Walking the Island of Madeira

Name: Walking the Island of Madeira
Brand: Exodus
Rating: 4.5 (29 reviews)

29 reviews

Activity

Walking & Trekking

Overview

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. Staying in four-star hotels throughout, 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, see waves crash close to shore in Porto Moniz and discover the historic importance of Funchal, an old trade hub for sugar and wine.

Key Information

Trip Code: TSD2
Ways to Travel: Guided Group
Countries: Portugal
Carbon Footprint: 14kg CO2e per person per day

What's Included

All accommodation: 5 Superior nights (hotels), 2 Classic nights (hotels)
All breakfasts and three dinners
Immersive itinerary with all transport and listed activities
Expert tour leader to enhance your adventure
Arrival and departure transfers

Don't Forget To

Request a single room if required, purchase travel insurance and arrange any visas and vaccinations.

5 days of Walking & Trekking

Pace:

Moderate: 3mph-4mph (5kph-6kph)
Five days walking; one free day

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: 11 km / 6.8 miles
Day 5: 11 km / 6.8 miles
Day 7: 9 km / 5.6 miles

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

Itinerary

First Destination: Santa Cruz
Next Destination: Funchal

Accommodation:Hotel Solar do Bom Jesus (or similar)
Meals included:Dinner

Accommodation:Hotel Solar do Bom Jesus (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast

Accommodation:Hotel Aqua Natura Bay (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast

Accommodation:Hotel Aqua Natura Bay (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation:Hotel Aqua Natura Bay (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation:Hotel Quinta Perestrello (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast

Accommodation:Hotel Quinta Perestrello (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast

Meals included:Breakfast

First Destination: Santa Cruz
Next Destination: Funchal

Begin your adventure in Santa Cruz, a coastal town on Madeira’s east side known for its long seafaring history and proximity to the island’s volcanic shoreline.

Around 6pm, say olá to your tour leader and fellow travellers at the hotel, where we gather as a group for the first time to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead.

Want to explore further? Secure pre-tour nights through your sales representative.

Your tour leader then ensures a warm Madeiran welcome by arranging a group dinner.

Accommodation:Hotel Solar do Bom Jesus (or similar)
Meals included:Dinner

Rise early to walk the classic route along the Ponta de São Lourenço during its most peaceful period. 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 the afternoon, and there is free time to explore.

Accommodation:Hotel Solar do Bom Jesus (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast

This morning, we take a transfer 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 Porto Moniz for the night.

Accommodation:Hotel Aqua Natura Bay (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast

Begin today’s walk in the remote village of Falca de Cima, following cobblestone paths. These lead us to the Levada dos Tornos, one of Madeira’s key irrigation channels carrying water from the north to the south.

The route continues beside the levada through rich greenery, where endemic plants and birdlife thrive. A simple forestry house provides a natural pause before we descend a broad dirt track to the trail’s end – a rewarding journey through the natural heart of Madeira.

Accommodation:Hotel Aqua Natura Bay (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner

Our walk today starts on the Paul da Serra plateau and ends at the 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.

Accommodation:Hotel Aqua Natura Bay (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner

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.

Accommodation:Hotel Quinta Perestrello (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast

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 the forest fires that occurred in August 2024, the route between Pico Arieiro and Pico Ruivo remains closed, and at present there is no confirmed date for its reopening. However, it is still possible to access the route leading to Pico Arieiro. Here, we experience the sunrise from a slightly lower vantage point, allowing us to avoid the larger crowds typically found at the summit. Following this, we take a short transfer to the official starting point of the trek at Pico Arieiro. From there, we begin our hike toward Ribeira das Cales, enjoying impressive panoramic views over Curral das Freiras and the highlands surrounding Funchal.

Accommodation:Hotel Quinta Perestrello (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast

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

Dates & Prices

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Accommodation

Four-star hotels

We aim to secure locally owned accommodation that is well located, offers good value for money, and plenty of comfort. To help you find your ideal adventure, each trip is given a Comfort Level rating, which indicates the overall standard of accommodation. For more on our ratings, see our Comfort Level guidelines.

