Top Madeira Outdoor Activities

Bask in the sun and sea of Madeira, one of the world’s tallest oceanside cliffs, on this catamaran excursion departing from the Funchal Marina. After boarding, find a nice spot on the deck or one of the four trampoline nets for spotting whales and dolphins. Your crew highlights landmarks and wildlife plus you have a choice of a morning or afternoon departure time.

Uncover the natural splendor surrounding Funchal on this full-day northern wonders Jeep trip. Stay from Funchal’s well-trodden paths in a fully-equipped Jeep to see the awe-inspiring plateaus at Paul da Serra. Admire the natural Porto Moniz pools, formed by volcanic activity long ago, as well as the renowned São Vicente vineyards and Cabo Girao.

Make the most of your time in Madeira and cover the entire island in just two days on this small-group excursion. Set out for two full-day tours to see top landmarks including Girao Cape, the Porto Moniz natural pools, the fishing village of Camara de Lobos, and the Arieiro and Ruivo summits. Experience nature, history, and tradition on this comprehensive tour.

Slow down and explore the lush heart of Madeira island on this half-day walking tour from Rabaçal to 25 Fountains. Led by a local guide, you’ll learn about Madeira’s levadas (canals), catch stunning views of Rabaçal Valley, wander through a laurel forest, watch for the elusive trocaz pigeon—a bird found only on Madeira—and marvel at the clear, green water of 25 Fountains.

Delve into the spectacular landscapes of Madeira’s northwest coast on an explorative full-day tour from Funchal. Accompanied by your guide, travel through scenery of outstanding natural beauty, gazing at landmarks like Paul da Serra and Porto Moniz. Head deep into the mysterious forest on a guided hike; gain an insightful glimpse into Portuguese culture; and, weather permitting, sink your toes into the silky sands of the black sandy beach of Seixal.

Ascend to Madeira’s highest peak on an 8-hour walk to Pico Ruivo, from the top of which travelers are rewarded with spectacular panoramas of Madeira. Ideal for visitors with a moderate fitness level, this tour takes you through an ancient heather forest and reveals a plethora of flora and fauna native to the island. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

One of the most popular hikes in Madeira is the challenging trek between the Arieiro and Ruivo mountain peaks. Take the guesswork out of getting there by booking a transfer service to easily get to and from the hike. This is not a guided tour but an easy way for visitors who don't have cars to access the hike.

Enjoy a peaceful sunrise stroll between Pico do Arieiro and Pico Ruivo—without having to rush to keep up with a group—by choosing this self-guided hike package. To save you the hassle of organizing transport, the trip includes hotel pickup, then drop-off at Pico do Arieiro, and pickup from Achada do Teixeira once you’ve finished the hike.

Reach pockets of Madeira you can’t get to any other way than canyoning with this small group canyoning tour. Journey into the mountainous interior of the island for hours of abseiling down waterfalls, gliding down natural water slides, and jumping into pools for a swim. Places on this small-group tour are limited to 12 people and participants need a good level of fitness to take part.

The Valley of the Nuns (Curral da Freiras) might be one of the coolest places you can visit in all of Portugal—and this tour makes it easy to explore the area. Not only is it a village built on the crater of an extinct volcano, but it was once a place where nuns would hide when pirates attacked the city of Funchal. Plus, during this tour, you’ll stop by the fishing village, Câmara de Lobos, and try a traditional Madeira drink.

Enjoy Madeira’s natural beauty and renowned wine on a half-day off-road adventure. After a convenient hotel pickup in Funchal or Caniço, travel by 4x4 to picturesque sites like the soaring cliffs of Cabo Girão and the vineyards of Sao Vicente. Learn about local wine customs and production from a local winemaker, and sample white, red, and rosé varieties.

Begin your day watching the sunrise over the clouds and mountains on this early morning adventure from Funchal. Join a small group and head to the summit of Arieiro, Madeira’s third highest peak, to watch the sky change from night to day. After, enjoy a “levada” walk through the lush forests before the crowds set in.

Madeira is famous for its beautiful landscapes and walks. Embark on the island's most challenging hike on this full-day tour, from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo, the island's highest peak. This challenging hike is not for the faint of heart and winds through rock formations and lush forests alongside an experienced guide.

