The 10 Best Walking Tours in Funchal, Madeira Islands

December 27, 2021 Tonie Szymanski

Funchal, the capital of the Madeira archipelago, was declared a city in the 1500s, and became an important point between the old and new worlds. The laid-back city owes much of its historical prominence to "white gold," Madeiran sugar. Today Funchal is known for its appealing temperatures, wine and crafts. Top spots to visit include the open Worker's Market, Blandy's Wine Lodge and the Sacred Art Museum. Friendly locals, walkable streets and cheap taxis make the city easy to get around.
Restaurants in Funchal

1. Fanal Assobiadores - Mountain Walk

Lido Tours
Excellent
0%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
100%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 2 reviews

A very special foot expedition for regular walkers! Starting at Paul da Serra and finishing in Fanal, this full-day breathtaking 7.15 mile (11.5km) walk is one of the few places in Madeira where you can see the Laurissilva vegetation at its best.

Inclusions: All taxes, fees and handling charges, Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only)

Exclusions: Food and drinks

Reviewed By HMS01

Great day out. Our driver/guide, Roberto, was really friendly and informative. We were picked up promptly and he was a good driver. I enjoyed the tour immensely and also did the day trip to the East of the island - also with Roberto. I'd thoroughly recommend the company.

2. Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço Trail Walking Tour

Lido Tours
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 2 reviews

Walking through the heart of the natural park of Madeira, this walk is a great way for you to understand how our island was originated The unique rock formations and species of the fauna and flora in this area are worth experiencing.

Inclusions: Pick-up from selected hotels in Funchal, All taxes and fuel surcharges, Walking sticks and rain-ponchos will be provided if needed

Exclusions: Food and drinks

Reviewed By HMS01

Great day out. Our driver/guide, Roberto, was really friendly and informative. We were picked up promptly and he was a good driver. I enjoyed the tour immensely and also did the day trip to the East of the island - also with Roberto. I'd thoroughly recommend the company.

3. Madeira s highest Peaks

Funchal, Funchal, Madeira, Madeira Islands Nature Meetings
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 4 reviews

Walk between Madeira´s highest peaks! Starting at Pico do Areeiro, within a short distance we come upon the Ninho da Manta (Buzzard’s Nest) belvedere. From this platform one can see the valley of Fajã da Nogueira, where some Manx shearwater (Puffinus puffinnus) breed, São Roque do Faial and a large part of the Central Mountain Range. To reach Pico Ruivo at 1862m, we must go around Pico das Torres up a steep incline of steps carved in the rock and then descend, the most difficult part of this trail being the final climb to the Shelter at Pico Ruivo. But the thought of reaching the highest point of the island is a driving force. From the Pico Ruivo shelter, the footpath leads to Achada do Teixeira car park, where you can see “Homem em pé” (Standing Man), a basalt rock formation found on the way down the slope after you pass the shelter at Achada do Teixeira.

Inclusions: Certified driver and experienced mountain guide., Transfer to and from walk., Insurance according to Portuguese legislation

Exclusions: Drinks and food, Gratuities

Reviewed By carolineeisenhofer

I booked the tour via the "Get your Guide"-App. I was picked up on time by our tour guide Bruno picked @ 0845 AM near my house. We drove around one and a half hours to get to Rabaçal where the tour started. On our way to Rabaçal we reached the plateau Paul da Serra. At Rabaçal we hiked both routes: first the PR 6.1 to the Risco waterfall and then the PR 6 to the 25 Fontes. As an older man collapsed on the way and our tour guide Bruno took him back to the Rabaçal nature spot cafe. During the hike Bruno let us smell some freshly picked mint and bay leaves. I really enjoyed the time out there and everything was organized well.

4. Rabaçal Waterfalls : Full Day Hike and 4x4 Tour

Hit the Road Tours
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 6 reviews

The walk takes place in the middle of the Rabaçal valley, one of our most prized nature attractions in the Madeiran Laurissilva forest, the largest laurel forest in the world! ​Possibly the most underrated hike on the island, away from the big crowds and a must do for all nature and Madeira Lovers! The hike is a moderate, 15km walk, including a fair amount of steps to overcome as well as a tunnel, flat and spacious.​ It takes approximately 4:30 hours to complete ranging in altitudes of 900m to 1290m above sea level. We are one of the smaller operators on the island and all our hikes are in small groups of 7 persons maximum. This creates a more intimate setting where everybody can hear the guide and feel more involved in the experience. We take our time and personalise the experience according to the day, the weather and group dynamic and we are very attentive to our clients photography needs. Nobody regrets booking with us.

Inclusions: All taxes, fees and handling charges, Driver/guide, Professional Mountain Guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only)

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities

Reviewed By blesso870

We just completed a full-day west end tour led by Jeff. It was a fantastic day all around. Jeff arrived on time and showed us many beautiful sights we never would have found on our own. We did some off-roading in his Land Rover and felt completely at ease with him driving on these Madeira roads. We then went and saw many of the highlights of the north west side of the island. We were very happy to have the entire day rather than a half-day, which would have felt too short. Jeff listened to what we wanted to do and customized the day for us. A great value too. I highly recommend this tour.

5. Encumeada levada

Levada da Serra do Faial, 9135 Camacha, Portugal YouGoTo.com
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1 reviews

This is a hard lever trail in the mountainous massif of Madeira that passes through Curral das Freiras (Nun's Valley) and begins at Encumeada, the central zone that divides the north and the south sides of the island. The first part of the route takes you on an accessible trail that passes through Curral Jangão and gradually ascends to Chão da Relvinha, where we'll descend til Fajã Escura. Arriving here, we follow Fajã dos Cardos, where we'll see a trail surrounded by agricultural plantations. This is where we start to climb til Boca das Torrinhas, a point where you can contemplate the view over Curral das Freiras. We'll return with constant ascents and descents, til Encumeada, in a rail with basaltic steps.

