Top Funchal Nature Walks

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.

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 the wonders along Madeira’s famed Levada do Caldeirão Verde on this leisurely guided walking tour. Your day begins with a convenient pickup from your central Funchal hotel, then set off on a short 45-minute ride to the starting point. As you stroll the path, your local guide will illuminate the surroundings with informative anecdotes. Admire a tranquil laurel forest, historical local paths, traditional irrigation channels, and sweeping vistas of the island’s north coast.

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.

This is a great choice for travelers who enjoy walking and exploring the great outdoors. Enjoy a peaceful day in Ponta De São Lourenço with a certified mountain guide to accompany you so you don’t get lost. This small-group tour is limited to 8 people, so you’ll have better access to your guide for questions. See stunning viewpoints, learn about local vegetation, and enjoy spending time in nature.

Madeira is an island of soaring peaks and rugged valleys, but there are plenty of easier hikes throughout the challenging terrain—if you know where to look. On this walking tour, avoid problems with navigation, follow a guide along Madeira’s more gentle walking routes, and enjoy sweeping views over the open countryside. With pickup and drop-off at your Caniço or Funchal accommodation, reaching the open wilderness is easy.

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 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.

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.

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.

Hike through the Madeira highlands on a half-day walk that follows the historic Levada da Serra do Faial, a century-old irrigation canal, through lush forest. You’ll cover 3.4 miles (5.5 km) of trail, earn views of Madeiran villages, and see a wide range of plants in a scenic, natural environment. This 4-hour, guided walking tour includes pickup and drop-off at Funchal hotels.

A hop-on hop-off bus tour is the ideal way to combine the flexibility of independent sightseeing with the convenience of a guided tour. With a choice of a 48-hour or 5-day ticket, this great-value deal offers full access to three routes—the highlights of Funchal, the village of Câmara de Lobos, and the Skywalk of Cabo Girão.

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.

A challenging and authentic walk, perfect for those looking for an experience outside the most famous scenarios. We started by the sea at 200 meters, and gradually climbed to about 700 meters, always with the ocean as the background. Along the way, we enjoy spectacular views of the sea, imposing cliffs, deep valleys and mountains. In the middle of the route we enter the forest, where the local fauna and flora are always present, bringing tranquility and pure contact with nature. In the final part we return again to the coast, with the ocean accompanying us to the end. The walk is calm, without crowds, ideal for those who value unique landscapes and authenticity. Led by me, Paul Jesus, certified mountain guide, born and resident on the island. In the end, there is the possibility of a diving in the sea.

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.

With this half-day tour, you can boost your knowledge of Madeira’s natural wonders—and in particular the flowers of Palheiro Gardens. Don’t worry about hiring a car and finding a parking space, as private transport is included. Then, once inside Palheiro Gardens, enjoy a scenic walk, followed by a visit to Palheiro Golf viewpoint—the perfect spot for panoramic photos over Funchal.

Although Madeira is most famous for its natural landscapes, the Portuguese island also harbors a rich history. Receive an introduction to the history of Funchal during a walking tour that offers a more intimate glimpse into the Old Town than you’d get traveling by coach or car. This tour, which proves ideal for first-time visitors, allows you to benefit from the insider knowledge and personalized attention of your guide.

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 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.

Get a comprehensive tour of Funchal, combined with personalized attention, on this private excursion. With a dedicated guide behind the wheel, you’ll enjoy private transportation for a stress-free trip that ticks all of the important sights off your list. Stops include Sao Joao do Pico Fortress, Quinta das Cruzes, the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption, Mercado dos Lavradores, and some impressive lookout points for great photo ops.

What Makes This Experience Unique Escape the crowds and discover a hidden side of Madeira, far from the usual tourist routes. Explore lesser-known trails, ancient paths, and secret waterfalls that remain untouched by mass tourism. Enjoy a more personal, शांत and authentic experience guided by a certified local expert who knows the island beyond the obvious. To make your experience even more memorable, you can choose to end your hike with a traditional Madeiran food experience, enjoying local flavors in an authentic setting.

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.

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.