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Coast to Clouds | 6 Days Hiking Madeira’s Volcanic Trails
📍 Madeira, Portugal | ✅ All INCLUSIVE
Summit cloud-piercing peaks, follow ancient levadas & breathe the mist of UNESCO laurel forests above the Atlantic on this 6-day Madeira hiking escape
Santana - Funchal, Madeira
Maximum 12 People
65km total across 5 main hikes
Demanding | Steep ascents, Rocky terrain
200% Co2 Offset
**Madeira is more than sunshine and sweet wine—**it’s a hiker’s paradise carved by volcanic peaks, dramatic cliffs, and subtropical forests. Over six demanding (and deeply rewarding) days, this route traces the island’s rugged backbone from high mountain ridgelines to the Atlantic’s edge, pairing big views by day with warm island hospitality by night.
Duration: 6 days
Difficulty: Demanding (deeply rewarding)
Summit Pico do Arieiro, standing above the clouds on one of the island’s highest peaks.
Trace the Larano Trail, where sheer cliffs plunge into the Atlantic.
Wander the Laurisilva forest, a UNESCO-listed subtropical wonderland alive with rare biodiversity.
Step onto the Cabo Girão skywalk, perched 580 m above the sea for a heart-racing view.
By night, settle into coastal towns, savour Madeira’s legendary hospitality, and recharge for the next day’s adventure. Demanding yet deeply rewarding, this is Madeira from a vantage point few ever reach.
Touch down in Madeira and make your way to Santana. Check in, meet the group and your guide (CEO) at the evening welcome, then wander to dinner if you’d like.
Optional: stroll past the traditional A-frame thatched houses for a first taste of the island’s heritage.
A coastal classic with ocean panoramas, laurel forest, bridges, and waterfalls. Starting near São Jorge, follow undulating paths beneath green cliffs and through pockets of subtropical vegetation, finishing in Santana for a well-earned rest.
Rise into the high country for Madeira’s marquee ridge hike. Expect steep ascents/descents, short tunnels, and sections that may require light scrambling. On a clear day, you’ll stand above the cloud line with sawtooth peaks in every direction. Transfer to Funchal late afternoon.
Pro tip: Pack a light headlamp for the tunnels and steady footing.
Trace the north-coast cliffs with the Atlantic thundering below. From Machico, contour to Boca do Risco for big-screen views, then continue west toward Porto da Cruz.
Some exposed sections without railings; the path is wide and secure but requires a steady head for heights. Return to Funchal for a free evening.
Head to Paul da Serra to walk historic levadas—narrow irrigation channels that thread through highland meadows and UNESCO-listed Laurisilva rainforest.
Climb to a São Vicente valley viewpoint where north and south coasts unfold below.
On the way back, stop at Cabo Girão; time and conditions permitting, step onto the glass skywalk perched ~580 m above the sea.
Breakfast, goodbyes, and onward travel from Funchal—legs pleasantly tired, camera happily full.
Enjoy five nights in locally run hotels full of Madeiran character. In Santana, settle into small family-style stays surrounded by mountain air and traditional A-frame houses. In Funchal, rest in central city hotels with easy access to cafes, markets, and evening strolls along the harbour. Expect clean, comfortable rooms with European charm — often without lifts or frills, but always well placed for adventure.
Included: 5 breakfasts (continental-style) + 3 picnic/trail lunches prepped for long hiking days.
Dinners are your call — explore Funchal’s and Santana’s eateries at your pace:
Dietaries: Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are usually available with advance notice; choice may be limited in smaller towns.
Hydration on trail: bring a 2L reusable bottle or bladder; refill at hotels and designated points as advised by your guide.
Trail extras: pack a few favourite snacks/electrolytes for steady energy on ascents and ridgelines.
Itinerary Activities
Guides & Support
Accommodation
Meals
Transport
Fees & Impact
Madeira is known as the “island of eternal spring”, but the weather shifts dramatically between the coast, the peaks, and the time of year. Here’s what to expect:
Spring (March – May)
Wildflowers blanket the hillsides, and temperatures sit between 16–22°C. Rain is still possible, especially in the north, so a light waterproof is essential. Trails are green, lush, and full of birdlife.
Summer (June – August)
The warmest and driest months, averaging 22–27°C on the coast. At higher elevations, it’s cooler, so expect 12–18°C at the summits. Long daylight hours make this the best season for those who love sunshine on the trail.
Autumn (September – November)
Comfortable hiking conditions with 18–25°C days, fewer crowds, and harvest season in full swing — a perfect time to enjoy Madeira’s wine culture after the day’s trek. Occasional showers return, keeping the island fresh and green.
Winter (December – February)
Mild coastal temperatures (14–20°C) but cooler, mistier weather in the mountains. Peaks can dip to 5–10°C, and cloud cover often rolls in. Trails are quieter and atmospheric, ideal for those who don’t mind swapping sunshine for moodier landscapes.
Overall: Madeira is walkable year-round. Just be ready for four seasons in one hike — sunny coastlines, misty forests, and crisp mountain air all in a single day.