Santa Cruz: Hotel Solar do Bom Jesus (nights 1-2)

Begin the adventure at Solar do Bom Jesus, housed in an 18^th-century manor that once belonged to the Viscounts of Torre Bela. It’s ideally located for exploring the town, close to the 16^th-century church, while Praia das Palmeiras, a pebble beach, is just across the road – or there’s the hotel pool if you fancy a quick swim.

Porto Moniz: Hotel Aqua Natura Bay (nights 3-5)

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 Quinta Perestrello (nights 6-7)

End the adventure much as you started: enjoying the hospitality of a Madeiran manor. This 37-room retreat has plenty of modern comforts to enjoy: an outdoor pool, sauna, and Turkish bath, while you can enjoy further relaxation in the library or with a game of billiards.

Essential Information

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.

Walking profile: This trip consists of five daywalks and one free day. The average walking distance is 6.4mi (10.4km) and you will encounter rocky underfoot terrain and some single tracks. 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.

Terrain: 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.

Itinerary: We may need to amend the itinerary depending on local weather conditions, which can change quickly.

Key information

Start hotel: Hotel Solar do Bom Jesus, Estrada da Ribeira n.º 4, 9100-169 Santa Cruz
Phone: +351 291 603 093
Recommended arrival time: The welcome meeting is held around 6pm in the hotel reception, followed by a group dinner
Airport: Funchal Airport (FNC)

Getting to the start hotel

The start hotel is approximately five minutes’ drive from the airport. We provide free arrival transfers to the start hotel from the airport for everyone. If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.

Catching your return flight

We provide free departure transfers for everyone to Funchal Airport (FNC) from the end hotel.

Please note, unless specified otherwise, the transfers will be to the start hotel and from the end 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.

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.

• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/portugal
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/portugal
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/portugal/entry-requirements
• USA:  www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Portugal.html

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 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. It is also possible to pre-order a picnic from the hotel the night before and the cost ranges from €13-€16.

Dinner: For dinners not included, we aim to eat in a different restaurant each night. Typically, the tour leader eats with the group for at least two nights of the trip and recommends/arranges places to eat on the others. 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.

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).

As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.

We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.

This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony through practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.

Reviews

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Karen Mayne

Added March 2026

Scenic and peaceful Madeira

Walking the Island of Madeira was our first hiking tour and it was a delight! The five hikes were wonderfully varied, taking place on different parts of the island. From soaring cliffs, surf pounding jagged rocks, lush green forest and farms, charming towns - this series of walks had it all. We went in late February/early March, knowing the weather could be a bit unpredictable and it was. We got rained on, the "official" trails were closed by the government due to high winds one day, and a freak snowfall made the final hike atop Pico Arieiro impossible. But through it all, our guide Paulo proved unflappable. He rolled with the conditions, adapted, and came up with new routes that continually showcased the charm and beauty of his home island. We loved the exposure to the off-the-beaten-path small towns and local coffee shops and pubs where the locals go. Everything was quite affordable (two pints for $3.90 Euros in one neighbourhood cafe). This was less the case, though, in the capital of Funchal which has some very touristy areas with cruise ships docking. Overall, this was a relaxing, fascinating week on this hidden gem of an island.

Most Inspirational Moment

Arriving in Porto Moniz on the north coast (the windward side of the island) and being blown away by the power of the waves crashing into the rocks on the seafront right outside our beautiful hotel. It was like something you'd see in a movie (on on a postcard, for those who remember those).

Thoughts on Group Leader

We quickly grew to appreciate Paulo. He is a true local who is proud to showcase the beauty of his home. It was obvious that he cared about the group's experience and well-being. He worked hard to build alternate experiences for us when the weather didn't cooperate. Also, he delivered some surprises throughout the week that weren't on the itinerary, including a visit to a rum distillery and a drop-in to a local entrepreneur selling honey from a street-front story. I should also mention our drivers (we had two of them) who did an expert job of gently navigating the narrow and often winding mountainous roads of Madeira.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Anyone wondering about the difficulty of the hikes - I'd say the Exodus description is accurate. The hikes ranged from 10km to 15km. There was some climbing (Madeira is 70% covered in hills and mountains) - up to 600m up and down but it is never a race. If you have a base level of fitness, the slow and steady pace will suit you fine. If you have a fear of heights, it's possible for you to manage that. Wildlife and birds were not as evident on this hike as you may see elsewhere. But overall, the charm of the various towns, the panoramic views and varied hikes made Madeira a place that we can recommend without hesitation.

