Mountain and levada hiking across the island
If you want to experience the original Madeira, our Madeira trekking tour is just right for you. In six daily stages you hike from place to place through the characteristic regions of the island of Madeira. This Madeira trekking tour leads from the Eastern Cape tip of Madeira over the old path of the winegrowers to the north side of Madeira. We hike through the green cauldron to the highest peak. From here we cross Madeira on the high trail through the central massif into the deepest valley of Madeira to the south coast of the flower island.
We hike from place to place through breathtaking volcanic landscapes, along the cliffs and to the highest peaks of Madeira. In the evening we move into quarters in simple, small country hotels, sit comfortably together and savor the traditional cuisine. You don't have to go without comfort because the luggage is transported for you.
The trekking week is led by a qualified, German-speaking guide. The stages lead on old connecting routes, which are hardly known at all, through the characteristic areas of Madeira to magnificent viewpoints and in original, small villages.
The highlights of the Madeira crossing:
- The royal tour through the mountains of Madeira
- Madeira's highest peak, Pico Ruivo
- Levada hiking through Madeira's pristine laurel forests
- Barren volcanic landscape and bizarre rock formations
- Relax in the indoor pools of your accommodations
The route of your trekking trip:
Day 1: Arrival in Madeira
We will pick you up at the airport. In Machico you have the opportunity to go to the Atlantic on the sandy beach. You will get to know your guide with a welcome drink. You will learn everything about your trekking week.
Day 2: The first stage from the Eastern Cape tip of Madeira to the Torch Mountain
The first day is used for arriving. The hike on the Pont de São Lorenço leads through a barren landscape with many rare, endemic plants. Tuff and basalt characterize the panorama. Today's peak of our Madeira hiking trip is the Pico do Facho.
- Medium hike
- ⌚ ca. 6 hours
- ↑700 hm and ↓ 700 hm
Day 3: Madeira hike along the winegrowers' route
Our Madeira hiking trip takes us today along the Levada Marocos and then on an old coastal path that served the winegrowers as a transport route. Sure-footedness is required here. In good weather, phenomenal views await us up to the island of Porto Santo.
- Advanced hike
- ⌚ ca. 6 hours
- ↑ 180 hm and ↓ 400 hm
Day 4: volcanic crater, waterfall and an enchanted forest park
We start at Ilha and hike on lonely paths through gorges, tunnels and the Madeiran jungle uphill towards Caldeirao Verde (green cauldron) to a green paradise and end in the Queimadas Natural Park. This area was created by a volcano that was extinguished millions of years ago and into which a waterfall plunges almost 100 meters deep. The central massif and the laurel forest belonged to the protected area of the EU Natura 2000. We find century-old heather here, listen to the song of the smallest songbird in Madeira and, with a little luck, follow the flight of the rare silver-necked dove over deeply incised valleys.
- Advanced hike
- ⌚ ca. 5,5 hours
- ↑approx. 400 hm and ↓ ca. 125 hm
Day 5: On lonely paths through Madeira's mountains
We start at Achada do Teixeira and hike over the Pico Ruivo summit to the Torinhas pass. The ridge trail to the Encumeada Pass is one of the largest, almost alpine-style mountain tours in Madeira and offers views of the north and south sides of the islands.
- Advanced hike
- ⌚ca. 6 hours
- ↑approx. 650 hm and ↓1300 hm
Day 6: Breathtaking: the old royal route
Our hike follows an old connecting path at the foot of Madeira's highest peaks and crosses part of the majestic central mountains. The perspective changes with every curve; every ascent and descent amazes us. We look at the Encumeada Pass from above, pass the Pico Grande and at one of the next lookout points we already see our daily goal, the Nonnental. On the way we meet Madeira mahogany, stink laurel and the sociable chaffinches.
- Advanced hike
- ⌚ca. 5,5 hours
- ↑approx. 500 hm and ↓1150 hm
Day 7: Mediterranean idleness
First we go down for about 50 minutes and then we come to the chestnut path, which leads over the pass of the lovers to Estreito de Camara de Lobos. Our goal is a quinta typical of the country, surrounded by an organic farm.
- Medium hike
- ⌚ca. 5 hours
- ↑approx. 800 hm and ↓1300 hm
Day 8: Departure or extension
Today it is time to say goodbye to the other participants of the hiking tour through Madeira. We take you to the airport or to your extension hotel.
| Vacation time | Price p.P. | Price p.P. Einzelzimmer | Free places |
| 09.04.2020-16.04.2020 | €1.420,- p.P. | €1.590,- p.P. | > 4 Implementation secured! |
| 21.05.2020-28.05.2020 | €1.460,- p.P. | €1.620,- p.P. | > 4 Implementation secured! |
| 11.06.2020-18.06.2020 | €1.290,- p.P. | €1.460,- p.P. | > 4 Implementation secured! |
| 02.07.2020-09.07.2020 | €1.290,- p.P. | €1.460,- p.P. | > 4 Implementation secured! |
| 20.08.2020-27.08.2020 | €1.290,- p.P. | €1.460,- p.P. | > 4 Implementation secured! |
| 17.09.2020-24.09.2020 | €1.380,- p.P. | €1.550,- p.P. | > 4 Implementation secured! |
| 22.10.2020-29.10.2020 | €1.290,- p.P. | €1.460,- p.P. | > 4 Implementation secured! |
Our services
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Direct flight in economy class from Frankfurt (Basel, Berlin, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Hanover, Cologne, Leipzig, Munich, Stuttgart, Vienna, Zurich on request)
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Madeira Airport Transfer
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7 nights in a double room with shower / toilet with half board, three accommodations offer an indoor pool
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6-day trekking through Madeira according to the program
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Qualified, German-speaking tour guide
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Luggage transfer from accommodation to accommodation
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8 days crossing the island
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from 1.290,- Euro p.P.
What's expecting you
- 8 days crossing the island
- Guided Madeira hiking tour with luggage transport
- Overnight stay in Machico, Santana, Encumeada, Eira do Serrado, Jardim da Serra
- Hiking niveau: advanced
- Small group tour: 6 - 16 participants
Small group tour: minimum 6, maximum 16 participants
The composition of our groups is usually mixed. Solo travelers and couples, older and younger hikers - all have the same goal: the joy of nature, the joy of experiencing together and the interest in the country and its people. Our certified, German-speaking tour guides aim to bring Madeira closer to you. A joint info meeting, lots of tips and information for the group about the travel destination and also what you can do together in the evening after our hiking tours and excursions.
If the minimum number of participants is not reached, Picotours has the right to withdraw from the trip up to 28 days before the start of the trip. You will of course be refunded any down payments already made. If this happens, we will usually inform you by email much earlier in order to find a solution together with you on how we can realize your desired trip to your satisfaction (from 2 people).