Top Madeira Walking Tours - page 2

See Funchal through the eyes of a local on this private and customizable walking tour. Save the historical landmarks and museum visits for another day and wander the city with a native passionate about their hometown and eager to share a personal perspective. With no set itinerary, choose the areas you’d most like to explore or leave it up to your guide to show you their favorite spots.

The Valley of the Nuns (Curral da Freiras) might be one of the coolest places you can visit in all of Portugal—and this tour makes it easy to explore the area. Not only is it a village built on the crater of an extinct volcano, but it was once a place where nuns would hide when pirates attacked the city of Funchal. Plus, during this tour, you’ll stop by the fishing village, Câmara de Lobos, and try a traditional Madeira drink.

We started this course in the village of Porto da Cruz and ended in Machico. The route is made by footpath, once used by locals to transport their crops from Porto da Cruz to Machico south. Along the way we have fabulous views of the north coast and in some days you can see the island of Porto Santo.

Embark on one of Madeira’s most famous levada walks on a full-day tour of Levada do Caldeirão Verde. Beginning at the fairy tale village of Queimadas, you’ll walk through ancient forests and past streams and lagoons, stopping to enjoy Santana and the enormous Caldeirão Verde waterfall along the way. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

Madeira Island’s western shores are home to natural sea pools, traditional fishing villages, and more, but reaching the top sites requires local knowledge. On this group tour, travel from your hotel (select areas) via air-conditioned minibus and reach the sites with ease. Hit sites of interest, including Camara de Lobos, Porto Moniz natural pools, and the Ribeira Brava.

Have the special opportunity to watch the sunrise from Madeira’s highest point on this small-group excursion. Following early-morning hotel pickup from your Funchal accommodation, travel via comfortable vehicle to Pico Ruivo. After disembarking, start your 1.5-mile (2.5-kilometer) hike in the dark; as you approach the peak, you will watch the sunrise begin.

Bask in the sun and sea of Madeira, one of the world’s tallest oceanside cliffs, on this catamaran excursion from the Funchal Marina. After boarding, find a nice spot on the deck or one of the four trampoline nets for spotting whales and dolphins. Your crew highlights landmarks and wildlife plus you have a choice of a morning or afternoon departure time.

Don’t get lost while exploring new trails on this guided hiking tour in the Paradise Valley (Vale do Paraíso), one of Madeira’s top hiking destinations. It’s an easy and scenic hike through forests, farmland, and cultivated terraces to the village of Rochão. Along the way, listen to your guide tell stories about local traditions, agriculture, and wildlife.

Venture far off the beaten track and discover pristine, untrodden vistas on this private half-day trek to Caldeirão Verde. Hike safely with your own personal guide, and get hands-on assistance covering moderately difficult trails. Highlights along the way include a panoramic view over the village of São Jorge, underground caverns, and crystal-clear lagoons and waterfalls. You’ll also enjoy front-door pickup from your hotel or port.

Hike through a unique Madeiran landscape of Laurisilva on a full-day hiking tour from Paul da Serra to Fanal, trekking 6.7 miles (10.8 km) across the Paul da Serra plateau. You’ll have spectacular views of the world’s largest surviving laurel forest, climbing and descending through a series of scenic valleys. This 8-hour guided hiking tour includes pickup and drop-off at selected hotels in Funchal, and it’s the perfect way to explore Madeira at its most untouched.

Spend the day hiking the remarkable Levada das 25 Fontes without any of the hassles of organizing transport, meals and more. On this small group hiking excursion, all of those things are pre-arranged for you. Catch your transport from Funchal and focus on the stunning landscapes of the Laurissilva Forest. Hike through to the center of the forest to get a close-up look at some of its natural highlights, including the dramatic 25 Fontes and Risco waterfalls.

Funchal’s waters are home to whales and dolphins—and this luxurious catamaran tour offers the best way to spot them. Head to Funchal’s marina and hop aboard your vessel, where you’ll enjoy Champagne, cocktails, soft drinks, and snacks like local bread and cheese. Indulge as you look out for whales and dolphins. Then, if you wish, enjoy a swimming and snorkeling break at Cabo Girao before returning to shore.