Susanne Maden

Added November 2025

Walking the best parts of Madeira!

We have had this trip on our radar for a few years but had been put off by poor reviews of both the leader & some of the hotels but we decided to take the plunge & finally book it & we were so glad that we did! We were blessed with having a great group who bonded well together & having Paulo as our leader which made for a fantastic holiday! The walks were all different, from rugged coastal walks to Levadas & magical forests which gave us a true taste of Madeira. Paulo took us to local villages to experience the culture & learn about the history of the island. The hotels were all different in style;- The Dom Pedro is very dated & despite paying for an upgrade, our room was not very nice! The Pestana Casino Studios we liked for their quirky decoration & big rooms although others in our group found them too noisy! For us, the Aqua Natura Hotel was amazing from the fantastic oceon views, the natural salt water pools & lovely food! We felt that the whole holiday was well planned, taken at a relaxed place & tailored to everybodies needs; the trip exceeded our expectations!

Most Inspirational Moment

We loved the variety of walks which meant that we saw different landscapes & got to understand the history & culture of the island.

Thoughts on Group Leader

We arrived at the hotel at 9pm after the welcome meeting but Paulo had left us a note & his contact details so we knew where to meet the next day. The first thing he did was to introduce himself when we met the following morning & from there on in, he made sure that the group knew what to expect & made the whole trip relaxed & worry-free! Paulo was friendly, funny, knowledgeable & was always happy to help! On our last day the weather was horrible so we could not complete the sunrise walk but Paulo arranged for another walk lower down which was lovely & made a nice end to our holiday! He gets extra points for endulging us in our hobby of geocaching, allowing stops so we could search without affecting the rest of the group!

Advice for Potential Travellers

There were quite a few undulating walks with lots of steps so concentrate on strenghtening knee & hips before you travel to make it easier on your joints or take poles.

Leslie Byrnes

Added November 2025

Spectacular

What an excellent trip! The hikes varied in terrain and vistas, from coastal walks to levadas to mystical forests to mountain tops, but all were spectacular and each day was as good as or better than the one before. Paulo was a wonderful guide, knowledgeable about the island, its history, culture, flora and fauna. We were fortunate to have very good weather, and even more fortunate to have a group that gelled beautifully. Not only did everyone get along well, but everyone was fit and hiked at a similar pace. (We understand from other reviews that that's not always the case.) First hotel in Machico was pretty dated, but good location and breakfast. The hotel at Porto Moniz was the best of the trip, modern, well-equipped, great food - and right across the road from volcanic pools. Very scenic. The hotel in Funchal was fine and in a great location.

Most Inspirational Moment

How to choose? The first two walks which featured incredible sea views were hard to beat, but the sunrise from the peak of Pico Areiero may have topped them. Quite magical.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Paulo was terrific. He did a great job briefing us at the outset, and before the next day's hike, making sure that we had realistic expectations. He set up a WhatsApp group to share information and photos, and provided us with restaurant recommendations for the nights when we weren't eating at the hotel. He shared interesting information throughout each hike, and made sure that everyone was doing well.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring hiking poles, and be prepared for the challenges of the trip. Exodus does a good job of describing what the hikes involve; pay attention so that you make sure you're choosing the right trip for you. So long as you're relatively fit, you'll love this. Also, I was surprised that some reviewers complained about having to buy lunches from local supermarkets for their hikes. Really, that was no problem at all. We stopped at a local supermarket each morning as we set out - sometimes there were prepared sandwiches that you could purchase, sometimes not - but it was easy to pick up some fruit, power bars, trail mix and cheese that was perfect for hiking (you could get sliced meats and buns, too, if you wanted). Final tip: on your free day in Funchal, be sure to take the cable car to the top and tour the beautiful Tropical Gardens, then take the "toboggan" (wicker sleigh) ride down - it's unique to Madeira and good fun.

