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Embark on an unforgettable adventure: our 5-day hike through the hidden treasures of Madeira. From majestic peaks to spectacular coastlines, discover the true essence of the island with every step.

Hiking in Madeira

Located in a tropical archipelago, Madeira is a Portuguese island nicknamed the "Pearl of the Atlantic" or "the Island of Flowers" due to its exceptional flora. It enjoys a subtropical climate and breathtaking landscapes, offering a unique paradise-like experience.

This hiking tour takes you through the island, renowned for its diverse landscapes. You will discover lush green valleys, towering peaks, picturesque levadas (irrigation channels), and secluded beaches, all in one week.

The itinerary

As the name suggests, the Trek in Madeira takes place in Madeira, a remote island in the middle of the Atlantic belonging to Portugal.

Our carefully crafted itinerary will take you across the island and explore its most beautiful highlights. This is a challenging hike that undoubtedly makes it onto the bucket list of any adventurous hiker. We will traverse the island from west to east, from the sea to the most majestic summits, following the levadas and exploring the stunning virgin forests, including the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Fanal Forest!

You will spend 5 days hiking in the heart of this flower-filled island, where not only will you face a physical challenge, but you will also have the opportunity to witness some of the most breathtaking panoramas on the planet.

Weekly schedule

It's not easy to prepare a well-planned hike in Madeira on your own. That's why we have created a program for you to see the most iconic highlights in a one-week stay, including 5 full days of walking. The program can be adjusted according to weather conditions.

FAQ's

We invite you to consult the FAQ below before sending us an email. The FAQ provides comprehensive answers to the most frequently asked questions!

Where are we sleeping?

You will sleep for 2 nights in a carefully chosen comfortable hotel in a double room, 1 night in a comfortable cottage, 1 night in a comfortable hostel on the coast, and 1 night in a refuge on Madeira's highest peak.(*)

It's not easy to find places to sleep in a tent in Madeira, as most pitches are very small. That's why we've opted for hotel & refuge accommodation. This way, you'll have plenty of opportunity to rest and recharge your batteries for the hike.

(*) Solo participants will sleep in the same room as another participant, in separate beds. We always do our best to put participants of the same sex in the same room.

What are we eating?

You will sleep for 2 nights in a carefully chosen comfortable hotel in a double room, 1 night in a comfortable cottage, 1 night in a comfortable hostel on the coast, and 1 night in a refuge on Madeira's highest peak.(*)

It's not easy to find places to sleep in a tent in Madeira, as most pitches are very small. That's why we've opted for hotel & refuge accommodation. This way, you'll have plenty of opportunity to rest and recharge your batteries for the hike.

(*) Solo participants will sleep in the same room as another participant, in separate beds. We always do our best to put participants of the same sex in the same room.

How are the hikes organized?

The Madeira Trail is a self-guided hike. This means that you will be hiking completely independently. We make sure that you have everything you need for a successful hike. Everything is organized for you, so you don't have to worry about a thing.

All you have to do is hike and enjoy.

Weekly itinerary:

  • An experienced ranger will provide you with a comprehensive briefing on the first day of the hike. They will then send you a daily briefing via message.
  • You will then begin hiking independently on the accessible and well-balanced itinerary that we have mapped out for you.
  • In our app, you will find an overview of all the routes and important information for each day. This will allow you to hike completely autonomously.
  • Your hotel and refuge accommodations are reserved for you.
  • You will have prepared meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner without having to worry about cooking (if you have chosen the option).
  • In addition, our ranger is available to assist you if needed. You can contact them throughout the journey to ask questions.
What is included?
  • Detailed itinerary and complete organization of the trip
  • 2 nights in comfortable hotels in unique locations
  • 1 night in a comfortable cottage
  • 1 night in a comfortable hostel on the coast
  • 1 unique night in a refuge at Pico Ruivo (the summit of Madeira)
  • Tourist taxes
  • Shuttle transportation to the starting point of the trek
  • Welcome and briefing by an experienced ranger
  • Complete equipment list to ensure you don't forget anything
  • Madeira Trail app with all the necessary information
What should I bring?

Identity Card

Madeira is an island of Portugal, depending on where you come from, you'll need a passport, or only a valid identity card.

Hiking Gear

It is important to bring good hiking shoes in which you feel comfortable enough for a long trek. B/C type hiking shoes are essential for exploring the trails of Madeira.

We will also send you a more detailed list of what you need to bring before your departure.

What is the size of the group?

This is a self-guided hike, so you won't be walking in a group, but you can certainly walk with other participants if you wish. There is a maximum of 10 participants per departure date.

Give back to nature through Greentripper.

The planet offers us so many incredible things to admire, especially through our travels. But if we want to continue enjoying them for a long time, we must protect it at all costs. That's why we make extra efforts to reduce the impact of our trips, and you can also reliably contribute to a Greentripper climate project through the booking form, which offsets the CO2 emissions from your mode of transportation. By contributing to their certified "Wildlife Cambodia" project, you help protect the beautiful forests and the wildlife they harbor, support local communities, and reduce the CO2 emissions from your journey. If you decide to participate in the project, Travelbase will take on the additional responsibility of reducing your carbon footprint during the trip itself. Upon your return, you will also receive an official carbon credit certificate.

To learn more about the efforts and actions implemented by Travelbase, visit the page travelbase.fr/impact.

How many kilometers do I have to walk?

Throughout the week, you will cover a total distance of approximately 85 km, with stages ranging from 12 to 20 km per day. The days are well balanced to ensure a good distribution between the number of kilometers covered and the elevation gained.

Who is this hike intended for?

For all individuals aged 16 to 65, in good physical condition, and who have previously done multi-day hikes. The trek consists of long distances and significant elevation changes, so good health and physical fitness are necessary. We emphasize that this hike is not suitable for beginners.

Do you have doubts about your ability to do this trek?

The following questions will help you gain clarity:

- How many times have I been physically active in the past three months?

- What types of physical activities do I regularly engage in and for how long?

- Have I had recent injuries that could affect my ability to enjoy this adventure?

- Can I walk comfortably for 15 kilometers on hilly terrain and for multiple days with a backpack?

- Can I train over the next few months to prepare myself for this adventure?

If your answers give you full confidence to embark on this adventure, then this itinerary is definitely for you! One week after your reservation, you will receive a training program that will help you be fully prepared to trek the trail with peace of mind.

Can I bring my dog with me?

Unfortunately, for safety reasons, we do not allow dogs on the hike. The Madeira Trek is a challenging hike with a lot of elevation changes and is not suitable for a dog.

What participants are saying about our hike

4.9
(11 reviews)

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