Portugal’s hiking paradise: Explore wild coastal paths and mountain trails on the Pearl of the Atlantic
Volcanic, wild, diverse − Madeira is a heaven for walkers. On this small-group adventure, we experience the most beautiful routes on this Portuguese island, from gentle strolls along flower-lined levadas (centuries-old waterways) and spectacular coastal footpaths to more demanding forays among the jagged ridges and peaks of the mountainous interior. There’s also time to relax by the sea in Machico village, see waves crash close to shore in Porto Moniz and discover the historic importance of Funchal, an old trade hub for sugar and wine.
Highlights
Walk through the botanical paradise of Madeira, taking the most scenic trails on the island
Stroll alongside flower-lined levadas with stunning views over the Atlantic
Marvel at spectacular mountain scenery, including Pico Ruivo, the island’s highest peak
Watch sunrise from Pico Arieiro, one of the highest mountains on the island
Uncover the cultural side of Madeira with an exploration of the capital, Funchal
Hike through the mystical Fanal Forest, where twisted trees create a fairytale setting
Key Information
Accommodation: 4 Superior nights (hotels), 3 Classic nights (hotels)
Five days walking; one free day
Group normally 5 to 16, plus leader. Minimum age: 18
We may need to amend the itinerary depending on local weather conditions, which can change quickly
Countries visited: Portugal
What's Included
All breakfasts and two dinners
All accommodation
All transport and listed activities
Tour leader throughout
Arrival and departure transfers for everyone
What's Not Included
Lunches and dinners not mentioned in Inclusions
Travel insurance
Single accommodation (available on request)
Visas or vaccinations
5Days of Walking & Trekking
Pace:
Moderate: 3mph-4mph (5kph-6kph)
Terrain:
Low altitude; some rough terrain – good paths with some steep ascents
Day 2
8 km / 5 miles
Day 3
12 km / 7.5 miles
Day 4
12 km / 7.5 miles
Day 5
11 km / 6.8 miles
Day 7
9 km / 5.6 miles
People, Places & Planet
We work hard to create trips that improve life for the people and places we visit, and look after the planet we explore. Find out more about our sustainable travel ethos and practice here, and find out about the work of the Exodus Travels Foundation here.
Some sustainable travel highlights of this trip include:
People: How this trip helps improve life for local communities.
We always use an experienced local guide, bringing income and employment directly to those individuals, and giving our customers the opportunity to speak with knowledgeable local people.
Income and opportunity is provided to locally owned hotels and restaurants in the destination communities. An emphasis is placed on eating locally produced food and supporting local enterprise.
All the hotels we stay in hire local staff, which benefits the community by providing employment opportunities and income where they may otherwise be hard to find, particularly in more rural areas such as Santana.
Several stops at villages and towns on our route are quite rural and the locals there depend heavily on tourism as a means of income, therefore our visit greatly benefits them.
Places: How this trip helps protect and conserve local landscapes and nature.
Read about our commitment to nature protection and restoration here, including our rewilding commitment for every customer who travels.
By travelling in a small group, led by a local guide, we ‘tread lightly’ to minimise our impact on local resources and the environment.
Walking trips like this have very little detrimental impact on the environment and the locals, as it is a quiet, low impact activity requiring comparatively few resources to support.
We work with our partners on the ground to proactively eliminate or reduce waste. On this trip, we recommend drinking tap water, which is safe to drink, thus eliminating the need for plastic water bottles.
Planet: How we seek to keep the carbon footprint of this trip low.
Read about our climate action here, including our carbon reduction and compensation commitments.
We use the public bus rather than private transfers on three days during the itinerary, which removes the need for private vehicles and keeps our carbon footprint low.
Accommodation and restaurants in the itinerary use locally sourced food which has not been transported long distances.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available at most of the accommodations and restaurants.
This trip favours locally owned and run accommodation.
Tips for sustainable travel on this trip
Leave no trace: We do all we can to ensure we leave no rubbish behind in the wild and beautiful places we visit; we ask that you do the same.
Plastic waste reduction: Please bring your own reusable water bottle on this trip; tap water is safe to drink.
Itinerary
Machico
Funchal
Day
1
Start Machico
We start at our hotel in Machico, which overlooks the beach of Machico Bay. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, in which we can discuss the adventures to come and you can ask any questions you may have.
