13 Hiking Tours in Madeira Worth Booking

1.Pico do Arieiro Sunrise Transfer Self-guided Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 2,798 reviews · from $37Our pick

Take a shared early-morning transfer from Funchal or Caniço to Pico do Arieiro, watch the sunrise, then hike independently toward Pico Ruivo or along an alternative PR3 route. Drivers such as Nuno, Pedro, Diogo, and Henrique explain the trail and arrange pickup after roughly five hours.

“It was great trip. Henrique was a great guide . He gave us all the information we need and much more. He was always on time. I can recommend this trip even thou it is very busy place.”

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2.Pico Do Arieiro Pico Ruivo Sunrise or Morning Hike Transfers

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,169 reviews · 8 - 8.5 hours · from $37

Travel by small air-conditioned minivan from Funchal or Caniço to Pico do Arieiro, then hike independently toward Pico Ruivo. English-speaking drivers such as Radko and Ciro explain the route, allow up to five hours, and meet you at Achada do Teixeira for the return trip.

“amazing, the alternative hike while they repair the forest fire was so good!! bring warm clothes for the morning!”

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3.Rabaçal: 25 Fontes & Risco Levada Transfer Self-guided Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 841 reviews · from $38

Travel by shared van from Funchal or nearby towns to Rabaçal, then follow clear instructions for the 10-kilometre 25 Fontes and Risco levadas. You get five hours to walk independently, take photos, stop at Casa do Rabaçal, and return by van. The 6:30am departure is best for quieter paths.

“Pedro was brilliant! He gave us a lot of information about the area and the trek we did. We did the 6am pick up and so glad we did as we missed the crowds. We were very lucky with the weather too, perfect conditions ☺️”

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4.Caniçal Ponta São Lourenco Hiking Transfer

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 756 reviews · 6 hours · from $35

Take a shared van from Funchal, Caniço, Santa Cruz, or Machico to PR8 Ponta São Lourenço. Follow the 7.5-kilometer coastal trail at your own pace, with four hours to walk, swim, visit the café, and enjoy views toward both sides of Madeira.

“It was an awesome hike! Transportation was perfect. Would highly recommend!”

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5.Caldeirão Verde: Queimadas PR9 Transfer and Self-Guided Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 668 reviews · from $38

Take a shared van from Funchal, Caniço, Santa Cruz, or Machico to Queimadas Park, then follow the PR9 levada trail without a guide. Expect ancient Laurissilva trees, waterfalls, four tunnels, narrow sections, and about 15 km of walking. Drivers such as Nuno, Ivan, Pedro, and Luis provide route advice and return transport.

“A very good day trip. The guide was supernice, explaining different things on the way and back and ensuring that we know how to be safe on the levada. This having said, he still wasn’t an overtalkative turistguide. The path itself was enchanting with stunning views. One thing to suggest adding to the packing list is toilet paper (there was none in the toilets by the starting point).”

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6.PR 9 – Levada do Caldeirão Verde Hike Transfer

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 620 reviews · 7 hours · from $47

Ride from Funchal, Caniço, or Garajau to Pico das Pedras, then follow the PR9 levada through Laurissilva Forest, tunnels, cliffs, and waterfalls. This self-guided hike gives you freedom on the trail, while drivers such as Vitor, Fabio, Roberto, and Cristiano handle transport and safety advice.

“Beautiful flat hike, only 93 steps in total. Going through dark caves was exciting, but some people were scared and bumped their heads a few times. This is described as a 6km hike each way, but I clocked up 21km on the hike. Not for the faint hearted.”

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7.Ponta de São Lourenço/Caniçal Full-Day Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 262 reviews · 8 hours · from $50

From Funchal, walk Madeira’s eastern Ponta de São Lourenço with guides such as Rubi, Sergio, Sarah, or Charlotte. Expect volcanic cliffs, rare flora, views toward Desertas and Porto Santo, free time near Casa do Sardinha, and a possible swim or speedboat return.

