DURATION
LOCATION
ANNUAL LEAVE
SEASON
GROUP SIZE
MEETING POINT
ACCOMMODATION
Hotel · Mountain hut
DIFFICULTY
You’ll need to be fit and capable of hiking for up to 8 hours a day, up paths of moderate difficulty, with some steep and exposed sections
Hike the three highest peaks on Madeira, topping out on Pico Ruivo (1862m) - the roof of the island
Trek misty trails through the ancient laurel trees of the island's unique, UNESCO-listed primary forest
Zig-zag along narrow pathways, steep staircases and eerie tunnels to astonishing viewpoints as you traverse ‘the Hawaii of Europe’
Day 1
Welcome to Madeira - The 'Pearl of the Atlantic'
Catch your first glimpse of the beautiful Madeira archipelago as you approach Funchal airport, then make your way to your hotel in Machico Bay. It was here that Portuguese explorers first ‘discovered’ the island in 1419. Head out to soak up some afternoon sunshine, enjoy your first swim in the ocean or climb up to one of the viewpoints to admire the views over the bay. Later, you’ll meet your guide and fellow adventurers for dinner and hear all about the challenge ahead.
Day 2
Cliff trails and coastal views
Hiking
Setting off from your doorstep you’ll follow a quiet trail along Madeira's traditional irrigation channels. Climb up to the crest of Boca do Risco and follow the insanely spectacular trail zig-zagging along vertical cliffs all the way down to the shores of Porto da Cruz. You’ll negotiate some short exposed sections and see some of the best views in Madeira - think lush greenery, dense forest, wildflowers and vistas of the ocean blue beneath - often likened to Jurassic Park or Hawaii. Enjoy a drink or two in one of Porto da Cruz’s local cafes and celebrate the first stage of your island traverse.
Day 3
Into the UNESCO-listed Laurisilva Forest
Hiking
Today's hike is an adventurous ascent through Madeira's enchanted UNESCO laurel forest. Start the day with a gentle climb and sweeping views towards the ocean and the iconic Penha D’Aguia (Eagle Rock). Soon the trail dives deeper into the forest and you’ll hike immersed in lush green surroundings, amongst wildflowers, ferns and giant trees. Learn about the local wildlife, eyes open for the rare endemic long-toed pigeon. Relax in your rural accommodation in the peaceful village of Santo da Serra and finish the day over a hearty meal and local wine.
Day 4
To the island's roof
Hiking
Fuel up with breakfast and then hit the trails again after a short road transfer to the start of the trail. Today you'll hike Madeira's exhilarating PR1 path, traversing the island's three highest peaks – Pico do Arieiro (1817m), Pico das Torres (1851m) and Pico Ruivo (1862m). This unforgettable hike is the most famous on the island, and for good reason! The trail straddles high mountain ridgelines, narrow pathways, steep stairways, and man-made tunnels carved into rock which you'll negotiate with the use of a head torch. You’ll be surrounded by the best mountain scenery Madeira has to offer. The hike culminates at the island's highest peak, Pico Ruivo, which you'll reach just in time for golden hour. Kick off your boots and enjoy a night on Madeira's roof, admiring the starlit sky with a drink and snoozing in the highest mountain hut on the island.
Day 5
Above the clouds
Hiking
Wake up early to catch the golden sun rising and breaking through the carpet of clouds as far as the eyes can see. Then set off on a spectacular hike over peaks, along the mountainous central massif, surrounded by the Laurisilva Forest and cascading waterfalls. Admire the majestic valleys of Curral das Freiras, climbing onto an exposed ridgeline that provides sweeping views across a stunning and less-trodden part of the island. Enjoy a well-deserved afternoon at leisure surrounded by the green mountains of Encumeada or hop in a taxi to visit the enchanting seaside town of São Vicente.
Day 6
Paradise found
Hiking
What goes up must come down. Lace up your boots and commence the big descent to Madeira's north coast. You’ll hike through the magical UNESCO-listed Fanal Forest, surrounded by centenary trees, often covered by mysterious fog. Reach Seixal Beach in the afternoon, and enjoy a celebratory dip against an impressive backdrop of towering cliffs, volcanic black sand and thundering waterfalls - paradise found? Take a short drive and spend your final night in the seaside village of Porto Moniz, toasting the end of your epic island adventure with new friends.
Day 7
Goodbye Madeira!