Fly to Funchal; transfer to Machico
Fly to Funchal and transfer (approximately 15 minutes) to our hotel in Machico, which overlooks the beach of Machico Bay. Overnight in Machico.
Day
2
Walk to the easternmost point of the island, Ponta de São Lourenço, a rocky peninsula with ocean views for miles
Today we walk the classic route along the Ponta de São Lourenço. Although challenging in parts, this path takes us through fantastic scenery as we admire wallflowers, stalwarts and many other tiny plants that resist the windy environment and grow in soils with high salinity levels. Rocks, sculptured by nature, have a great diversity of colours ranging from black to red, and are in stark contrast to the blue of the ocean. Park rangers watch over the plants and animals that belong to this eastern extremity of the island, around Casa do Sardinha. We return to our hotel in Machico in the afternoon, and there is free time to explore the village or relax at the beach.
Spectacular walk along the north coast path to the village of Porto da Cruz
This morning, we take the public bus and walk a scenic route along a cliff trail on the north coast. We set off along the little Levada do Caniçal, more modest and quieter than yesterday’s path, then begin a gradual climb to the crest of the cliffs at Boca do Risco, where we enjoy amazing views along the north coast. We then head west along the coastal path: a spectacular route, in many places cut right into the cliff. We finally descend to Porto da Cruz, once a bustling port but now a sleepy, picturesque village. Time permitting (and if open), we have a short look around a factory that has been producing Madeira rum for several centuries. Later, we transfer to Santana for the night.
Transfer to Queimadas; walk along Levada do Caldeirão Verde to the remote village of Ilha
After a quick stop to admire the thatched-roof houses of Santana, we take a short transfer inland to Queimadas Natural Park, where we walk along the Levada do Caldeirão Verde. This route has many waterfalls and we may need to pass under some to continue the path. We use our torches/flashlights to walk through tunnels carved into the mountains. We finish the walk with a descent into the village of Ilha before a transfer to the coastal town of Porto Moniz in the west of the island.
Our walk today starts on the Paul da Serra plateau and ends at the Unesco World Natural Heritage site of Fanal Forest. We walk via open landscapes with fabulous views over the Ribeira da Janela and Chão da Ribeira valleys, and through the largest surviving area of laurisilva forest on the planet (believed to be 90 percent primary forest).
We end the hike at the fairytale Fanal Forest, a small volcanic crater filled with twisted trees and often shrouded in mist. Many of the ocotea foetens trees here predate the founding of Madeira in 1419, and we take time to absorb the unique energy of the forest before returning to Porto Moniz.
Morning transfer to Funchal; free day to explore the city or join an optional whale-watching excursion
After a morning transfer (approximately one hour) via the mountainous interior, today is free for you to explore Funchal, the island capital and our base for the final two nights of the trip. The city is easily explored on foot and sites of interest include Sé Cathedral, built between 1493 and 1514, and the imposing statue of Madeira founder, João Gonçalves Zarco, on Avenida Arriaga.
Alternatively, take the cable car to Monte Palace and Tropical Gardens to enjoy fascinating installations and magnificent views over the city, learn about the production of Madeira’s ever-popular wine at Blandy’s Wine Lodge, or join a whale-watching tour to spot some of the 28 whale and dolphin species that grace Madeira’s waters throughout the year.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
7
Early departure for Pico Arieiro; continue the path to Pico Ruivo
Today we embark on the most strenuous walk of the trip. We depart early to reach the third highest mountain on the island, Pico Arieiro (5,965ft/1,818m), in time for sunrise, then continue to Pico Ruivo (6,109ft/1,862m), the highest peak, for more fantastic views. We finish by taking the 1.9mi (3km) path to Achado do Teixeira. The path has lots of ascents and descents along the way, but the memorable scenery is ample reward. At the end of the walk, we transfer back to Funchal.
Please note: On occasion, the route to Pico Ruivo may be closed due to mudslides or inclement weather. Our guide will always try to offer another route up to Pico Ruivo, but if this is not possible, an alternative walk from Ribeiro Frio to Portela will be available. This route traverses native forest and offers wonderful coastal views.
