Top Madeira Nature Walks - page 3

Explore one of Madeira’s most popular hikes, the 25 Water Springs Walk, on this full-day tour. Join a small group in the Rabaçal Valley for the hike that winds through the lush forest. See the Risco Waterfall, observe the local flora and fauna, and conclude at the 25 Fontes lagoon that is surrounded by vines and greenery.

Don’t get lost while hiking unknown trails in the Levada do Rei—one of Madeira’s best hiking areas through former man-made terraced irrigation channels. Begin the trail at Quebradas in São Jorge and hike through the São Jorge and Santana farmlands, native forests, and the mountainous interior of the island—your hike ends at the source of the levada at the Ribeiro Bonito stream.

Delve into the spectacular landscapes of Madeira’s northwest coast on an explorative full-day tour from Funchal. Accompanied by your guide, travel through scenery of outstanding natural beauty, gazing at landmarks like Paul da Serra and Porto Moniz. Head deep into the mysterious forest on a guided hike; gain an insightful glimpse into Portuguese culture; and, weather permitting, sink your toes into the silky sands of the black sandy beach of Seixal.

Go hiking in the mountains of Madeira with this full-day, small-group excursion. Get picked up at the address of your choice or a meeting point in Funchal City and admire views during transport to the starting point. Begin the adventure at Pico do Areeiro and set out to hike to the highest point in Madeira, Pico Ruivo. Admire panoramic views over Madeira and learn about local nature from your guide.

This is probably the best known levada on the island of Madeira. Along this walk, you will have the opportunity to appreciate the contrast between light and shadow, which will appear through the laurel and heather and will keep you always involved during the journey. Near the Lamaceiros you will have the opportunity to enjoy breathtaking views of the village of Porto da Cruz and Penha D'Aguia. A magnificent tour not to be missed!

Along the 3,9 Km (2,4 Mi) of the trail, hikers can admire the indescribable beauty of the endemic and exotic flora of Madeira. You can also observe the endemic fauna, which stands through the melodious singing of the chaffinch and the little Firecrest. The trail contains some tunnels, so do not forget to bring a flashlight and protect your head with a cap or hat. As you walk, enjoy this ride also to appreciate and enjoy the beauty of the panoramic views it offers over the valley of São Vicente. Finally, the arriving to the beginning of the levada is splendid. Waterfalls and lagoons that are formed offer freshness and serenity to hikers. Resume: Start/End: Ginjas Altitude Mín/Máx: 655 m/634 m Distance: 8.1 Km Duration: 3-4 hours

It is one of the most emblematic and most visited pedestrian walks on the island of Madeira. An authentic gift for our senses. Along the trail enjoy centurial laurel and heather beyond its unforgettable waterfalls and fountains, 25 in all respects living up to its name. The use of a walking stick, proper footwear and water is recommended.

Ideal for travelers short on time, this tour covers the best of western Madiera in one day of sightseeing from Funchal. Highlights include visiting one of Europe’s tallest observation decks at Cabo Girão, checking out the lava pools in Porto Moniz, exploring the pretty fishing village of Camara De Lobos, and traversing Madeira's highest plateau.

Discover Madeira on a fascinating journey! Starting from Funchal, we first stopped at Santa Cruz, continuing towards Porto da Cruz. In Engenho de Cana-de-Zucker, try the traditional "Poncha", a regional drink made with watermelon. Crossing serpentant paths through Laurissilva, we reached Santana. At the Boca das Voltas viewpoint, enjoy a stunning panoramic view. At Arc de S. Jorge, we will take a lunch break. Continuing along the north coast, we pass through Boaventura, Ponta Delgada and São Vicente. At Quinta do Barbusano, we will make a visit to the property with a tasting of red, white and rosé wines. A journey that combines natural landscapes, tradition and unique flavors of the island of Madeira, ending at the end of the afternoon of return to Funchal.

Check out the center of Madeira Island, where you'll find the Valley of the Nuns. This is a half day small group tour, that runs twice weekly at 9:30am. You’ll stop at Miradouro Pico Dos Barcelos for a wonderful view of Funchal, and later at Eira do Serrado viewpoint for some gorgeous surrounding nature. You'll then spend time in the Valley of the Nuns with layers of white clouds among the mountain peaks.

