Since the difficulty of a trek depends on several factors, we've prepared a clear overview of everything that can influence it.

This trek is accessible to anyone between 16 and 65 years old, with good physical fitness and a real taste for adventure. The week is sporty and requires quite a bit of effort, so it's important to be in good health. Also, keep in mind that the weather can change quickly.

Children are not allowed.

Want to try a multi-day hike for the first time but unsure about your fitness level?

Ask yourself these questions:

• What physical activities do I regularly engage in, and for how long?
• Have I had any recent injuries that could limit my ability to walk?
• Can I walk 15 km with a 10 kg backpack, without difficulty, on hilly terrain?
• Can I train in the coming months, with a clear goal, to be ready on the day?

If your answers reassure you and give you confidence to embark on the adventure, then this trek is for you. One week after your booking, you’ll receive a training plan to help you prepare and make the most of the itinerary.

Can I book this trip solo?

Yes, of course. You can absolutely go alone. Depending on the departure date, there are often other solo travelers, so you’ll easily have the chance to meet other hikers along the way if you’d like.

Still unsure and want to test yourself before diving in?

Try one of our micro-adventures, like The Packraft Trail.

The Madeira Trail is a self-guided trek, in a self-supported version. Basically, you hike without a guide, at your own pace, while having everything you need for a stress-free week. We take care of all the logistics, and all you have to do is walk and enjoy.

Before your departure, you will have access to our Travelbase App. Here you will find the routes, must-see spots, and all the practical information. Each stage is clearly explained, with navigation, tips, and useful info to ensure you’re well-prepared, even when the weather changes.

How does your week unfold?

• On the first day, you receive a complete briefing from an experienced ranger
• During the week, you will receive a short daily briefing via WhatsApp
• You hike independently on a well-balanced and accessible route designed by us
• All your accommodations (hotels and lodges) are booked in advance
• If you choose the meal option, everything is organized: you don’t need to plan or carry your food for the week
• If you have any questions or issues, the ranger is always available to help you

For the Madeira Trail, you always start hiking the day after your arrival.

For example, if you book the week from April 15 to 21, you arrive on April 15 and your first hiking day is on April 16.

Our departure dates already include your arrival day and your departure day. You don't need to add extra nights to do the trail. Of course, if you want to stay a few extra days to explore Madeira, you're welcome to do so.

You can also add an optional hotel night in Funchal for your first night. In the example above, this is the night of April 15 to 16.

This extra night can be added to your booking up to 2 months before departure, subject to availability.

Example: week of April 15 to 21

In the Travelbase App, you will see this period as the total duration of your stay.

• April 15: arrival in Funchal, check-in at Enotel Magnolia (optional night)
• April 16: Fanal → Rabaçal (shuttle departs at 8:30 AM in Funchal, in front of Enotel Magnolia)
• April 17: Rabaçal → Encumeada
• April 18: Encumeada → Pico Ruivo
• April 19: Pico Ruivo → Santana
• April 20: Porto da Cruz → Machico
• April 21: departure from Machico (about 10 min by taxi to the airport)

During the Madeira Trail, you'll stay in comfortable accommodations designed for you to really recover after a day of walking.

In total, you'll spend:

• 3 nights in a comfortable hotel, in a twin or double room (+1 if you opt for the first night)
• 1 night in a cozy cottage
• 1 night in a mountain refuge, at one of the highest points in Madeira

Finding accommodations in Madeira isn't always easy. Our goal is to place you as close to the trail as possible, in locations that are truly in nature: that's why we've carefully selected hotels and a refuge that are both cozy, comfortable, and ideally located, with beautiful views so you can rest well each evening and set off the next day with all the energy you need.

Traveling solo?

If you register alone, you'll share your room with another participant, in two separate beds. We always do our best to group participants of the same gender, although this isn't always possible.

During the trek, you will generally have reception, although the strength may vary depending on the location. There are times when mobile data might be weaker or even absent in certain sections, but most of the time, you will have at least a small signal to make a call if necessary.

