Madeira walking holidays

Frequently Asked Questions about Madeira walking holidays

• What are the best months to hike in Madeira?

  The great thing about Madeira is the fact that you can hike on the island throughout the year. A popular time to hike in Madeira is spring and autumn, as there are fewer people hiking during these seasons than in the summer.

  The summer is when you can expect the best weather, and if you are planning a trip during the winter months there is likely to be more rain than the other seasons, so you should pack a waterproof jacket.

• Is it safe to hike alone in Madeira?

  While many of Madeira's trails are well-marked and maintained, we generally recommend guided walking for the best experience. The island's mountainous terrain can present challenges with steep drops and variable weather conditions. On our guided holidays, experienced leaders ensure your safety while enhancing your experience with local knowledge. If you prefer to walk independently, our self-guided holidays provide detailed route notes and emergency support. The most popular levada walks are generally safe for independent walking, but remote trails require more caution and preparation.

• How many days in Madeira is enough?

  If you are looking at going on a walking holiday in Madeira, then you might be wondering how long you need to explore the island.

  It is best to spend at least a week on the island, but 10 days is ideal. This amount of time will allow you to visit the different parts of the island such as Sao Lourenco Peninsula, and Funchal, as well as experience the different walking trails that are available.

• How difficult are the walks in Madeira?

  Our Madeira walking holidays are graded to give you a clear idea about the walking requirements. Most of our Madeira tours are graded as Moderate (Grade 4-5), featuring full-day walks with moderate amounts of ascent and descent. You'll typically walk 5-7 miles per day with around 300-650m of elevation change. The terrain varies from levada paths (which are generally flat) to more challenging mountain trails with some steeper sections. Our walking grades help you select the experience that best matches your fitness level and preferences.

• Is Funchal in Madeira walkable?

  If you want to explore Funchal, then one of the best ways to do this is on foot. Walking around Funchal is a great experience, as you can enjoy the green of the mountains and the blue of the Atlantic Ocean. There are so many attractions you can visit in the city, such as the botanical gardens, the cable car and the Blandy’s Wine Lodge, where you can taste some famous Madeira wine.

• What are Madeira's levada walks?

  Levadas are irrigation channels that were built to distribute water from the rainier north of the island to the drier south. These narrow channels run alongside footpaths, creating hundreds of kilometers of relatively flat walking routes across Madeira's mountainous terrain. Walking along levadas allows you to access remote areas and spectacular viewpoints without challenging ascents. Our holidays include selected levada walks ranging from gentle strolls to more adventurous routes that pass through tunnels and alongside dramatic drops.

• Can I combine Eastern and Western Madeira holidays?

  Yes! Our Complete Madeira holiday combines both the Eastern and Western Madeira itineraries, giving you a comprehensive 14-night experience of the entire island. This allows you to explore Funchal and the eastern peaks as well as Porto Moniz and the northwestern coastline, staying in different accommodations and enjoying the distinct character of each region. It's the perfect choice for those wanting to immerse themselves fully in Madeira's diverse walking opportunities.