Verified reviews from past tours
Essential Gear
Trail Extras
Personal Items
Pro Tip 🌍: Pack light — hotels are small, and you’ll be carrying luggage between vehicles and accommodations. A soft duffel or backpack works better than a bulky suitcase.
Results Summary
Purpose
Conservatively estimate greenhouse gas emissions (CO₂e) across Scopes 1–3, report per person (with group totals for context), and state the 200% offset applied per person.
Key Tour Info
Scope & Boundaries
Feeder Hub (Guest Flights) — Single Origin Rule
Emission Factors & Conservative Defaults
Activity Data Applied
Results — Per Person (high-estimate, no tables)
Flights (LIS ↔ FNC, return; WTT + RF=1.9): ≈ 390 kg
On-tour road (≈ 300 km; conservative passenger-km factor): ≈ 40 kg
Accommodation (5 hotel nights; region benchmark): ≈ 100 kg
All meals (18 × ~2.5 kg): ≈ 45 kg
Subtotal: ≈ 575 kg
+10% uncertainty uplift: ≈ 60 kg
Estimated total per person: ≈ 635 kg CO₂e
Reporting focus is per person. Group total above is provided only for context. Offsets are applied per person.
Assumptions (transparent)
Versioning
Generated 23 Aug 2025 (Australia/Perth). Factors reviewed at least annually or when official sources update.
References
Quick read (the gist)
Sense of place
This run tracks the Indian Ocean north past limestone pinnacles and wild dunes to red gorge country at Kalbarri, then the low coastal ranges and turquoise lagoons of Nyinggulu (Ningaloo) where reef life sprints to the shoreline. On Cape Range, the Turquoise Bay drift channels you past staghorn gardens and cruising turtles; overhead, spotter planes search for migrating giants.
Best times & seasonal highlights
Country & culture
This route crosses the lands and waters of Whadjuk Noongar (around Perth), Nanda (Kalbarri region), and Baiyungu, Thalanyji and Yinigudira peoples along the Ningaloo coast. Travel respectfully: observe site signage, stick to tracks, and support Indigenous-led experiences where available.
Wildlife etiquette & in-water safety
(Pro tip from the reef: fins > fashion. The ocean doesn’t grade on style.)
Practical logistics (road & park know-how)
Stand-out stops (choose-your-own-adventure)
History hits (for the curious)
Do-right travel (low impact, high joy)
Photography & storytelling notes
Accessibility & family notes
Shore snorkels vary: Bay loop at Turquoise Bay is calmer and suits confident beginners; the drift is for competent snorkellers only. Reef entries are sandy but can have shorebreak—check conditions. Many gorge lookouts on the road trip are accessible by car with short sealed paths; beach access tracks are mostly unsealed.
Explore the best times of the year to visit your dream destinations so you get minimum crowds and maximum experience
Use Heat-MapGet an idea of just how long you can expect to travel from home to your dream destination including multiple travel modes
Use Time EstimatorDo your own travel impact calculations using our multiple Co2 calculators.
Measure Your Co2Expect full hiking days (5–6 hrs) with 12–15km distances, steep ascents/descents, rocky steps, and short tunnels. Rated Demanding (★★★★☆) for healthy, active travellers.
Some cliffside sections (esp. Larano Trail) are exposed with no railings. The path is wide but requires a steady head for heights. Trekking poles help.
Summit day reaches ~1,818–1,859m (Pico do Arieiro). That’s not high-altitude; altitude sickness is unlikely.
A mix of stone steps, narrow levada paths, tunnels, ridgelines, and coastal trails. Surfaces can be wet, uneven, and slippery after rain.
Can dietary requirements be accommodated?
Usually yes with advance notice (veg/vegan/GF). Choice may be limited in smaller towns.
How is luggage handled?
Private vehicle between trailheads/towns; travellers handle their own bag in/out of hotels. Keep it to one main bag + one daypack.
Are airport transfers included?
No. Most travellers use pre-booked shuttles or taxis from FNC (Madeira Airport). Allow roughly 1 hour by road to Santana.
Is tap water safe?
Tap water in towns is generally safe. Carry enough for hikes and refill as advised by the guide. 💧
Can I swim during the trip?
Optional dips are possible (e.g., near São Lourenço). Pack swimwear and a light towel.
What if the weather turns bad?
Routes may change for safety (e.g., alternative levadas or adjusted sections). Flexibility keeps the adventure on track. 🌦️
Can I skip a hike day?
Sometimes possible but logistics and extra transport are at the traveller’s expense. Discuss options with the guide at the welcome meeting.
What power plugs do I need?
Portugal uses Type C/F plugs, 230V / 50Hz. Bring a suitable adapter and portable battery for long trail days.
Money & tipping?
Currency is Euro (€). Cards are widely accepted; carry some cash for small cafes. In Portugal, tipping is appreciated but optional—~10% in restaurants is common for good service.
Minimum age?
12+, and travellers under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes—mandatory. Ensure coverage for medical, evacuation, and hiking activities.
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