Madeira, everyone at their own pace
Hiking and the art of living, in a small group, in the heart of Funchal
A trip for groups where not everyone walks at the same pace. Each day, the walkers set off with a hiking guide along the levadas, the ridges or the wild coast, while the others discover the island gently: villages, gardens, viewpoints and tastings. The same minibus drops off one group and accompanies the other, and everyone meets up again for lunch or in the evening in Funchal to share their day.
- Duration
- 8 days / 7 nights
- Start / end
- Funchal
- Type of trip
- Accompanied small group, two programmes each day
- Accommodation
- One hotel right in the centre of Funchal
- Ideal for
- Groups of friends, associations, active retirees, walkers and non-walkers
- Best time to go
- March to June, September to November
- Level
- Walkers: easy to moderate, one more demanding day as an option. Strollers: easy
- Travellers
- Small group, from 8 to 16 people
The highlights
- Two programmes each day: guided hikes for the walkers, gentle discoveries for the strollers
- The levadas, century-old irrigation channels winding along the mountainsides
- The laurel forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Sunrise or sunset above the clouds at Pico do Arieiro
- The wild coast of Ponta de São Lourenço, between ochre cliffs and ocean
- A Madeira wine tasting in a historic Funchal wine lodge
- A hotel right in the centre of Funchal, to enjoy the town on foot
- Getting together every evening to share the day, and a farewell dinner all together
The trip day by day
Day 1Bem-vindos to Funchal
Welcome at the airport and transfer to your hotel, right in the heart of Funchal. In the late afternoon, meet your tour leader over a welcome drink, to present the programme and form the two teams for the stay.
Day 2Funchal, all together
A first shared day, on foot, to get your bearings: the Lavradores market and its fruit and fish stalls, the old town and its painted doors, the cathedral and the lanes of the centre. In the afternoon, ride the cable car up to Monte and its gardens, then enjoy a Madeira wine tasting in a historic wine lodge.
Day 3The 25 springs and the north coast
For walkers: a guided hike in the Rabaçal valley, along the 25 Fontes levada, to a waterfall of a thousand streams in the heart of the forest.
For strollers: the minibus continues to the north coast: Porto Moniz and its natural pools, the coast road and its waterfalls, a coffee break facing the ocean. Everyone meets up again at the end of the day.
Day 4Above the clouds
An early start for Pico do Arieiro, more than 1,800 metres above sea level, to watch the sun rise over a sea of clouds. For walkers: for strong walkers, the famous ridge trail to Pico Ruivo, the island's highest peak, spectacular and demanding.
For strollers: breakfast at the viewpoint, then Ribeiro Frio and its trout pools, and Santana and its thatched houses, before picking up the walkers at the end of the trail.
Day 5A free day in Funchal
A free day to rest or enjoy the town: the botanical garden and its view over the bay, museums and embroidery workshops, a massage, a boat trip to meet the dolphins, or simply a coffee on a terrace by the harbour. This is where the hotel's location really comes into its own.
Day 6The wild tip of São Lourenço
For walkers: a hike on the Ponta de São Lourenço peninsula, at the eastern tip of the island, between ochre cliffs, volcanic rocks and the ocean on both sides.
For strollers: Machico, the first town founded on the island, the fishing port of Caniçal and its whale museum. Lunch all together facing the sea.
Day 7Laurel forest and gardens
For walkers: a last levada through the laurel forest, a primary forest listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, among mosses, giant ferns and tunnels of greenery.
For strollers: the gardens of a historic quinta and a tea break, then Câmara de Lobos and the glass viewpoint of Cabo Girão. In the evening, a farewell dinner all together, around the island's specialities.
Day 8Até logo, Madeira!
A last free morning in Funchal depending on your flight time, then transfer to the airport, your head full of landscapes and happy shared memories.
Hikes are chosen according to the weather and the group's level. Everyone can switch teams from one day to the next.
Sample itinerary, currently being finalised with our local partner: stages and activities may still change.
Funchal, a lively base
The choice of hotel is essential on this trip. Right in the centre of Funchal, those who do not walk can make the most of the town and its atmosphere, without depending on the minibus.
The town on foot
Cafés, restaurants, market, museums, gardens and seafront just a few minutes from the hotel.
The right starting point
The island's trails and excursions can all be reached on day trips from Funchal.
Comfort after the effort
A comfortable hotel with a pool, to relax at the end of the day.
The price in detail
The price includes
- 7 nights in a hotel right in the centre of Funchal
- 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch and the farewell dinner
- Airport – hotel – airport transfers
- A tour leader throughout the stay and a local hiking guide for the walkers
- The minibus with driver for the excursions
- The Monte cable car and the Madeira wine tasting
- A detailed travel book
- Assistance throughout your stay
The price does not include
- International flights (can be added on request)
- Meals not mentioned and drinks
- Entrance fees not mentioned
- Optional activities
- The tourist tax, payable locally
- Travel insurance
Price on request: as each trip is adapted to your wishes, the price depends on your dates, the number of travellers and the accommodation chosen. You will find it in your personalised proposal, free and with no obligation.
Good to know
Walker or stroller?
Nobody has to choose for the whole stay: everyone decides the evening before which team they will join the next day.
Hiking level
Levadas are often easy, but some sections are narrow or exposed. The ridge trail, more demanding, is for strong walkers only. Bring good walking shoes, a head torch for the tunnels and a windbreaker.
The climate
Mild all year round. In the mountains, the weather changes quickly and it can be cool, even in summer: dress in layers.
Formalities and on the spot
A valid identity card is enough for European Union citizens. Currency: the euro. Time difference: 1 hour behind Belgium.
A group trip in mind?
I can suggest a version tailored to your wishes, with a detailed offer within 48 hours, with no obligation.
Request a proposal