“The views were amazing, and our guide, Sergio, was very insightful and friendly. Overall a very good value for money.”

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8.Pico Ruivo Guided Sunrise Hike with Hotel Pickup

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 257 reviews · 5 hours · from $68Top rated

Join guide Carlos of Madeira Wonders for a five-hour sunrise hike to Pico Ruivo, Madeira’s highest peak. You’ll leave your hotel before dawn, walk 2.5 kilometers under the stars, climb 260 meters, and reach the summit for sunrise. Hotel transfers, head torches, tea, and a granola bar are included.

“Waking up early was worth it. The guide is great, has a good sense of humor and knows what he is doing. Thanks, Carlos!”

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9.Machico to Porto da Cruz Larano Cliff Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 189 reviews · 8 hours · from $50

Spend about four and a half hours walking from Machico to Porto da Cruz along the Larano Cliff. Your guide explains Madeira’s plants, farming, history, and coastal scenery, with views toward São Lourenço and Porto Santo. Pickup from Funchal, Câmara de Lobos, or Caniço is included where possible.

“Amazing experience! Our guide, Charlotte was great (not to forget our driver Nunu, sorry if I spelt it wrong). Beautiful and a very informative and friendly guide.”

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10.Madeira Lakes Levada Guided Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 88 reviews · 8 hours · from $50

From Funchal, Lido Tours takes you on a guided 10-kilometer hike along Levada do Alecrim. Expect forest trails, waterfalls, rock pools, mountain lakes, and a possible summer swim. Guides including Sarah and Rubina lead tours in five languages, with hotel pickup and drop-off.

“Abgesehen davon, dass es Landschaftlich eine wunderschöne Tour war und auch das Wetter mitgespielt hat,, kann ich nur unseren Tourguide Sarah loben und empfehlen. Ganz toll, herzlich, auf Wünsche eingehend, rücksichtsvoll und sehr informativ und gut gelaunt. Immer wieder gerne mit Lido Tours. Alles klappt, man wird gut informiert vorab. Gibt Sicherheit”

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11.From Funchal/Caniço: Rabaçal Hike (25 Fontes) Bus Transfer

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 77 reviews · from $32Best value

Take a roundtrip shuttle from Funchal, Caniço, or Garajau to Rabaçal, then hike the 25 Fontes and Risco trails on your own. You get about five hours at the site, with a 2:30 p.m. return from the tunnel area. Bring rain gear, food, water, and a flashlight.

“definately worth doing if you have a rainy day, was so much fun and beautiful waterfalls. highly recommend”

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12.Madeira Stairway to Heaven to Larano Hike Mountain to Sea

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 47 reviews · 8 hours · from $88

Spend eight hours with Heartbeat Madeira on two striking walks: the Stairway to Heaven near Pico do Arieiro and the Vereda do Larano coast trail. Guides Katrin and Richard lead groups of up to seven, with transport, coffee, a homemade-style picnic, and one Poncha or soft drink included.

“I reaklly enjoyed the day out, guides were friendly and i enjoyed the pack lunch they made us (all home made) :-)”

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13.Fanal Forest Guided Hiking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 42 reviews · 2 - 3 hours · from $70

You’ll ride from Madeira into the misty Fanal Forest for a guided walk among ancient laurel trees and volcanic scenery. Hotel pickup, transport, insurance, photos, and a multilingual guide are included. Expect slippery paths, changing weather, and excellent photo chances.

“Ik kan allen maar enthousiast zijn. Over de gids: hij deed het super rustig, iedereen kon zijn tijd nemen met het nemen van foto's. Hij waarschuwde iedere keer weer als het sliplerig kon zijn. Hij vertelde veel tijdens de rit ernaar toe. Stopte op deze fantastische stop waar je onder de rots doorloopt. Vooral de rust en de tijd die je kreeg om te lopen en te kijken met de informatie die hij gaf waren TOP. Het was mijn beste laatste dag in Madeira!”

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