Hiking in Madeira
6 days, Santana to Funchal
Itinerary
Day 1Santana
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.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - 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.
Optional Activities - Day 1 HideShow
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.
Day 2Santana
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.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
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.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 3Santana/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.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
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
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 4Funchal
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.
Hike From Funchal to São Lourenço Point
Hike from Funchal to São Lourenço 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.
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 5Funchal
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.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Cabo Girão Cliffs and Skywalk
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.
Private Vehicle
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!
Optional Activities - Day 5 HideShow
Full-Day Jeep Tour
Hop in a jeep and take a full-day tour of Madeira's northwest coast.
Funchal Visit
Wander around the island's capital to get a glimpse of local life. Opt to visit the Cathedral of Funchal (Sé) and the colourful Rua da Santa Maria with over 200 painted doorways. Or opt to take a funicular up to the suburb of Monte, and see its beautiful tropical palace garden. If you're up for the thrill, take a toboggan ride back down to the city centre.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 6Funchal
Depart at any time.