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Canyoning, Madeira. Photo: Host/ Endemic Xperiences
4.9
| 33 reviews

Hiking and Canyoning Adventure in Madeira

5 nights
Moderate

Uncover the 'Hawaii of Europe' on this island adventure through subtropical forests, wild canyons and the mighty Atlantic

What's Included?

Activities & Certified Guides

All itinerary activities with local, expert, English-speaking guides

Hotel

5 nights in comfortable, locally-run hotels

Meals

All breakfasts, 4 packed lunches and 2 dinners – plus a traditional wine tasting

Transfers

Airport transfers and everything in between

Equipment

All your canyoning gear

Small Like-minded Groups

Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 10 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people
From

excluding flights
From

excluding flights

What's it like?

4.9
| 33 reviews
Yulia was fantastic!
October 2024
Annette F.
Yulia was fantastic!
October 2024
Annette F.
Yulia was fantastic!
October 2024
Annette F.
Yulia was fantastic!
October 2024
Annette F.
Yulia was fantastic!
October 2024
Annette F.
Yulia was fantastic!
October 2024
Annette F.
Yulia was fantastic!
October 2024
Annette F.
Wow Madeira, Wow
July 2024
Craig W.
Trip of a lifetime
July 2024
Laura L.
Trip of a lifetime
July 2024
Laura L.
Trip of a lifetime
July 2024
Laura L.
Trip of a lifetime
July 2024
Laura L.
Trip of a lifetime
July 2024
Laura L.
Trip of a lifetime
July 2024
Laura L.
Trip of a lifetime
July 2024
Laura L.
Trip of a lifetime
July 2024
Laura L.
It was my first experience
May 2024
Burcu C.
It was my first experience
May 2024
Burcu C.
It was my first experience
May 2024
Burcu C.
It was my first experience
May 2024
Burcu C.
It was my first experience
May 2024
Burcu C.
Madeira trip
May 2024
Carol K.
Madeira trip
May 2024
Carol K.
Madeira trip
May 2024
Carol K.
Madeira trip
May 2024
Carol K.
Incredible Country with Lots to See
April 2024
Lauren R.
Incredible Country with Lots to See
April 2024
Lauren R.
Incredible Country with Lots to See
April 2024
Lauren R.
Incredible Country with Lots to See
April 2024
Lauren R.
The trip of lifetime! 10/10
April 2024
Stephania C.

Unleash the adrenaline as you go canyoning in the heart of Madeira's Laurisilva forest and abseil down a 25m waterfall

Hike among volcanic peaks and lush levadas to wild swim spots, dazzling ocean views and an unforgettable sunrise at the island's highest point – Pico Ruivo (1862m)

Marvel at Ponta de São Lourenço from land and water as you explore this unique peninsula, eyes peeled for dolphins

Relax in comfy hotels with sea views, mountain vistas and swimming pools after each day of adventuring

Key Information

Day 1

Touch down in Madeira – the 'island of eternal spring'

Strelitzia flower, Botanical Garden, Madeira. Photo: GettyImages-118145515

Catch your first glimpse of the subtropical Madeiran archipelago from the plane, then meet your host and transfer to your hotel in Funchal, the island's vibrant capital. Framed by a dramatic backdrop of lush, cloud-tipped mountains on the island's south coast, the city unfolds over a series of steep hills and terraces, overlooking the Atlantic. There's quite a lot to explore in Funchal, including a colourful local market, exotic gardens, historic alleys, and an epic toboggan ride – so if you have some extra time to hand, it's a great spot to extend your stay and explore. Tonight, your guide will take you somewhere local to taste some delicious food and tell you all about the epic adventure ahead.

Day 2

Explore the central mountains

Hiker on the PR17 in Madeira, following a levada surrounded by lush forest.

