Travelbase presents
HIKE THROUGH THE MAGNIFICENT ISLAND OF MADEIRA
Situated in a tropical archipelago, Madeira is a Portuguese island known as the "Pearl of the Atlantic" or the "Island of Flowers" due to its exceptional flora. With a subtropical climate and breathtaking landscapes, this destination offers a unique paradise-like experience.
This hiking tour takes you through the island, which is renowned for its diverse landscapes. You will discover lush green valleys, towering peaks, picturesque levadas (irrigation channels), and secluded beaches, all in one week.
As the name suggests, the Madeira Trail takes place in Madeira, a remote island in the middle of the Atlantic belonging to Portugal.
Our carefully crafted itinerary will have you crossing the island and exploring its most beautiful spots. It's a challenging hike that definitely belongs on the bucket list of any adventurer who loves the outdoors. We'll travel from the west to the east of the island, from the sea to the most majestic peaks, following the levadas and exploring the stunning pristine forests, including the Fanal forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site!
You’ll spend five days hiking in the heart of this flower-filled island, where you’ll not only take on a physical challenge but also have the chance to witness some of the most breathtaking panoramas on the planet.
It's not easy to plan a well-organized hike in Madeira by yourself. That's why we've created a program so you can see the highlights in a week-long stay that includes five full days of walking. The program can be adjusted based on weather and government conditions.
The autumn edition will take place from September 15 to November 6, 2026. You can check all the specific dates via the calendar at the bottom of the page or by clicking here.
Note, the hike starts the next day. For example, if you choose the week of September 19 to 25, you will start hiking on September 20. The hotel option in Funchal will therefore be for September 19, your arrival day.
The price of this trip varies from date to date and is offered starting from €825 per person.
We have carefully selected each accommodation so you can stay close to the trail while enjoying a true escape into nature, without giving up comfort.
You will alternate between hotels and a lodge throughout the week. In the hotels, you'll stay in a double room*. At the lodge, you'll sleep in a shared room (maximum 4 people) with other participants.
*If you are traveling solo, you will share a double room with another participant (separate beds). We do our best to group people of the same gender, but can't guarantee it. If you are traveling in an odd group, one person from the group will be placed in a room with a solo traveler.
-> Upon explicit request from participants and subject to availability, it is possible to allocate a triple room for a group of three people (subject to a surcharge). Please note that this option is only available if the request has been made in advance.
A shuttle will take you from Funchal to the start of the trek.
It departs at 8:30 AM, so please be on time at the meeting point if you don't book your first night with us.
This trek is self-guided. This means you are completely free to explore the trail on your own. The advantage? You can hike with peace of mind, as everything has been arranged for you: from a beautiful hiking itinerary to unique places to sleep. A ranger will be on site to assist you if needed and provide all the necessary information.
On the first day of hiking, you will receive a detailed briefing from our ranger. You will find the itinerary and useful information in the Madeira Trail app, carefully prepared for you. After that, you'll start hiking independently. The ranger will, of course, be available by phone to help you if needed.
After your booking, you will have access to the Travelbase app. There, you'll find all the practical information before, during, and after your trip: tips, tricks, and everything you’ll need along the way. The app is both your digital guide and your preparation tool. Install it before you leave so you have all the info at your fingertips.
Want to know more about this trip? Check out the frequently asked questions.
When booking, you can choose to add the following options to your stay in Madeira.
89 €
89 €
We offer you the option of one night in Funchal the night before your first hiking day, which corresponds to your arrival day.
For example, if you book for the week of May 1st to 7th, this night will be on May 1st and the hike will start on May 2nd.
This night is optional because some travelers arrive a few days earlier and are already on-site, or prefer to book their own accommodation in Funchal.
The proposed hotel is Enotel Magnolia, a comfortable 4-star hotel with wellness facilities, a pool, and breakfast included, to kick off your week right.
As with the other nights of the stay, if you're traveling solo, you'll share the room with another traveler. We always do our best to match people of the same gender, although this isn't guaranteed one hundred percent.
If you don't choose this option, we invite you to join us the next morning at 8:30 AM in the hotel lobby for the briefing and shuttle departure for the trek.
The difficulty of a trek depends on many factors. By considering the following elements, you can assess if this trek is right for you. If you have never done a multi-day hike with a backpack, it's better to choose a gentler route for your first experience.
• A true week of walking: For five days, you'll be walking several hours a day. The stages aren't extreme, but they are quite full. You need to be comfortable with the idea of walking a good part of the day for several days in a row, and carrying a backpack.
• Climbing up, going down... and doing it again: Madeira is a very mountainous island. This means you'll often be going up or down. The elevation change can be compared to climbing up and down several flights of stairs in a day. It takes energy, especially for your legs.
• Lots of stone stairs: On several sections, the trails are equipped with stone stairs, sometimes long and regular. It's practical and safe, but it can tire you out faster than a flat path. Good shoes and a steady pace are your best allies.
• A sporty trek, but accessible: This trip is aimed at healthy people who walk regularly and/or engage in regular physical activity. If you train beforehand, and during the hike, you take your time, make breaks, and listen to your body, the route remains doable, and the views are well worth the effort.
Are you eager to experience the beautiful adventure of the Madeira Trail? Join us by clicking on the button below.
We invite you to consult the FAQ below before sending us an email. The FAQ provides comprehensive answers to the most frequently asked questions!
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. Please note that people under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
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:
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 basic price includes the following:
Within 5 days after your registration, you must pay a deposit to confirm your trip. After that, you still have until a few weeks before departure to modify your options and pay the remaining balance. If you make changes, the deposit is automatically recalculated.
There are various payment options, including Bancontact, Mastercard, iDeal. If you have a Travelbase voucher, you can use it as well.
If your payment fails, it is likely due to an incorrect reference number or exceeding your account limit.
Over the course of the week, you’ll cover around 85 km in total, with daily stages ranging from 12 to 22 km. The days are planned and balanced so that the distance covered and elevation gained are evenly distributed.
You can book Madeira Trail solo, as a duo, or in a group.
Please bear in mind that there is a maximum group size of 10 people for certain trails.
Would you like to be kept up to date with the latest news about our trails? Fill in this form so you don’t miss a thing!