A hop-on hop-off bus tour is the ideal way to combine the flexibility of independent sightseeing with the convenience of a guided tour. With a choice of a 48-hour or 5-day ticket, this great-value deal offers full access to three routes—the highlights of Funchal, the village of Câmara de Lobos, and the Skywalk of Cabo Girão.

The West Coast of Madeira is full of spectacular lookouts, traditional fishing villages, and natural wonders, but it can be hard to get around without your own transport. Maximize your time on this full-day tour from Funchal and take in highlights including Cabo Girão, Ribeira da Janela, Laurissilva forest, and the Porto Moniz natural pools. Hotel pickup and drop-off is included.

Spend a day exploring the dramatic sea cliffs, islands and traditional villages of Madeira’s east coast on this full-day small-group tour, with a maximum of 8 people. Enjoy magnificent views of Ribeiro Frio, Pico do Arieiro and Laurissilva forest; discover the crafts-making heritage of Camacha village; and snap photos of the thatched triangular houses in Santana village. After a scenic walk along the levadas (canal ways) and a visit to a trout farm, tuck into a delicious 3-course lunch (included) on the island of Grutas do Faial.

Discover the eastern landscapes of Madeira with ease on an 8-hour tour from Funchal, ideal for lovers of natural landscapes. Ascend to Pico de Arieiro, Madeira’s third-highest peak, and admire the famous Laurissilva Forest, which dates back to prehistoric times. Plus, you’ll enjoy lunch in the colorful town of Santana, visit Machico, and admire panoramic views from Ponta de São Lourenço. Hotel pickup and drop-off in Funchal are included.

Venture off-road to explore Madeira’s northwest coast on this full-day, small-group safari from Funchal. Take the scenic route between Ribeira Brava and Porto Moniz in an open-top safari vehicle; enjoy spectacular views of the Cabo Girão sea cliffs, and explore the dark-sand beach of Seixal.

In this experience i'm suggesting some of the most beautiful walking trails in Madeira Island. All the tours are scheduled in the less busiest day in each area to provide you a calm and relaxing experiences out of the crowds. The schedule for the week will be the following: Monday: 25 Fountains and Risco levadas with waterfalls - Distance: 15km / Difficulty Level (1-5): 3 Tuesday: Larano coastal and forest trail - Distance: 11km / Difficulty Level (1-5): 3 Wednesday: Caldeirão Verde Levada - Distance: 13km / Difficulty Level (1-5): 2 Thursday: Fanal and Levada dos Cedros - Distance 12km / Difficulty Level (1-5): 2 Friday: Levada do Rei - Distance 10km / Difficulty Level (1-5): 1 Saturday: Ponta São Lourenço - Distance 7km / Difficulty Level (1-5): 2 Sunday: We will suggest a different trail according to the group needs and physical conditions. You can search for these names to have a look at the sceneries before booking.

Embark on an ocean adventure during this dolphin and whale watching tour from Funchal. Board your stylish catamaran and kick back as you cruise alongside Madeira’s south coast. Your friendly crew knows these waters well and guides you to the areas where whales and dolphins are most often seen. If the weather is favorable and the sea conditions are good, take a dip in the waters of the Cabo Girão, or try your hand at some basic sailing techniques.

Madeira is known for its “levada” walking trails, but it requires ample research time to shortlist the best hiking trails. With this tour, you can save time and let someone else do the hard work for you as hiking instructions and a map are provided. Get picked up from your accommodation and dropped off at the start point, then have free time to explore the 25 Fontes and Risco trails before being picked up at the end.

Madeira Island’s western shores are home to natural sea pools, traditional fishing villages, soaring cliffs, and dense forests, but reaching the top sites requires local knowledge. On this tour, travel from your Canico, Funchal, or Machico hotel via air-conditioned minibus, and reach the sites with ease. Hit sites of interest including Câmara de Lobos, Porto Moniz, and the Ribeira Brava, and enjoy personal attention from your guide on this small-group tour, limited to 16 people.

Check out the center of Madeira Island, where you'll find the Valley of the Nuns. This is a half day small group tour, that runs twice weekly at 9:30am. You’ll stop at Miradouro Pico Dos Barcelos for a wonderful view of Funchal, and later at Eira do Serrado viewpoint for some gorgeous surrounding nature. You'll then spend time in the Valley of the Nuns with layers of white clouds among the mountain peaks.