Mountain bike tour Madeira: Portela to Machico cross-country

Ride from forest to coast on Madeira's cross-country trails

A guided mountain bike tour in Madeira that climbs through Laurisilva Forest to Portela Viewpoint, then descends on dirt roads and trails to Machico beach. The route takes 5 to 6 hours and covers microclimatic zones across the island's terrain, finishing at sea level where you can swim before the shuttle back.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Laurisilva Forest2h · entry included
2. Portela Viewpoint2h

Mountain biking through Madeira trails

• Explore Laurisilva Forest trails
• Visit Portela viewpoint and take a break
• Ride through Reserve Natura 2000 dirt roads
• Descend old road to Machico beach
• Enjoy a drink and swim at Machico

The experience

The ride starts in the endemic Laurel Forest and climbs toward Portela Viewpoint, which overlooks the North coast and the village of Porto da Cruz. After a break at a bar near the viewpoint, you continue on dirt roads and trails inside the Reserve Natura 2000 network, always surrounded by the forest that gives the island its character. The terrain mixes steep ascents with rolling sections, so you need at least moderate fitness to keep pace.

From Portela, the route follows old roads downhill through a series of small climbs toward Fajã dos Rolos. The final stretch drops to Machico at sea level, where the day ends and you have time for a swim before the shuttle takes you and your bike back to the Lolokolo shop. A guide leads the whole route and carries a camera to capture moments along the way.

Groups stay small: a minimum of four people per booking keeps the pace manageable and the trails less crowded. If you're booking alone, contact the operator to join an existing departure on your preferred date. The bike is a Transition Sentinel alloy model, and all safety gear, insurance and the shuttle are included.

What’s included

• Transition Sentinel alloy bike.
• helmet and safety equipment.
• professional guide.
• shuttle to and from Lolokolo shop.
• insurance.
• photos taken during the ride.

Before you book

Days and timesTuesday and ThursdayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to10h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Under 12: can't be booked

GroupUp to 8 · max 7 per booking

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, German, Portuguese and Dutch

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortInfant seats available

Operated by Lokoloko Madeira

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English, Spanish, Portuguese, German and one more language, so you can pick the commentary that fits you. Groups stay under five riders, which keeps the pace steady and the trails quieter than larger tours.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, German, Portuguese and Dutch.

What is the Portela Viewpoint like on this ride?

Portela Viewpoint sits on the North side of Madeira and looks out over Porto da Cruz and the coast. You stop there for a break at a nearby bar before continuing into the Reserve Natura 2000 network on dirt roads and trails.

How much climbing is involved in this tour?

The route includes good uphill sections and small climbs, particularly on the way to Portela and again between Portela and Fajã dos Rolos. The final descent to Machico is the longest downhill stretch. Moderate fitness is needed to handle the terrain comfortably.

What happens when the tour reaches Machico?

You finish at Machico beach at sea level, where you can swim and relax. The shuttle then takes you and your bike back to the Lolokolo shop where the tour began.

Can I book this tour if I'm traveling alone?

A minimum of four people is required per booking. If you're a solo traveler, contact the operator to see if other riders are already booked on your desired date and can be added to that departure.