Congratulations, you've just traversed Madeira island. Spend the morning relaxing with a lie in or soothe your muscles with a refreshing dip in the tidal lava-rock pools of Porto Moniz. Swim, explore, snorkel or just hang out before your host takes you back to the airport in time for your flight home.
Included
Guides
Local, English-speaking mountain guide
Accommodation
5 nights in a hotel or guesthouse and 1 in a mountain hut
Meals
All breakfasts, packed lunches and dinners
Transfers
Transfers between hikes and final transfer from the hotel to the airport
Luggage transfer
Vehicle support to take your overnight kit
Not Included
Flights to and from the meeting point
Travel insurance
Personal expenses
Tips for your guides
Visas where required
Day 1
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 2
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 3
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 4
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 5 – Day 6
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 7
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
What is the food like?
Savour the delights of Madeira gastronomy, with fresh produce and a wide variety of regional dishes offered by your accommodation hosts or cooked with love at the mountain hut. One main dish will be served at the hut (there won't be a choice) as facilities are very basic. Breakfasts most days will be continental style, consisting of tea and coffee, bread, butter, local jams, fruit, pastries, cheese, ham and juices. For lunch expect freshly prepared lunch boxes with gourmet sandwiches, cake and fruit. Dinners will be eaten at the hotels or local restaurants. You’ll feast on local dishes such as traditional 'Espetadas' (beef skewers), grilled fish, seafood, garlic bread and hearty homemade soups.
Vegetarian diets can be accommodated each day however options at the mountain hut on Day 4 will be limited and you may wish to buy some extra food or snacks to supplement the meal. Vegetarian diets are not common in rural Madeira so meal options can be repetitive. Vegan and other dietary requirements are mostly possible to cater for - please let your host know upon booking.
What is the accommodation like?
Seaside hotels and rural guesthouses
For 5 nights you'll stay in comfortable family-run hotels or rural guesthouses either in the interior of the island surrounded by mountains or down by the coast, walking distance from the sea. Rooms come with en-suite facilities. You’ll usually stay at White Waters Hotel in Machico, Vila Bela Hotel in Porto da Cruz, Estalagem A Quinta in Santo da Serra, Estalagem Encumeada and Hotel Salgueiro in Porto Moniz. On some departures, your host may book alternative accommodation of similar standards in differing locations (particularly on Day 1) due to availability. You'll be in twin rooms where available but occasionally on Day 1 and Day 3, there may be some triple rooms.
Pico Ruivo Mountain Hut
Enjoy the incredible opportunity to snooze at the highest mountain hut in Madeira - Casa de Abrigo Pico Ruivo, thanks to the special permit arranged exclusively for the local host. Facilities at the hut are basic and include shared toilets and complimentary warm blankets but we recommend taking your own sleeping bag for extra warmth. A simple dinner and breakfast will be cooked by the local staff at the hut. The hut has only four rooms in total: three twin rooms and one four-person room - where possible the four-person room will be same-sex but occasionally the make-up of the group may mean that it has to be mixed-sex.
Upgrades
Due to the limited number of rooms in some locations, solo room upgrades are not available on this tour.
The Area
Logistics
Starts
Machico White Waters Hotel
Check-in from 2pm
Ends
Funchal Airport (FNC)
1pm on Day 7
Transfers
If you are flying into Funchal on Day 1, please ensure your flight lands by 6pm to meet your host and the rest of the group in time for the initial briefing and dinner. There is no arrival transfer included in the trip but it's easy to make your own way to the start hotel in Machico. It's short drive away from the airport by taxi (5 minutes, approx. €8) or by local bus (10-15 mins, approx. €3). Your host will give you further info about the meeting point and time prior to the trip.
Note that some departures will instead start in the nearby town of Santa Cruz instead of Machico (including all trip dates in 2024). Your host will confirm the start hotel details with you in a pre-departure message several weeks prior to travelling. If you have any questions about where you'll be staying on the first night then please ask the host.
At the end of your trip, you will be dropped at the airport around 1pm. We recommend booking a flight that departs after 3pm in order to enjoy a morning at leisure in Porto Moniz. If you are extending your trip and wish to be dropped off in Funchal city centre instead of the airport on Day 7 this will be possible free of charge. Once you have booked your flights, please provide your host with this information, who will plan logistics.
Travel options
There are regular flights to Funchal from major airports across the UK and Europe. If you choose to arrive early, there are regular buses across the island that you can use to explore. Our local host has a wealth of information about accommodation and activities - please do not hesitate to contact them for advice before planning your experience.
