Top Funchal Walking Tours - page 4

Madeira is blessed with spectacular scenery, and this guided hiking tour is the perfect way to discover it. Instead of studying a map—let an official mountain guide lead the way and show you a safe route between Pico do Areeiro and Pico Ruivo. Along the way, take in views of beautiful valleys, and learn about local flora and fauna—such as the endangered Freira da Madeira bird.

Walk through the twenty-five springs, waterfalls, lakes, levadas, Laurissilva forest, fauna and flora. Included: transportation, certified guide, insurance and Portuguese tourism license. Private group of 1 to 4 people.

Explore the gorgeous Madeira vineyards on this half-day small-group hike around the Rota do Vinho. This is an easy walk, so all levels of hikers are welcome. Your guide shows you the best walk in Estreito de Camara do Lobos. Walk through the vineyards and hear about the production of world-famous madeira wine, too.

Madeira is known for its abundance of scenic nature spots and this tour is the perfect way to access them. Save time organizing car hire and go on a guided tour from Funchal instead. Tick off Pico do Arieiro; Ribeiro Frio, which is surrounded by Laurissilva Forest; Santana Madeira Biosphere Reserve, and the scenic Pico do Facho viewpoint.

Customize your own sightseeing itinerary on a private 5-hour jeep tour of Madeira. Depending on your preferences, you’ll explore the east or west side of the island in a 4x4 vehicle while receiving undivided attention from a private guide. Opt to discover Pico do Areiro and the Valley of the Nuns (Curral das Freiras) in the east, or ascend to Cabo Girão, Europe’s highest sea cliff, and Câmara de Lobos, home to a colony of monk seals, during a tour of the west.

Madeira’s Ponta São Lourenço is one of the most beautiful coastal walks on the island. Enjoy a walk along the peninsula with a private guide to learn more about the natural landscapes and biodiversity of the area. See examples of fauna and flora like birds and learn about the geological history of the volcanic island.

With this combination of a 4WD tour and a levada walk, you can access remote parts of Madeira with ease. Begin with a hotel pickup, saving you the hassle of organizing transport, then ride into the wilderness with your driver and group. On foot, you can enter the lush Laurisilva forest, followed by a levada walk along sugarcane fields, to access remote landscapes off the usual tourist trail.

Spend time outdoors and enjoy the achievement of reaching Madeira’s highest point with this moderate difficulty level hike. Going on a guided tour means you don’t need to worry about getting lost or following a map—a guide is on hand to show you the best route. The hike begins at Achada do Teixeira and reaches Pico Ruivo, where you can pause to admire the incredible panoramic views.

This walk follows along the ridge of cliffs on the northeast part of Madeira. Stunning views over the sea and the north coast will provide for memorable moments and amazing photos. Here you will have a perspective of the exuberant beauty of the Northeast coast, where the contrast between land and ocean make this an unforgettable landscape.

Embark on an exciting adventure across the northwest of Madeira in a 4x4 jeep guided by a local expert. Discover the natural wonders of the region as you immerse yourself in the island’s rich culture and history. Explore the famous natural pools of Porto Moniz, formed by volcanic lava and bathed by the crystal clear waters of the Atlantic. Taste local cuisine and try the traditional Madeirese poncha. Tour a 25-minute stretch of the iconic levadas, the ingenious irrigation system that serpents over more than 2200 km from the island. These trails offer stunning views of the landscape and a glimpse of the engineering that sustains Madeira’s agriculture and energy production. Finally, marvel at the mystical Fanal Forest, part of Laurissilva classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Observe centuries-old trees and endemic species in this unique ecosystem, where fog creates a truly charming atmosphere.

During your Madeira vacation, take control of your sightseeing itinerary on a private, custom 7-hour tour from Funchal. Depending on your preferences, you’ll explore the east or west side of the island in a 4x4 vehicle while receiving undivided attention from a private guide. If you choose to explore the east, you’ll visit Pico do Arieiro, Santo da Serra, and Santana, famed for its triangular houses. Opt for the west side to marvel at the vineyards of São Vicente and the panoramic views from Cabo Girão, Europe’s highest sea cliff. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

The Serra D'Agua valley is home to the Levada Do Norte—an important “levada” (irrigation channel) that was created to carry water from the north to the south of the island. By following this path, you can see Madeira's diverse terrain—including agriculture fields, a eucalyptus forest, and coastal views. Best of all, a guide leads the tour, which means you can focus on the outstanding views, instead of having to read a map.

Spend a day exploring the dramatic sea cliffs, islands and traditional villages of Madeira’s east coast on this full-day small-group tour, with a maximum of 8 people. Enjoy magnificent views of Ribeiro Frio, Pico do Arieiro and Laurissilva forest; discover the crafts-making heritage of Camacha village; and snap photos of the thatched triangular houses in Santana village. After a scenic walk along the levadas (canal ways) and a visit to a trout farm, tuck into a delicious 3-course lunch (included) on the island of Grutas do Faial.

