A getaway to Madeira: from the Picos to the wild coast
In summary
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Sports
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Duration7 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationPortugal / Madeira
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions106.2 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
Immerse yourself in the heart of Madeira , a true jewel of the Atlantic where the mild climate accompanies every step. Designed to combine group spirit and independence , this itinerary offers a perfect balance between shared moments and personal discoveries.
Guided by our French-speaking tour leader , we explore the unspoiled landscapes of the island of flowers , between verdant levadas and spectacular coastal panoramas. The stages unfold at a moderate pace , alternating between guided exploration sessions and free time to stroll at your leisure or savor local cuisine during meals at your leisure.
To enrich the experience, a selection of optional activities allows you to personalize your adventure according to your outdoor desires. A friendly and structured stay, ideal for fully experiencing the essence of Madeira in complete serenity.
The highlights
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A cool hike to the Rabaçal waterfalls
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Gain some altitude on the Picos to enjoy spectacular panoramas
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Admire the ocean from the cliffs at the tip of Sao Lourenco
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
The trip is not physically demanding, but a reasonable level of fitness is recommended to fully enjoy the various activities. Hikes range from 3 to 5 hours, with an average elevation gain/loss of 500 meters. No specific experience is necessary for any of the activities; regular walking and a love of physical exertion are all that's required.
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 4h
- Average distance/day: 10 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 375 m
- Average daily descent: 449 m
Management
French
This trip is led by a French-speaking Madeiran guide. During the stay, drivers from our local team will handle transfers of people and/or luggage.
Program
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Funchal
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Individual arrival in Funchal. Transfer* to your hotel at your leisure. Depending on your arrival time, you can explore the area around the hotel. *Airport/hotel transfer included if you booked your flights with us.Day 1 -
Funchal - Paul da Serra Plateau - 25 Fountains Waterfalls
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h30
- Distance 12 km
- Positive elevation gain 175 m
- Negative elevation 175 m
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
We ascend to the Paul da Serra plateau at 1290m altitude, overlooking the 16km-long Ribeira da Janela valley. We immerse ourselves in the heart of the Laurisilva, a primeval and verdant forest dominated by giant heathers. From the Rabaçal forest house, we reach the spectacular Risco waterfall with its 100-meter drop, followed by the 25 Fontes site. A passage through an 800-meter tunnel takes us down to the southern slope, amidst eucalyptus trees. We end the day with a stop at the Cabo Girão viewpoint to enjoy a breathtaking panorama of the ocean. (Entrance fee payable on site)Day 2 -
Crossing the Picos
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h30
- Distance 10 km
- Positive elevation gain 600 m
- Negative elevation 820 m
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Today we're heading towards the Picos de Europa for the most spectacular hike of our trip. On foot, we reach Pico Ruivo, Madeira's highest peak at 1861m, named for its reddish volcanic rock. From the summit, the entire island unfolds before us: the wild, verdant valleys of the north coast, the Caldeirão Verde area, and the São Lourenço peninsula, which seems to meander through the ocean.Day 3 -
Free day in Funchal
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Today, we're enjoying a completely free day to explore Funchal at our own pace. With its consistently mild climate, the city invites leisurely strolls with its charming cobbled streets, lush botanical gardens, and stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. *Depending on our preferences, we can extend our adventure at sea. A boat trip of approximately two hours offers the chance to observe dolphins and whales, as Madeira is renowned as one of the best spots in the world for these encounters. We also have the option of renting a kayak to paddle along the impressive cliffs of Cabo Girão, discovering hidden coves and caves. It's up to us to create our perfect day! *See "options" section.Day 4 -
The tip of São Lourenço
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Distance 7 km
- Positive elevation gain 350 m
- Negative elevation 350 m
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
This morning we set off for the tip of São Lourenço, at the easternmost point of Madeira. Designated a nature reserve since 1982, this peninsula reveals a raw, mineral landscape, very different from the rest of the island, with its sculpted rock formations, local vegetation, and crystal-clear waters. We explore this unique landscape on a round-trip hike along the coast. We then continue our journey towards Funchal. Along the way, we make two iconic stops: a visit to one of the last traditional distilleries on the island and a tour of the famous Santana houses. Finally, we arrive at our accommodation in Funchal at the end of the day.Day 5 -
Free day in Funchal
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We'll enjoy a second free day in Funchal to explore the city at our own pace and delve deeper into our discoveries. For those seeking more action, we can opt for a coasteering session: a course along the coast combining walking, swimming, climbing, and jumps. It's the perfect opportunity to discover some of the island's more secluded corners in a dynamic and fun way.Day 6 -
Funchal - End of stay
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
End of stay after breakfast. Transfer* to the airport at your leisure, according to your flight schedule. *Transfer included if you booked your flights with us.Day 7
Note
Accommodation
Accommodation in a standard double/twin room in a 4* hotel
In Madeira, we stay in 4-star hotels (local standards) with very good service. We sleep in double/twin rooms with private bathrooms.
Access
- Shift :
Private vehicle and/or minibus to reach the starting points of activities and hikes.
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
- Accommodation in a double room in a 4-star hotel
- Breakfasts from day 2 to day 7 (except in case of very early departure on day 7)
- Picnics for days 02/03/05
- All transfers by private vehicle included in the program
- Supervision by a French-speaking tour guide
- Entrance fees for hikes
- Tourist taxes in hotels
The price does not include
- International flights
- Airport/hotel/airport transfers (if you did not book your flights with us)
- Self-guided tours
- Activities and visits not mentioned in the "price includes" section
- Drinks and personal expenses
- The dinners
- Lunches for days 01/04/06/07
- Tips for local teams
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
Equipment to bring
- Walking stick(s).
- Plastic bags for waterproofing your belongings, cameras and clothes.
- Rain cape and rain pants
- Backpack protector
- Keeping a notebook and journal is a popular activity among trekkers.
You can also travel with your technical sheet where we have given special space for your favorites, travel stories or anecdotes.
- A toiletry bag
- Sunscreen cream (face and lips)
- Headlamp, with spare batteries and bulbs
- A water bottle of at least 1 liter, lightweight and insulated, plates and cutlery for the picnic
- Pocket knife, preferably a multi-purpose one
- Gloves and hat (for mountain hikes)
Clothing to bring
- Trekking shoes: these are a trekker's best friend. They must possess three qualities: sturdiness, good foot and ankle support (high-tops), and waterproofing. Choose shoes with non-slip, lug soles and a relatively rigid construction; they must grip the terrain well. Vibram soles have a long-standing reputation; opt for them if you have the choice.
- Light shoes (tennis shoes) or sandals to put on during stops in towns and villages.
- Socks.
- Loose-fitting trousers.
- Sweater, sweatshirt or fleece.
This one has the advantage of being durable, warm, lightweight, quick-drying, with a soft touch.
- Shorts or bermudas.
- Breathable Gore-Tex type windbreaker.
- Rain cape.
- Hat.
- Swimsuit.
- Bath towel.
- Good sunglasses (protection index 3).
