Walking holidays in Madeira

The ideal excursion to get to know the city of Funchal. Experience the vibrant market, full of exotic flowers, tropical fruit, and local craftwork. After, take a visit to the embroidery factory to see the production of the internationally-renowned Madeiran embroidery before heading to the botanical gardens, where you can take in the panoramic views of the city. Round off the day with a visit to the wine lodge to taste the famous Madeira wine and Madeira honey cake – delicious!

Departs: Wednesday mornings

Duration: Approx. 4 hours

We act at all times as a selling agent for the suppliers. All excursions require minimum numbers to run and are subject to change. Some excursions may not be available to pre-book in low season but may be available to book locally subject to numbers. Prices will be confirmed at the time of booking. Please see our terms & conditions.

Take a journey to the heart of the island to explore the beautiful Nun’s Valley and Monte village. Your first stop will be at Pico dos Barcelos, a viewpoint at 355m above sea level that looks out over Funchal city and the Bay of Funchal. From there you'll head up the mountains to the viewpoint of Eira do Serrado. Often talked about as one of the most beautiful places in Madeira, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the village of Curral das Freiras, the Nun’s Valley. Finally, your guide will take you to the picturesque village of Monte - famous for its beautiful church and gardens.

Departs: Sunday morning or afternoon

Duration: Approx. 4 hours

We act at all times as a selling agent for the suppliers. All excursions require minimum numbers to run and are subject to change. Some excursions may not be available to pre-book in low season but may be available to book locally subject to numbers. Prices will be confirmed at the time of booking. Please see our terms & conditions.

On the west side of the island you'll find dramatic landscapes and unforgettable views at every turn. The highlights of this multi-stop tour include the fishing town of Câmara de Lobos, and Cabo Girão where, if you dare, you can walk the suspended glass platform at one of the highest sea cliffs in the world (entry to the Cabo Girão is around €5 - payable locally) . From there you'll head on to the Encumeada Pass. At over 1000 metres in altitude, you can enjoy spectacular views over the north and the south coastlines, and the deep Ribeira Brava and São Vicente valleys. Your final stop before lunch will be Porto Moniz, famous for its natural volcanic rock pools.

After a lunch (lunch supplement around €23 - payable locally) in Porto Moniz you'll visit the vast volcanic plateau of Paul da Serra. The day ends with visits to the beach town of Calheta - the warmest place in Madeira, and to Ponta do Sol - a picturesque village surrounded by banana plantations and vineyards.

Departs: Daily

Duration: Approx. 8 hours

Image is an example of a Madeiran coastline - this tour does not take you to this exact location.

We act at all times as a selling agent for the suppliers. All excursions require minimum numbers to run and are subject to change. Some excursions may not be available to pre-book in low season but may be available to book locally subject to numbers. Prices will be confirmed at the time of booking. Please see our terms & conditions.

Explore the beautiful municipality of Santa Cruz - one of the oldest settlements on the island. Taking you from the ocean's edge to the mountain top, this guided walk incorporates history, nature, and local cuisine. Beginning with a stroll along the promenade, you'll visit charming gardens, the quaint market, and a 16th Century church. A quick 15-minute coach trip into the hills takes you to the village of Gaula. Price includes two glasses of wine.

Difficulty: Easy, Distance: 2km, Walking Duration: 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes.

Departs: Friday morning

Duration: Half day

We act at all times as a selling agent for the suppliers. All excursions require minimum numbers to run and are subject to change. Some excursions may not be available to pre-book in low season but may be available to book locally subject to numbers. Prices will be confirmed at the time of booking. Please see our terms & conditions.

A gentle walk along the Mimosa Valley, following a traditional 16th Century irrigation system ('levada'). Walking the levadas is a must-do for your Madeira holiday, and there's a variety of Madeira's fauna and flora to enjoy along the way.

Difficulty: Easy, Distance:5km, Walking Duration: 2 hours

Departs: Tuesday or Thursday

Duration: Half day (2 hours walking)

We act at all times as a selling agent for the suppliers. All excursions require minimum numbers to run and are subject to change. Some excursions may not be available to pre-book in low season but may be available to book locally subject to numbers. Prices will be confirmed at the time of booking. Please see our terms & conditions.

A full day exploring the Ribeiro Frio Natural Park in the north of the island. Set in a deep valley and surrounded by mountains, the park is home to Madeira's UNESCO-protected Laurel forest. Enjoy the quiet, explore the waterfalls, and discover some of the flora and fauna endemic to the island.

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate, Distance:11km, Walking Duration: 4 hours.

Departs: Monday

Duration: Full day (approx. 4 hours of walking)

Please note there is a local access fee of €4.50 per person for those who are 12 years old and over (payable locally). 

We act at all times as a selling agent for the suppliers. All excursions require minimum numbers to run and are subject to change. Some excursions may not be available to pre-book in low season but may be available to book locally subject to numbers. Prices will be confirmed at the time of booking. Please see our terms & conditions.