Discover one of Madeira’s most famous levada hikes on this full-day excursion from Caniço. Join a small group and head to Rabaçal, home to one of the island’s oldest levadas, tucked away in the lush, green forests. Walk along the 25 Fountains hike to discover several natural springs that cascade into a clear, natural pool.

Explore some of Portugal’s most beautiful scenery on this group hike from Queimadas to Caldeirao Verde. You have transfers from Funchal to the starting point to start things smoothly, and then you start your guided hike. Walk through the Laurissilva forest and keep your eyes out for several species of birds who live in the region, and endemic plants.

Experience the natural beauty and contrasts of eastern Madeira on a full-day guided tour through mountains, forests, and coastal landscapes. Start with a convenient hotel pickup in Funchal and enjoy scenic viewpoints overlooking the city. Travel high into the mountains to Pico do Arieiro, Madeira’s third-highest peak, and take in breathtaking views. Continue to Ribeiro Frio to visit a traditional trout farm and enjoy an easy levada walk to the Balcões viewpoint within the Laurissilva forest. Discover Santana’s iconic thatched houses and stop for lunch in the north of the island. Afterward, follow the coast to Faial’s skywalk viewpoint and Porto da Cruz for a local rum tasting. End the day with impressive views of Ponta de São Lourenço, Machico, and nearby islands before returning to Funchal. ✔ Pico do Arieiro panoramic mountain views ✔ Levada walk in Ribeiro Frio Laurissilva forest ✔ Santana thatched houses and lunch stop ✔ Faial Skywalk, Porto da Cruz rum tasting

Madeira is home to mighty peaks and deep valleys, with winding hiking routes leading to soaring mountain summits—but knowing the best trails takes local knowledge. On this trekking adventure, leave the map behind and follow your guide along rugged routes to high peaks including Pico Ruivo and the Ninho da Manta. Enjoy panoramic views over the Fajã da Nogueira valley and spot native bird life in the skies—with round-trip travel from your Funchal hotel included.

Deep in Machico valley, also known as the Mimosa valley, you will walk on the maintenance path in Maroços levada. Approximately 5km of natural beauty and unique agriculture fields.

This rumble starts in Tabua place and is a Levada Walk with the goal of watching the many tilth and traditions. Is also possible, to watch agricultural land, carefully cultivated by their owners. The villages, compose an exceptional landscape and, over this accessible watercourse we can have a perception about Ribeira Brava County. This section is, without a doubt, the best place to admire the Sugar Cane plantations (Saccharum).

Begin with pickup from your hotel on the island of Madeira. Start the hike near the beginning of the old road that connects the village of Caniçal to Machico. Enjoy a private hike of approximately 10 kilometers with a local guide. Hike along the trail that crosses the southern coastline of the island. Enjoy fantastic views of the city of Machico, and the vast Atlantic Ocean in the background. Admire the beautiful rural landscape comprised of local poios (local farms). Finish up the tour in Machico, and be dropped back to your hotel.

Beginning in the area of Refertas, Porto da Cruz, this trail leads hikers through a journey filled with several species of endemic flora and fauna, as well as beautiful landscapes that show some of the beauty and tradition of this island. In the first part of the journey you can admire the imposing Rock of Penha dÁguia and the picturesque buildings that constitute the nearby villages. You can also enjoy the small plots and agricultural crops, carefully crafted by area residents. At the end of this walk you will find a beautiful place with small lakes that are formed by the pure and crystalline water brought in by the river. Enjoy all the surroundings and take time to relax for a while. After resetting the energies, it is time to return, following the reverse path. Resume: Start/End: Refreta/Refreta Altitude Min/Max: 274 m/ 300m Distance: 19.3 Km Duration: 3-5 hours

The Levada dos Maroços takes hikers on a fascinating journey of discovery of the cultures and traditions of Madeira. The beautiful landscapes of this route are mainly composed of agricultural land and crops carefully worked, complemented with views over the city of Machico. Along the way you can observe the residents in their usual tasks, treating their lands or animals. Certainly will be a few hours well spent in a typical environment of the island. If you are lucky, you can find seasonal fresh fruit for sale at some points of the route at a price very appealing. This is a way to try the delights of the earth in its place of origin that is offered by the producers. • Altitude: highest 278m lowest 265m • Distance: 6.3Km  • Duration 2 to 3 hours • Difficulty: Easy • It includes: Levada, Viewpoint, Flowers, Tunnel

Madeira is famous for its “levadas,” a system of channels that transports water throughout the island. Join a small group for an easy walk along the North Quinta Grande levada that winds through small villages and lush vegetation. Take in the views of wildflower-covered landscapes and the Atlantic Ocean while you walk.

Learn about Madeira’s profusion of medicinal herbs and plants with this half-day guided hike along the King’s Levada in the São Jorge Valley. Walk through the rainforest with your naturalist guide who gives insight into the local history and flora and fauna. Visit a waterfall and pay special attention to natural local healing traditions.