Holidays to Caniço
Summer holidays in Caniço provide a laid-back bolthole for exploring Madeira
- Peaceful coastal village
- Easy day trips to Funchal
- Coastal views & promenade walks
Walking in Canico
Canico at a glance
- Portuguese
- Euro (EUR)
- London Gatwick (LGW), Manchester Int. (MAN), Birmingham Int. (BHX), Edinburgh (EDI), Glasgow Int. (GLA), East Midlands (EMA), London Luton (LTN), Bristol (BRS), Leeds Bradford (LBA), London Stansted (STN), Newcastle (NCL), Bournemouth (BOH)
Travel included to Canico
Depart on: any day except Tuesday (depending on departure airport)
Arrive into: Madeira airport (Funchal)
Transfer time: approx. 15 minutes by shared transfer from Madeira airport
Included in your walking holiday to Caniço
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On holiday support and tailored advice over the phone from our Destination Expert
-
Inghams Digital Resort Guide included with things to do and useful information on holiday
- Guided walks included (up to two per holiday, subject to availability)
- Flights from the UK, transfers and accommodation
Walking in Canico
Walks and hikes
- Walking Trails:
- 3000km of walking trails across Madeira
- Terrain:
- Mountain terrain. Levadas can be narrow and require sure-footedness
Perched on Madeira’s scenic southeast coast, Caniço is the perfect base for a walking holiday and offers a peaceful seaside setting to relax in afterwards. It’s ideal for walkers who want to explore by day and unwind with good food and ocean air in the evenings. This laid-back coastal town offers easy access to many of the island’s most iconic Levada trails - historic irrigation channels that now form a unique network of walking paths. These routes offer more than just a good walk, they open up a world of spectacular scenery, hidden waterfalls, and unforgettable views.
To get the most out of your time here, we strongly recommend joining one of our professional guided walks. Some routes can be tricky to navigate, and having a guide ensures a smoother, safer experience. Plus you’ll gain fascinating local knowledge, from flora and fauna to Madeira’s traditions and history. We include two guided walks per week and offer a wider selection of payable excursions for even more walking adventures.
We’ve included two walks per holiday in Madeira. Join a small group and be led by a professional walking guide on some of their favourite trails. It’s a great way to get to know the area. There's a full-day walk on Tuesdays and a half-day walk on Thursdays every week. You can add them onto your holiday at the time of booking.
Routes may vary from week to week but as a guide you can see some of our planned routes below.
Spaces are limited, so early booking is recommended. Walks depend on weather, guide availability, and group size, and routes may change. Details are provided on arrival, and some may include a small local transport fee. Walks are not suitable for under 12s (under 18s must be with an adult). Please ensure the walk is right for you, our guides have the final say. See our booking conditions for full details.
Our guided walks in Canico


Our accommodations in Canico
Discover Canico
- A peaceful village, great for those wanting to escape the city
- Wander down to the cliffs of Caniço with their beautiful ocean views
- Catch the bus to Funchal for a day of exploring the city
If you’re looking for somewhere peaceful, scenic and effortlessly relaxing, Caniço might just be your perfect holiday. This laid-back village combines coastal beauty, local charm and easy access to nature. It’s quieter and more low-key than the capital, Funchal, but still close enough for a spontaneous day trip, and ideal for those who want to explore the island at a gentler pace.
Caniço is the kind of place where you wake up to sea views, wander down to the cliffs with a coffee in hand, and spend the day walking in the hills or paddling in the Atlantic. Whether you’re drawn by the famous Levada trails, tempted by snorkelling and diving in the crystal-clear waters of the Garajau marine reserve, or just after a sunny spot to read a book, Caniço offers a wonderfully flexible holiday. And when evening rolls around, you’ll find a small but lovely choice of restaurants and local spots to unwind in.
Wander down to the dramatic cliffs for sweeping views of the Atlantic, or stretch out on sunny bathing platforms along the seafront promenade. There’s a relaxed rhythm to life here - think lazy mornings at a café in the village square, followed by a dip in the sea or a stroll with your camera in hand.
Caniço is also home to the Garajau Partial Natural Reserve, a protected stretch of coastline famous for its thriving marine life. The crystal-clear waters are a haven for snorkellers and divers, with groupers, stingrays and other large species making regular appearances. Whether you’re swimming, kayaking or simply admiring the water from above, this stretch of coast is a real highlight.
Don’t miss the striking Cristo Rei statue, perched high above the sea with panoramic views of Madeira’s south coast. It’s a great photo stop and a peaceful place to soak up the scenery.
Caniço makes a brilliant base for discovering Madeira’s natural wonders. The island’s best Levada walks are within easy reach, and if you fancy a livelier day out, Funchal is just a short, scenic bus ride away. It’s the best of both worlds - adventure by day, tranquillity by night.
Public Transport
If you’re staying in Caniço, there are regular buses to get you to Funchal, the journey takes around 20 minutes and is reasonably priced, all our hotels in Caniço have bus stops located near-by.
If you’re looking to explore different parts of Madeira then we recommend booking onto some of our excursions to see more of the island as the bus service outside of the local Funchal area is less reliable and hard to navigate.
Travel to Canico
Travel by air
Flights to Madeira depart any day, depending on UK departure airport, except for Tuesday's year-round
Fly to Madeira from:
- London Gatwick, London Luton, London Stansted, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, East Midlands, Newcastle, Bournemouth, Glasgow, and Edinburgh
Transfer times:
- Approx. 15 minutes by shared transfer
Things to do in Canico













