Self-drive hiking tour: the best of Madeira at your own pace
In summary
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Sports
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Duration8 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationPortugal / Madeira
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AgeFrom 16 - 85 years
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CO₂-Emissions77.07 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
In a few words
Located 700 km off the coast of Morocco, Madeira reveals itself as a true concentration of spectacular and wild landscapes. This self-drive tour offers you a complete and independent immersion in the heart of the island.
Your journey begins with an exploration of the northeast , a region of rugged terrain and deep valleys where the pulse of authentic rural life beats. As you gain altitude, you'll overlook the primeval forest from the central ridges before following the wild and jagged northern coast . It is here that the famous natural pools of Porto Moniz are nestled, magnificent basins of volcanic rock.
As you stroll, let yourself be charmed by the gentle beauty of the levadas (irrigation channels) adorned with agapanthus flowers , the ribeiras (riverbanks) lined with banana groves , and the unique atmosphere of the Paul da Serra plateau. A walk through the laurisilva , a lush protected forest, will lead you to the majestic Risco waterfalls .
Your journey concludes in style in Funchal . With its understated palaces, Baroque churches, and botanical gardens, the capital evokes the archipelago's golden age. To complete this adventure, an optional whale-watching excursion will allow you to get up close to the marine wildlife of the Atlantic.
The highlights
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A panoramic view of the island
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A selection of magnificent hikes off the beaten track
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A selection of typical, small-capacity accommodations, ideally located
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 6h30
- Average distance/day: 15 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 825 m
- Average daily descent: 825 m
- Exposed Passages: Yes
Management
Your travel guide to take everywhere with you. 🗺️
A road-book app for smartphones with route maps, access information, and GPS navigation to accommodations, as well as recommendations for places to visit along your route. Documents will be sent by email approximately 8 days before your departure.
Program
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Arrival in Madeira
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Arrival at Madeira airport and collection of your vehicle at the airport.
Route to Porto da Cruz (20 min), a peaceful fishing village located on the northeast coast of the island.
Rental of a category C vehicle
Type: Citroën C3, Peugeot 208 (or similar)
Fuel: gasoline
Trunk volume: 200 liters
Number of doors: 5 - CV: 65
Insurance included: third-party liability
Security deposit: €1000. Excess waiver option: €15/day
Additional driver: €25 for the stay
Overnight stay by the sea in a typical hotel in the fishing village of Porto da Cruz.
Swimming is possible in a seawater pool (opening in June) and there is a volcanic sand beach.
Day 1 -
Coastal hike from Caniçal to Porto da Cruz
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 11 km
- Positive elevation gain 400 m
- Negative elevation 400 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
One of the most beautiful spots in Madeira, perched 300 meters above the ocean.
The coastal path crosses a mineral landscape, a festival of lava and volcanic ash. Plunging views of the surf and coves.
After passing a certain point, the balcony path becomes more wooded, with pines and eucalyptus trees.
A long descent to the sea and the village of Porto da Cruz, passing through hamlets, tiny terraces, and flowers. Seawater pool upon arrival.
At the end of the day, return transfer by taxi to your vehicle (20 min).
Overnight stay by the sea in a typical hotel in the fishing village of Porto da Cruz.
Day 2 -
Castelejo levada hike / peaks hike
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Distance 15 km
- Positive elevation gain 1100 m
- Negative elevation 1100 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Ascend the Castelejo levada. You will walk among houses decorated with orchids, observe the traditional terraced fields (poios) of Madeira, and see farmers still working by hand...
Then you will enter the heart of the laurissilva forest via a levada that plunges into a deep valley, to return by way of old rehabilitated paths towards the village of São Roque do Faial and then Porto da Cruz.
*** As an alternative (possible from Friday to Sunday only): hiking on the ridge path linking the highest peaks of the island.
In a sublime setting of rocky peaks and deep gorges, on a clear day you will have a panoramic view from Pico Ruivo of the whole island and in the distance, the island of Porto Santo.
5h30 of walking, +750m, -500m.
At the end of the day, transfer by taxi (1 hour) to your vehicle above Santana on the north coast of the island.
NB: Add €80 for 2 people (including transfer and hiking tax).
Overnight stay by the sea in a typical hotel in the fishing village of Porto da Cruz.
Day 3 -
Route along the north coast to Jardim do Mar
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Take the spectacular road along Madeira's wild and rugged north coast, where sheer cliffs plunge directly into the Atlantic Ocean. Marvel at the breathtaking panoramas before stopping at Porto Moniz, famous for its natural pools carved into the black basalt where the sea seems to flow into the rock.
The road then continues towards the sunny south coast of the island, crossing the high plateau of Paul da Serra. This vast open space, often shrouded in mist, offers a striking contrast to the verdant valleys and coastal landscapes — a unique journey between mountain and ocean.
Overnight stay by the sea in a small hotel in Jardim do Mar.
Day 4 -
Assoubiadores - Rabaçal Hike
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Distance 15 km
- Positive elevation gain 1000 m
- Negative elevation 1000 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Head for the high altitude plateau of Paul da Serra, in Assoubiadores. At the top of the Ribeira de Janela, you discover a world of primitive forest, waterfalls (the 25 Fontes) and gorges following the levadas of Rabaçal and Alecrim.