Enjoy 12.5% Off Outdoor Gear
In need of a few more items? All bookings receive a 12.5% discount to use at Cotswold Outdoor, Snow + Rock and Runner's Need.
What do I need to bring?
BAGS
- Soft duffel bag or rucksack
- Daypack (30 litres)
- Waterproof liner for rucksack / drybags
CLOTHES
- Hiking boots (worn in)
- Waterproof jacket
- Waterproof trousers
- Breathable wicking layers
- Fleece jacket or similar
- Lightweight trousers/shorts/skirts
- T-shirts
- Underwear and socks
- At least one warm layer
- Swimwear
- Sunglasses
- Sunhat
- Something to sleep in
- Sandals
OTHER
- Sleeping bag for the mountain hut (blankets are available but we recommend bringing your own lightweight sleeping bag - especially in colder months)
- Headtorch
- Hiking poles (recommended)
- Universal travel plug adapter
- Power bank or solar charger
- Passports (and visas)
- Travel insurance documents
- Ear plugs
- Insect repellent
- Suncream
- Personal first-aid kit (inc. blister treatment)
- Personal items (biodegradable toiletries, sanitary wear etc)
- Toilet kit (toilet paper, biodegradable bags to carry paper out to dispose of)
- Quick-dry towel
- Alcohol hand-gel
- Two reusable water bottles x1 litre
- Biodegradable wet-wipes
- Energy bars and snacks - read our article on Best Hiking Snacks
Additional Night in Machico Double/Twin Room
Payable Before Departure
Additional Night in Machico Double/Twin Room
… Per Night
Additional Night in Machico Single Room
Payable Before Departure
Additional Night in Machico Single Room
… Per Night
Additional Night in Porto Moniz Double/Twin Room
Payable Before Departure
Additional Night in Porto Moniz Double/Twin Room
…
Additional Night in Porto Moniz Single Room
Payable Before Departure
Additional Night in Porto Moniz Single Room
…
Private departure transfer Porto Moniz - Funchal Airport
Payable Before Departure
Private departure transfer Porto Moniz - Funchal Airport
…
This was my first MBA holiday and I’m already looking to book my next! Pedro was a fabulous guide, with so much knowledge about the island’s history, fauna and flora. There wasn’t a bad route, every day took us on a new adventure; around every corner a view more stunningly than the last! Some of the ascents and descents were relentless, but more than worth the effort. Pico Ruivo was the highlight, our efforts were rewarded by the most beautiful sunset! I carried a sleeping bag to the top, a liner would have been more than sufficient. The accommodation was good and the food excellent and plentiful. 80% of the group were solo travellers, ages ranging from mid 20s to 60, everyone got on really well, haven’t laughed so much in years! Looking forward to my next MBA trip
Great trip, brilliant group, well organised, guided and beautiful scenery. Loved it
Excellence trip, beautiful place where I will defo return. So much to explore and experience, great hike, stunning scenery, highly recommend.
N/a
Fab trek, difficulty rating should be marked lower as not tough to merit the grade, be prepared for pork or fish, mountain hut is a cold night but fab atmosphere.
Yet another awesome trip from MBA. Madeira is a beautiful, mountainous island. Highlight was the sunset and sunrise at Pico Ruivo and I also loved that on a couple of days you end the hike at the seaside and can bathe in the ocean / natural pools and be by the water - you don't normally get that after hiking in the mountains. Couldn't get enough of the black scabbard fish and garlic bread - of course washed down with poncho or Madeira wine. We were lucky with the weather - glorious sunshine - if anything too hot - bring suncream!
This is a fantastic trip. The diversity and beauty of the scenery were real highlights. This trip gives you the opportunity to see so much of the island in a week and nearly all of it on foot, no spending lots of time in minibuses on this trip! The food and hotels were great, definitely no slumming it. Even the mountain hut was a lot less basic than expected. The tap water was drinkable everywhere which both saves money and avoids the need for plastic bottles. Jorge, our guide, was great and really went the extra mile. The packed lunches were plentiful and excellent. Madeira is a great location combining stunning scenery with beautiful sea views.
The trip was beyond my expectations. Madeira is a hiker's paradise, landscapes are really amazing. The walks were great, challenging as described, exactly ehat i was looking for. Accomodation is always very comfortable and George really went out if his way to make every single one of us happy. Thank you MBA!
