Top Activities on the Ground in Madeira - page 3

Begin your day watching the sunrise over the clouds and mountains on this early morning adventure from Funchal. Join a small group and head to the summit of Arieiro, Madeira’s third highest peak, to watch the sky change from night to day. After, enjoy a “levada” walk through the lush forests before the crowds set in.

This tour takes you to one of Madeira’s most loved hiking spots—the 25 Fontes Levada. Instead of having to plan your route and follow a map, let a private guide take you a walk to show you where to find the area’s 25 small fountain-like waterfalls. During the hike, the guide points out endemic plant species, and it's also a great place to look out for local birdlife.

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.

This tour takes you to one of Madeira's most important walking trails—Levada do Norte. Starting in Cabo Girão, the route showcases spectacular views of the valley of Quinta Grande, and Campanário. Going on a guided tour means there’s no need to worry about getting lost, and a guide enriches your walk with commentary about Madeira’s highlights as you stroll past fields, plantations, and beautiful viewpoints.

This full-day private island tour stops at several unique locations for a mix of cultural and natural attractions. Highlights include the UNESCO-listed laurel forest of Laurisilva, an optional swimming excursion in the lava pools of Porto Moniz, and panoramic views from the Cabo Girão lookout point. Tours also include door-to-door transfers—with hotel pickup—in a comfortable, Wi-Fi-equipped vehicle.

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.

Go off the main tourist routes on this half-day guided tour of Madeira in an open-top jeep. In a small group, travel off road and into the island's natural beauty. See mountains, the traditional fishing village of Câmara de Lobos ("the sea wolves' lair"), and ascend 3,280 feet (1,000 meters) for a view across Nun's Valley that not many visitors see. Toast the day with a freshly made poncha (traditional alcoholic beverage).

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.

East Madeira is known for its stunning A-Framed houses in Camacha. This day tour is perfect for travelers with limited time in Madeira as you’ll see many highlights in one tour. Get access to incredible Pico Arieiro views, see the UNESCO World Heritage site Laurissilva Forest, and Ponta de São Lourenço. Traveling with a guide means you won’t get lost, and you’ll learn about Madeira as you explore its attractions.

A Madeira whale-watching tour by private motor yacht gives your party a front-row view without the crowds. Embark and let your skipper search the open seas for marine life including dolphins, whales, and sea turtles. You’ll have a luxurious time with this privately chartered boat equipped with refreshments, sparkling wine, snorkel gear, and a shower.

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.

This is the right choice if you want a challenging experience with the best Madeira has to offer: Sea, Mountains & Nature. The highlight of this tour is saved for the end with the scenic trail of Larano. It's worth it!

Being able to see the sunrise with your friends and family will make your day spectacular. A short walk to the observation site will bring to your memories countless colors, smells and even flavors until you reach the end of the day and get to know the mountains and trails like a real place. After sunrise we will pass through some of the most emblematic places on our island. RNAAT - 656/2020

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!

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!

Repel down rock faces on this 2-hour professionally-guided canyoning trip in Ribeira das Cales. This tour’s adrenaline packed day starts atop the 1,500-meter-high “Chão da Lagoa” in Funchal Ecological Park. Even if you’re a beginner you will enjoy the challenging natural obstacles which include two rappels, some swimming and exciting jumps (equipment included).

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.

The Levada Bike Tour offers leisure cyclists and families a relaxed opportunity to experience the beauty of Madeira. The path along the Levada da Serra winds through abandoned and cultivated terrace fields where various fruits and vegetables such as sugarcane, bananas, wine, sweet potatoes, corn, tomatoes, and beans are grown. The tour also takes you through idyllic forest sections with old laurel and tree heath, majestic giant ferns, and fantastic views down to the sea. Accompanied by the scent of eucalyptus and herbs growing along the way, such as oregano, wild fennel, sorrel, valerian, etc. During the ride, you often encounter chickens, cats, sheep, goats, and friendly dogs that accompany you for a stretch of the way. The tour emphasizes enjoyable breaks, allowing you to soak up the local atmosphere with a cup of coffee, Brisa (local soda), or a homemade cake. Overall, the Explorer Tour promises an unforgettable experience for cyclists of all levels and families.

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.

Spend the day in nature, and hike one of Madeira’s most beautiful trails, on this half-day, small-group tour. Following morning pickup from your hotel, head to the Levada das 25 Fontes: a forested walking trail renowned for its lush scenery and numerous waterfalls. As you go along the 5.6-mile (9-kilometer) hike, stop to capture photos and soak up the tranquil ambiance.

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.

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.

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.

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.