The Balconies Levada hike in Madeira is ideal for those who want a beautiful walk without committing to hours of hiking. Join a private guide and begin your hike in Ribeiro Frio, where you can take in the views of several of the island’s mountain peaks, including Ruivo and Arieiro. This tour is suitable for most travelers with pickup points from several parts of the island.

This walk is one of the most beautiful of all the Island. A magical walk full of magnificent waterfalls and lagoons, which blend with the forest and the rock formations of this area. In the first part enjoy the wonderful views of the Rabaçal, which come up along the way and enjoy the diversity of regional flora and fauna that exists here. The vegetation, sometimes dense, is combined with the sound of birds and running water, creating an extraordinary surrounding.

There’s so much to see in Madeira’s Nuns Valley—from endemic flora, to panoramic viewpoints, and a fishing village where Winston Churchill used to relax and paint. Rather than hiring a car and spending hours planning an itinerary, go on this half-day trip instead. As you travel, listen to theories about how the Nuns Valley was formed, and visit picturesque and isolated villages that are off the usual tourist trail.

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.

Spend a day immersed in Madeira’s lush forests on this hike through the Alecrim Levada. Join a small group and hike to Vento Lake, which is fed by several waterfalls. Then walk along the Alecrim Levadas, man-made channels used to transport water to various parts of the island, and explore the valley.

Escape to the great outdoors of Madeira and spend a full day hiking along the island’s levadas, or water transportation channels. Join a small group and start by walking through several tunnels in Queimadas Forestry Park. Then, make your way to the Caldeirão Verde lake which features 18th-century structures used to transport water from the highest mountains on the island to local farms.

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

Experience an hour levada walk and local flavors on a Cider tasting in Camacha town! The trip combines a fantastic walk in the forest, cider tasting and lunch in one of the few orchards in Camacha. You start the tour with a fantastic one hour walk along the enchanting "levadas", irrigation channels built hundreds of years ago. The walk alone is an experience in itself and you can enjoy a pleasant walk in the forest and across the village where apples are grown. Camacha Sideri produces some of the finest cider available in Madeira. You will learn more about how traditional cider is made and you will get 3 tastings, followed by the most delicious lunch served in the restaurant of the estate. Apparently Madeira has been producing Cider for more than 500 years. The juice and cider producer has won a number of awards, both nationally and internationally, because so far no one has ever produced cider this quality in Madeira before.

This circular route has as its starting and ending point at the Forest Park of Ribeiro Frio, an area widely visited by tourists and residents. Enjoy pickup from your accommodation or the Port of Funchal and head to the Forest Park of Ribeiro Frio, an area widely visited by tourists and residents. Follow an easy and accessible path and enjoy the unique landscapes surrounding the trail.  Continue along the trail to reach the bridge, where you will ascend to Chão das Feiteiras. This irregular and somewhat slippery section of the trail have open spaces that allow you to enjoy the surrounding landscape, as well as some ponds and waterfalls that supply the Levada. The climb continues until reaching Chão das Feiteiras, a leisure area used by many Madeirans to enjoy time outdoors with family and friends. The route then descends down a section of stone path to Ribeiro Frio.

Explore Madeira beyond the beach with this guided walk in the Sao Jorge Native Forest along the Kings Levada. Reach the trailhead with hassle-free transportation directly from Funchal and follow the route that skirts the Levada do Rei from Quebradas through the lush rainforest to Caldeirão Verde. Pass through tunnels, take in the views, and enjoy the pristine hills of northern Madeira far from the crowds.

"Ribeiro Bonito" (Beautiful River) is the name given to the torrential stream that feeds the Levada do Rei. This enchanting walk along the "King´s Levada" leads through a fairly pristine laurel forest (world heritahe by UNESCO since 1999) penetrating deep into the delightful valley of the Ribeiro Bonito. This amazing hike take place in the north of Madeira Island.

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.

It can be tough knowing where to find good snorkeling spots while traveling. This tour takes away the risk of wasting time, by traveling with a guide to a spot known for its rich marine life. All equipment is provided which means you can pack light. The day starts with a Kayak tour along the Underwater Nature Reserve of Garajau and then plenty of time to snorkel and swim.

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.