*Due to recent forest fires the route to the Pico’s is closed so the departures between 31/8/24 and 19/10/24 will operate an alternative walk in the southwest of the island following a Levada walk between Fajã da Ovelha to Paúl do Mar, providing panoramic views of the region.
The trip ends in Funchal after breakfast. Hop into your free transfer to the airport. Or, if you’d like a little longer on the island, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.
Meals included: Breakfast
Transfer to Funchal; fly to London
Transfer to the airport (approximately 30 minutes), fly to London.
Essential Info
Is this trip for you?
This trip is rated Activity Level 3 (Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings please visit our Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.
This trip consists of five daywalks and one free day. The walks are fairly easy, medium-duration walks, or more challenging, shorter walks. Reasonable fitness is required. The paths we use are generally flat and well maintained but some routes cross rougher terrain with longer ascents and descents, and some trails involve walking up or down steps. Some of the paths are quite narrow and stony underfoot and require walking in single file.
On several occasions, where the path narrows and has a steep drop to one side, walkers need a head for heights. Handrails sometimes protect these sections, but these are not in place in all parts; therefore, we do not recommend this holiday for vertigo sufferers. A few of the levada paths enter short tunnels through the rock but these are easily navigated with the aid of a torch/flashlight.
Following a review of all our trips we have categorised this trip as generally not suitable for persons of reduced mobility. However if you are a regular traveller on such trips, please contact customer services to discuss the trip and your personal condition.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Start hotel: Hotel Dom Pedro, Caminho de São Roque, 9200-126 Machico Phone: +351 291 969 505 Recommended arrival time: The welcome meeting and main briefing will be held at 6pm in the reception of the start hotel. Airport: Funchal Airport (FNC)
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is approximately 15 minutes’ drive from the airport. Exodus provides free arrival transfers to the start hotel from the airport for all customers.
If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
Catching your return flight
Exodus provides free departure transfers for all customers to Funchal Airport (FNC) from the end hotel.
Please note, unless specified otherwise, the transfers will be to the start (or pre-tour) hotel and from the end (or post-tour) hotel and will be on the date on which the tour starts/ends; transfers to other hotels in the same city and/or on different dates may attract an extra charge. Transfers should be booked with your sales representative at least two weeks before the tour starts.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Machico Location end: Funchal
Vaccinations and Health
Portugal
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus and rabies. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.
Passport
Remember to check the expiration date of your passport if travelling internationally. Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after the date of your scheduled return.
Visa
Portugal
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Portugal. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
Breakfast: All breakfasts are included and usually consist of coffee/tea, fruit juice, rolls or bread, butter and jam, cereal, ham and cheese.
Lunch (not included): The ingredients for lunch are usually bought at a nearby shop or supermarket each morning before taking the transfer/public bus to the start point of the walk. Premade sandwiches and snacks are available, or you may prefer to purchase bread rolls and freshly cut cheese/meat to create your own lunch.
Dinner: Two dinners are included while in Porto Moniz. For dinners not included, we aim to eat in a different restaurant each night. Scabbard fish is a local delicacy, along with espetadas (beef skewers). Typical Madeiran cuisine incorporates a lot of meat and fish with rather plainly cooked vegetables and boiled potatoes. There will generally be at least one vegetarian option on the menu, but vegetarians should be prepared to request an alternative dish if required.
Weather
The climate in Madeira is like that found around the Mediterranean and is renowned for its year-round mildness; however, there is always the possibility of inclement weather. The island has several micro-climates, so expect temperatures and weather to vary from day to day as we visit different areas of the island, from chilly and foggy in the mountains to warm and dry in Funchal.
From April to June, and October to November, temperatures are pleasant and with some rainfall. From July to September, daytime is a little warmer, typically dry with an average of seven to eight hours of sunshine a day, but the odd shower is still possible. Winter is generally wetter, particularly at high levels with rain falling between periods of fine, settled weather (so waterproofs are essential). Please note, we may be forced to amend the itinerary depending on local weather conditions, which can change quickly.
Weather Charts
Three- and four-star hotels
Throughout the trek, we stay in good quality hotels, some right on the coast with amazing views. Below are the hotels we normally use:
Machico: Hotel Dom Pedro (nights 1-2)
The hotel has sweeping views over Machico Bay and offers a range of leisure amenities, including table tennis, a pool table, and an outdoor pool (open in good weather). There is a piano bar with occasional live music and coffee/cake is served throughout the day in the lounge area.