Hiking

5hrs · 12km · 150m up · 600m down

Kick off your island adventure with a superb hike through Madeira's wild, mountainous interior. Setting off from Bica da Cana viewpoint at 1600m, you'll gradually descend the stunning PR17 trail along levadas (the island's unique irrigation channels), hiking through verdant, high-altitude vegetation – including the native UNESCO-protected Laurisilva forests. Trek through tunnels and duck underneath a couple of cascades to reach your final destination in Encumeada, where you can soak in the views over Ribeira Brava and the towering peaks of the Cordillera Central. Your home for the next two nights is an ocean-front hotel in quaint Sao Vicente – a gem of a village on the island's wild northern coast – and tonight, you'll taste some of Madeira's traditional wines paired with cheese. Cheers!

Day 3

Canyoning and wild waterfalls

Canyoning, Madeira. Photo: Host/Endemic Xperiences Madeira

Canyoning

3-4hrs

Dotted with hidden lagoons, cascading falls and ancient laurel forests, Madeira is truly a canyoning paradise. Get ready for a soaking today as you head to Ribeira do Lajeado for an exhilarating adventure in these 'Jurassic World' surroundings. Begin by hiking along the Levada do Alecrim through the dense Laurisilva forest, then continue by scrambling, jumping, sliding and abseiling (up to 25m) your way across the network of trails, river systems and secluded natural pools, alongside your expert canyoning guide. Look over the Vento and Risco waterfalls in the distance, then hike back, grab some lunch and head back to your hotel in Sao Vincente.

Day 4

Coastal hike to the natural pools at Porto Moniz

Porto Moniz Pools, Madeira. Photo: GettyImages-892303574

Hiking

5-6hrs · 10km · 600m up · 600m down

Take a short transfer to Achadas da Cruz, the most westerly point of Madeira, then descend down to the traditional village of Fajá da Quebrada Nova via a steep 2km trail, or via an equally vertical cable car ride. Whichever you choose, the coastal views will be truly mesmerising. Once home to an agricultural community, many of the old traditional buildings are now abandoned, giving the place a nostalgic charm. Continue hiking along the beach and then along the Vereda de Tristao River to Porto Moniz. Reward your efforts with a refreshing swim in the incredible tidal pools, then transfer to your final base – the coastal town of Machico.

Day 5

Spot dolphins and hike a coastal trail in Ponta de São Lourenço

Ponta de Sao Lourenco, Madeira. Photo: Host/Madeira Mountain Tours

Wildlife Watching

2.5hrs

Hiking

2-3hrs · 7km · 450m up · 450m down

Get ready for an epic day as you head out to explore the sea around Madeira's eastern tip. Ponta de São Lourenço is a peninsula of volcanic origin, where a semi-arid climate and exposure to northern winds cause the vegetation to be unusually low and absent of trees – a stark contrast with the rest of the island. Join a local marine biologist aboard a high-speed boat, keeping your eyes peeled for the abundant marine life: sightings of common and bottlenose dolphins, as well as loggerhead turtles, are common, and sometimes sperm whales. After lunch, you'll hike along the coastal trails of this incredible nature reserve, stopping for a swim along the way. Back in Machico, enjoy a final meal with your fellow adventurers and guide, then get some rest ahead of an early rise for your final day of adventure tomorrow.

Day 6

Sunrise views above the clouds

Sunrise, Pico Ruivo, Madeira. Photo: Host/Madeira Mountain Tours

Hiking

3hrs · 6km · 280m up · 280m down

You can't leave Madeira without witnessing the dazzling views from its highest point – Pico Ruivo (1862m). This morning you'll rise early – before dawn – for a short but incredibly rewarding hike that will take you to the roof of the island. Head torch on, you'll set off along the cobbled trail towards the peak. The view at the top will leave you speechless as you contemplate the golden sun rising above the clouds, with incredible views on the mountain ridge and far into the valley towards the ocean (weather permitting!). If you're leaving today, your host will then drive you back to the airport in time for your flight back home. Boa viagem!

