As 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 active and requires a good amount of effort, so it's important to be in good health. Keep in mind that the weather can change quickly. Due to significant elevation changes, this trek is not recommended for beginners or those who have never done multi-day hiking.

Please note that people under 18 must be accompanied by an adult, and children are not allowed.

Want to try this hiking adventure but unsure about your level?

Ask yourself these questions:

• What physical activities do I regularly do, 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 big 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 fully enjoy 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 have plenty of opportunities to meet fellow hikers along the way if you wish.

Still hesitating and want to test yourself before diving in?

Try one of our micro-adventures, like the Vosges Trail, Mullerthal Trail, or the Packraft Trail.

The Madeira Trail is a self-guided trek, allowing you to explore on your own. 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, so you just need to walk and enjoy.

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

What does your week look like?

• On the first day, you'll receive a complete briefing from an experienced ranger
• Throughout the week, you’ll get a detailed daily briefing via message
• You’ll hike independently on our route for 5 days
• All your accommodations (hotels and lodges) are booked in advance
• If you choose the meal option, everything is organized: you won’t need to plan or carry your food (except for your daily picnic) for the week
• If you have any questions or issues, the ranger is available at any time by phone to assist you

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

For example, if you book for the week of March 29 to April 4, you arrive on March 29 and your first hiking day is on March 30.

Our departure dates already include your arrival day and departure day. You don’t need to add extra nights to complete the trek. Of course, if you want to stay a few more days to explore Madeira, you are 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 March 29 to 30.

This extra night can be added to your booking up to 1 month before departure, subject to availability.

Example: week of March 29 to April 4

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

• March 29: arrival in Funchal, check in at Enotel Magnolia (optional night)
• March 30: Fanal → Rabaçal (shuttle departs at 9 AM in Funchal, in front of Enotel Magnolia)
• March 31: Rabaçal → Encumeada
• April 1: Encumeada → Pico Ruivo
• April 2: Pico Ruivo → Santana
• April 3: Porto da Cruz → Machico
• April 4: 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 relax after a day of hiking.

In total, you'll spend:

• 3 nights in a comfortable hotel, in a twin or double room (+1 if you choose to take the first night as an option)
• 1 night in a cozy cottage
• 1 night in a mountain hut, 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 truly natural settings: that’s exactly why we've carefully selected hotels and a hut that are cozy, comfortable, and ideally located, with beautiful views so you can rest well each night and head out the next day with all the energy you need.

Traveling solo?

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

During the trek, you will generally have reception, although the strength may vary depending on the location. Sometimes mobile data can be weaker or even absent in certain areas, but you will most often have at least a little connection to make a call if needed.

On the trail, the signal can be weaker in narrow valleys, certain areas of laurel forests, and more remote mountain sections. This is normal: reception can fluctuate 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 in advance, so you can use the map offline
• Let your loved ones know that you’ll respond more in the evening, once you arrive at the accommodation

• 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 accommodation tax
• The shuttle transfer from Funchal to the start of the trek (day 1)
• 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 gear 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/.

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 trek, you won't be hiking in a single fixed group with a guide. You walk at your own pace, following the itinerary and route information.

That said, if you feel like hiking with other participants, that's totally possible. Whether you end up with other hikers or not mainly depends on your preferences and the group of 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 south coast, you can often expect sunshine, with temperatures generally 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 rapidly. It can be noticeably cooler, windier, sometimes foggy, and nights are definitely colder than on the coast. That’s why we highly 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 bright blue sky by the ocean to mist or rain in the higher altitudes.

In short, expect a real mix: bright sunshine followed by thick clouds a few hours later. If you're well-equipped, you'll be able to enjoy all the different aspects of the island. Shortly after your booking, we’ll send you a detailed gear list so 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.

When you book, you can choose to contribute to a certified climate project by Greentripper. Your contribution supports an initiative made up of 11 local projects in Uganda that distributes more efficient cooking stoves. This significantly reduces fuel consumption, helps protect forests from deforestation, and improves indoor air quality for local families. The project is Gold Standard certified, which guarantees the highest international standards for climate projects.

If you decide to contribute, Travelbase will also offset additional local emissions on site. After your trip, you’ll receive an official carbon credit certificate.

Want to learn more about our initiatives for more sustainable travel? Find out more on Travelbase.