Hiking across Madeira from east to west

Today we are setting off on a coastal hike that connects Machico to Porto da Cruz on the north coast of the island.

After breakfast, we set off on foot from our hotel, then we climb to Pico do Facho and follow the Caniçal levada for 4 km through a valley of eucalyptus and mimosa trees.

Throughout our hike, we admired the island of Porto Santo in the distance.

A path along the cliffside for 1 hour 30 minutes allows us to reach Maiata and then Porto da Cruz, renowned for housing one of the last rum distilleries on the island.

From Porto da Cruz, we continue on foot to Sao Roque do Faial, where we spend the night.

For this second day of hiking, we head towards the village of Santana and its typical houses.

We will leave our accommodation located in São Roque do Faial on foot and then walk along the Levada Nova to Lombo Galego.

Next we will follow the old royal road to reach Cova da Roda.

Finally we will reach the village of Santana which we will cross to reach the hotel.

For the departure on 25/04/2026 we will have a short transfer to take us back to the accommodation of the previous day.

For this day of hiking, we're going to gain some altitude!

After a short transfer to Achada do Texeira (15 minutes by vehicle), we begin our trek through the high peaks of Madeira. We head towards Pico Ruivo, the island's highest summit at 1862 meters.

Then we reach Encumeada, 12 km away, alternating short climbs and long descents, until we reach the village where we sleep, in an alpine environment.

Due to the 2024 fires, and if the trails are still closed, we will go back down towards Ilha to take a transfer to Encumeada.

We set off on foot from our accommodation in Encumeada, for an immersion in the deep nature of Madeira. Then we hike to Bica da Cana, crossing a valley with steep walls.

We then cross the high Paul da Serra plateau. Next, we continue towards regions where nature remains almost untouched, home to some of the world's most magnificent laurel trees. We descend the northern slope, which reveals its breathtaking cliffs of incredible, wild beauty.

Upon our arrival in Seixal, we settled in for 2 nights.

For departures on 13/06/2026 and 17/10/2026: a vehicle takes us to Porto Moniz where we stay for 2 nights.

After breakfast, departure on foot from the hotel and ascent towards Ribeira Funda then Ribeira da Janela.

From there we begin our long descent towards Porto Moniz where natural pools await us for a well-deserved refreshment!

At the end of the day, a vehicle meets us in Porto Moniz to take us to Seixal in 10 minutes*.

*For departures on 13/06/2026 and 17/10/2026: a vehicle will take us from Porto Moniz to Seixal after breakfast, and we will end the day in Porto Moniz.

After a one-hour transfer, we arrive in the capital Funchal for a free exploration of this charming city.

Discoveries in the market with its shimmering colours, in churches, museums or the famous botanical garden will pleasantly fill our day.

Optional activities that we can offer you on site (to be booked and paid for directly on site): whale watching trip, canyoning, etc...

At the end of dinner (not included in the price), a vehicle will meet the group in the evening to take you to your accommodation at

Machico or Santa Cruz where you will spend the night. Your luggage will have been transported to the hotel during the day.

The stay ends after breakfast in Machico or Santa Cruz.

Independent transfer to the airport according to your flight schedule**.

**Airport-hotel transfer included if you booked your flights with us.