The Area

map

Logistics

Starts

Madeira Airport (FNC)

17:00

Ends

Madeira Airport (FNC)

10:00

Transfers

If you are flying into Funchal on Day 1, please ensure your flight lands by 17:00 in order to meet your host and the rest of the group in time for the initial briefing and dinner. There is one set arrival transfer included – this is usually at 17:00, however, your host will confirm the exact time and logistics ahead of your arrival. If you arrive early, or later, it's easy to make your own way to the start hotel in Funchal either by public bus (30mins, €3-5), or by taxi (20 minutes, approx. €15-20).

On some departure dates it may be that an alternative start hotel is being used in Funchal. Your host will inform you if there are any adjustments, and will always confirm all the final details with you in a pre-departure message a few weeks prior to travelling.

At the end of your trip, you will be dropped at the airport, usually at around 10:00. We recommend booking a flight that departs after 12:00 to ensure you have enough time to join the final sunrise hike. If you are extending your trip and wish to be dropped off in Funchal city centre instead of the airport on Day 6, you can request this with your local host – there may be a small fee to pay, depending on the number of fellow travellers who share this service. Once you have booked your flights, please provide your host with this information.

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 don't hesitate to contact them for advice before planning your experience.

Day 1

Hotel · Twin share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 2 – Day 4

Hotel · Twin share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 5

Hotel · Twin share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 6

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

What is the food like?

Cheese tasting. Photo: host

Savour the delights of Madeira's cuisine with fresh produce and a wide variety of regional dishes. Most days, breakfasts will be continental style – consisting of bread, butter, local jams, fruit, pastries, cheese, ham, tea, coffee and juices. For lunch, expect freshly prepared lunch boxes with delicious sandwiches, cake and fruit. Evening meals are included on Days 1 and 5, and on the remaining evenings you can choose from several authentic local restaurants recommended by your host, where you can feast on local dishes such as traditional espetadas (beef skewers), grilled fish, fresh seafood, garlic bread or hearty, homemade soups.

Vegetarian diets can be accommodated, although veggie or vegan diets are not common in rural Madeira so meal options can be repetitive. Other dietary requirements are mostly possible to cater for – please let your host know any requirements upon booking.

What is the accommodation like?

Hotel do Carmo pool, Madeira. Photo: Hotel do Carmo
Funchal

Spend your first night at a comfortable hotel in Funchal, Madeira's capital. You'll usually stay at the central 3-star Hotel do Carmo, featuring modern rooms, a 1960s-style bar with a snooker table and a lovely rooftop terrace with a swimming pool, boasting great views over the Atlantic Ocean and mountains. Your host will always confirm all the final accommodation details with you in a pre-departure message a few weeks prior to travelling.

Hotel Mediterraneo, Sao Vincente, Madeira. Photo: Host/Madeira Mountain Tours
Sao Vincente

You'll spend two nights at a new property on Madeira's wild northern coast, in the quaint ocean-front village of Sao Vincente. The Mediterraneo Hotel features comfortable rooms, an outdoor pool with a bar and sea views, as well as a spa tub.

Pool, Hotel Dom Pedro, Machico, Madeira, HotelWebsite
Machico or Santa Cruz

For the final two nights of the trip you'll stay at Hotel Dom Pedro in the coastal town of Machico.

For departures in 2025, groups will be staying in the coastal town of Santa Cruz, in the Santa Cruz Village Hotel.

Upgrades

Due to the limited capacity and availability of the hotels where you'll be staying, private room upgrades are not available for this trip. All rooms will be booked on a twin-share basis (or double, for couples).

This trip has been rated as Moderate

The activities on this trip can be done without any previous experience – you'll have expert guides to show you the ropes and help you navigate the canyoning. Although each day is not overly strenuous, you'll be fairly active for a few hours so the trip is best enjoyed if you have a decent level of fitness and agility, and if you enjoy the outdoors with some moments of adventure and adrenaline.

The hikes are up and down paths of moderate difficulty with some occasional steep, loose sections as well as some exposed paths. The sweeping views and lush wilderness of Madeira will reward every effort!

Canyoning will involve sections of hiking, scrambling, abseiling, optional jumps, sliding and swimming. Full gear and tuition will be provided, all you need is a basic fitness level. You should, however, be comfortable in the water and not be overly afraid of heights, as there is a 25m rappelling section to tackle.

What will I need to carry?

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 activity.

Madeira enjoys a subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters, usually with sunshine throughout most of the year. 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 at higher altitudes, so it's important to come equipped for all weather conditions year-round (see our kit list for more information). In the winter months (between December and March), temperatures hover just under 20° C, mild enough to swim in the sea or a heated outdoor pool, though there's a slightly higher possibility of rain. The weather in the mountains can be pretty unpredictable, with rain and cold temperatures a possibility at any time of the year – especially at higher altitudes (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 particularly bad. The dolphin-watching tour is, of course, dependent on favourable sea conditions – should this get cancelled, your host will replace it with an alternative activity.

Canyoning usually takes place at Ribeira do Lajeado, however the exact location will be dependent on water levels which will be checked beforehand by the local guides. If conditions in Lajeado are not optimum, your guides will take you to an alternative canyon on the island.

Stacy W.(November 2024)
Fantastic Adventure with a Clever Guide

Madeira is spectacular, and our guide led us on beautiful adventures that were fun and appropriate given the weather and fitness level of the group. Her knowledge of the history of the island, the flora and fauna, the hiking trails was incredible. There was no question that went unanswered.

Lucy B.(October 2024)
Really lovely few days exploring

Really lovely few days exploring Madeira with our guide Yulia. Our itinerary had to change a few times due to weather and fires but it didn’t detract from the trip at all- trust the guides, everywhere they took us was stunning and exceeded all my expectations!

Paul O.(October 2024)
Wow!

Amazing trip, brilliantly paced and varied activities in crazy beautiful landscapes. Every new view was WOW! Totally hassle free, seamless transitions and fantastic local hosting. Julia the local host tweaked itineraries based on wildfires early in the year that closed off some areas and a weather warning. It meant we got the best every day could offer on this wonderful island - probably the greatest benefit of a guided holiday. Julia herself was super knowledgeable, generous with her time and her energy and expertise elevated the trip. The group were a great crowd and we had fun times out, clever itinerary design meant it was easy to dip in and out as desired. All activities were through top quality local teams. Would thoroughly recommend. Don’t forget to add a little time at the start or end to explore Funchal and surrounds as it’s great! WOW WOW WOW!

Romain K.(October 2024)
Fun, well coordinated adventures with great guides

Madeira provided a variety of activities that were all enjoyable.

Our guide (Yulia) knew the island like the back of her hand, and proactively adjusted routes to give us the best weather possible, and the safest conditions. Transfers between activities, hotels, etc were timely, we never lacked for food, and nothing ever felt rushed.

The guides for the canyoning day were very competent and made me feel safe at all times despite my fear of heights (and the equipment made my dislike of cold water a non-issue).

The difficulty rating felt accurate: I am not an experienced hiker and had never been canyoning before, but got through the whole week without too much trouble.

Madeira, itself, was a unique experience, with incredible views, delicious food, and great weather.

I was very satisfied with the trip and will certainly book another adventure, in the Azores next time (and I wish we could take Yulia with us).

One piece of advice: planning to arrive a day early may help buffer against travel delays. We were glad to have the extra time in Funchal.

Sophie O.(October 2024)
Expertly guided multiactivity short break

This was our first trip with much better adventures and our first visit to Madeira. The trip is only 5 days long but really allowed us to get a feel for the contrasts you find in this beautiful island. We enjoyed the cooler, wetter north: walking along levadas in lush forests, swimming in natural rock pools on the rugged North Atlantic coast and exploring an ancient misty laurel forest. Special mention to the day canyoning, undoubtedly the best day of that activity I’ve ever done. The we basked in the warmer drier south: seeing sperm whales and dolphins, and hiking over the Sao Lourenco peninsula. The people of Madeira are welcoming and charming, the food is great (and huge portions!) but the number one highlight of the trip was our guide, Yulia. She is full of knowledge about Madeira, and is always happy to share it. She knows the trails and routes really well and will adjust the pace to allow you to speed up or take your time to enjoy the views. We could just relax and enjoy the breathtaking scenery knowing that she was taking care of the details. Some walks were changed from the original itinerary due to bad weather. Yulia’s local knowledge meant that she knew some routes were inaccessible on the day we had planned to go and this meant we didn’t waste time driving along the (very winding) Madeiran roads only to have to turn back. I particularly enjoyed the “matrimonial path” walk which showcased the transition in climate and vegetation from north to south along the route. It has some of the most stunning coastal views I’ve ever seen. I’d definitely return to Madeira, this has been a brilliant introduction.

Annette F.(October 2024)
Yulia was fantastic!
Yulia was fantastic!
Yulia was fantastic!
Yulia was fantastic!
Yulia was fantastic!
Yulia was fantastic!
Yulia was fantastic!
Yulia was fantastic!

I had a fantastic trip!! Yulia was the best guide I have had the pleasure of traveling with. She did an amazing job of adjusting the schedule when we had some unexpected weather. She managed to keep the group together and on a schedule all with a smile and sense of humor. The Canyoneering, Lavada hikes, and Fanal forest were my favorite activities. Thank you, Yulia ❤️❤️

Georgia C.(September 2024)
What a beautiful country!

Really enjoyed this trip and is my second with MBA. Loved the variety within the trip and my highlight was the sunrise hike which was stunning. The day we were canyoning was very cold as it was March 2024 so we did have to work as a team to laugh our way through but the canyoning activities were really amazing with abseiling, zip lining and jumping! Some confusion with vegetarian options but we made it work and it was the first trip being ran so am sure it will be sorted for future trips. The lunches themselves were really great quality and loved the Pastel De Natas making a regular appearance! Really recommend this trip - Madeira is a stunning country, offering all sorts of terrain and you can mix up the order of activities depending on the weather which is always changing on the island. Pedro was brilliant at giving us the history of the island and personal/cultural things about growing up in Madeira.

Faye(September 2024)
Wonderful trip

Just back from a week in Madeira (we had an extra night in Funchal at either end) and it was so, so good. Our guide Yulia was exceptional- she knows everything about Madeira and clearly loves the island. Our group was the best and I met some amazing people. Hiking the Levadas, jumping off 20ft waterfalls and whale watching were some highlights. Everyday was different and challenging but achievable- I would recommend this trip to everyone. Bravery is contagious!

Cassa T.(September 2024)
Fantastic trip with great memories made!

This trip is a great way to discover Madeira as you see so much of the island and learn so much about it along the way. The mix of activities is great, and our guide Yulia was simply amazing - so organised, and able to adapt the activities to any conditions on the day (including an unexpected disturbed bees nest on one of the hike routes, which we had to avoid due to an allergy of someone in the group, but Yulia adapted our route and found a great alternative) Her knowledge of the island, landscape and trail routes etc was first class. I honestly can't pick a favourite activity - but possibly experiencing pilot whales all around our boat, calmly surfacing then diving was the best experience I've had anywhere. September felt the perfect time to visit, I think summer for me would be too hot for the hiking, but it depends what you like and can manage. All in all, a thoroughly brilliant trip - you'll be well looked after if you decide to do it...

Craig W.(July 2024)
Wow Madeira, Wow
Wow Madeira, Wow

Just back from an incredible 5-day trip to Madeira with Much Better Adventures, and it truly lived up to its name! The island is stunning, and the itinerary was packed with amazing adventures, from swimming with dolphins to challenging hikes and heart-pounding canyoning. But what really made the trip special was our guide, Yulia. She was the perfect blend of fun and knowledgeable, keeping the group safe and entertained throughout. Her enthusiasm was contagious, and she made sure everyone had a chance to experience the best of Madeira. Highly recommend Much Better Adventures and especially Yulia if you're looking for an unforgettable adventure holiday!"

Laura L.(July 2024)