Hiking in Madeira

Portugal

From £749

When you think about a series of islands that’s famous for its wine and sunshine, your initial reaction probably isn’t to hike all across it. We’re here to prove that it should be. Immerse yourself in Madeira’s mesmerizing flavours, volcanic landscapes, and rich culture and history on this six-day hiking adventure.

Dates

Trip Overview
Trip Overview

Accommodation
Hotels (5 nts).
Checklist
Documents:
- Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
- Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
- Passport (required) (With photocopies)
- Required visas or vaccination certificates (required) (With photocopies)
- Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)

Essentials:
- Binoculars (optional)
- Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
- Cash, credit and debit cards
- Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
- Ear plugs
- First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
- Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
- Fleece top/sweater
- Footwear
- Hat
- Locks for bags
- Long pants/jeans
- Moneybelt
- Outlet adapter
- Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
- Reusable water bottle
- Shirts/t-shirts
- Sleepwear
- Small travel towel
- Sunglasses
- Toiletries (Preferably biodegradable)
- Watch and alarm clock
- Waterproof backpack cover
- Windproof rain jacket

Health & Safety:
- Face masks (required)
- Hand sanitizer (required)
- Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)
- Quick Covid Test/Antigen Test

Light Hiking:
- Hiking boots/sturdy walking shoes
- Hiking pants (Convertible/Zip-off and quick dry recommended)

Note: Please bring a bathing suit should you wish to swim during the São Lourenço Point hike on Day 4.
Group Leader
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout.
Group Size Notes
Max 15, Avg 12.
Highlights
Trek to one of the highest peaks in Madeira, Discover the history of A-Frame houses in Santana, See breathtaking views of the north coast on a hike from Machico to the Boca do Risco viewpoint, Hike a trail from Funchal to São Lourenco Pont, the easternmost peninsula of Madeira, Witness the jaw-dropping view from the Cabo Girao cliffs and Skywalk
Introduction
When you think about a series of islands that’s famous for its wine and sunshine, your initial reaction probably isn’t to hike all across it. We’re here to prove that it should be. Immerse yourself in Madeira’s mesmerizing flavours, volcanic landscapes, and rich culture and history on this six-day hiking adventure.
Meal Budget
Allow USD160-210 for meals not included.
Meals Included
5 breakfasts, 3 lunches
Minimum Age
You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.
Optional Activities
Santana
- A-frame House Visit

Funchal
- Full-Day Jeep Tour
- Funchal Visit

Packing Note
Please bring a bathing suit should you wish to swim during the São Lourenço Point hike on Day 4.
Start / Finish
Santana to Funchal
Transport
Private vehicle, walking.
What's Included
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Meeting - Meet Your CEO and Group. Hiking to Boca do Risco from Machico near Santana, Pico do Arieiro,Cabo Girão Cliffs and Skywalk, and hike to São Lourenco Pont.
Itinerary

Route Overview

Day 1: Santana
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.
ACTIVITY
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.
ACCOMMODATION
Hotel O Colmo Santana
Day 2: Santana
Hike the Larano trail along Madeira's north coast. Start near Machico and hike to the viewpoint of Boca do Risco, offering breathtaking views of the north coast. Then follow the sea to the west and take the trail back to Porto da Cruz. The hike is about 15km with a total incline of 250 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.
TRANSPORT
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACTIVITY
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. The hike is between 14km and 15km with a total incline of 250 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 five and a half hours.
TRANSPORT
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACCOMMODATION
Hotel O Colmo Santana
Day 3: Santana/Funchal
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.
TRANSPORT
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACTIVITY
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
TRANSPORT
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACCOMMODATION
Hotel Orquidea
Day 4: Funchal
Hike the trail to São Lourenco Point, the easternmost peninsula of Madeira. Wander along the cliff admiring the scenery as this walk explores the long, thin peninsula. This trail is often referred to as the 'Dragon's Tail' as it takes you along a narrow stretch of rugged coastline where you will see some great rock formations. This hike is very different from the other hikes as the topography is volcanic and very little vegetation. The hike is about 8km and the pathway rolls the entire way. The trail is rocky and mostly gravel with a total incline of almost 500 meters. There are two private beaches along the route where it is possible to take a dip.
ACTIVITY
Hike from Funchal to São Lourenco Pont, the easternmost peninsula of Madeira. More great cliff scenery awaits as you walk along the long and thin peninsula. This trail is often referred to as the 'Dragon's Tail' as it takes you along a narrow stretch of rugged coastline where you will see some great rock formations.The hike is about 8km and the pathway rolls the entire way. The total incline is almost 500 meters.
ACCOMMODATION
Hotel Orquidea
Day 5: Funchal
For the first part of the day hike to the Cabo Girão viewpoint, one of Europe's highest and rightfully a popular destination on the island. Traverse the skywalk, a glass walkway that extends over the edge of the cliffs, looking down straight into the sea and enjoy stunning views of the southern coast. The rest of the time is yours. Opt to take a scenic jeep tour, explore the town, or take a cable car up to nearby Monte and take an exhilarating toboggan ride back down to Funchal.
TRANSPORT
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACTIVITY
Walk along the winding Cabo Girão trails and take in beautiful panoramic views of the sea. At the trail's end, find the skywalk, jutting out of the cliffs at over 580m above sea level.

The hike is 6km total and takes about 5.5 hours.
TRANSPORT
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
FREE_TIME
There's lots to see and do. Get out and explore!
ACCOMMODATION
Hotel Orquidea
Day 6: Funchal
Depart at any time.

Pricing & Availability

Date From	Date To	Price
07 October 2023	12 October 2023	£799
21 October 2023	26 October 2023	£799
11 November 2023	16 November 2023	£749
25 November 2023	30 November 2023	£749
09 December 2023	14 December 2023	£749
16 December 2023	21 December 2023	£749
23 December 2023	28 December 2023	£749
03 February 2024	08 February 2024	£749
17 February 2024	22 February 2024	£749
02 March 2024	07 March 2024	£749
23 March 2024	28 March 2024	£749
30 March 2024	04 April 2024	£749
13 April 2024	18 April 2024	£799
20 April 2024	25 April 2024	£799
27 April 2024	02 May 2024	£799
11 May 2024	16 May 2024	£799
18 May 2024	23 May 2024	£799
25 May 2024	30 May 2024	£799
08 June 2024	13 June 2024	£819
22 June 2024	27 June 2024	£819
07 September 2024	12 September 2024	£819
21 September 2024	26 September 2024	£819
28 September 2024	03 October 2024	£819
05 October 2024	10 October 2024	£799
19 October 2024	24 October 2024	£799
26 October 2024	31 October 2024	£799
09 November 2024	14 November 2024	£749
23 November 2024	28 November 2024	£749
07 December 2024	12 December 2024	£749
21 December 2024	26 December 2024	£749

Photos

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