Overnight stay by the sea in a small hotel in Jardim do Mar.
Day 5 -
Hiking Paul do Mar - Faja de Ovelha - Prazeres - Paul do Mar
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Distance 17 km
- Positive elevation gain 800 m
- Negative elevation 800 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Departure for a day trek combining wonderful nature, rural culture and spectacular panoramas.
The route connects the Levada da Fajã to the Levada Nova da Calheta, passing through the charming village of Prazeres. From its viewpoint of the same name, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the verdant valleys, as well as the coastal villages of Paul do Mar and Jardim do Mar.
On your way, treat yourself to a relaxing break on Ribeira das Galinhas beach, in the heart of the peaceful fishing village of Paul do Mar. Although it is unsupervised, this small beach is captivating thanks to its serene atmosphere, authentic charm, and splendid views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Day 6 -
Free day in Funchal
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Via the coastal road, you will reach Funchal (1 hour) where you will return your rental vehicle in the morning.
This day will be dedicated to the free exploration of Funchal, the elegant and flowery capital of Madeira.
The lively atmosphere of the Mercado dos Lavradores invites you to stroll among the colorful stalls of tropical fruits, flowers and spices, a veritable festival of scents and colors.
The Monte cable car then takes you to the city's heights, where you can admire a panoramic view of the Atlantic Ocean and the rooftops of Funchal from the Monte Palace tropical gardens. A suspended moment where your gaze wanders between sky and sea.
Optional extras: whale watching trip, guided tour of Funchal, introduction to canyoning, etc. (see options section at the end of the quote).
Overnight stay in a 3* hotel in Funchal city centre.
Day 7 -
Return flight
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Taxi transfer (30 min) from the hotel to the airport and return flight.
Day 8
Accommodation
Charming family-run hotel with 12 rooms on the seafront with a restaurant overlooking an oceanfront promenade.
All rooms are equipped with a television, telephone, safe, and bathroom with a bathtub. Some rooms offer sea views, while others overlook the island's mountains.
Free access to the Porto da Cruz seawater swimming pool, open from June to October.
A small, family-run hotel located in the picturesque village of Jardim do Mar, just steps from the Atlantic Ocean. It offers a peaceful and authentic setting, ideal for exploring Madeira's west coast and enjoying stunning seascapes.
The hotel features a restaurant and bar, as well as a pleasant terrace. The comfortable and well-equipped rooms have private bathrooms, air conditioning, and Wi-Fi access. Some offer sea views or a balcony, allowing guests to fully appreciate the natural surroundings.
This 3-star hotel is ideally located in the heart of Funchal, offering 75 rooms, a restaurant, and a rooftop terrace with breathtaking ocean views. An excellent choice for fully enjoying Madeira's capital.
Access
Go to the starting point
Transavia : http://www.transavia.com/hv/fr-fr/accueil (direct flights from Orly, Lyon, Nantes & Marseille)
Ryanair : https://www.ryanair.com/fr/fr (direct flights from Paris Beauvais and Brussels Charleroi)
Easyjet : http://www.easyjet.com/fr (direct flights from Lyon, Bordeaux & Geneva)
TAP: http://www.flytap.com (flights departing from Paris and major provincial cities with a stopover in Lisbon)
Price details
The price includes
- A road-book app
- Overnight stays in a room with breakfast
- A car rental (unlimited mileage)
- Transfer on the last day from the hotel to the airport
- Our 24/7 on-site support
- Card or bank transfer payment fees
The price does not include
- International and domestic flights and airport taxes.
- Meals not mentioned in the program (expect to pay from €20 per meal in a restaurant)
- Entrance fees to museums and private gardens
- Personal expenses
- The options (see the detailed list below)
- Tips
- The tourist tax in Madeira is €2 per person per day and must be paid on site.
- Fuel and vehicle rental options (excess waiver, theft, broken glass, additional driver insurance: options to be paid on site), as well as the supplement for arrivals after midnight (€73.20)
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 to bring
- 1 backpack
- 1 pair of excellent quality sunglasses
- 1 water bottle (1.5 liters minimum)
- 1 retractable walking stick
- 1 headlamp or flashlight (essential for tunnels)
- 1 pocket knife (to be placed in checked baggage)
- Toiletries: choose biodegradable products if possible (biodegradable liquid soap is available)
- Sunscreen + lip balm
Personal pharmacy:
- Your usual medications
- Pain medication: paracetamol preferred
- Elastic adhesive tape (Elastoplast type)
- Sets of adhesive bandages + disinfectant compresses
- Double skin
- Mosquito repellent (optional).
Clothing to bring
- 1 sun hat or cap
- 1 beanie and/or headband
- T-shirts
- 1 warm mountain jacket
- 1 pair of shorts or bermudas
- 1 pair of trekking trousers
- 1 pair of comfortable trousers for the evening
- 1 Gore-tex style jacket, simple and lightweight
- 1 rain cape
- 1 swimsuit
- Walking socks.
- 1 pair of hiking shoes
The clothing list should be adapted according to the chosen season.
The Françoise team
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.