julie hannah

Added July 2025

Madeira- Diverse and Beautiful Landscape

I went two days in advance to settle in to the time difference and enjoy a holiday before the tour started. While the hotel and Machico is nice, I would suggest staying in Funchal and transfering the day of the tour. I took the public bus into Funchal and did a tour of the City with the University (2 hrs) which was amazing! It was a highlight of the tour for me. Funchal is a great City--old European architecture in the centre with beautiful churches and great squares. In terms of the island itself, I really enjoyed the diversity of the landscape that we saw on our hikes. The flowers were amazing and the food was really good (steak skewers and garlic bread made on local sweet potato bread in particular). Going the 2nd week in May was perfect temperature wise for me as it was in the high 60s low 70s! The first hike was a rocky peninsula with great ocean views, wildflowers amongst the red rocks, and long grasses that blew with the wind. There were some flat sections but then a lot of 'rock stairs' that were tough in parts. We were lucky in that the beginning of the hike was overcast and then the sun came out. There is no shade so definately wear sun protection and a hat! The second hike was along a levada which was nice in that it was flat. The path was flat with some stone sections and other parts were mud (which is very slippery when wet). The one side had rock garden plants growing in the rock edge and blue hydrangeas and daylilies on the edge and the other side was agricultural fields in the valley. Mid-way you start to climb up a gentle incline to reach the ocean trail. This trail had beautiful views of the ocean and was a more tropical setting. There were a few scattered waterfalls amongst the hike--one of which you go under--that were really peaceful and in the terms of the one you go under a great cool off feature! I found this hike easier than the first hike as there weren't as many rock 'stairs' to climb up and down. The worst part was at the end we had to walk to the Town (another hr). At first it wasn't bad, but then the slope of the street was too much for my knees (I'm 48 so this normally isn't a problem). The third hike myself and others didn't do as our hike leader said it would be very hard and a harder slope (which others who did it said wasn't the case--they said it was easier than the 2nd day hike but was very crowded with people and there were sheer drops which they didn't like). Instead, the group of us that stayed spent the day in the Natural Lava Ponds (the hotel gives you a free pass) which was so enjoyable as the water was warm and the salt made my muscles feel great. We had a relaxing lunch overlooking the ocean, a few had massages, and I spent the rest of my time at the infinity pool, inside pool (heated), and sauna/spa. This hotel (Aqua Natural) was amazing!!!! And they gave us chocolate every night and a parting gift of apple jam that they made. The fourth hike was again in sun for most of it. The beginning of the hike was in the shade, with the trees having a lot of moss and growing in all sorts of configurations. Then we walked for a long time in wide paths in a rather stunted 'forest'. This part was really long for me as it was pretty much a straight path and the same sights. There were a few good viewing spots of the valley which was very pretty. There were a lot of steps on this hike so I did get tired and my legs got sore...at one point its a couple hundred to get to a road. We walked along a very open field near the end of the day, ascended a hill, to come to the Fanal Forest. The Fanal Forest was amazing as I loved the misty, forested views and got great photos. The trees are twisted with lots of moss. There are a lot of people here so it's not a solo experience...and there are quite a few cows too. We drove into Funchal for a day off. A group of us went to the two botanical gardens which I highly recommend. The municipal gardens have more botanical species, and a linear floral display that is great to see, it also has great views of the ocean and the City. Monte Palace Gardens is really amazing to see. It's very big but there are winding paths through it. You can buy the ticket to the funicular on-line which saves 1 line-up--it goes fast though. The final day we got up very early to watch the sunrise on Pico do Arieiro. I'm Canadian and it was freezing at the top--I had brought light gloves to wear (unfortunately my hat fell out of my bag in the bus...and the hoody wasn't warm enough). The view is amazing--being above the clouds and seeing the sun rise with the mountain tops. The minute it rises it does get warm. There are great views up at the observation point. We didn't do the hike that is mentionned in the tour--there were independent hikers doing it. Instead, we hiked downward through a valley. It was a nice hike and there was a waterfall and river near the end to walk beside. The valley did get foggy at one point so that was cool. Overall, the first 2 day hikes were my favourite in terms of view and I liked the fanal forest at the end of the fourth day hike, and the sunrise on the last day hike. I would go back to Madeira again--the people are very friendly, the island is beautiful, and the food was great!

