Madeira: The Flower Island

Distances range from 7-15 km / 5-9 miles. Most days involve some elevation changes, with gains up to 700m / 2,300 ft and losses up to 900m / 2,950 ft.

Walking along Madeira's cliff sections can feel exposed with narrow paths hugging the dramatic coastline, offering far-reaching views of the Atlantic. The walking demands focus and sure footing, as some areas lack barriers, and the wind can be brisk, enhancing the sense of exposure. The reward of panoramic vistas and the unique sense of connection to nature make it worthwhile. For safety, it’s essential to choose appropriate trails and go prepared with sturdy footwear.

This tour is not suitable for anyone who has vertigo.

Before your tour, we recommend hiking regularly and incorporating some hilly terrain into your routine. Be sure to check the daily distances and elevation changes outlined in your itinerary.

The walks are predominantly along levadas, but there are also stony paths, paths cut into cliffs and through forests and along cliff tops. Many of the paths have steep drops alongside, without any walls or barriers.

Madeira’s landscape is dramatic but fragile, and paths can close or change at short notice because of heavy rain, landslides or other weather. If your planned walk is affected, we will contact you with an alternative. We recommend keeping your plans flexible so you can make the most of whatever the island offers on the day.

This tour is graded moderate. Within the tour individual days may vary in difficulty - some days might be a bit tougher or easier than the overall rating suggests.

Accommodation on this tour is a mix of 3 and 4-star hotels and small guesthouses, each offering a warm welcome and traditional local hospitality.

If your first-choice property isn't available, we'll book our preferred alternative, and we'll always discuss any additional charges related to transfers or room type with you before confirming your tour.

Unfortunately, this is not available to solo travelers. We can, however, offer single rooms if you are traveling with others. These are available for a supplement.

This is due to the remote nature of some of the terrain on this route.

Breakfast is included every day, along with several evening meals during your tour.

On most days you can pick up picnic supplies at local shops, and on the days this isn't possible, your accommodation can prepare a packed lunch if you ask the evening before (payable locally).

On evenings when dinner isn't included, you can eat at your hotel or at a local restaurant.

This tour can start any day of the year*, subject to availability

Winters are cooler with some chance of rain, though it's still mild enough for walking. Spring and fall - roughly April to June and late September to December - tend to be the best times to visit, with warm, pleasant conditions, while summer is considerably hotter.

Certain festivals and busy periods through the year can mean limited accommodation availability or added supplements, so it's worth checking dates in advance.
*Please note that we don't offer the following dates due to a 5-night minimum stay in Funchal: During the flower festival in early May, and 22 Dec - 04 Jan.

Your bags will be transferred between your accommodation as per your itinerary. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 20kg/44lbs per person.

Some of the walks on this tour are waymarked, but many aren't, so you'll need to follow the route information we provide.

Navigation is straightforward using our app which has maps, tracks and daily route info. Simply download the information and tracks for offline use and follow the route on your phone. Once on the trail you do not need signal for the app to work and follow your progress.

Our walks usually begin and end at a central point in town, such as a church or bus stop - access routes to your accommodation aren't included in the daily distances, though our app will still guide you there.

Recommended Reading
Although not essential, if you would like more information on the route please see our recommendation below:

Madeira Tour & Trail Map by David Brawn

Your tour starts and ends at Funchal Airport (FNC), Madeira's only international airport. Direct flights operate from several cities in the UK, and the flight from London takes about 3 hours 45 minutes. Other international flights connect to Madeira through Lisbon (LIS), Portugal's capital.

We will transfer you from Funchal Airport (FNC) to your first hotel and back again from your last hotel at the end of your tour.

You'll need good hiking shoes or boots, comfortable hiking clothes, waterproofs, a daypack, and we recommend hiking poles. A portable charger for your cell phone is essential. On booking, our Trip Info will give you a complete packing list.

We'd also recommend bringing a head torch, which comes in handy for some of the levada tunnel sections on this route.

On certain days you can shorten the route or skip it entirely by using a taxi or public transport.

Several of Madeira's most popular trails require a pre-booked permit with a set start time, as a way of managing visitor numbers and supporting trail maintenance and conservation. All permits needed for the hikes on this tour are already included for you. You will receive these by whatsapp on arrival in Madeira.

We highly recommend that you have travel insurance when you book with Macs Adventure. Your policy should cover medical treatment (including repatriation and emergency evacuation by air ambulance or helicopter), injury, death, third-party liability, and trip cancellation