Top Activities on the Ground in Madeira

Madeira's mountains are a must-see but navigating them without local know-how can be tricky. This small-group hike pairs you with a mountain guide, taking you along the PR3 trail to Pico do Areeiro, the island's third-highest peak. Cross the Stairway to Heaven ridge and pause at clifftop viewpoints over the valleys before reaching to the summit.

Explore hidden waterfalls and pristine rivers through an exciting canyoning experience on this half-day small-group tour from Funchal. Rappel, jump, and slide your way through natural pools surrounded by lush, endemic forests. Guided by experienced professionals, this day combines adrenaline-pumping activities with stunning landscapes, a great way to enjoy the island’s unspoiled beauty.

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.

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.

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.

Begin your day above the clouds with a breathtaking sunrise at Pico do Areeiro, Madeira’s third-highest peak. As the sky turns shades of gold and violet, you’ll witness one of the island’s most unforgettable views. After sunrise, follow a stunning section of the PR1 trail toward the iconic “Stairway to Heaven” — a dramatic ridge walk with epic photo opportunities. Then, continue your adventure on the PR3 – Vereda do Burro, a quieter trail that leads you through wide mountain scenery, peaceful paths, and open skies. The full hike takes around 5 hours and offers the perfect balance of beauty, challenge, and serenity. At the end, relax with a coffee or local treat before your comfortable return. Includes hotel pickup and drop-off, with early and late start times available. Whether you’re chasing sunrises or unforgettable hikes, this is a true Madeira highlight. We will inform you the exact pickup time the day before, and keep you updated via WhatsApp.

Taste your way around Madeira on this small-group food and walking tour. You won’t have to worry about language barriers as you’ll have a guide to translate and order for you. Save time researching and planning your trip by having a guide to show you around. Make the most of your day by visiting multiple places and tasting local specialties. All food and drink is included.

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.

Any tourist can explore Madeira on foot, but what about all the parts that you can’t get to without the help of a guide and rappelling equipment? Don’t miss out with this waterfall tour, which includes seven exciting rappels and some optional jumps into crystal clear pools. On top of that, your guide is also busy taking photos of the experience, helping you capture the memories.

Canyoning for all, no experience needed. Explore the stunning natural beauty of Madeira Island as you navigate through narrow gorges, jump into crystal-clear pools, and rappel down cascading waterfalls. Our professional guides will lead you on an unforgettable adventure, providing all the necessary equipment and ensuring your safety at all times. Be picked up from Funchal Center at CR7 Museum We pride ourselves on our small group sizes, personalized attention, and commitment to sustainable tourism. The tour begins with a scenic hike through lush forest to reach the starting point of the canyon. Then, the real fun begins as you'd progress through the canyon, with plenty of adrenaline-pumping moments along the way. Don't miss this opportunity to experience the thrill of canyoning in one of the most beautiful locations in the world!

This adventure stands out due to its dynamic combination of activities that merge the thrill of land and water sports into a single exhilarating experience. Navigating the coastline through scrambling, swimming, climbing, rappelling, zip-lining, and cliff jumping offers a unique way to engage with the natural environment, providing an adrenaline-pumping journey through some of the most scenic areas along the coast. Each aspect of the adventure challenges participants in different ways, making it a comprehensive outdoor activity that enhances physical dexterity, boosts confidence, and sharpens problem-solving skills. Moreover, the opportunity to explore the interface between land and sea in such an interactive manner is not commonly found in other sports or activities, making this a truly unique and memorable experience.

Dip into Madeira’s thriving culinary scene on this wine and food tour in Funchal. Taste your way through Funchal’s restaurants and markets while learning about Madeira’s rich gastronomic history and admiring its distinctive ambiance. To top it off, sample local wines and mingle with friendly locals.

Enjoy a peaceful sunrise stroll between Pico do Arieiro and Pico Ruivo—without having to rush to keep up with a group—by choosing this self-guided hike package. To save you the hassle of organizing transport, the trip includes hotel pickup, then drop-off at Pico do Arieiro, and pickup from Achada do Teixeira once you’ve finished the hike.