Most Inspirational Moment

The first hike as it was a tough one that I was able to do-- once I did it I knew I could do the others:)

Thoughts on Group Leader

Honestly, he was the worst leader I have ever had and I go on at least 1-2 tours a year. I had read the descriptions beforehand so I read both the glorying reviews and the critical ones. My experience was the same as the critical ones. On the first day, Bruno arrived very late for our meeting. He said that the local tour company had a different time than what Exodus had on the sheet. He wasn't positive about the tour...telling us the weather would likely be bad and the hikes would be really crowded. Only 6 of us were there...he didn't wait for the others to come an hour later as he told us he wasn't paid for that and he had to get home (other side of the island). I had eaten before...the others went to a restaurant as a group. They said normally there is a group dinner which there wasn't. It wasn't a 'this is going to be awesome' prep talk. The next morning was chaos as the whole group was there...he didn't give others maps or do a talk like he said he would. For the first hike, he literally took off ahead of us, then chatted with several other tour guides and the park rangers so he was behind us. I had no idea where he was. I waited for someone to take photos...but then I got separated from her. So I ended up being alone in the middle of the peninsula--luckily I knew to hike to the oasis but with hundreds on the trail I wasn't sure who was in our group and who wasn't. When I met up at lunch he told me he knew where I was that he could see me so knew I was ok. There literally is no way as the whole route of the trail is not visible at one time. On the way back he told us we could take our time....then he flipped out at the one girl who had which was the same person who had gone up the trail a the end of the peninsula by herself which he said we could do but then was ticked she wasn't with the group and didn't end when he thought she should. The second day hike he was mad at me when I arrived about 5-10 minutes later than the others at the beach/town. He said he couldn't come looking for me and questioned if I could do the tour. I told him my knees were hurting. He didn't come at all to see how I was doing. The other people in my group knew I as walking slow down the street as my knees were 'locking' and were sore. They said I was literally minutes after them which is what I thought. He was ticked when we got to Aqua Natural and there wasn't a room for him...there was no bag taken off the bus so I question it. And having read he didn't stay with groups other than 1 night it seems to be the pattern as literally he only stayed with our group the next night at what was the fancy hotel. That night he ate dinner with some, then stayed at the table by himself, though he did buy a bottle of Madeira wine that he had the waitress hand out. When we left the hotel to return to Funchal he made a big show of there not being room for the luggage--again...this isn't new as per other comments. For all the hikes, he went at his own pace and only rarely did he make sure that people were ok and with the group. I am in an organized hiking group and the leaders always introduce the hike, what we are going to see, where we are going, and make sure there is a sweep. There was none of this. On the free day in Funchal, he had it off...and literally dropped us at the hotel. After the last hike, he took our group to a coffee stop. He stayed inside the entire time and came out to the group only when someone came out to get him so that they could give him the tip money. He told others it was his last year with Exodus and it showed as he didn't really perform well as a tour leader or hike leader. He did tell us a bit about flora on the second day hike at the beginning and would do a brief intro on the day's plans before ending it with there will be lots of people on the trail and the weather likely won't be good. And he sent a list of google links before we got off the 'bus' at Funchal on our last day not before. He would mention supermarkets but that was really it in terms of providing advice. Literally he was a 9-5 tour leader who was on his own hikes with others just happening to be with him.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring hiking poles--you need them. Bring gloves/hat for sunrise. Bring ziplock/plastic containers for lunch....I made my lunch every morning at breakfast. There is lunch type food and the hotels don't care. Make sure you have lots of water...and kleenix if needed while on the trail (there are no bathrooms). I trained everyday for 6 months for this tour...and I found a few of the trails hard to do due to the steps (natural and made with rocks).

