Madeira Trekking: 7 Days, 4 Guided Walks & Levada Trails

Four Walks Across Madeira's Levadas and Coastal Cliffs in Seven Days

You walk four guided trails across Madeira's levadas and coastal cliffs over seven days, staying in one hotel with breakfast included and two free days to rest or explore. The itinerary includes the 25 Fountains walk, the eastern coastal path, and two easier half-day routes. Airport transfers and a 24-hour support line handle the logistics. Book if you want the main treks without arranging transport, accommodation, or timing yourself.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Funchal

• Arrive in Madeira
• Private transfer to hotel

Day 2: Coastal walk at Ponta São Lourenço

• Walk Ponta São Lourenço trail
• Enjoy cliff and marine views

Day 3: Leisure day

• Free day for relaxation

Day 4: Leisure day

• Free day for relaxation

Day 5: Levada do Estreito walk

• Walk Levada do Estreito trail
• Observe vineyards and landscapes

Day 6: Rabaçal and 25 Sources hike

• Hike from Paul da Serra Plateau
• Visit Risco waterfall
• Walk Levada of the 25 Fountains
• Return through water tunnel

Day 7: Vale da Serra de Agua walk

• Walk Vale da Serra de Agua trail
• View south coast landscapes

Day 8: Departure from Madeira

• Private transfer to airport
• Depart Madeira

The experience

Our guide stopped mid-trail on the Vereda São Lourenço and pointed to a bird I'd never seen before, then laughed when I tried to photograph it from the wrong angle. That's the rhythm of this Madeira trekking trip. You're moving at your own pace, not rushing between ten stops, so there's time to actually notice things. The itinerary spreads four guided walks across seven nights: two full days and two half days, which means you're walking maybe four hours at a stretch, not eight. Two days are completely free, so if your legs need a break or the weather turns, you're not locked into a schedule.

The walks themselves are the real draw. Rabaçal and the 25 Fountains is the centerpiece: an eight-hour day that descends from the Paul da Serra Plateau, follows the famous levada (the water channel that cuts through the mountainside), and ends at a lagoon where 25 waterfalls drop from the cliff above. The Vereda São Lourenço, on the eastern tip, is a three-and-a-half-hour coastal walk with steep drops and views of the Desertas Islands. The other two are easier: Câmara de Lobos follows a levada through vineyards, and Serra de Água is a six-kilometer half day through the south coast landscape. None of them are technical, but they're not flat either. You need to be comfortable walking uphill and on uneven ground.

What makes this different from booking four separate day tours is the accommodation piece. You're staying in the same 3- or 4-star hotel or apartment for all seven nights, with breakfast included, so you're not packing and unpacking or hunting for a new place each day. Private transfers pick you up from Funchal Airport and take you back at the end, which removes the puzzle of getting to the trailheads. The guides are qualified and there's 24-hour phone support if something goes wrong. The trip runs April through December, so you're choosing your season: spring is green, summer is hot, autumn is quieter.

The two leisure days are the part people don't always plan for. You could swim at one of Madeira's beaches, walk into Funchal and eat your way through the market, or just sit on a terrace and do nothing. The island's food is good: fresh fish, local wine, the kind of meal that takes two hours because nobody's rushing you. If you're traveling as a private group, the operator will work with you on dates. If you're going solo or as a couple, there are set departures.

What’s included

• Seven nights in 3- or 4-star hotels and apartments with breakfast included.
• four guided trekking tours (two full-day walks and two half-day walks) with qualified guides.
• private transfers from and to Funchal Airport.
• 24-hour telephone support from the office staff.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (17 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Youth (6 to 16 years) · Under 6: can't be included in the booking

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Portuguese

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48h

Prices and times updated 25 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Lifextreme

Is this one for you?Choose this if you want to walk Madeira's levadas and coastal trails without arranging hotels, transport, or guides yourself: the fixed itinerary and included transfers mean you arrive and the trip is already organized, leaving you free to focus on the walking and the two days off.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Portuguese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (6 to 16 years). Under 6: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.

How difficult are the walks?

Two are moderate (Rabaçal's 25 Fountains is eight hours with elevation change, Vereda São Lourenço is 3.5 hours on coastal cliffs). Two are easy (Câmara de Lobos and Serra de Água are both four hours on flat levada paths). You need moderate fitness and comfort on uneven ground.

What's included in the price?

Seven nights in 3- or 4-star hotels or apartments with breakfast; four guided trekking tours; private airport transfers to and from Funchal; qualified guides and 24-hour phone support.

When does the trip run?

April through December. Spring and autumn are popular for weather and fewer crowds. Summer is warmest but busier.

How long are the walking days?

The two full-day walks are around eight hours including transfers. The two half-day walks are around four hours including transfers.

Is there time to relax?

Yes. Two full days are free, so you can rest, swim, or explore Funchal and the local food scene without a scheduled activity.

Do I need hiking boots?

The trails are on levadas (water channels) and coastal paths, not technical rock. Good walking shoes with grip are essential. Full hiking boots aren't required but help on steep sections.

Can I book this as a private group?

Yes. The operator offers both set departures for individuals and private group dates if you're traveling with friends or family.

What if I have a medical condition?

The trip is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnancy, or poor cardiovascular health. Discuss your fitness level with the operator before booking.