Tour Overview
| Duration | 6 Days / 5 Nights |
|---|---|
| Destination | Madeira Island — Portugal’s Hiking Paradise |
| Price From | $1,279 per person (twin share) |
| Tour Style | Active Hiking & Nature |
| Operator | G Adventures | Data: TourRadar 2026 |
Itinerary Highlights
Day 1: Arrive Funchal
Welcome to Madeira! Transfer to your hotel. Briefing with your CEO (Chief Experience Officer) guide over a glass of Madeira wine. Overnight in Funchal.
Day 2: Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo Ridge Walk
Epic day hike along the “Stairway to Heaven” — the narrow ridge trail between Madeira’s highest peaks. Start at Pico do Arieiro (1,818m) and traverse a dramatic path carved into the mountainside with sheer drops on both sides. The trail climbs through tunnels and over steep staircases to Pico Ruivo (1,862m), Madeira’s rooftop. On clear days, you can see Porto Santo island on the horizon. Descend via Achada do Teixeira. Distance: 12km, elevation gain: 500m. Overnight in Santana.
Day 3: Larano Coastal Trail
Walk one of Madeira’s most spectacular coastal trails from Machico to Porto da Cruz. The Larano Trail follows an ancient footpath along dramatic sea cliffs, with the Atlantic crashing 400m below. The route offers sweeping views of the northeastern coastline and the islet of Ponta de São Lourenço. Arrive in Porto da Cruz for a well-earned swim and a visit to the North Mills Distillery, a historic sugar cane rum factory. Distance: 13km. Overnight in Santana.
Day 4: São Jorge Coastal Walk
Follow the São Jorge coastal path, a quieter alternative to the popular levada walks. The trail winds through terraced farmland, past ancient water mills, and along vertigo-inducing cliff-top paths. Stop at the São Jorge ruins, the remnants of a 16th-century sugar mill. Picnic lunch at a viewpoint overlooking the raw, wild north coast. Afternoon free to explore Santana’s traditional houses. Distance: 11km. Overnight in Santana.
Day 5: Paul da Serra & 25 Fontes Levada
Drive to the Paul da Serra plateau (1,500m), Madeira’s only flat area — a stark contrast to the island’s verticality. Begin the descent through the Rabaçal valley into the UNESCO Laurissilva forest. Follow the levada to 25 Fontes, where countless springs emerge from a moss-covered rock face. Continue to the Risco waterfall, a 100m vertical drop visible from a dramatic viewpoint. Farewell dinner in Funchal. Overnight in Funchal.
Day 6: Depart Funchal
Transfer to airport.
Inclusions
- 5 nights accommodation (2 nts Funchal, 3 nts Santana)
- Daily breakfast + picnic lunches on hike days
- Professional CEO guide throughout
- Pico Ruivo guided hike
- Larano Trail guided walk
- São Jorge coastal trail
- 25 Fontes & Risco levada walk
- North Mills Distillery tasting
- All transfers during tour
