast and features plenty of ups and downs – but always with stunning views along the way. After, visit the local Quinta do Barbusano winery to learn about Madeira’s unique winemaking traditions, then indulge in a wine tasting of a few local drops. Sit down for a traditional lunch made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, all paired with regional wines. In the afternoon, return to the hotel to rest or choose an optional short hike to further explore the local area.
Included Activities:
- Quinta do Barbusano winery visit with lunch and wine tasting
- Santana to Sao Jorge Guided Coastal Hike
Accommodation:
- Pestana Quinta do Arco Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, embark on the rewarding guided hike along the Vereda do Pico do Ruivo – at 1862m it is Madeira’s highest peak. While this is the most challenging hike on the trip with many stone stairs, it is also the most spectacular as you take in the mountain views and surrounding rock formations (often eerily covered by mist and clouds). The views alone make the hike worthwhile. After, maybe stop for lunch at a nearby cafe in Achada do Teixiera before visiting a local rum distillery in coastal Porto da Cruz for a tasting experience of the famed ‘Madeira brandy’. Next, stop in the small town of Santana for an orientation walk to explore its traditional houses before returning to your comfortable hotel in the evening to celebrate your journey with a farewell dinner with the group.
Included Activities:
- Santana/Sao Jorge - Hike PR1.2 Verada do Pico do Ruivo 3H - 5.6KM
- Farewell Dinner - Sao Jorge
- Santana orientation walk
- Local Rum distillery and tasting
Accommodation:
- Pestana Quinta do Arco Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
With no activities planned for today, your trip comes to an end after breakfast. If you’d like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time to arrange additional accommodation.
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Download a personalized trip brochure!