Portugal's Madeira Walking & Hiking Tour
6 days
5 nights
Activity Levels 2-4
Premiere Hotels
Portugal's Madeira Walking & Hiking Tour
6 days
5 nights
Activity Levels 2-4
Premiere Hotels
2025: Aug-Dec 2026: Mar-Dec
Epic Trails & Ancient Forests on the Atlantic's Garden Isle
Hike fern-lined ridge trails and stroll through terra cotta-roofed fishing villages. Explore rocky beaches, dramatic mountains and towering waterfalls and discover why Madeira is known as the “Pearl of the Atlantic.”
Highlights
- Traverse the island via a 600-year-old system of levadas—aqueducts that crisscross its emerald mountains and carry water to its lower lands
- Partake in an array of food-centric experiences, from touring a banana plantation to wine tastings and meals at beloved local restaurants
- Visit Ponta de São Lourenço and hike along its dramatic red-hued cliffs and striking volcanic rock formations
- Take in Madeira’s seafaring history in its capital city, Funchal, and admire tropical plants at Palheiro Gardens
- Unwind at sumptuous and historic retreats ensconced in the island’s naturally stunning landscapes
Start/End Funchal
* Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Itinerary
Days 1-2
Start your journey with lunch in the village of Camacha and sample local artisanal cider • Follow a section of levadas past ponds, leafy ferns and majestic oak trees • Venture to the rugged Ponta de São Lourenço, a stretch of remarkable basalt coastline that sharply contrasts with the island’s lush interior • Summit Pico do Facho for breathtaking panoramic views of valleys, mountains and the nearby Desertas Islands • Seaside routes lead to Caniçal, a picturesque village with a strong maritime heritage • Wander through roses and camellia trees in the colorful Palheiro Gardens.
Nights 1-2
High up in the hills above Funchal, this tranquil hotel—originally built in 1804—has kept its old-world charm and is filled with antiques, fresh flowers and floral patterns inspired by its proximity to the lovely Palheiro Estate and Gardens. A Relais & Châteaux member. (pool, spa)
Day 3
Hike through the lush valley of Sao Vicente • Get to know some of Madeira’s endemic flora and fauna, including its ancient Laurissilva Forest • Trace levadas past mountain faces streaked with waterfalls • Experience Calheta, a town built upon one of Madeira’s prettiest white-sand beaches.
Night 3
Converted from an old sugar mill, this sleek hotel has been redesigned with modern decor and rooms boasting floor-to-ceiling windows looking out on the Atlantic and surrounding green mountains. (pool, spa)
Days 4-6
Learn about banana trees and the island's agricultural history on a guided tour of an organic banana farm, only accessible by boat or cable car • Savor a variety of farm-fresh Madeiran dishes and wines for lunch • Explore the island’s highest peaks, ascending nearly 6,000 feet to gaze at privileged views of the surrounding mountain ridges • Dine on Michelin-starred cuisine after watching a spectacular sunset • Walk Funchal’s cobblestoned streets and take a cable car up to Monte for aerial views of the city.
Nights 4-5
With iconic baby-pink walls, this palatial structure built onto the clifftops near Funchal has been an island mainstay for the past 100 years. Though modernized, it still enjoys a roaring 20s flair. (pool, spa)
What's Included
See moreStraight Talk
We want to make sure you're on the trip that's right for you. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.
The Old World legacy of Portugal is beautifully reflected in the hotels and restaurants featured on this trip. While we've handpicked some of the region's finest lodgings and eateries, on occasion you may find them simpler than what's typical on other Backroads Premiere trips in Europe. The relaxed lifestyle that defines this region can also result in slower service.
Hotels
World-Class Hotels
Our hand-selected Premiere hotels offer exceptional hospitality and experiences as special as the regions we explore.
Hotels may vary based on departure. Any variations will be displayed when selecting a departure under Dates & Prices.
Nights 1-2
Premiere Hotel
High up in the hills above Funchal, this tranquil hotel—originally built in 1804—has kept its old-world charm and is filled with antiques, fresh flowers and floral patterns inspired by its proximity to the lovely Palheiro Estate and Gardens. A Relais & Châteaux member. (pool, spa)
Night 3
Premiere Hotel
Converted from an old sugar mill, this sleek hotel has been redesigned with modern decor and rooms boasting floor-to-ceiling windows looking out on the Atlantic and surrounding green mountains. (pool, spa)
Nights 4-5
Premiere Hotel
With iconic baby-pink walls, this palatial structure built onto the clifftops near Funchal has been an island mainstay for the past 100 years. Though modernized, it still enjoys a roaring 20s flair. (pool, spa)
Gallery
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Dates & Prices
Dates & Prices
Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations (if any) and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy in USD.
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