Reply from Exodus

We’re so pleased to hear that Julie enjoyed the diverse and scenic hikes in Madeira and that she made the most of her free time exploring highlights like Funchal and the Monte Palace Gardens. It’s great to know she captured some memorable photos and that the landscapes, food, and welcoming atmosphere of the island left a strong impression. We appreciate Julie’s detailed feedback about her hiking experience, including the busier trails. As the trip took place during a high season in Madeira, some routes can be more frequented by walkers, and we’ll be reviewing this with our local partners to explore options for quieter alternatives where possible. We’re also genuinely sorry to hear that Julie felt Bruno’s leadership on this trip didn’t meet expectations. This is disappointing, as Bruno is a longstanding and valued leader for us, and the group he led immediately after Julie’s trip gave him an average score of 5 out of 5 for his overall performance in our post-tour survey. We’ve since spoken to Bruno about Julie’s feedback, and he explained that his late arrival on the first day was due to an unexpected motorway accident - something outside his control. He’s very regretful to hear that Julie felt let down by his engagement on the walks and around the group. We understand that Bruno was looking to balance his responsibilities to the wider group with assisting Julie on the walks, though we’re sorry if Julie felt he didn’t quite get the balance right. Ultimately, we hope that Madeira’s natural beauty, the memorable hikes, and Julie’s positive interactions on the trip will be what stays with her, and that she might consider travelling with Exodus again in the future. - Danny Bell, Exodus Product Manager

Ankita Yenage

Added July 2025

Beautiful hikes with rewarding views!

Best way to spend a week in Madeira. The trip was exceptional with 5 great hikes and extraordinary views at each turn. It was a full bloom season and and that made every hike interesting. Hiking through lush green mountains with the sea always in sight- it was just beautiful. The trials along the Levadas (ancient water channels) were very interesting. Dip in the natural pools at Porto Moniz or in the hotel after the hikes were worth it. Aqua Natura Bay was the best stay and had great meals at the hotel. Till the last hike, everything worked out perfectly. This is a great itinerary to explore Madeira -its culture and natural beauty of the Island.

Most Inspirational Moment

The Funchal airport is definitely worth mentioning here, when you fly so close to the waters to land on the Island- the bar is set here. Only great views to follow! Also, the last hike day- Summit Pico Arieiro : Caught the breathtaking sunrise above the clouds — and as the trail unfolded, it led us through endless beds of blooming flowers.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Shout out to Bruno - our perfect guide was this trip. Fun, entertaining, and full of great stories and knowledge about every trail we hiked. Always attentive and super helpful, especially during the tricky parts of the hikes. He also gave the best local recommendations — from natural pools in Porto Moniz to must visit spots in Funchal and some amazing food stops.

Advice for Potential Travellers

All hikes are doable and beautiful, just make sure to carry hiking poles if you find downhill walks challenging. The island's weather can shift quickly, so pack wisely: sun protection, a light rain jacket, and an extra layer will go a long way. You will be carrying your lunches on the hiking days- grab supplies from local supermarkets instead. It's budget-friendly and convenient! Pack some energy bars to keep you fueled up on the trails. On your free day in Funchal, make time to walk along Rua de Santa Maria — a colorful street lined with hand-painted doors and charming restaurants. Also, if you fancy a dip in the sea, check options to get on relaxing boat ride.

Laura Schellenberg

Added May 2025

Beautiful Madeira did not disappoint!

Madeira is one of the most beautiful islands I have ever seen. The hiking/walking was sometimes challenging, but the days were not extremely long. Flowers everywhere and scenery that is spectacular from above. The sunrise hike was chilly, but rewarding!

Most Inspirational Moment

Sunrise hike and the stillness of watching the sun coming up from above the clouds

Thoughts on Group Leader

Bruno was very knowledgeable as he is a local and has been leading tours for decades. He has a good sense of humor and got along well with the group.

robert friedman

Added April 2025

Awesome Hiking and Views

Fantastic trip with a great guide (Bruno) walking the isle of Madeira.

Most Inspirational Moment

Sunrise at the mountain peak

Thoughts on Group Leader

Outstanding

Advice for Potential Travellers

Pack some ready made lunches

Jeremy Wyett

Added March 2025

"Doing the Levada, not the Lambada!"

Glad I have seen Madeira and you will on this trip. The variety of walks is very good, although due to bad weather we could not do the scheduled walk on the final day, the one I was really looking forward to. Such is life and our excellent walk leader, Paulo, took us on another flat Levada walk instead. The rating is right in my opinion for the level of walks, having been on other Exodus walking holidays. I would say that outside of summer arriving on the the early Group Flight is not really worth it as there is not much to do in Machico in the afternoon except for the beach. The first hotel, Dom Pedro, is very tired and needs a refurb in all honesty. Breakfast coffee at the Dom Pedro and Pestana Casino is from a machine and awful, I was not the only one to make that observation. Paulo helped me to sort out a room lock issue at Aqua Natura Bay (the best of the three hotels), some had massages/treatments here and found them to be good. Breakfasts are ok at the hotels, basically as described in the trip notes. We had some pleasant meals out in Machico and Funchal. You can get what you need for a snack lunch in the supermarkets they take you to ahead of each walk. Having paid the single supplement, I did get decent double rooms which is not always the case.