One of Madeira's most popular walking areas, the trails from Rabaçal take you through dense vegetation and into the Calheta mountains. Enjoy a waterfall walkway along the route, and discover the Lagoa das 25 Fontes. Here, water from the Paul da Serra plateau re-emerges via 25 springs ('fontes') and waterfalls - the weeping wall - creating a small natural pool.

Difficulty: Moderate, Distance:11km, Walking Duration: 4 hours

Departs: Friday and Sunday

Duration: Full day (approx. 4 hours of walking)

Please note there is a local access fee of €4.50 per person for those who are 12 years old and over (payable locally). 

We act at all times as a selling agent for the suppliers. All excursions require minimum numbers to run and are subject to change. Some excursions may not be available to pre-book in low season but may be available to book locally subject to numbers. Prices will be confirmed at the time of booking. Please see our terms & conditions.

Caniço sits near the crystal clear waters of the Garajau Partial Natural Reserve, it’s a real gem of the area as its one of the most protected marine reserves in Portugal. Marine life thrives here and the landscape surrounding it is just as impressive.

The blue waters are set against the dramatic cliffs of Caniço. An impressive statue, called the Cristo Rei Statue is perched on the cliffs, it can be a little tricky to get here, its a very steep walk from Caniço so a taxi may be your best option, whilst here you'll also find Garajau beach which can be accessed by cable car. Take a journey down to the pebbled beach, sit on the shore and enjoy the natural reserve.

To admire more of Caniço's coastal views you can also stroll along the promenade. The views are wonderful and the path hugs the coastline allowing you access to some small pebbled beaches along the way.

For those that love all things flora and fauna then Madeira is a paradise. Its mild climate caters to tropical flowers, green covered landscapes and plants of all shapes and sizes. From town centres to nature spots, flowers are found across the island, think blue agapanthus swaying in the breeze whilst the purple beaked birds of paradise bathe in the sun. For those wanting to discover these tropical delights then one of our hotels situated in Caniço, the Quinta Splendida, has 30,000m² of Botanical Gardens to explore, it’s a special property with lots of history and the gardens are magnificent, with endless plant species to gaze upon.

If you’re willing to head a little further out of Caniço then go to Funchal and take a ride on the cable car that whisks you up to Monte where you’ll find beautiful botanical gardens as well as the Monte Palace tropical gardens. The Monte Palace has scenic paths to explore whilst you pass by tropical plants, water channels and cascading fountains, it’s a colourful, floral display set in the hills of Funchal.

Festivals in Madeira don’t get much better than the annual flower festival which is held in either April or May. The streets of Funchal become free of traffic but full of festivities with parades passing by, dancers adorned in floral creations and of course, plenty of plants and flowers to see. It’s a lively event that encapsulates the islands pride and love of flowers.

The statue of Christ the King of Garajau (but often termed the Cristo Rei statue) can be found on the cliffs of Caniço looking out across the ocean. You may want a taxi to get there and back from Caniço's centre but the views aren’t to be missed with the Atlantic Ocean in front of you and the Garajau Nature Reserve below. This incredible monument dates back to 1927 and if that doesn’t impress you then the views will.

We love the small and charming pebbled beaches near Caniço but if you want to feel the sand between your toes then beaches don’t get more beautiful than on the island of Porto Santo. It’s a bit of a journey to get there (around 2 hours 30 minutes by ferry) but it’s worth it, with a nine kilometre stretch of golden, sandy beach and clear blue waters it’s no wonder it’s been voted one of the best beaches in Europe. Those golden sands aren’t just easy on the eye either, they’re said to have therapeutic properties making Porto Santo a popular day trip for those in search of health and wellness. Ferries only operate one outbound and one inbound departure from Funchal per day so booking and paying in advance is strongly advised, make sure you plan your trip carefully.

For those in search of museums or galleries then your best bet is to head to Funchal by bus where you’ll find a variety of museums on offer. One of the oldest museums you can visit is the Museum of Sacred Art, positioned in Funchal and found within a 16th Century Palace with an enviable collection of Portuguese and Flemish art. Another museum where you’ll also find a great collection of painting, sculpture, furniture and ceramics is the Casa Museu Frederico de Freitas, this pretty building holds many unique pieces.

For something a bit different you can also find the 3D Fun Art Museum, which, as the name suggests, is a bit of light-hearted fun, step into the paintings and make yourself part of the masterpiece. Football fans will no doubt love to visit the CR7 museum, honouring Madeira’s own Cristiano Ronaldo. The museum details his football career and you can even see some of the many trophies he’s won.

