Madeira: The Flower Island

Madeira is the ideal walking getaway. On this exceptional island you can experience incredibly scenic walking alongside levadas, and along coastal trails, constantly surrounded by an abundance of lush foliage and colourful blooms. It is a nature-lovers paradise and you’ll also love the relaxed friendliness and charm of the local people.

Classic Routes | If you’re the active, outdoorsy type, who’s interested in taking on the great routes of the world or looking for a challenge, then our Classic Routes are for you. We’re talking the West Highland Way in Scotland, the world renown Tour Du Mont Blanc and Germany's Moselle Cycle Path, to name but a few!

Multi Centre Walking | With a mix of loop and point-to-point walks stay 2 or 3 nights in one place which offers the chance to slow down and really explore a destination.

Families with Teens

The minimum age for this tour is: 12 Years

This walking tour is graded as moderate, with distances ranging from 7 to 15 km (5 to 9 mi). Most days involve some elevation changes, with gains up to 700m (2,297ft) and losses up to 900m (2,953ft). However, the elevation is often less than this;specific details can be found in your route notes. Some days also offer alternate routes, so be sure to check the notes for options.

To fully enjoy the experience, we recommend practicing walks with some ups and downs before your trip.

The routes primarily follow 'levadas' but also include stony trails, forest paths, and cliff-top sections. Some paths have steep, unprotected drops, so this tour isn’t suitable for those with vertigo. Walking poles are advised for added stability.

Walking along Madeira's cliff sections can feel exposed with narrow paths hugging the dramatic coastline, offering far-reaching views of the Atlantic. The walking demands focus and sure footing, as some areas lack barriers, and the wind can be brisk, enhancing the sense of exposure. The reward of panoramic vistas and the unique sense of connection to nature make it worthwhile. For safety, it’s essential to choose appropriate trails and go prepared with sturdy footwear.

The accommodation on this walk is a combination of 3* and 4* hotels and small guesthouses. All offer a warm welcome to walkers, traditional hospitality and an authentic experience.

Solo Walkers & Single Rooms

This trip is not available to solo walkers due to the remoteness and nature of the terrain. Single rooms are available and a single supplement is payable.

Meals

7 Breakfasts are provided and dinners on Days 3, 4, and 5. On some days you will be able to buy supplies for a picnic at local shops, but on the days when this is not possible, you can ask your accommodation to make one for you. Please request this on the previous evening (payable locally).  On the evenings when dinner is not included, you can eat in your hotel restaurant or at a local restaurant.

Some of the walks on this trip are way-marked but many are not and you will need to follow the route notes as supplied. 

Navigation is straightforward as you can use the Macs Adventure Smartphone App which has maps, GPS tracks, and daily route information. Simply download the GPS tracks for offline use and follow the route on your phone with the assurance that navigation will be simple, and you can’t get lost. You will find more information on downloading the app in your Macs Adventure Account.

Please note that due to the nature of Madeira and its fragile terrain, it is not uncommon for the paths and therefore walks to change at late notice; this is due to rainfall, potential landslides and other weather conditions. If an alternate walk needs to be taken our local partners in Madeira will be in touch with you. It is therefore recommended that you keep a flexible attitude and are prepared to alter your plans.

Our walks usually begin and end at a central point in town (such as a church, bus stop, etc.). Access routes to your accommodation are not included in our km daily figures. However, the Macs app will guide you to your accommodation.

Recommended Reading

Although not essential, if you would like more information on the route please see our recommendation below:

• Madeira Tour & Trail Map by David Brawn

This tour can be started any day of the week all year round (subject to availability). Although the weather is cooler in the winter months and there is a risk of rain, it is still warm enough to walk.

During certain times of the year, such as festivals, or other busy periods (Christmas and New Year), additional supplements may apply. This has already been accounted for in our trip pricing, there are no hidden costs. These adjustments reflect the higher demand and associated costs during these times, ensuring we can provide you with the best experience. If your travel dates fall within one of the following periods, it may be higher than usual:

• Carnival Festivities: 26th February – 9th March 2025
• Parade: 1st March 2025
• Madeira Flower Festival: 1st to 25th May 2025
• Flower Festival Parade: 4th May 2025
• Atlantic Festival: 6th to 29th June 2025
• Madeira International Fireworks contest: 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th June 2025
• Madeira Wine Rally: 1st and 2nd August 2025 (with some road closures that require small itinerary tweaks)
• Madeira Wine Festival: 28th August to 14th September 2025

Please note that we don't offer the following dates due to a 5-night minimum stay in Funchal: 01.05 - 08.05 and 22.12.2025 - 04.01.2026.

By Air: Madeira - Funchal Airport is the only international airport and can be reached directly from Bristol, Manchester and London in the UK. The flight time from London is approximately 3H45.  You will be transferred to your first and last hotel to and from Funchal Airport.

Other international flights connect to Madeira (Funchal) via Portugal’s capital, Lisbon, where it is possible to add an overnight stay as necessary; please contact our team if you would like to arrange this.

An included transfer will take you back to Funchal Airport for onward travel connections.

Your bags will be transferred between your accommodation as per your itinerary. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 20kg per person.