On the trail, the signal can be weaker in narrow valleys, in certain areas of the laurel forest, and in more isolated mountain regions. This is normal: reception can go from good 4G to a weaker signal and then return a few minutes later.

In the accommodations, you will always have mobile reception, and wifi is also available to stay easily reachable in the evening.

Practical Tips

• Download the Travelbase app and/or the GPX files in advance so you can use the map offline
• Let your loved ones know that you'll respond later in the evening, once you arrive at the accommodation
• Don't forget to bring a portable charger: GPS and taking photos can drain your battery quickly

• A detailed itinerary and all the organization for your stay
• 3 nights in a comfortable hotel, in unique locations
• 1 night in a cozy cottage
• 1 unique night in a mountain hut
• 5 breakfasts
• The tourist tax for the accommodations
• Shuttle transfers to the trailhead
• The shuttle transfer from the hotel in Santana to Porto da Cruz (day 5)
• Welcome and briefing by an experienced ranger
• Goodies from the Madeira Trail
• A complete packing list so you don't forget anything
• The Madeira Trail app with all the information you need

In most cases, you can still add options up to 1 month before departure, subject to availability. For the extra hotel night, we recommend deciding as early as possible, as spots are limited.

Please note: the cancellation insurance cannot be changed or removed once booked.

For the Madeira Trail, you don't need to pay a separate tourist tax: it's already included.

However, Madeira requires a access fee for certain officially marked hiking trails, the PR paths. For most of these routes, the standard fee is €4.50 per person per trail.

Payment and booking are done online through the official platform Simplifica: simplifica.madeira.gov.pt. After booking, you'll receive a personal confirmation which you may be asked to present during checks on the trail.

Each participant must book their access in advance. During peak season, we recommend doing this at least a week before departure to ensure you have a spot. No worries: we’ll send you very clear instructions on which trails to book and on what dates, so everything will be simple and hassle-free.

Payment is made in two installments.

First, you have 5 days after your registration to confirm your booking by paying a 30% deposit. If this deposit is not paid within this timeframe, your booking will be automatically canceled.

The remaining balance must be paid no later than 60 days before departure.

You can find all payment details in your online profile. Each deadline has its own instructions: so be sure to use the correct communication and the right bank details to avoid any transfers being rejected or returned.

It depends on the option you choose.

If you do not choose the luggage transport option, then yes: you will carry your backpack for all 5 days of hiking.

If you choose the luggage transport option (available for the last 3 days), you will only carry your bag for the first 2 days. After that, your belongings will be transported from one accommodation to the next, allowing you to hike with a lighter bag.

In any case, we recommend traveling as light as possible. To pack only the essentials, rely on our gear list: it's specifically designed for this trek and helps you make the right choices.

Throughout the week, you'll cover a total of about 85 km, with daily stages ranging from 12 to 22 km. The days are well distributed and balanced to ensure a good mix between the number of kilometers traveled and the elevation gained.

ID

Madeira is part of Portugal, so you don't need a passport. A valid national ID card is sufficient.

Hiking Gear

Good hiking shoes are a must in Madeira. Choose a pair that you are comfortable walking in for several long days in a row. We highly recommend shoes in the A/B to B/C category, with good ankle support, as some sections can be steep, rocky, and uneven.

Before your departure, we will also send you a detailed gear list, so you know exactly what to bring.

Yes. If you extend your trip and want to travel with some extra items, you can definitely store your luggage safely during the hike.

A convenient option is the airport luggage storage (about €4.50 per day): https://www.madeiraairport.pt/en/fnc/services-shopping/essential-services/left-luggage

You can also use a storage platform like LuggageHero to find a nearby drop-off point and temporarily leave your bag there: https://luggagehero.com/.

The Superflex conditions are available for anyone who books early. They allow you to:

• postpone your trip for free to another week, subject to availability
• or cancel with a 100% refund

until June 1, 2026.

If you cancel after June 1, 2026, the standard cancellation conditions will apply.

During your booking, you can add two types of insurance to your file.

