In summary
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Sports
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Duration8 days
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LevelAdvance
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DestinationPortugal / Madeira
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AgeFrom 16 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions130.64 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
In a few words
Explore the wild east of Madeira on a self-guided holiday, amidst spectacular cliffs , mysterious forests , and breathtaking peaks . Follow the trails, traversing centuries-old levadas that wind through lush vegetation, and discover the São Lourenço peninsula, where jagged cliffs plunge into dazzling turquoise waters. The Levada do Furado leads you into the heart of a rainforest punctuated by majestic waterfalls .
The ascent to the peaks of Pico Ruivo and Pico Arieiro offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the island's rugged landscape, revealing the raw beauty of Madeira. This journey also provides the opportunity to explore authentic villages perched on verdant hills and share genuine moments with the locals in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. A unique immersion to savor the natural and human richness of this fascinating island.
In accordance with regulations in force since January 1, 2026, access to all classified hiking trails (PR) in Madeira requires mandatory prior booking via the Simplifica website.
The highlights
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Iconic panoramas
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An ancient fauna and flora
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A mix of cultural discoveries, verdant walks, and exotic swims
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
Expect 3 to 5/6 hours of walking and/or 200 to 900 meters of elevation gain and 100 to 1000 meters of elevation loss per day. Some trails follow levadas (irrigation channels), which present a risk of vertigo.
The hikes we offer have all been tested by us and are objectively safe. None are objectively vertigo-inducing, but this notion really depends on the individual, and it
It is important to remain vigilant! Do not venture onto any routes that we have not marked but that you might be tempted to follow. On certain days, alternative routes are available, allowing you to choose your hiking level.
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 5h30
- Average distance/day: 11 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 445 m
- Average daily descent: 470 m
Management
We provide you with a digital travel package , which includes access to our smartphone navigation app, a list of your accommodations, and all the necessary documents to ensure a smooth trip. You can also request a printed roadbook as an option.
Program
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Landing in Madeira - Machico/Santa Cruz
- Transportation Car - 00h15 - 7km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Arrival in Funchal, then transfer to the village of Machico, a former fishing port and the first town founded in Madeira, following Zarco's landing in 1419. Check-in at the hotel. Depending on your arrival time, several options are available: relax on Machico's beaches, stroll along the seafront, or embark on a birdwatching boat trip. Dinner and overnight stay in a hotel in Machico or Santa Cruz.
Day 1 -
Pointe de Sao Lourenço
- Transportation Car - 00h45 - 30km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h30
- Distance 8 km
- Positive elevation gain 500 m
- Negative elevation 500 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
After breakfast, transfer to the tip of São Lourenço for a superb loop hike starting from the car park of the nature reserve.
Located at the easternmost tip of Madeira, this rugged peninsula is one of the island's natural treasures. It offers an immersive experience in spectacular landscapes, unique wildlife, and breathtaking panoramas. The well-maintained path winds along the coast for approximately 8 kilometers, making this walk an ideal half-day excursion.
Throughout the journey, you will discover an incredible diversity of landscapes: vertiginous cliffs overlooking the ocean, unusual rock formations, a sea with crystalline reflections, and a deep blue sky. This protected site is also home to exceptional flora, with many endemic species adapted to this arid environment: cacti, euphorbias, and other succulents thrive here.
Birdwatchers will also have plenty to enjoy: petrels, gulls and cormorants nest in the cliffs and fill the sky with their graceful flights.
At the end of this hike, you will be transferred to the charming village of Porto da Cruz, nestled on the edge of the ocean.
Overnight stay in a hotel in Porto da Cruz.
Day 2 -
From the Levada des Mimosas to Porto da Cruz
- Transportation Car - 00h15 - 4km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 18 km
- Positive elevation gain 500 m
- Negative elevation 565 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Today's hike takes place on the Levada do Caniçal. It will cross three valleys, all different from each other: in the Ribeira Secca you will find the abundant vegetation of the previous day, in the Ribeira de Nola you will walk on agricultural terraces, and in the Ribeira Grande you will stroll in more pronounced reliefs.
You will then descend back to Porto Da Cruz via a lovely coastal path.
Day 3 -
From Porto da Cruz to Ribeiro Frio
- Transportation Car - 00h25 - 6km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 8h
- Distance 18 km
- Positive elevation gain 670 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Today you'll discover a jewel of Madeira, the Levada do Furado. You'll ascend along hidden paths, rarely trodden, until you reach Portela. The colorful Levada do Furado trail peacefully follows the irrigation channel, shaded by the canopy. At times, the foliage thins, revealing the ocean and offering spectacular panoramic views.
In Ribeiro Frio, you will take a tour of Balcoes, an extraordinary balcony overlooking the Faja de Nogueiras.
Alternative when the path is closed: from Lamaceiros, you will follow the Levada da Serra
up to Quatro Estradas. It is possible to extend the hike to Águas Mansas.
Portela-Aguas Mansas: 5h30 to 6h walk, 14.5km, +150m
Starting from Porto da Cruz: +1h30, and an additional 600m of elevation gain
Day 4 -
From Ariero to Santana via Pico Ruivo
- Transportation Car - 00h30 - 11km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h30
- Distance 8 km
- Positive elevation gain 550 m
- Negative elevation 700 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
This unmissable hike will take you to Madeira's highest peak, Pico Rivo (1812m), following intimidating (but perfectly safe, don't worry) ravines. A variety of landscapes await you: steep cliffs, rock tunnels, deep valleys, and tree heaths.