Excellent hikes with lots of challenging ascents and descents. We had loads of swimming opportunities too, which really topped our hike days off! Staying in the Mountain hut on Pico Ruivo was a highlight. Food was decent. Jorge was an excellent host.
I had such a great time on this trip, Madeira is an amazing place! The hiking routes were well chosen, with a nice variation in the types of landscapes you walk through. I think the best part of this trip is its mix between a hiking and a beach holiday; you have a good amount of time to relax, swim or go for a wander after a day's hiking. Jorge is a great guide, and he went over and above to ensure the group had the best week possible!
We've crunched the numbers to work out the total carbon footprint of this trip, and plant enough trees to suck 2x as much back out the atmosphere.
What's the number?
It works out on average at 153kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.
The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal for 2023 to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.
But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:
- Driving 1000miles/1609km would be approx. 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person if there was 2 of you in it).
- A return economy class flight London - New York would be approx. 1,619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
- 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approx. 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.
What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. For every person booked with us since 2016 we’re planting enough trees to suck at least 2x more carbon out the atmosphere than is emitted by their trips. All native trees, as part of amazing projects that are re-foresting degraded land, tackling the biodiversity crisis and supporting local communities at the same time. We go further than that too, also funding re-wilding projects worldwide to help protect important keystone species from extinction. See the reforestation and re-wilding schemes we support. See our carbon action plan.
Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.
This trek requires a good level of fitness. You must be capable of hiking all day up paths of moderate difficulty with steep, loose sections as well as some exposed paths (those with severe vertigo may struggle). There are a couple of very long days with some steady climbs which will make the going quite challenging in parts but the views along the way make the journey more than worthwhile.
Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.
Tips are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion but there is an expectation to tip for good service. Your guide will help with advice, however we suggest the below as a guideline per person:
€ 20-30
Of course, you are free to tip more or less, and the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality - a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
The tap water on Madeira is safe to drink. Please bring along your own reusable water bottle to fill up at the hotels, public fountains and at restaurants to avoid buying single use plastic bottles.
Madeira enjoys a subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters, usually with sunshine throughout most of the year. The driest and hottest months are between June and September and the wettest period is between October and April. Whilst the south of the island and coast are usually sunnier, colder temperatures, fog, or low clouds can be expected in the interior of the island and high peaks so it's important to come equipped for all weather conditions (see our kit list for more information).
No. You'll need to have a larger bag suitable for all your belongings which will be transported for you, and then a small rucksack to carry personal items during each day of hiking. The only exception is Day 4, when you will need to carry an overnight bag (including your sleeping bag if you decide to bring one) as there is no road access to the mountain hut.
You can leave any excess luggage with your host for the duration of the adventure.
We recommend checking out the country specific information here and also talking to a travel nurse.
For current advice about travelling to Portugal, have a read of the UK Foreign Office pages here.
The weather in the mountains can be pretty unpredictable with rain and cold temperatures likely at any time of the year and especially at higher altitude above 1500m. The best you can do is to be prepared for anything and come equipped with layers of clothing, sunscreen and waterproofs. Your host will be monitoring the weather conditions during the course of the trip and will suggest alternative, safer hiking routes should the weather get really bad.
Our recommended travel insurance provider is Campbell Irvine.
Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures and you are required to provide your policy information before departing.
Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. We also strongly recommend it includes cancellation and curtailment insurance, should you be unable to join your trip for specific reasons such as illness.
We fully endorse Campbell Irvine as their insurance offers all of the above, so get in touch with them or call on 020 7938 1734 to get your insurance sorted. We suggest that you book travel insurance as soon as you book your adventure, just to cover you for any last-minute life changes. We know you’re an active lot and injuries do happen!
We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.
If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.
All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy (18+) as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. Children can be accommodated on some private departures.
You're in good company. Our adventures are typically made up of a mix of solo travellers and small groups of two or three friends who simply love adventure, pushing themselves and meeting awesome like-minded people. See here for more info about our lovely bunch of Much Better Adventurers.
Want to book a private trip? Just tap ‘Private Group’ in the dates and prices tab.
Your trip is led by carefully curated local hosts and expert guides. See here for more info about the guides we work with.
Pay In Installments
You can choose to pay for this trip in as many installments as you like, with no interest or fees.
Full Financial Protection
Your money is safe. Every booking is fully financially protected.
