
Tour · 7 nights · with Explore Worldwide
A week-long small-group walking tour with Explore Worldwide through Madeira’s volcanic terrain, levada paths and coastal cliffs, combining steady hikes with stops in local towns known for traditional crafts and Madeira wine.
Highlights
Cliff-top walk to Boca do Risco overlooking the Atlantic
Trek through Laurisilva, Madeira’s ancient laurel forest
Visit to traditional thatched houses in Santana
Hike between Pico do Areerio and Pico Ruivo above 1,000 metres
Porto Moniz volcanic rock pools on the north coast
This seven-night walking tour with Explore Worldwide begins in Santana, a village noted for its traditional thatched houses and Madeira embroidery. From there, the group moves along levada paths—irrigation canals unique to the island—that thread through forest and farmland, offering views of rare birds and the Atlantic coastline. On one day, the route climbs to Boca do Risco, a cliff-top viewpoint, before winding down to the seaside settlement of Porto da Cruz.
Journeys
Further into the week, walkers enter the Laurisilva forest, a UNESCO-protected subtropical cloud forest over 20 million years old. Another highlight is the walk between Pico do Areerio and Pico Ruivo, which climbs steadily to over 1,000 metres with expansive views of Madeira’s interior. Days end in villages and towns where local wine is given due attention and the chance to taste the island’s passion fruit pudding. The tour’s pace and length suit those steady on their feet and happy with some exposed paths.
The final nights spend time in Funchal, with opportunities to explore cobbled streets, craft workshops and botanical gardens. The itinerary blends walking with touches of culture and local life that many visitors miss.
Itinerary
Santana
Porto Moniz
Funchal
Pico do Arieiro
Pico Ruivo
When to go
Lowest price each month, per person.
Explore Worldwide confirms exact dates, availability and prices when you book.
Need to know
For full details of what’s included, check with Explore Worldwide. See the full details on their site
The operator
Small-group adventures, walking and wildlife
Small groups with local leaders, and a fondness for the places at the end of the road. Trips are graded so you know how active they are.
You book with Explore Worldwide directly. They confirm your place, take payment, and look after you from the moment you leave home; Atlas & Passage’s part ends when you click through.
New to Portugal? Our Portugal guide has the practical essentials: money, plugs, visas and when to go.

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These are the places the trip visits, in order. Explore Worldwide publishes the day-by-day itinerary on its own site.