Top Activities on the Ground in Funchal - page 3

Get active in Madeira and try out the exhilarating sport of canyoning—where you jump, swim, and rappel down a mountainous watercourse that showcases spectacular scenery such as waterfalls. No need to worry if it’s your first time trying out canyoning—a minimum of two professional guides accompany your small group, and this fun experience is ideal for beginners.

Immerse yourself in some of Madeira’s most magical (and UNESCO-listed) scenery—and enjoy an active way to explore—on this small-group running tour. In the morning, come complete with your gear, depart via vehicle from Funchal, and head to the island’s northwest. You’ll embark on a roughly 9-mile (15-kilometer) loop through the mist-shrouded laurisilva forest, up and down hills, and past the island’s distinctive levadas (aqueducts), all while your guide shares tips and stories about the region.

Get outside and experience the true natural beauty of Madeira on this small-group hike between Vereda Areeiro and Pico Ruivo. Going on a guided tour means there’s no need to study a map, and no worries about getting lost. Access stunning photo opportunities of Madeira’s valleys that you wouldn’t see otherwise and enjoy spending time in nature.

- Hike along the iconic Ponta de São Lourenço Trail (PR8): Explore coastal trails with dramatic views over cliffs and the Atlantic Ocean, where the peninsula’s arid climate creates an almost lunar environment — unique in Madeira; - Discover the island’s majestic volcanic geology: Observe geological strata and dike structures, including rocks less than 5.57 million years old, revealing the long and fascinating story of Madeira’s formation; - Perfect scenery for photography: Panoramic viewpoints and dramatic landscapes where the warm hues of the geological formations contrast with the deep blue of the ocean — the perfect backdrop for photos and social media content; - Touches of endemic fauna and flora: Brief encounters with seabirds and reptiles, along with small endemic plants that complete the experience.

Canyoning is a fantastic activity! Guaranteed fun! Come challenge yourself with us! Accompanied by a certified guide, we provide all the necessary material. Our private service guarantees quality!

Explore the rugged countryside of Madeira far from the crowds with this thrilling hard-top ATV adventure. Set off with your guide through the Madeiran mountains near Cabo Girão, roaring along mostly unpaved roads to access scenic spots too remote for other vehicles. Stop to take in sweeping views across the island to the sea, snapping souvenir photos along the way.

Madeira, where do we start from? So many places to visit and things to do, but we can start from the heart of Madeira, Funchal and go from there. We will provide a full guide tour, places, restaurants and much more will be given away to make your experience unique and memorable. Rent our scooter and be part of our journey.

In this tour you will push hard through the steps, you will sweat a lot, but in the end we're pretty sure you will say it worths it! This is one of those places that you feel so tiny in the middle of the big mountains, and being able to run in it, it's just priceless!

Have the special chance to explore Madeira’s UNESCO-listed Laurisilva forests—and enjoy an active way to explore—on this inland running tour. Meet your guide at your Funchal accommodation or start point and embark on this ambitious, 11-mile (18-kilometer) trail. You can look forward to running along a levada (historic water channel), ascending hundreds of steps for panoramic mountain views, and immersing yourself in this uniquely beautiful ecosystem.

If you want to experience the thrill of mountain biking but don’t have any experience, look no further than this Madeira cycling tour tailored to beginner bikers. A super-small group limited to only seven other cyclists means you can pedal at your own pace, while a route through ancient forest lets you enjoy the natural landscapes.

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.

The trail starts at Levada do Alecrim, in the area of Rabaçal. Follow the course of the levada until you get to a detour to the path that will take you to Lagoa do Vento. Turn left on the path and start to descend. From here the path radically changes and you start walking in the heart of nature. The floor is sometimes irregular and can be slippery, so caution is advised. Immerse yourself in the natural surroundings and enjoy a completely different and unique walk! Enjoy the panoramic views from the several viewpoints than you find along the trail. Continue down until you reach the magnificent lagoon Lagoa do Vento. The immensity, serenity and beauty of this lagoon make of this place an inspiring place! • Distance: 6.7 Km  • Duration 3 to 4 hours • it includes: Levada, Path, Lagoon, Waterfall, Birds, Laurisilva Forest, Viewpoint, Endemic flora, Abyss, Slippery, No protection, Vertigo

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.

Being able to enjoy a cultural, gastronomic, mountain hiking experience, and the history and biodiversity of the island as a real place. Our activity will take you to eat like a local, in the restaurants that locals go to. Eat a regional kebab, drink a poncha, all this as a true Madeiran does, along trails little used by those who visit us. Get to know the story told by a certified guide born and raised on the island. Have a social and economic impact on local communities, thus bringing sustainability to our activity.