You will descend via Archada de Texeira to reach the largest village on the north coast, Santana.
Day 5 -
Encumeada - Levada do Norte
- Transportation Car - 00h25 - 7km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Positive elevation gain 250 m
- Negative elevation 250 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Transfer from your hotel to Encumeada, where you will walk along the Levada do Norte. It's a delight.
than to walk back and forth along this very flowery levada, where hydrangeas and agapanthus compete for the
The walkers will be delighted by the lilies, azaleas, conifers, and laurels. The views of the
The Sao Vicente valleys are magnificent, interspersed with the passage through some fun tunnels.
which lead to extraordinary sites like Folhadal, a veritable basalt cirque submerged in
vegetation, with endemic species such as the lily-of-the-valley tree, and the Laurisilva, a true forest of
Wild laurels, giant ferns, etc. Waterfalls cascade from one cirque to another, giving the
The landscape has a very wild dimension. Then the Levada do Norte will lead us to the Encumeada pass.
and the hotel located below
Day 6 -
From Boca de Corrida to Curral das Freitas
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h30
- Distance 13 km
- Positive elevation gain 200 m
- Negative elevation 800 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
This final hike takes you through Passo de Ares, Pico do Serradinho, and Boca do Cerro, following the ancient royal road of Carmino Real da Encumeada. You'll have another opportunity to see Madeira's typical flora and fauna, but this time, a different facet of it. Upon reaching Relvinha, Pico Grande rises before you, and you can climb it. It's one of the island's ten highest peaks, rewarding you with a panoramic view of the surrounding summits. This section will appeal to hikers seeking a challenge, as it's more technical than the previous stages.
Your hike will end when you descend back into the Vallée des Nones, the central point of the island.
Day 7 -
End of stay
- Transportation Minibus - 00h30 - 11km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Transfer to the airport (30 minutes), return flight.
Day 8
Note
The proposed itinerary may be modified depending on various factors. These adjustments may concern the organization (fully booked accommodations, group distribution, trail conditions, landslides, etc.) or be decided by the guide during the trip (weather conditions, pace and level of the group, etc.).
In accordance with the regulations in force since January 1, 2026, access to several
Hiking (very popular) is subject to an access fee of €4.50/person to €10.50/person (price
(Indicative, to be verified on site). Please note that booking for hikes is mandatory and must be done at
In advance. We invite you to book your tours on the official website one week before your departure.
Simplicca.
Here are the hikes included in your trip:
D2 - PR8 Vereda da Ponta de S. Lourenço
J4 – PR10 Levada do Furado
J5 – PR1 Vereda do Areeiro-Pico Ruivo (only possible from Friday to Sunday)
or variant, if starting from Queimadas PR1.2 Vereda do Pico Ruivo
D6 - PR17 Caminho do Pináculo and Folhadal
Accommodation
You will be staying in 3 or 4* hotels depending on the villages.
Access
Go to the starting point
✈️ The airport is located 22 km from Funchal (approximately 30 minutes).
- From Paris, it takes approximately 3 hours and 50 minutes on a direct flight with Transavia.
- From Lyon, 3h35 with EasyJet (flight possible with a stopover with TAP Air Portugal).
Price details
The price includes
- Accommodation in a double room
- Meals included in half-board except for dinners in Santa Cruz, Porto da Cruz and Funchal
- Luggage transport
- The planned internal transfers
- The digital travel file
The price does not include
- The route to the starting point
- Dinners in Santa Cruz, Porto da Cruz and Funchal
- Lunch
- Drinks
- Site visits
- Personal expenses
- Access fees to certain hiking trails (€4.50 or €10.50, payable on SIMplifica )
- Any applicable tourist taxes payable on site
- Anything not listed under "Price includes"
Options
- Paper version of the roadbook : CHF32.02 / unit
- 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 to bring
- A small, comfortable backpack for the day.
- A "follower" bag: a reasonably sized suitcase or a backpack or a travel bag that is not too big and in good condition to facilitate transfers.
- Rain cover bag: A waterproof cover for your backpack in case of downpours.
- Cutlery and plate
- A Tupperware-type plastic container
- First aid kit: A first aid kit containing bandages, antiseptics, painkillers, etc.
- A swimsuit
- Water bottle: A reusable water bottle to stay hydrated during your hikes.
- Sunscreen: Sun protection, including broad-spectrum sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses to protect you from UV rays.
- Flashlight / headlamp: A headlamp for hikes with passages through tunnels, and in case of need.
- Waterproof plastic bag: A plastic bag to protect your valuables and equipment from the rain.
- Camera: To capture the magnificent landscapes of Madeira.
- Mobile phone and charger: Keep your mobile phone charged for emergency calls and GPS navigation on the app.
- Don't forget to check the weather before your trip and adapt your equipment accordingly.
Clothing to bring
- Hiking shoes: comfortable and weather-resistant shoes are
- essential for hiking on Madeira's trails. Make sure they are already
- well broken in to avoid blisters.
- Hiking clothing:
- Breathable and lightweight clothing for warm days.
- Warm layers, such as jackets and sweaters, for cooler evenings in the mountains.
- A raincoat or waterproof jacket to deal with frequent downpours (depending on the season).
- Hiking pants.
They traveled with us