Ascend to Madeira’s highest peak on an 8-hour walk to Pico Ruivo, from the top of which travelers are rewarded with spectacular panoramas of Madeira. Ideal for visitors with a moderate fitness level, this tour takes you through an ancient heather forest and reveals a plethora of flora and fauna native to the island. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

Slow down and explore the lush heart of Madeira island on this half-day walking tour from Rabaçal to 25 Fountains. Led by a local guide, you’ll learn about Madeira’s levadas (canals), catch stunning views of Rabaçal Valley, wander through a laurel forest, watch for the elusive trocaz pigeon—a bird found only on Madeira—and marvel at the clear, green water of 25 Fountains.

Football fans—this one’s for you. Learn about the life of one of the world's most famous Portuguese footballers—Cristiano Ronaldo—by visiting a museum dedicated to him—CR7 Museum. Get straight in as admission is included, and explore the many trophies, photographs, wax statues, and fan tributes. To make this tour even more special, the trip also visits the place where Ronaldo once lived, and his first official club.

Hike through the spectral landscapes of the UNESCO-listed Queimadas Forest Park, Madeira, on an enriching 5-hour excursion from Funchal. Accompanied by an expert guide, stroll at a leisurely pace through landscapes reminiscent of fairytales; see thatched-roof cottages, ancient trees and exotic bird species as you explore. Gaze at the emerald green lagoon beneath the famous Caldeirão Waterfall before taking the same route back to the start point.

Explore the Rabacal area on this small group guided walking tour in Levada, that takes you through trails, and to see 25 waterfalls, too. This is a challenging walk, not offered by other companies. You’ll cover 10.5m (17k), and it should take around six to seven hours in total. Your guide will take you through the trails, but note that food and water are not included so you might want to bring some of your own.

Go whale and dolphin watching, a unique experience from Madeira. Board a boat with your experienced captain and crew, then set out for the open seas to search for these friendly marine mammals. Learn about these fascinating creatures through your crew's informative commentary.

Discover Madeira’s magnificent scenery by taking part in a guided hike along the Levada da Referta. There’s no need to wait for local buses to travel to the start point, as the trip includes transfers in an air-conditioned vehicle from Funchal. Begin your hike near Porto da Cruz and along the way, observe cultivated terraces, and hear fascinating insights about local life.

Enjoy Madeira’s natural beauty and renowned wine on a half-day off-road adventure. After a convenient hotel pickup in Funchal or Caniço, travel by 4x4 to picturesque sites like the soaring cliffs of Cabo Girão and the vineyards of Sao Vicente. Learn about local wine customs and production from a local winemaker, and sample white, red, and rosé varieties.

Madeira’s strategic placement in the North Atlantic Ocean makes it a great location for dolphin and whale watching. On this exciting tour, observe the cetaceans in their natural habitat without disturbing them. You can also observe other wildlife such as fish, sharks, and birds during your adventure.

One of the most popular hikes in Madeira is the challenging trek between the Arieiro and Ruivo mountain peaks. Take the guesswork out of getting there by booking a transfer service to easily get to and from the hike. This is not a guided tour but an easy way for visitors who don't have cars to access the hike.

Get acquainted with the verdant natural splendor of Madeira on a full-day tour of North West Madeira from Funchal. Alongside a knowledgeable guide, discover the secreted treasures of the Laurisilva Forest and enjoy the tranquility exuded by its abundance of flora and fauna. Continue to the spectral Rabacal Lake, home to 25 fountains and beautiful cascading waterfalls, and spend some relaxed free time enjoying the area of outstanding natural beauty. Enjoy the convenience of round-trip transportation from your Funchal hotel on this enriching excursion.

Experience one of Madeira’s UNESCO-listed levada walks through the ancient Laurisilva forest with a guide who knows the area best. You’ll embark on the Levada do Alecrim walk without having to worry about losing your way. Plus, you’ll learn about how the landscapes were formed over millions of years.