Santana: Hotel O Colmo (night 3)
In the heart of Santana, a traditional village in the north, this hotel has spacious rooms and an indoor pool. It also has a much-loved restaurant, which serves typical Madeiran and Portuguese cuisine (plus international) and attracts a local crowd from Funchal.
Porto Moniz: Hotel Aqua Natura Bay (nights 4-5)
The Hotel Agua Natura Bay has an enviable location with views over the natural swimming pools in town. Hotel amenities include a hot tub and sauna where you can rest your tired limbs, and we dine in the excellent hotel restaurants during our stay.
Funchal: Hotel do Carmo, Terrace Mar Suite Hotel or Pestana Casino Studios (nights 6-7)
Hotel do Carmo has a quirky 1960s theme, with each room paying homage to a different star from the Swinging Sixties. There’s also a rooftop pool, along with a lovely outdoor terrace on the ground floor. The Terrace Mar Suite Hotel (pictured above) is a 43-suite property with a heated rooftop pool and jacuzzi. The Pestana Casino Studios is a five-minute walk to the centre of Funchal with an outdoor pool and access to the indoor and spa facilities of the neighbouring Pestana Casino Park Resort.
Varied walks, knowledgeable guide, great overview of Madeira
We had a very enjoyable week in Madeira with our group of 14 and guide Nelio.
We thought the trip worked really well to be able to stay in 4 different locations across the week to really see all parts of Madeira and allow short transfers for each walk. We enjoyed all the walks and liked the variety – coast line, forest, levadas etc.
The biggest disappointment of the week however was not being able to do the main walk of the week on the final day (Pico Arieiro to Pico Ruivo) – due to a fire in the middle of the walk a few weeks previously, as well as bad weather.
But the alternative walk Nelio took us on (a levada from Fajã da Ovelha finishing with a steep descent on PR19 Caminho Real do Paul do Mar) was a real highlight and finished in the little town of Paul do Mar for beers in the sun and a refreshing swim in the sea.
The walk on day 4 at Queimadas Natural Park (walking along the Levada do Caldeirão Verde) was really interesting and beautiful, but we felt far too busy and quite dangerous. You walk along the narrow ledges of the levada with steep dropoffs, with two-way traffic so you have to keep leaning out over the rope barriers to let others pass. There have been incidents there, and it could do with either making it one-way, or certain times where people go in or come out, so it stops the 2-way traffic which the narrow ledges cannot accomodate and makes progress very slow.
One point that we also felt could improve the trip was the ability to buy/make packed lunches. The first day in Machino we all had to go to the supermarket to buy food for the following day. We all found this difficult as there was little options for easy picnic food. The rest of the week most of us just made a sandwich at breakfast to bring with us.
We thought it would make the trip a lot simpler if the hotels allowed guests to make a small packed lunch at breakfast, or alternatively provide a packed lunch service for a small fee. Apparently Exodus had mentioned to some others in our group that it would be possible to buy prepared packed lunches from hotels.
It was not always practical to go to a supermarket, and they often didnt have appropraite items.
We found all the hotels to be of good quality and enjoyed all our stays.
We loved the pool at Hotel Dom Pedro which we enjoyed on both afternoons. The spa at Hotel O Colmo and Hotel Aqua Natura Bay were great, and it was lovely to be able to use the large pool and facilites at the Pestana Casino for the final few days.
Our favourite hotel of the week however was the Hotel Aqua Natura Bay which was super clean, modern, great facilities, large bedrooms, excellent staff and great location just across the road from the natural pools. The included dinners here were fantastic and beautifully presented.
The transport for the week worked well and although the trip notes mentioned public transport, we had a private mini bus for the whole trip. Although be aware on the trip from Porto Moniz to Funchal, all luggage was stacked up in one big pile at the back of the minibus which made it cramped for the people at the back, and any bags at the bottom of the pile got squashed.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Nelio was a very competent guide and was careful to ensure the walks were within the groups capability and always went at a pace to suit everyone. He was very careful on safety and clearly highlighted any areas to be careful.
Advice for Potential Travellers
The weather did change a lot during our week so bring layers, waterproofs and suncream!
