Madeira
Portugal
Discover Madeira.
A place of laurel forests and dramatic sea cliffs, where every day offers a new way to explore.
Best time to visit
April – October
Ideal duration
5–8 days
Travel style
Nature
Overview
Madeira rises steeply from the Atlantic, wrapped in green forest and edged by black volcanic cliffs. Its mild climate earned it the name “island of eternal spring”, and its network of levada paths makes it one of the most rewarding walking islands in Europe.
What Makes It Special
More than 2,000 kilometres of levadas, the old irrigation channels, trace the mountainsides and lead walkers through tunnels, past waterfalls and into the ancient Laurisilva forest. Few places let you walk through cloud forest in the morning and swim in the ocean by afternoon.
Places to Explore
Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo summit trail
Levada do Caldeirão Verde and its waterfall
Ponta de São Lourenço peninsula
Porto Moniz natural lava pools
The old town of Funchal
Things to Do
Walk a levada through the Laurisilva forest
Watch the sunrise above the clouds at Pico do Arieiro
Taste Madeira wine at a historic lodge
Spot dolphins and whales on a small-boat trip
When to Visit
The island is pleasant all year. April to October is best for hiking, with drier trails and longer days. Winter brings more rain to the north coast but fewer visitors.
Local Tips
Weather changes quickly, so pack a light rain jacket
Bring a headlamp for levada tunnels
Rent a car to reach trailheads early
Check trail status on the regional forestry website before you go
Plan your Madeira escape.
Tell us when you’d like to travel and how you love to explore. We’ll shape a journey with the right pace, places and local guides.
Reply within one business day
SUGGESTED JOURNEYS
Ways to experience it.
Small-group journeys designed around this destination.
