Portugal's Madeira Women's Hiking & Walking Tour
Epic Trails & Ancient Forests on the Atlantic's Garden Isle
Hike fern-lined ridge trails and stroll through terra cotta-roofed fishing villages. Explore rocky beaches, dramatic mountains and towering waterfalls and discover why Madeira is known as the “Pearl of the Atlantic.”
We rate our trips based on a range of activity levels from 1-5.
See this trip's Activity Options & Terrain for more details.
From $5,399 - $5,999/person
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Snapshots from the Trip
Trip at a Glance
Highlights
- Traverse the island via a 600-year-old system of levadas—aqueducts that crisscross its emerald mountains and carry water to its lower lands
- Savor meals at beloved local restaurants while sampling ciders, Madeira wines and the island’s signature drink, poncha
- Visit Ponta de São Lourenço and hike along its dramatic red-hued cliffs and striking volcanic rock formations
- Take in Madeira’s seafaring history in its capital city, Funchal, and admire tropical plants at Palheiro Gardens
- Unwind at sumptuous and historic retreats ensconced in the island’s naturally stunning landscapes
Sample itinerary. Trip details may vary by departure.
Start Funchal Airport & Travel Details
- Start your journey with a leisurely lunch in the charming village of Camacha, paired with a taste of local artisanal cider
- Follow a section of levadas past ponds, leafy ferns and majestic oak trees
- Wander through roses and camellia trees in the colorful Palheiro Gardens
- Traverse Ponta de São Lourenço, a stretch of remarkable basalt coastline that sharply contrasts with the island’s lush interior
- Cruise the coast in a Zodiac to the 15th-century settlement of Machicho
- Wander seaside routes to Caniçal, once known as the center of Madeira's whaling industry
Nights 1-2
Luxury Hotel
High up in the hills above Funchal, this tranquil hotel—originally built in 1804—has kept its old-world charm and is filled with antiques, fresh flowers and floral patterns inspired by its proximity to the lovely Palheiro Estate and Gardens. A Relais & Châteaux member. (pool, spa)
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
- Hike out to the northern Vereda do Larano, considered one of Madeira's most stunning coastal routes, with views of cliffs plunging into the Atlantic and kestrels winging the winds
- Visit the sugarcane and rum town of Porto da Cruz for a beautiful lunch, followed by a stroll on its promenade
- Relax at the elegant Saccharum Resort & Spa in the historical banana-plantation town of Calheta, one of the island's sunniest locales and home to a golden-sand beach
- Take a dip in a pool overlooking the Atlantic
Night 3
Luxury Hotel
Converted from an old sugar mill, this sleek hotel has been redesigned with modern decor and rooms boasting floor-to-ceiling windows looking out on the Atlantic and surrounding green mountains. (pool, spa)
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
- Discover the verdant inland and enjoy the sights and scents of Madeira’s endemic flora and fauna, including its ancient laurissilva forest
- Experience sweeping views of the island on an afternoon hike through Madeira's highlands
- Summit 5,965-foot Pico do Arieiro via the famous Stairway to Heaven, for spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and Nun's Valley
- Unwind at the spa or order afternoon tea on the terrace of our historic hotel, which once hosted European royalty, political leaders and legendary writers.
Nights 4-5
Luxury Hotel
With iconic baby-pink walls, this palatial structure built onto the clifftops near Funchal has been an island mainstay for the past 100 years. Though modernized, it still enjoys a roaring 20s flair. (pool, spa)
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
End Funchal Airport & Travel Details
This trip has an activity level range of 2-4
All breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners
All accommodations on your Backroads trip
All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
Expertise and services of Backroads Trip Leaders
Lightweight carbon hiking poles
Backroads On Trip App with route maps, elevation profiles, daily snapshots and more
Additional local guides and experts, plus equipment for included activities as detailed in your itinerary
Exclusive activities, tours and cultural experiences, as detailed in your itinerary
All luggage transfers and porterage during your trip
Snacks and beverages between meals
Private cocktail and wine receptions on the first and last nights of your trip
Choice of Backroads t-shirt or hat, plus water bottle and luggage tag
Detailed Travel Planner with destination tips and pre-trip information