Most Inspirational Moment

Being up high, above some of the the clouds on one of the walks.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Paulo was excellent as a walk leader. Knows his walks very well as being doing it for years and adjusts the pace to suit the group.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Please do read the Trip Notes as sometimes I think some do not and then get a surprise when they see what the walks are like. Expect the Dom Pedro to be in need of a refurb, it is just very tired but comfortable enough. No tea/coffee on the rooms at the Dom Pedro or Pestana Casinos (this one did have a kettle) maybe take a little of your own, buy some milk and if necessary ask for a kettle. Do walk down Santa Maria Street in Funchal, marvellous painted doors. Three of us had a lovely meal at the Restaurante do Forte in Funchal on the last night.

Reply from Exodus

Thank you for sharing your experience of our Madeira walking trip. We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed the variety of walks and found the itinerary well-balanced, even with the weather-related change on the final day. We're especially pleased to hear that your walk leader, Paulo, provided excellent support and adapted the plans to ensure the group still had a rewarding experience. We appreciate your feedback regarding the group flight timing and the limited activities available in Machico outside of summer. Your comments will help us better guide future travellers on how to make the most of their arrival day. We're sorry to hear that the Dom Pedro hotel did not meet expectations and that the breakfast coffee at both this and Pestana Casino was disappointing. We’ll be reviewing this with our hotel partners to explore improvements. It’s great to know that Aqua Natura Bay stood out as the best of the three hotels and that the spa treatments were well received. Thank you also for highlighting the ease of arranging snack lunches and the quality of meals out in Machico and Funchal. We're glad you found the single supplement worthwhile and were provided with comfortable rooms.

Sara Mankoski

Added November 2024

Levadas and Views

Madeira is a beautiful island and the hikes were just the right length to get in some good exercise but still be able to enjoy going out and about on foot afterwards.

Most Inspirational Moment

I loved the hikes along cliff sides with views that went on for days.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Bruno was a great ambassador for his island. He was very knowledgable about its wonderful natural beauty and always enthusiastically shared his knowledge and his opinions.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for hiking in wet weather. It probably won't rain on you for very long, but all it takes is few minutes, and you'll be wet even when the sky is then a beautiful bright blue for the rest of the afternoon.

Nikki Groarke

Added November 2024

A fabulous trip

This holiday lived up to expectations! It was wonderful to see the whole island with varied walks and hotels and a really friendly group who gelled well from the outset. Bruno was an excellent guide who looked after us well and imparted much local knowledge as we passed through different terrain. The views on the coastal paths were spectacular, and the levada walks, especially the waterfalls one, were unique. We had to adapt due to a storm on the first day making the peninsula unsuitable, but Bruno quickly planned an alternative, and the rest of the week was dry and warm, with some days of sunshine, and some mist on occasion which added to the atmosphere.

Most Inspirational Moment

Arriving on the top of the cliffs on the second walk and seeing the view, and a wonderfully peaceful swim in the rooftop infinity pool in Porto Moniz watching the sunrise.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Bruno was fun and helpful, and very informative about the walks. He was always ready to lend a hand in the tricky bits! Great at recommending restaurants - we had some fabulous meals, and also at directing us to the best supermarkets to buy lunches.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Trekking poles are really needed as there are a lot of down hill walks, and you need to have nerves of steel when the path is a bit slippery and there is a sheer drop very close! It’s really worth it though, and you get a tremendous sense of achievement when you have navigated those sections. On the levada there are barriers in some of the most scary bits. As Bruno lives locally he only stayed with the group for two nights, so the group needs to self-organise to ensure solo travellers who want to socialise and eat with others can do so. Bruno suggested setting up a What’s App group for this, which we did to also share photos, and he sent recommendations so we were able to book tables, which worked well.

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