Cancellation Insurance

Did you book early? In that case, you might benefit from our Superflex conditions. They allow you to modify or cancel your booking for free until June 1, 2026, without having to provide a reason, with a 100% refund.

That said, a last-minute unforeseen event can always happen. If you want to be covered until departure, you can add the cancellation insurance during your booking (€69).

Travel Assistance Insurance

Want to travel with peace of mind? Add the travel assistance insurance to your booking. In case of problems on-site or an accident, this insurance can come to your aid (€49).

Yes. About two weeks before departure, you will have access to the discussion group for your week in the Travelbase app, under the "Messages" tab. The ranger will share all the important practical information there, and you'll be able to get to know the other participants and even make some plans for the trek.

Since this is a self-guided trail, you won’t be hiking in a single fixed group with a guide. You'll walk at your own pace, following the route and trail information.

That said, if you want to hike with other participants, that's totally possible. Whether you meet up (or not) with other hikers mainly depends on your preferences and the group for your week.

There are a maximum of 10 participants per departure date.

The trek is designed to be completed in its entirety: it's not meant for skipping a stage. The idea is that you can complete the full route. With good overall fitness and proper preparation, it’s definitely feasible. Shortly after your booking, you will receive a training plan to help you progress step by step.

Keep in mind that in the mountains, it’s often quicker to continue on foot than to try to "cut" around the terrain by car. Skipping a section isn't always as simple as it seems. That's why we really recommend being well prepared: the more fit you are, the more enjoyable and comfortable the experience will be.

If you need to stop along the way due to an injury or health issue, the ranger will always help you find a safe and realistic solution. Please note: some areas of Madeira are not easily accessible by car, so organizing a taxi or vehicle assistance isn't always possible. In such cases, you may need to walk to the nearest road to be picked up. And if you can’t move forward at all, you will need to call for rescue.

Madeira enjoys a mild climate all year round. On the southern coast, you'll often have sunshine, with temperatures generally hovering around 17°C in winter and rising up to 26°C in summer. The sea remains pleasant too, with water temperatures between 18°C and 24°C most of the time.

In the mountains, conditions can change very quickly. It can be significantly cooler, windier, and sometimes foggy, with nights clearly colder than on the coast. That's why we strongly recommend bringing a fleece, a technical rain jacket, and rain pants.

Madeira is also known for its microclimates. On the same day, you can go from a big blue sky by the ocean to mist or rain at higher altitudes.

In short, expect a true mix: bright sunshine followed by thick clouds just a few hours later. If you come well-equipped, you'll get to enjoy all the facets of the island. Shortly after your booking, we’ll send you a detailed packing list to make sure you don’t forget anything.

We do not recommend this hike if you suffer from severe vertigo. In Madeira, many trails run along steep slopes and may include narrow passages, sometimes close to the void.

If you’re traveling solo and exposure to heights makes you uncomfortable, we strongly advise against participating, for your safety and comfort. If your vertigo is mild and manageable, and you feel more at ease hiking with a friend, it might be doable.

Note: we cannot be held responsible if your fear of heights prevents you from continuing the hike.

Unfortunately not. For safety reasons, dogs are not allowed on this hike. The Madeira Trail has steep sections, a lot of elevation change, and sometimes technical terrain, making it unsuitable for a dog.

The planet offers us so many incredible things to admire, especially through our travels. But if we want to enjoy it for a long time, we must protect it at all costs. That's why we're making extra efforts to reduce the impact of our trips, and you can also reliably contribute to a Greentripper climate project through the booking form, which offsets the CO2 emissions from your mode of transport. By contributing to their certified project “Wildlife Cambodia,” you help protect the beautiful forests and the wildlife they harbor, support local communities, and reduce the CO2 emissions from your trip. If you decide to participate in the project, Travelbase will take on the additional responsibility of reducing your carbon footprint during the trip itself. Upon your return, you will also receive an official carbon credit certificate.

To learn more about the efforts and actions implemented by Travelbase, check out the following page.