The 6 Best Hiking Tours in Madeira

1.Madeira: Pico Arieiro to Pico Ruivo Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 2,224 reviews · 8 hours · from $54Our pick

Join Nature Meetings for an eight-hour guided mountain day from Funchal, Machico, Caniço, Santa Cruz, or Câmara de Lobos. The classic PR1 trail is currently closed, so the guide uses split routes or another walk, depending on conditions. Expect steep paths, cold wind, coffee, hotel transport, and a closing drink at a traditional bar.

“it was very well planned, and informative guide. takes job seriously about safety.”

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2.Rabaçal: 25 Fontes & Risco Levada Hiking Transfer

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,670 reviews · 8 hours · from $40

Take a shared transfer from Funchal or nearby areas to Rabaçal for a self-guided 5-hour hike on Madeira’s famous 25 Fontes and Risco levadas. Drivers such as Henrique, Adriana, Pedro, and Felipe explain the route, weather, and pickup plan. Choose the 6 a.m. departure to reach the waterfalls before the crowds.

“This was one of my highlights during the trip to Madeira. I really enjoyed the hiking and the area. The view was breathtaking! The trails were clearly marked, so it was easy to follow them. Some parts were a bit challenging, but that made it more rewarding. Our driver Henrique explained everything very well before dropping the group off, so we got all the necessary information. I also appreciated the fun facts he shared along the way while we passed through different areas.”

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3.Pico Do Arieiro Pico Ruivo Sunrise or Morning Hike Transfers

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,169 reviews · 8 - 8.5 hours · from $37Best value

Ride from Funchal or Caniço to Pico do Arieiro with an English-speaking driver such as Radko, Carlos, or Ciro. After a clear route briefing, hike independently through cloud-level cliffs, tunnels, and steep steps. Trail closures may alter the route, with PR3 often offered as a quieter alternative.

“Trip was awesome, though schedule could be a bit miten flexible. We are fast, but like to take some pics, so PR 1+ PR 3 felt a bit rushed”

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4.Caldeirão Verde: Levada Caldeirao Verde Hiking Transfer

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 1,071 reviews · 8 hours · from $39Top rated

Travel from Funchal, Caniço, Santa Cruz, or Machico to Queimadas Natural Park, then follow a 13 km self-guided levada route through Madeira’s ancient Laurissilva forest. You’ll pass waterfalls and four tunnels, including one up to 200 metres long. Drivers such as Nuno, Pedro, and Diogo provide clear trail instructions, while the hike itself is at your own pace.

“It's a good trip for people who enjoy hiking and nature, thank you”

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5.Madeira: Sunrise at Pico do Arieiro & Hike Larano trail

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 951 reviews · 7 hours · from $53

Start before dawn with a small group and an English-speaking driver such as Rosbert or André. After Pico do Arieiro sunrise, you can attempt 1.2 km of the PR1 trail, stop at Guindaste’s glass platform, and walk 7 km along the Larano coast. Bring warm layers, sturdy shoes, and patience for changing mountain weather.

“We had the most perfect day and can’t recommend it enough. We caught a beautiful sunrise and managed to make it all the way to the Stairs of Heaven in the allotted time. We stopped off for coffee and some Madeira cake (great fuel) and I’m not exaggerating when I say it may be the best coffee I have ever had. The 7km hike along the coast was great, plenty of shade, really easy trail to follow and stunning views of the sea. We were outside of the pick up zone but it was no problem for them to arrange to collect us from our hotel (for an extra fee),…”

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6.From Funchal: Machico to Porto da Cruz Larano Cliff Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 189 reviews · 8 hours · from $50

Walk 12 kilometers from Machico to Porto da Cruz along Madeira’s Larano Cliff, with views of São Lourenço, Porto Santo, farmland, levadas, and the northeastern coast. Pickup from Funchal is included. Guides such as Charlotte and Sara explain local plants, culture, and history in several languages. Expect about 4.5 hours on foot within an eight-hour day.

“Very enjoyable walk, with spectacular views, and our guide was very knowledgeable about all aspects of area, history and plant life.”

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