• Discovering Madeira via the royal route
  • Discovering Madeira via the royal route
  • Discovering Madeira via the royal route
  • Discovering Madeira via the royal route
  • Discovering Madeira via the royal route
Madeira

Discovering Madeira via the royal route

Réf : RMQNBH

In summary

  • Sports
    Hiking / Trekking
  • Duration
    15 days
  • Level
    Advance

    Levels

    Hiking / Trekking
    Beginner
    For those wishing to walk for up to 3 hours with minimal elevation gain (max. 300m) along roads, tracks, trails, or rolling terrain. Suitable for everyone.
    Intermediate
    For those wishing to hike for 4 to 5 hours a day, covering an elevation gain of around 600m on trails. You hike occasionally and are in good physical condition.
    Confirmed
    For those wishing to hike for up to 6 hours a day and/or cover an elevation gain of 600 to 800 meters, both on and off-trail. High-altitude sections are possible. You engage in a sporting activity once a week, hike regularly, and are in very good physical condition.
    Advanced
    For those wishing to undertake multi-day hikes involving over 6 hours of walking and an elevation gain of 700 to 1,200 meters, off-trail or over rugged terrain. High-altitude sections are possible. You engage in endurance sports several times a week, hike regularly, and are in excellent physical condition.
    Expert
    For those who want a challenging hike of 7 to 8 hours per day with over 1200 meters of elevation gain off-trail or on rough terrain. High-altitude sections. You have been practicing high-intensity endurance sports several times a week for several years, and you are training for this event.
  • Destination
    Portugal / Madeira
  • Age
    From 16 - 70 years
  • CO₂-Emissions
    249.56 kg CO2
  • Type of stay
    This personalized stay offers you the opportunity to experience a sporting adventure with an organization tailored to your needs.
    Type of stay
    Independent traveler
A minimum of 2 people (including at least 1 adult) are required to book this stay.
See our solo trips

In a few words

Discover Madeira through its famous Caminhos Reais , the historic paths that once connected the island's villages. This grand hiking circuit , designed for those passionate about wild treks, offers a complete crossing of the island, from Machico to Funchal .

Along this varied route, you'll explore a striking contrast of landscapes, from rugged volcanic cliffs to historic levadas . The trail leads deep into the heart of the primeval forest , a unique ecosystem and UNESCO World Heritage Site . Each stage reveals preserved local cultures, authentic rural villages, and spectacular panoramas overlooking the Atlantic Ocean .

The trip culminates in a spectacular finale with the high mountain stages. You will undertake the legendary traverse from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo , considered one of the most beautiful hikes in Europe, linking the rugged peaks of Madeira above the sea of ​​clouds.

This journey fully immerses the walker in an authentic setting, combining physical challenge and contemplation in the heart of the garden island .

The highlights

  • Hikes off the beaten track
  • A panoramic view of Madeira
  • See Madeira as the locals used to.
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Photos

Sport

Level

Hiking / Trekking

Advance

Levels

Hiking / Trekking
Beginner
For those wishing to walk for up to 3 hours with minimal elevation gain (max. 300m) along roads, tracks, trails, or rolling terrain. Suitable for everyone.
Intermediate
For those wishing to hike for 4 to 5 hours a day, covering an elevation gain of around 600m on trails. You hike occasionally and are in good physical condition.
Confirmed
For those wishing to hike for up to 6 hours a day and/or cover an elevation gain of 600 to 800 meters, both on and off-trail. High-altitude sections are possible. You engage in a sporting activity once a week, hike regularly, and are in very good physical condition.
Advanced
For those wishing to undertake multi-day hikes involving over 6 hours of walking and an elevation gain of 700 to 1,200 meters, off-trail or over rugged terrain. High-altitude sections are possible. You engage in endurance sports several times a week, hike regularly, and are in excellent physical condition.
Expert
For those who want a challenging hike of 7 to 8 hours per day with over 1200 meters of elevation gain off-trail or on rough terrain. High-altitude sections. You have been practicing high-intensity endurance sports several times a week for several years, and you are training for this event.
For those wishing to undertake multi-day hikes involving over 6 hours of walking and an elevation gain of 700 to 1,200 meters, off-trail or over rugged terrain. High-altitude sections are possible. You engage in endurance sports several times a week, hike regularly, and are in excellent physical condition.

The expert's opinion

Some sections without technical difficulty can be dizzying.

In figures

Hiking

  • Average duration/day: 6h
  • Average distance/day: 15 km
  • Average daily elevation gain: 759 m
  • Average daily descent: 705 m
  • Exposed Passages: Yes

Management

The digital roadbook is your travel companion.
Digital Roadbook

A road-book app for smartphones (Apple and Android) with route maps (available offline), access information and GPS navigation to accommodations, as well as recommendations for places to visit along your route. Documents will be sent approximately 8 days before your departure.

Program

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8
Day 9
Day 10
Day 11
Day 12
Day 13
Day 14
Day 15
  • map

    Arrival in Madeira

    • Accommodation 2-star hotel
    • Breakfast included
    • Lunch not included
    • Dinner not included

    Transfer (10 min) from the airport to your hotel located in the charming coastal village of Machico on the sunny southeast coast of the island.

    Swimming is possible on a golden sand beach, ideal for relaxing after your trip.

    Night in a typical hotel in the village of Machico.

    Day 1

Accommodation

Access

Departure
Machico, Portugal
Day 1 : 09h00
End of stay
Funchal, Portugal
Day 15 - 18h00

Go to the starting point

Access by plane
The nearest airport isAéroport de Funchal

Price details

The price includes

  1. A road-book app for smartphones
  2. Overnight stays in a room with breakfast
  3. Transfers are provided on certain days to take you to the hiking locations.
  4. Luggage transfers
  5. Transfer on the last day from the hotel to the airport
  6. Our 24/7 on-site support

The price does not include

  1. International flights
  2. Meals not mentioned in the program (expect to pay from €20 per meal in a restaurant)
  3. The tourist tax in Madeira is €2 per person per day and must be paid on site.
  4. The access fee for the Pico do Arrieiro to Pico Ruivo trail is €10.50 per person and must be paid online.
  5. Entrance fees to museums and private gardens
  6. Personal expenses
  7. Tips

Options

  1. 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.

The Françoise team
Decathlon Travel Partner

The Françoise team

• 3 stays

A specialist in the island of flowers since 2014, this expert in travel designing meticulously planned trekking and discovery trips. Françoise draws on an intimate knowledge of the destination acquired since 2007, when she was already organizing expeditions for major players in the sector such as Terres d'Aventures.


This agency distinguishes itself through its mastery of Madeira's steep trails and levadas, offering authentic itineraries far from the beaten path. Thanks to this long-standing expertise, the company guarantees impeccable logistics and a deep immersion in the archipelago's volcanic landscapes. Combining on-the-ground experience with a passion for hiking, this agency is the go-to choice for exploring Madeira's wild terrain and culture with complete confidence.

Discover their team and their trips
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