Martin Williamson
Reviewed September 2024
Great walking, Excellent and knowledgeable guide
A great introduction to walking in Madeira with a friendly and knowledgeable guide. All the distances were manageable and the routes were well assessed
Paul Eccleson
Reviewed July 2024
Great trek, super guide, mixed hotels
This trip shows you the varied aspects of Madeira’s beauty.
Most Inspirational Moment
Sunrise above the clouds
Thoughts on Group Leader
Bruno was excellent
Advice for Potential Travellers
Madeira's weather is very changeable -pack layers.
Paul Henderson
Reviewed May 2024
What a variety of walks!
I was expecting this trip to be full of activity and it did not disappoint. The five days which were dedicated to walking around the different areas of the island all had something unique to offer, from the barren coastline in the east to the misty and mystical forests in the north. The climax of the trip was the final day achieving the summit of Pico Ruivo, from where all the previous walks could be seen after the sunrise.
Most Inspirational Moment
Watching the sunrise from Pico do Arieiro
Thoughts on Group Leader
Nello was cheerful and entertaining. His English was at times slightly faltering, but on the whole he cared for us on the walks, was very knowledgeable about the flora and fauna, and cheered us with his wit and jokes along the way. I thought it was a shame he was not with us at the end of the trip.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Be prepared for the weather not to be always how you want or expect it.
Jane C
Reviewed May 2024
Walking the Island of Madeira
Excellent organisation start to finish. Very good itinerary Excellent guide A good price.
Most Inspirational Moment
The beauty of Madeira, the challenging last day, and the fact that we all did it.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Very careful to ensure that we all were well supported and safe.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Varied day by day. Reflected difficulty grading, challenging but possible. We enjoyed it
Michelle MacEachern
Reviewed April 2024
Walking the Island of Madeira
This was my fourth Exodus trip and my first travelling solo. I had very good experiences during the first three trips and thought that I knew what to expect and would be safe travelling solo as a female. I walked Amalfi with Tony, Cinque Terre with Michaela and the Camino Trail with Miguel and they all were very organized and met with the group to have a introductory and informative meeting before we started our walk and would often have dinner with the group each night. This did not happen in Madeira. Our meeting was supposed to happen on Saturday, April 13th, the day before our walk began, but Bruno our leader could not get the group all together. He blamed it on miscommunication from some woman at the agency. Our first meeting happened the morning of our first walk. Our group didn’t start having dinner together until the fourth day of our trip. Bruno didn’t have any meals with the group and travelled from his own home to meet up with us for our walks. He said that Exodus would not cover the cost of a room for him. As a solo traveller, I was getting bored of eating dinner alone and I took this trip because I thought all of the trips ran in a similar way. Bruno didn’t know my name, he called me lady when addressing me on one of our walks later in the week. Thursday was his day off and the group was leaving Port Muniz by taxi and travelling to Funchal. There were two confused taxi drivers who picked us up we were not all staying in the same hotel. The group was split in half, some were staying at a hotel mentioned in the trip notes, while the others were staying at another hotel that was not in the trip notes. All of the highlighted names on the list were staying in the same hotel, my name was highlighted, but when we arrived – there was no reservation for me! I was lucky to be travelling with the one person (Trevor) who took a photo of the list and had the other hotel name. They lovely receptionist at the Terrace Mar sorted it all out and I had a place to stay. Bruno was aware of the mix up at the hotel but never addressed it with me. I was very lucky to be travelling with such a good group of people.
We were on our own to purchase lunches but the grocery stores do not have pre made sandwiches or salads. You buy bread, meat and etc. to make your own. One of the hotels did not have a mini bar but offered to store your lunch in a fridge.
The pace of the walk was a little slow for me but the scenery and the weather was beautiful. After a long day in the sun when you want to grab a cold drink, hop in the pool, Bruno would end the day with a long meeting.
Most Inspirational Moment
The weather and scenery was very nice. The last day, walking Pico Arieiro to Pico Ruivo was the highlight for me.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Bruno needs some training or lessons in hospitality.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Madeira has gorgeous scenery and the weather was beautiful. If you are travelling solo and don't mind uncertainty this may work for you.