Madeira offers a busy events calendar. From the Madeira roller Marathon to classic car events, there’s lots to enjoy. Please be aware that some events are ticketed and may need to be booked and paid in advance, event dates are approximate and should be checked before booking. Here are a few of our favourite events listed below:

• Madeira Flower Festival, usually held in either April or May – Arguably Madeira’s most iconic festival, experience the parade, the flower carpets or the Wall of Hope amongst many other celebrations taking place across the event.
• Carnival, usually held early to mid-February: Take in vibrant costumes, music and dance on the small parades travelling through the streets of Funchal and other events taking place across the city
• Madeira Rum Festival, usually held around mid-April: You’ll find local rum producers at this event along with a lively atmosphere and maybe even the chance to taste the product
• Madeira Classic Car Revival, usually held at the end of May: Car lovers and non-car lovers will enjoy this event, some of the best classic and vintage cars are brought in from across the region for spectators to marvel over

Funchal is the perfect holiday destination for garden and flower enthusiasts. Flowers thrive in Madeira’s tropical climate so you’ll see a whole host of floral displays. Madeira Botanical Gardens have five hectors to explore with tropical plants and array of colourful flowers, while Monte Palace Tropical Gardens are a must-see in the summer with over 100,000 species of plants and 70,000m² of gardens.

The Palheiro Gardens sit within a large estate on the outskirts of Funchal and are also worth a visit. There are a variety of plants to see as well as a great hill-top location, allowing for wonderful views towards the Funchal bay.

A number of our hotels offer fantastic gardens but the Quinta Splendida in Caniço is truly spectacular. You’ll find 30,000m² of Botanical Gardens with an abundance of plants and flowers to admire.

If you’re partial to a sweet wine then Madeiran wine might be the tipple for you, famous for its rich, sweet taste it can be enjoyed in many local bars but also in a number of wine tasting venues across the island.

On the local drinks menu you’re also likely to come across a Poncha. This rum-based cocktail was said to be what the local fisherman used to drink to warm themselves at sea.

Black scabbardfish is considered a delicacy in Madeira as fishing it isn’t an easy task. You’ll normally find it served with fried banana, it’s unusual but delicious!

Espetada Madeirense is a must-have on your holiday. Its beef that’s normally marinated in a salt and garlic rub, placed on a bay leaf or laurel skewer and grilled. It’s delicious!

Funchal is often compared to an amphitheatre that sits around its marina and we have to admit, it does make for a good show. The port which was built in the 19th century was a popular stopping point for many steamers crossing the Atlantic and was so until the Second World War.

The marina is great for a bit of boat spotting or watching the world go by but if its history you’re after then head to the Forte de Sao Tiago. At nearly 400 years old you can see the toll the sea has taken on this historic fort which was thought to have been built as a defence against pirates to protect the city of Funchal. Sometimes it is open for visitors to wander around the inside (at a fee, payable locally).

Funchal’s historic core has some buildings said to date back to the 15th century. In the area you’ll find charming and historic architecture, small alleyways and a lively atmosphere. Walk down the street of Santa Maria to experience the colourful and vibrant painted doors, that brought life back to the area after devastating floods. Or head to the Mercado dos Lavradores to experience some locally-grown fruits and vegetables.

The old town also has lots of restaurants and small shops, many selling local crafts. Keep an out for the beautiful black and white tiled floors, resembling a mosaic. Some are patterned whilst some depict people or objects.

Madeira is home to many museums and historic monuments but here’s a few popular ones...

• Casa Museu Frederico de Freitas is not only a beautiful building but also offers a great collection of art and objects on display.
• Museu da Eletricidade of Funchal is, as the name suggests, all around the history of electricity on the island, it might sound a little niche but its actually a really interesting display or engineering whilst detailing the history of the island – its also great value for money.
• And then there's the CR7 museum, dedicated to the football legend, Cristiano Ronaldo who grew up in Madeira. You’ll find memorabilia and even a few of his trophies that follow and describe the timeline of his career.

For those looking to discover beautiful beaches they don't get more beautiful than on the island of Porto Santo, the ferry journey is a little long (about two and half hours) but it's well worth it. Porto Santo offers an impressive 9 kilometre stretch of beach which has golden sand and beautiful blue waters. Day trippers often go in search of health and wellness as these sands are said to have therapeutic properties. 
To get to the island and back make sure you plan your journey carefully as there’s only one outbound and inbound ferry departure per day from Funchal – for this reason, it is also strongly recommended that you book and pay for your return journey in advance.

Madeira offers a busy events calendar with many throughout the year from the Madeira roller Marathon to classic car events there’s lots to enjoy. Please be aware that some events are ticketed and may need to be booked and paid in advance, event dates are approximate and should be checked before booking. Here are a few of our favourite events listed below:

• Madeira Flower Festival, usually held in April or May: Arguably Madeira’s most iconic festival, experience the parade, the flower carpets or the Wall of Hope amongst many other celebrations taking place across the event.
• Carnival, usually held early to mid-February: Take in vibrant costumes, music and dance on the small parades travelling through the streets of Funchal and other events taking place across the city.
• Madeira Rum Festival, usually held around mid-April: You’ll find local rum producers at this event along with a lively atmosphere and maybe even the chance to taste the product.
• Madeira Classic Car Revival, usually held at the end of May: Car lovers and non-car lovers will enjoy this event, some of the best classic and vintage cars are brought in from across the region for spectators to marvel over.