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Walking holidays in Madeira

Perfect for year-round travel

 

Discover walking in Madeira

It’s a destination famous for warmth and wine, but there’s so much more to discover about Madeira. At Inntravel, we believe a walking holiday is the perfect way to appreciate the island’s drama and beauty, and we have a fantastic array of trips for you to choose between. Read on to learn what each has to offer, and to find out more about what it means to walk on Madeira – as well as how to get the most from your holiday.
Walking holidays in Portugal
Walking holidays in Portugal
 

An introduction to walking in Madeira

Botanic gardens, absorbing history, unique wildlife, and of course those flower-lined waterways that are such a joy to follow – walking in Madeira is a rich and varied experience. Our holidays delve into everything that makes the island special, and whether you base yourself in the lesser-known west or amid the classic landscapes of the east, you’ll find Madeira constantly takes your breath away.
One of the pleasures of walking on Madeira is that its spectacular landscapes can be enjoyed by both casual walkers and seasoned hikers alike. Gentle routes reveal wild plateaus, while thrilling trails lead to mountain peaks and their far-reaching panoramas. Madeira is also a fantastic destination for those seeking to balance walking with sightseeing: you can easily spend a day exploring the capital, Funchal, or tour by hire car – discovering white-sand beaches, natural rock pools, and traditional craftsmanship in timeless villages. As a walking destination, however, Madeira is extremely well serviced – with maintained paths and reliable waymarking. Add to this our meticulously researched route notes and included luggage transfers (for hotel-to-hotel walks) and all you need to do is bring your boots, and enjoy the adventure!
 

Our walking holidays in Madeira

 

Find the right holiday for you

 

Favourite walk in Madeira

"Following the Levada Nova, walk one on the Landscapes of Western Madeira. This walk takes in one of the quieter levadas along the western coast of the island and winds through villages and eucalyptus trees. This part of the island is also quite dramatic with the cliffs rising up steeply from the sea and then the levedas cutting across the mountainside. You get to experience traditional levada walking but without as many people. The waterways also provide a great resource for the superb flowers the island is famed for, even some of the ‘weeds’ are just beautiful; for me the blue and white agapanthus everywhere were stunning."

- Rebecca Bruce, Destination Expert
 

Are our Madeira walks right for you?

Madeira has so much to offer and each of our holidays on the island promises a different, but equally rewarding experience.

Looking to base yourself close to the captivating capital? We’d recommend our single-centre walking holiday, Funchal & the Island of Madeira. With no fixed itinerary and route options that range from easy to exhilarating (plus an included hire car) it’s perfect for walkers of all levels. We also offer single-centre walking on the quiet, western side of Madeira, where the focus is on discovering lesser-known levadas and remote villages nestled beneath dramatic cliffs.

Prefer walking from hotel to hotel? Opt for our more demanding but hugely popular eastern route, an irresistible combination of iconic levadas, exotic flora, and the capital, Funchal.

Our grades are also explained below.

  • These gentle strolls range typically between 5-10km per day and involve few ascents or descents. Go at your own pace, pause at every opportunity, and take it all in.
  • You don't have to be a seasoned hiker to enjoy these walks, but someone who's happy to take on around 5-15km each day – with the occasional hill thrown in.
  • Expect to cover approximately 10-15km a day, across varied terrain with regular ascents and descents. You'll be challenged in places – but enjoy superb views.
  • Where rugged terrain goes hand in hand with the satisfaction of reaching a peak or high pass. Typically, days range between 7-20km and involve significant ascent and descent.
  • Our most thrilling walks involve full days on the trails, more challenging terrain, and testing ascents and descents, but there's still time to appreciate your surroundings.
  • Choice of easier or harder routes, so that you can tailor most days to your requirements.
 

What to expect on Inntravel's walking holidays in Madeira

There are three key ingredients which are common to all Inntravel holidays, including our walking holidays in Madeira: sublime landscapes; delightful hotels hand-picked for their warm welcome; and delicious local cuisine.
 
"We can't recommend this trip to Madeira highly enough! From the beautiful hikes along the levadas to the wonderful hotels and delicious dinners, this was a first-rate holiday. This was my third Inntravel trip and I really appreciate all the thought and smart planning and attention to detail that goes into constructing their itineraries."
- Mr K Eaton
 

Walking in Madeira: FAQs & tips

  • Madeira’s year-round warmth makes it an ideal walking destination for any time of year. You’ll find the greatest tranquillity from November through to January, while February is carnival time – with music, parades, and street celebrations in Funchal. Between April and June, there are dazzling floral displays to enjoy, or late August and September are the most settled months weather-wise. Finally, the grape harvest is in full spring in September and October – especially on the north coast. The choice is yours!
  • Choose a holiday with distances and terrain to suit you and it shouldn’t take long for you to feel comfortable with the walking. Madeira offers a fantastic choice of walking routes, giving you the option between gentle strolls and more demanding hikes – or a combination of both. Nevertheless, if you’re not a regular walker, then do try to have a couple of longish walks near home shortly before your holiday – this will help to stretch your limbs and make that first day a little easier!
  • There is no ‘right’ answer when deciding between boots or shoes, and most often the best option for Madeira is whichever you are most comfortable with already. Standard exercise trainers are not suitable, but specialist walking shoes are often very good, as they are lighter to wear. Boots provide some additional ankle support, particularly useful on rockier terrain.
  • You can certainly walk Madeira’s levadas without a guide – and this is a great way to explore the island’s landscapes at your own pace. However, it’s best to have the support of a specialist tour operator who will be able to supply you with route recommendations, detailed directions, and even organise luggage transfers if you’re walking from hotel to hotel.
  • As with any destination, Madeira offers a variety of hotels – many of these rooted in the island’s history and heritage. You could choose to stay close to the capital at the five-star Quinta da Casa Branca – a former 19th-century county house surrounded by banana trees, vines, and tropical plants – or on the island’s quieter western flank, at the extensive Quinta das Vinhas estate. Rest assured, Madeira offers options for all budgets and tastes.
 

More Madeira inspiration

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