Reply from Exodus
We’re grateful that Michelle has taken the time to review the experience she had in Madeira, though we’re genuinely sorry to read that it wasn’t as positive as the previous trips she has taken with Exodus.
We expect our tour leaders to hold a meeting on the first day of the trip, to go over the itinerary and introduce themselves and members of the group, so we’re disappointed that Michelle’s leader, Bruno, did not do so until the morning of the first walk. It’s uncommon for this to happen, and we are following up with our local team to see why the welcome briefing didn’t go ahead as usual, and have reminded our leaders of the importance of holding it on the first day.
Similarly, we expect our leaders to make arrangements for group dinners, as we appreciate that especially for solo travellers the social aspect of our trips is really important, and have reminded our local team of this. We’re aware that Bruno’s family lives locally, which is why he returned home instead of eating with and staying with the group; again, this is unusual for an Exodus trip and we have asked Bruno to stay with the group in the evenings on future departures. We would of course cover the cost of rooming for Bruno, as we do with all Exodus tour leaders.
Bruno has received very positive feedback from Exodus customers on previous departures, so we were surprised that Michelle didn’t have the same experience of his leadership; we will certainly be addressing this with Bruno, and are confident he will return to his high standards on future trips.
We understand it will have been surprising that Michelle’s group were split between two hotels in Funchal. Funchal can get extremely busy at peak season, which poses problems for booking groups into a single property. As a result, we book as many group members as possible into the regular hotel we use here, and notify later bookers of the different property they will stay at in Funchal. We’re confident that this system works well, but we recognise that there was somewhat of a mix-up on your trip, for which we do apologise.
Regarding the lunch arrangements on this tour, these are clarified in the trip notes, though we regret Michelle’s disappointment with them and are looking to arrange for groups to be able to put together their lunches in the morning at the hotel.
Again, we’d like to thank Michelle for her feedback and hope that we’re able to welcome her back on another Exodus trip soon.
– Danny Bell, Exodus Product Manager
Jennifer H
Reviewed March 2024
Walking the Island of Madeira
I felt it was well organised to give a good experience of hiking in Madeira.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Knowledgeable local guide giving a variety of walks.
Dana B
Reviewed March 2024
Walking the Island of Madeira
The trip was well planned and executed, very few minor issues with accommodation check ins, easy itinerary changes to allow for weather- whole trip ran incredibly smoothly and guide was great.
Most Inspirational Moment
The second hike along the coastal path was a very enjoyable walk with constant panoramic views of the beautiful island. The final day we took an alternate view due to weather, and were able to do a wet and challenging but highly enjoyable hike to eagles nest. The amount of passion fruit desserts I enjoyed afterward were an added bonus.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Bruno was a wonderful and enthusiastic group leader. He told us all about the island and some stories from his travels. He was very helpful in preparing us with the information for our hikes, communicating when things might need to be altered, and was a great aid when some members needed a bit more help on some of the trickier trails.
Advice for Potential Travellers
The swim in the volcano pools was an unexpected treat. We were lucky as well since the weather turned the day after we went so they were closed down. Definitely take advantage when you can be sure of it.
John G
Reviewed March 2024
Walking the Island of Madeira
Varied terrain and spectacular scenery. This trip surpassed my already high expectations!
Most Inspirational Moment
The scenery which changed throughout the day, and every day was different.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Narcisco was passionate about guiding and preserving the wilderness in Madeira!
Advice for Potential Travellers
Difficulty of the hike was underestimated. Some members of our group struggled difficulty of several hikes.
jenny pulman
Reviewed February 2024
walking in madiera
Many changes to trip notes – including days walking and lack of public transport
Thoughts on Group Leader
Got better as week went on. First night was dreadful. we had to chase hotel to find out time to meet. Then we were waiting in a separate place and we had to then go and find leader. No group meets in evening arranged until we suggested. I think he didn't know how Exodus operates generally as his first one and I felt sorry for the many lone travellers in our group as they were on their own for 3 evenings I think.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take own snacks from UK for lunches. Local shops poor and unhealthy selections (no M&S Salads!) and often closed when had time to shop
Reply from Exodus
We’re disappointed to read that Jenny felt her trip to Madeira could have been better, though we are thankful for her taking the time to leave a review.