Inclusions: Certified Mountain / Naturalist guide, Torch, Personal insurance, Taxes

Exclusions: Optional lunch package plus € 8.

Reviewed By philng200

I guess its something you must do in Madiera. Travelled as a 3. We knew price was a bit steep 45 Euros for 3 but glad we experienced it. Lovely sunny day. Glad we experienced it. Didn't experience the high pressure selling at the end of the ride some others have had. Walk down the hill back in to Funchal at end of ride is pleasant and around 1 and half miles.

6. Rabaçal / 25 Fonts

Ilha Tours
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 2 reviews

It is one of the most emblematic and most visited pedestrian walks on the island of Madeira. An authentic gift for our senses. Along the trail enjoy centurial laurel and heather beyond its unforgettable waterfalls and fountains, 25 in all respects living up to its name. The use of a walking stick, proper footwear and water is recommended.

Inclusions: Certified Guide

Exclusions:

Reviewed By 672kamah

I was on a trip to Western Madeira. everyone was very pleased with the trip. Patricia is a great woman, she talked about what we visit and answered questions. She is very good drivers. Thank you for a great time and we recommend everyone a trip with the girls from this travel agency. Kamila with mather

7. Levada Do Norte (Cape Girão - Ribeira Brava)

Ilha Tours
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1 reviews

Very sunny walk with magnificent views over Câmara de Lobos and the Belfry. You will find green fields, carefully crafted plantations and sets of houses and buildings of the villages. It is a very pleasant tour that can be carried out any time of the year derived from the good climate of the south coast. The use of proper footwear and water is recommended.

Inclusions: Licensed Guide

Exclusions:

Reviewed By 672kamah

I was on a trip to Western Madeira. everyone was very pleased with the trip. Patricia is a great woman, she talked about what we visit and answered questions. She is very good drivers. Thank you for a great time and we recommend everyone a trip with the girls from this travel agency. Kamila with mather

8. Combo Expedition (Jeep Tour & Levada Walk) - Full Day Tour

Funchal, Portugal Madeira Mountain Expeditions
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 2 reviews

Join us with the ultimate Combo Expedition by combining a Land Rover tour with a Levada walk. You will experience Madeira ‘s wilderness by Land Rover and foot by entering the Laurisilva forest in the centre of Madeira. And then later one you can join the farmers by walking a special Levada along the fields of sugar cane and other different crops. This combination will give you a detailed opportunity to “Taste” what Madeira has to offer.

Inclusions: Hotel or Accommodation pickup and drop-off, Driver/guide, Insurance (Required by Portuguese law)

Exclusions: Alcoholic Beverages, Lunch Meal is Optional - Cost of the Lunch 12€ per person (option Fish or Meat or Vegetarian).

Reviewed By O3629GPamandaj

What an amazing adventure, loved the Jeep ride and the Levada walk was beautiful, Jon our host was a brilliant guy, so knowledgeable and funny, I would tell everyone to do this, it’s such fun. ????

9. Mini Combo Expedition (Jeep tour & Levada Walk) - Thursday

Funchal, Portugal Madeira Mountain Expeditions
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 2 reviews

Join us with the ultimate Combo Expedition by combining a Land Rover tour with a Levada walk. You will experience Madeira ‘s wilderness by Land Rover and foot by entering the Laurisilva forest in the centre of Madeira. And then later one you can join the farmers by walking a special Levada along the fields of sugar cane and other different crops. This combination will give you a detailed opportunity to “Taste” what Madeira has to offer.

Inclusions: Hotel or Accommodation pickup and drop-off, Driver/guide, Insurance (Required by Portuguese law)

Exclusions: Alcoholic Beverages

Reviewed By SimonM406

My family and I did 2 tours with Mountain Expeditions, 'The Amazing West' and the East combo tour and Levada walk. Our driver/guide on both occasions was Joao, who was fantastic and I can't rate highly enough. The 1/2 day East combo tour was great , and Joao did a great job of involving our 6 year old son - giving him the opportunity to choose options and different points of the trip. We enjoyed it so much we decided to do a full day tour of the West, and very glad we did. Amazing scenery and off-roading sections, up to Porto Moniz where the swimming pools in basaltic rock are fantastic. Unfortunately we didn't know that swimming in these pools would be an option so we didn't take swim costumes. My son and I did it anyway in our underwear, but my wife missed out. All the other guests on the tour had been told by their booking agent, but we weren't. Maybe worth mentioning it in the brochure, as it IS a great experience. When we come back to Madeira we will definitely book more trips with Mountain Expeditions.

10. Madeira Top Sunrise

Madeira Wonders
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 2 reviews

Have you ever dreamed about celebrating a start of the new day on the very top of the paradise Madeira island? Just allow yourself to dream and we will make this fantastic experience real! We’ll start our walk still in the dark and we’ll be walking up for 2.5 kilometers, admiring the magnificent night sky, with billions of stars just above our heads. After ~1.5 hour we’ll reach Ruivo Peak, the highest point of the island, and there, being at the highest point for hundreds of kilometers away, we will meet the new day, inspired and motivated to reach any further goals you have.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Bottled water, Torches, Driver/guide, Live commentary on board, Local guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Port pickup and drop-off, Transport by private vehicle, Insurance, Free WIFI onboard

Exclusions: Food and Drinks, Hiking clothes, hiking boots or sport shoes, Wind/rain proof jacket, hats, scarfs and gloves

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.