Madeira is a great place to go hiking because of its pristine Laurissilva forests and “levada” walks (irrigation channels with footpaths beside them). With this tour, you can explore the island’s vast nature spots with ease—as a guide navigates, so you don’t have to worry about getting lost. An educational experience as well as a beautiful exploration of nature—along the way, you can enjoy fascinating insights about the island’s endemic flora and fauna.

Begin your holiday in Madeira with a leisurely stroll through a landscape that showcases the island’s rich culture and beauty. As you walk, find yourself surrounded by meticulously cultivated terraces, shaped by generations of farmers. Take a moment to appreciate the harmony between the people and the land, where nature and craftsmanship are woven together. The path will lead you to breathtaking panoramic views over the charming village of Camacha, known for its timeless craftsmanship and cultural significance. This gentle walk is more than a scenic route, it’s an immersive journey to slow down, soak in the island’s beauty, and connect with its heritage, setting the perfect tone for your Madeira adventure.

It is a route mainly on the sidewalk with a great historical importance for the parish of Curral das Freiras, since it constituted for several centuries one of its main accesses. Only in 1959, with the arrival of the first road access to the center of the locality, this route loses importance. In Eira do Serrado, a visit to the belvedere, at a height of 1095 meters, offers a superb view over the village, the mountainous massif and the Ribeira dos Socorridos valley. It is a privileged place to have the perception of the erosive capacity of the natural elements that shaped the island.

Don’t worry about getting lost in the vast outdoor landscape of Mimosa Valley. Save yourself the hassle of following a map and go on this guided tour instead. The route showcases the Levada dos Maroços—also known as the Mimosa Valley—with plenty of scenic views along the way, and a glimpse into local agricultural life too.

Also known as Paradise Valley Explore the south of Madeira Island and discover a hidden forest and a secret paradise. Take in views of the surrounding landscape. Begin your journey in Choupana, a neighborhood well known for its cultural and traditional aspects. In the highlands of Funchal, at the south of Madeira Island, travel through the pleasant green tones of the forest. Observe several species of flora and fauna along your trail. Enjoy the natural sounds and the magnificent surroundings of your tour.

This trail has its start in Machico, near the old tunnel that connects Machico to Caniçal, and guides hikers to Porto da Cruz, through a path that was widely used by local people to travel between these two locations. The beginning of the trail is accessible to anyone, made in the Levada that offers magnificent perspectives over Machico until you reach the Viewpoint of Boca do Risco, which offers a breathtaking view of the north coast of the island. Enjoy all the surroundings and scenic beauty of this spot. long the way, take some time to enjoy the sights and all the surrounding of this walk. Once you reach Porto da Cruz you can relax for a while and get to know this location of the island, full of unique cultures and traditions. • Distance: 12.1 Km  • Duration 3 to 4 hours • It includes: Levada, Path, Viewpoint, Sea, Beach, Abyss, Slippery, Vertigo

The Levada do Norte is one of the largest and most important of the island, which runs through much of the region. This magnificent stretch of the Levada do Norte begins just below the well known Cabo Girão, leading hikers to the area of Boa Morte in Ribeira Brava. It is a very pleasant and easy trail that can be done all year round, because is located in the southern part of the island, where the climate is milder. Along the way, you can enjoy the fantastic views that arise, which highlight the parishes of Câmara de Lobos and Campanário. In these views the hiker can also observe the green fields, the carefully worked plantations and a set of houses and buildings that form the villages. Occasionally, you may find some people of the area that is handling their land, or just taking a walk. Resume: Start/End: Quinta Grande/Ribeira Brava Altitude Mín/Máx: 565 m/531 m Distance: 8.9 Km Duration: 2-4 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

Hiking fans and nature lovers—this one’s for you. Instead of following a map, put your phone away, and enjoy the luxury of having a private guide to take you on a guided hike along the Levada do Alecrim trail. Access spectacular views over Rabaçal, look out for local wildlife, and visit picturesque lakes and waterfalls—such as Lagoa Dona Beja.

Escape the crowds and immerse yourself in the authentic heart of Madeira with a guided walk along the Levada Referta – Castelejo, a trail where nature, tradition, and serenity converge. This captivating route winds through ancient footpaths on Madeira’s lush North Coast, offering panoramic views of emerald valleys and the endless blue of the Atlantic Ocean. As you walk, you’ll explore peaceful villages tucked between verdant hills, where the pace of life slows and the island’s timeless charm unfolds. Along the way, marvel at terraced fields sculpted into the mountainside, living proof of the resilience of local farmers who’ve shaped the land for generations. Your expert guide will share fascinating stories and cultural insights, connecting you deeply to Madeira’s rich heritage and rural traditions. Feel the soul of Madeira with every step, and leave with memories of a landscape and lifestyle untouched by time.