We do highlight in our trip notes that occasionally, the itinerary may be shuffled or changed for a variety of reasons outside of Exodus’ control, most commonly on walking trips because of weather. We have followed up with our local team about the changes made, but are confident that these will have retained the integrity of the original itinerary as much as possible. Regarding public transport, we use this as well as private vehicles, though occasionally for the benefit of the group we use the latter over the former for logistical reasons.
It was Jenny’s tour leader, Narcisco’s, first Exodus trip, for which we provide comprehensive training and a leader handbook. However, it sounds like he did not arrange meetings and group meals as we would expect, and we have followed up with our local team to remind him to do this on any future trips he leads. Narcisco should also have been more proactive in leaving messages at reception so that your group could gather for your welcome briefing, and we are sorry this was not done and caused some real inconvenience.
We are also exploring the possibility of providing healthy lunch options which our customers can pack at their hotel in the morning before walks.
We hope that the above can show that we are following up on Jenny’s concerns, and hope that we will be able to welcome her back on another Exodus trip when she travels again.
Optional Single Supplement+CAD 817 Available upon Request
Availability
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and is now fully booked, although we may have people holding spaces without payment. Please contact our Sales team for further information.
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and can be booked, although some components will need to be requested. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and can be booked, although some components will need to be requested. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
Land Only Trip PriceCAD 2470
Book with CAD 617 deposit
Book with CAD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement+CAD 912
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
Land Only Trip PriceCAD 2470
Book with CAD 617 deposit
Book with CAD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement+CAD 912
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
Land Only Trip PriceCAD 2470
Book with CAD 617 deposit
Book with CAD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement+CAD 912
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
Land Only Trip PriceCAD 2470
Book with CAD 617 deposit
Book with CAD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement+CAD 912
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
Land Only Trip PriceCAD 2470
Book with CAD 617 deposit
Book with CAD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement+CAD 912
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
Land Only Trip PriceCAD 2470
Book with CAD 617 deposit
Book with CAD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement+CAD 912
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
Land Only Trip PriceCAD 2470
Book with CAD 617 deposit
Book with CAD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement+CAD 912
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
Land Only Trip PriceCAD 2470
Book with CAD 617 deposit
Book with CAD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement+CAD 912
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
Land Only Trip PriceCAD 2565
Book with CAD 641 deposit
Book with CAD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement+CAD 912
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
Land Only Trip PriceCAD 2565
Book with CAD 641 deposit
Book with CAD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement+CAD 912 Available upon Request
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
Land Only Trip PriceCAD 2565
Book with CAD 641 deposit
Book with CAD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement+CAD 912
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
Land Only Trip PriceCAD 2565
Book with CAD 641 deposit
Book with CAD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement+CAD 912
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
Land Only Trip PriceCAD 2565
Book with CAD 641 deposit
Book with CAD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement+CAD 912 Available upon Request
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
Land Only Trip PriceCAD 2565
Book with CAD 641 deposit
Book with CAD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement+CAD 912
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
Land Only Trip PriceCAD 2565
Book with CAD 641 deposit
Book with CAD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement+CAD 912
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
Land Only Trip PriceCAD 2565
Book with CAD 641 deposit
Book with CAD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement+CAD 912
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
Land Only Trip PriceCAD 2565
Book with CAD 641 deposit
Book with CAD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement+CAD 912
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
Land Only Trip PriceCAD 2565
Book with CAD 641 deposit
Book with CAD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement+CAD 912
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
Land Only Trip PriceCAD 2565
Book with CAD 641 deposit
Book with CAD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement+CAD 912
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
Land Only Trip PriceCAD 2565
Book with CAD 641 deposit
Book with CAD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement+CAD 912
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
Land Only Trip PriceCAD 2470
Book with CAD 617 deposit
Book with CAD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement+CAD 912
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
Land Only Trip PriceCAD 2470
Book with CAD 617 deposit
Book with CAD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement+CAD 912
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
Land Only Trip PriceCAD 2470
Book with CAD 617 deposit
Book with CAD 500 deposit
Optional Single Supplement+CAD 912
Availability
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
*Please note any date & price adjustments will be displayed on the next step of booking. You will be able to revert back to booking without flights if the options aren't suitable for you.
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