Step into a world of misty mountains, moss-covered paths, and ancient greenery on the unforgettable Caldeirão Verde Levada Walk. Beginning in the lush Queimadas Forest Park in Santana, this 13-kilometer hike winds through one of Madeira’s most magical landscapes — the UNESCO-listed Laurissilva Forest. This is a journey deep into nature, where every turn reveals a new surprise: birdsong echoing through the trees, trickling streams beside the levada, and tunnels carved into the volcanic rock. The trail leads you to the stunning Caldeirão Verde lagoon, fed by a towering waterfall that cascades into a deep emerald basin — a moment of stillness and beauty you won’t soon forget. On clear days, you’ll also enjoy glimpses of the picturesque villages of Santana, Ilha, and São Jorge, scattered across the valleys below. Whether you’re an enthusiastic hiker or a curious explorer, this experience is a peaceful, awe-inspiring way to discover the wild heart of Madeira.

A unique experience of seeing one of the most beautiful parts of the island on an electric bike, combining in this tour healthy physical activity while enjoying the landscapes and the knowledge of our guides. On this tour enjoy the explanations and knowledge of our guide to feel the island in a different way. With our electric bikes you will be able to explore on this tour the winding roads of Madeira discovering beautiful landscapes of forest and sea. Nothing like an electric bike ride to feel the sounds and smells of the island!

The south coast of Madeira is a popular spot to watch whales and dolphins in their natural environment. This small-group yacht cruise offers a more personalized experience, with a chance to customize the tour to your group’s preferences, stopping to swim or snorkel along the coast, and looking out for bottlenose dolphins, sperm whales, and Bryde's whales.

Venture into the heart of Madeira’s enchanting Laurisilva forest with a seamless roundtrip transfer to the famous Levada das 25 Fontes and Levada do Risco – two of the island’s most stunning hiking trails. Starting from the Rabaçal valley, this magical journey takes you through ancient forests, past moss-covered rocks, and along serene levada paths where the sound of cascading water accompanies your every step. The 25 Fontes (25 Springs) trail leads you to a breathtaking natural amphitheater, where crystal-clear waters pour from the cliffs into a tranquil lagoon – the perfect spot to pause and soak in the raw beauty of nature. Nearby, the Risco waterfall thunders down a towering rock face, offering an unforgettable spectacle of power and grace. Your service includes convenient hotel pickup and drop-off. All you need to do is lace up your hiking boots and enjoy the wonders of Madeira’s most iconic trails.

- Visit and explore the highest point in Madeira and 2nd highest in Portugal - Walk at your own pace with a fixed schedule - No hassle with transportation and parking fees or logistics - Local driver will provide much information about not only the hike, but the Island. - Assistance during the hike

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.

Uncover the natural splendor surrounding Funchal on this full-day northern wonders Jeep trip. Stay from Funchal’s well-trodden paths in a fully-equipped Jeep to see the awe-inspiring plateaus at Paul da Serra. Admire the natural Porto Moniz pools, formed by volcanic activity long ago, as well as the renowned São Vicente vineyards and Cabo Girao.

Explore the beautiful Madeira Island the fun way, on a private trike tour that lasts around three hours. Your guide offers several routes, and you choose whichever is most interesting to you. You don’t need to follow a large group around, or stick to a fixed itinerary. Try local beer and wine if you like, and see the most famous sites on Madeira Island.

In Fanal, the centerpiece is undoubtedly the grove of centuries-old tis (Ocotea foetens)—these specimens date back even before the archipelago's discovery. They are part of the indigenous Laurissilva forest, which here expresses itself in a state of conservation that is impressive for its vibrancy. The tour allows you to walk at your own pace within the time we provide, without having to hassle with parking a car or paying parking fees and being subjected to availability.

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. The tour is available in English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish.