Coast to Coast Traverse of Madeira with Dini
An epic island trek among lush forests, across towering mountains and along dramatic cliffs plunging into the Atlantic
What's Included?
Activities & Certified Guides
All itinerary activities with expert, local, English-speaking mountain guidesHotel & Mountain hut
5 nights in hotels or guesthouses and 1 night in a mountain hutMeals
All breakfasts, packed lunches and dinnersTransfers
Transfers between hikes and final transfer from the hotel to the airportLuggage transfer
Vehicle support to take your overnight kitSmall Like-minded Groups
Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 12 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people…
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What's it like?
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’
Fancy adding some dolphin-watching and a burst of adrenaline into the mix? Check out our hiking and canyoning adventure in Madeira instead
Key Information
Day 1
Welcome to Madeira – the 'Pearl of the Atlantic'
Catch your first glimpse of this beautiful Atlantic archipelago as you approach Madeira Airport, then make your way to your hotel in the coastal town of Machico (just 10 minutes drive from the airport). 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
Starting in Machico Bay 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 swim at Porto da Cruz before a short transfer to the hotel in Santo da Serra. This evening you can celebrate the first stage of your island traverse!
Day 3
Into the UNESCO-listed Laurisilva Forest
Hiking
A short transfer takes you to the start of today's trekking stage, close to Porto da Cruz. The hike is an adventurous ascent through Madeira's enchanting, UNESCO-listed Laurisilva forests. 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 laurel trees, immersing you in lush green surroundings of wildflowers, ferns and giant trees. Learn about the local wildlife, eyes open for the rare endemic long-toed pigeon. Relax for a second night in your rural accommodation in the peaceful village of Santo da Serra, finishing the day with a delicious meal and some 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 in Poiso. 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). Also known as the 'stairway to heaven', 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.
Note: Please read the FAQ on enforced itinerary contingencies that are currently in place, and relate to this day.
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! Short transfer from Encumeada to Paul da Serra. 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.
Note: Please read the FAQ on enforced itinerary contingencies that are currently in place, and relate to this day.
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 (a one-hour transfer, departing at approximately midday) in time for your flight home.
The Area
Logistics
Starts
Hotel White Waters in Machico
Check-in from 15:00 on Day 1
Ends
Madeira Airport (FNC)
13:00 on Day 7
Transfers
If you are flying into Madeira on Day 1, please ensure your flight lands by 18:00 at the latest in order 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, because it's really easy to make your own way to the start hotel (Hotel White Waters) in Machico: it's a short journey from the airport by taxi (10 minutes). Your host will re-confirm the meeting point and timings prior to the trip.
At the end of your trip, you will be dropped at the airport around 13:00. We recommend booking a flight that departs no earlier than 15:00 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 the information via the passenger information form.
Travel options
There are regular flights to Madeira 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.
Day 1
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 2 – 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 around the island 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 on 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 packed lunches 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, please note that 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 five 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 are allocated on a twin-share basis and come with ensuite facilities. You’ll usually stay at Hotel White Waters in Machico, Hotel Estalagem a Quinta in Santo da Serra (for two nights), Hotel Encumeada in Encumeada, and Hotel Salgueiro in Porto Moniz.
On some departures, your host may book alternative accommodation of a similar standard in differing locations, dependent on availability. Several departure dates throughout the year will start in Santa Cruz in the Hotel Albergaria o Professor, as opposed to Machico - your host will let you know well in advance if this applies to your departure date. It is possible that on some occasions, depending on the makeup of the group, triple-share rooms may be necessary in Santa da Serra.
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 our 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 – particularly relevant for the late autumn and early spring departures. 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.
This trip has been rated as Challenging
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.
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 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.
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).
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.
We’re still waiting to collect any reviews from other travellers on this trip. However, all our hosts go through an extensive vetting process to ensure that your adventure is awesome.
Itinerary Activities
- Guided hike along the levadas from Machico Bay to Porto da Cruz
- Guided hike from Porto da Cruz into the UNESCO-listed Laurisilva Forest
- Guided hike on the PR1, aka the 'stairway to heaven', from Poiso to Pico Ruivo
- Guided hike from Pico Ruivo along Madeira's moutainous central massif
- Guided hike from Paul da Serra to Seixal Beach
Guides
- Expert, local, English-speaking mountain guides
Accommodation
- 5 nights in a hotel or guesthouse
- 1 night in a mountain hut
Meals
All your meals are provided for the duration of the trip. This includes:
- 6 continental breakfasts
- 5 packed lunches
- 6 traditional local dinners
Transfers
- All transfers during the trip from the start point in Santa Cruz
- Group departure transfer to Madeira Airport on Day 7
Luggage transfer
- Vehicle support to transfer your overnight kit
Our trips are hassle-free by design. We include all the activities and equipment, as well as many of the meals, so you can simply rock up with your rucksack and share the adventure with your new pals.
Travel to and from the trip
Our trips do not include flights, trains or other travel to the start point and back from the end point.
Tips
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.
Travel insurance
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. Our recommended travel insurance provider is Campbell Irvine, as their insurance offers all of the above.
Visas
Visa requirements often change, and you are responsible for obtaining any required visas for this trip. Please check with your nearest embassy or consulate for up-to-date advice.
Personal Expenses
You know your own spending habits best, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals and drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry.
What do I need to bring?
BAGS
- Soft duffel bag (preferred), or a suitcase is fine
- Daypack/rucksack (30 litres)
- Waterproof liner/drybags for rucksack
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
No optional extras are available for this trip.
We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.
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 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 1000 miles/1609km would be approximately 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person, if there were two of you in it).
- A return economy class flight between London and New York would be approximately 1619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
- 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approximately 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. We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity, ensuring the protection of the reserve and its wildlife.
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.
Wildfires in Madeira in August 2024 have affected the trails to Pico Arieiro, Pico Ruivo (in the area close to the mountain hut used on Day 4), and also the Encumeada region. Trails normally used on Day 4 (Poiso to Pico Ruivo) and Day 5 (Pico Ruivo to Encumeada) have been partially closed since the fires. Safety comes first, and due to the lack of vegetation on these trails after the fires, the risk of collapse is still very high, making them dangerous to use. Your host in Madeira plans to re-establish the original trekking routes as soon as these trails open; but for now, there is a contingency plan in place as follows:
Day 4: Poiso – Pico Arieiro – Pedra Rija stairway – Pico Arieiro – transfer to Achada Teixeira – Pico Ruivo.
Day 5: Pico Ruivo – Levada Caldeirão Verde – Santana – transfer to Encumeada.
These are not substantial changes; the mountain hut just below Pico Ruivo is still operational and groups will still spend the night there as planned. Aside from the adjustments to Day 4 and Day 5, the rest of the itinerary remains unchanged. Your host appeals for an understanding of this situation.
Marta Marinelli, raised in Italy’s serene Prosecco Hills, dreamt of global adventures, inspired by her father's travel stories. Her passion evolved into a career, backed by a decade of studies including degrees in international tourism and destination management. She’s worked in the adventure travel sector since 2012, living in Italy, the UK, and now sunny Portugal.
Over twenty years, Marta has explored over 55 countries, visiting remote areas like Ghana, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Haiti and Nepal’s Upper Mustang region. As a Senior Adventure Expansion Manager at Much Better Adventures, she focuses on creating life-changing experiences, ranging from multi-activity adventures, challenging treks to ultimate adventures in iconic places. She loves the challenge of finding the best local adventure hosts around the world, collaborating on adventures that offer genuine immersion, pushing beyond the beaten path and working on exclusive itineraries that challenge your comfort zone.
What makes her tick? Enabling people to live adventure-rich lives while positively impacting and empowering local communities around the world, generating sustainable opportunities for both the host, guides, community, and the environment.
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.
You can leave any excess luggage with your host for the duration of the adventure.
This trip operates in areas where daytime temperatures can reach extreme highs, where limited shade and high humidity can also be a factor. These conditions can affect physical performance and increase the risk of dehydration or heat-related illness. Your guide will adjust the pace and monitor the group closely, but hydration, proper clothing, and sun protection are essential.
Before travelling, consider your ability to be active in high temperatures and consult a medical professional if you have concerns, especially if you have any cardiovascular or heat-sensitive conditions. Arriving a day or two prior to the trip may help you adjust gradually to the heat.
Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.
Our team of Adventure Hunters co-create exclusive adventures which are run by highly vetted, specialist hosts. The trip is run by our trusted host partner in the destination. We only work with independent, local, in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. Read more information about the local teams we partner with. You’ll be introduced to the host straight after making a booking via the Much Better Adventures platform.
Much Better Adventures refer to the UK Government’s official travel advice when designing trips and monitoring trip operations. We recommend that all customers are familiar with the practical information provided on the Government’s FCDO website, where current travel advice can be found by searching for the applicable destination(s).
For customers joining this trip from other international destinations – please also read the official travel advice applicable to your country of residence/origin, as this may differ.
We recommend checking out the country-specific information and also talking to a travel nurse.
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 as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. You must be over 18 to join one of our trips.
You're always in good company on one of our adventures.
Our trips are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.
Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way.
It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.
Don't just take our word for it:
- 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
- 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
- 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends
See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.
Need help finding flights?
From logistics and how to get there, to fitness, group dynamic and trip difficulty, Rory and his team of friendly experts are on hand to help.
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DEPARTURE DATES
Sunday 12th September 2027
to Saturday 18th September 2027
