9 Private Car Days in Madeira to Build a Day Around

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.Transfer to Pico do Arieiro & Pico Ruivo Trail

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 1,591 reviews · from $36

Travel from Funchal or Caniço to Pico do Arieiro, then hike independently through Madeira’s high peaks for about five hours. Your English-speaking driver explains the route and collects you at Achada do Teixeira. Trail closures may mean an alternative such as PR3.

“One of the best experiences to do in madeira for sure”

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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.PR8 -Ponta de São Lourenço Natural Reserve Transfer

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 392 reviews · 4 hours · from $35

Take a self-guided 3 km hike along Madeira’s dramatic eastern coast, with pickup from Funchal, Caniço, Garajau, or Machico. Drivers such as Vitor, Fabio, Cristiano, and João provide trail advice, local tips, and return transport. Allow time for photos, wind, mud, and a possible swim at Cais do Sardinha.

“It is a leisure way to see the west side of the island. The tour stops at places with diversed sceneries. Our drive/tour guide Diego was very knowledgeable and well organized.”

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8.Boat Trip with Lunch, Drinks, and Hotel Transfer

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 98 reviews · 5 hours · from $81

Spend about five hours on Madeira’s south coast, including hotel pickup, a relaxed boat cruise from Funchal, swimming and snorkeling in a sheltered bay, buffet lunch, drinks, and return transport. The crew speaks English, Portuguese, and Spanish.

“There’s nothing to improve on really all the crew were very helpful the lunch was great and getting to see the dolphins was a wonderful experience Thankyou guys for the whole trip 10/10”

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9.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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