Madeira Trails & Discovery

Monday 19th April

Fly from London Gatwick to Madeira, where warm Atlantic air, volcanic peaks and lush valleys welcome us on arrival. We’ll transfer to Funchal and settle into our 5-star accommodation, The Editory Ocean Way.

Overnight in Funchal.

Tuesday 20th April

This morning, we’ll discover the island’s capital, Funchal, beginning at the lively Farmers’ Market, where fragrant flowers, colourful tropical fruits and the calls of local traders create a vibrant atmosphere.

We’ll then travel by cable car to the historic hilltop village of Monte, ascending above the city as the bustle of Funchal gives way to fresh mountain air and panoramic views across the Atlantic.

Here, we’ll explore the lush Monte Palace Tropical Garden, surrounded by exotic plants and peaceful water features. Those feeling adventurous can take Madeira’s famous wicker toboggan ride, a unique and exhilarating way to descend the narrow streets of Monte in a traditional woven basket, steered by two skilled carreiros. Alternatively, you can return by coach. Back in Funchal, we’ll visit a historic wine lodge, where the aroma of ageing oak barrels accompanies a tasting of the island’s distinctive Madeira wine.

This evening, we’ll enjoy a traditional dinner filled with authentic Madeiran flavours.

Breakfast and lunch included. Dinner with drinks included. Overnight at The Editory Ocean Way, Funchal.

Wednesday 21st April

Today, we’ll explore Madeira’s west coast, beginning with a barefoot wellness walk through a garden of endemic plants. Along this unique sensory trail, we’ll experience natural textures beneath our feet, from pine bark and acorns to sand and clay. We’ll then visit the Madeira Banana Museum, discovering how the island’s bananas are cultivated across its steep plantation terraces, before enjoying a tasting of banana beer and creamy banana milkshakes.

After lunch, we’ll take a gentle walk beside the Lombada levada, offering a sensory experience as we pass close to waterfalls and through lush vegetation.

Breakfast and lunch included. Overnight at The Editory Ocean Way, Funchal.

Thursday 22nd April

Today, we’ll visit Ilha das Aves, a leafy bird park where the calls of parrots, macaws and other colourful species fill the gardens. We’ll then follow a winding mountain road to Eira do Serrado, a viewpoint overlooking the deep volcanic valley and village of Curral das Freiras, or Nuns’ Valley. Enclosed by towering peaks, this remote and charming village takes its name from the nuns who sought refuge here during pirate attacks on Funchal in the 16th century. Surrounded by this dramatic mountain scenery, we’ll sample broa de castanha, a traditional Madeiran chestnut cake.

Breakfast and lunch included. Overnight at The Editory Ocean Way, Funchal.

Friday 23rd April

DISTANCE: 3KM / DURATION: 1H30 / GRADE: EASY

Today, we’ll walk through Madeira’s ancient Laurissilva forest along the gentle Vereda dos Balcões trail. Surrounded by rich vegetation and birdsong, we’ll follow the trail to Balcões Viewpoint. Here, the valley falls away beneath us and Madeira’s highest peaks pierce the clouds, offering a humbling moment to pause, breathe and absorb the extraordinary scale of the landscape. We’ll then continue through eastern Madeira to the village of Santana, known for its colourful triangular houses with steep thatched roofs. Our scenic journey also takes us through Porto da Cruz, beneath the imposing Eagle Rock, and past the historic coastal town of Machico.

Breakfast and lunch included. Overnight at The Editory Ocean Way, Funchal.

Saturday 24th April

DISTANCE: 3KM / DURATION: 2H30-3H / GRADE: MODERATE

Today, we’ll follow a coastal trail across Ponta de São Lourenço, Madeira’s wild eastern peninsula. This moderate walk takes us over ochre and black volcanic terrain, with rugged cliffs and the Atlantic Ocean on either side. The crunch of gravel underfoot and the stark, open landscape create a striking contrast with Madeira’s lush interior. At Cais do Sardinha, we’ll pause for a picnic lunch and the opportunity to swim in the sea. For a different perspective on the peninsula, we’ll return by boat to Quinta do Lorde, tracing the dramatic coastline from the water. Dolphins are often seen in Madeira’s waters, and if we’re fortunate, a pod may join us along the way, breaking through the surface, or racing alongside the boat.

Breakfast and picnic lunch included. Overnight at The Editory Ocean Way, Funchal.

Sunday 25th April

DISTANCE: 5KM / DURATION: 2H / GRADE: EASY

Our final walk takes us into the deep, verdant Rabaçal valley, following a traditional levada through Madeira’s Laurissilva forest. The earthy scent of moss and the tranquil sounds of water flowing through this ancient woodland offers us a last chance to pause and absorb the island’s extraordinary natural beauty.

This evening, we’ll gather for a farewell dinner overlooking the fishing harbour of Câmara de Lobos. The aroma of fresh fish cooking over charcoal sets the scene as we enjoy local Madeiran dishes. Together, we’ll reflect on the landscapes we’ve explored, the experiences we’ve shared and the memories we’ve made along the way.

Breakfast, picnic lunch and farewell dinner with house wine included. Overnight at The Editory Ocean Way, Funchal.

Monday 26th April

After breakfast, we’ll say goodbye to Madeira and transfer to the airport for our return flight home.

Breakfast included.

Fitness, Walking Ability & Footwear: Please note a reasonable level of fitness is required for this trip as, although distances are relatively short, there are some ascents and descents. Paths will generally be good, but will, on some days, be rough and rocky underfoot and proper, sturdy closed-toe walking shoes or boots will be required (not trainers or sandals).

In the interests of your safety and the rest of the group’s enjoyment if, at any time, the tour manager or walking guide feels that you are not suited to a walk or are not able to complete a walk for any reason, they may, at their discretion, request you to stay behind or return to the hotel (this includes unsuitable footwear).

Visa Information: British citizens can visit Madeira without a visa for tourism for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This allowance applies across the whole Schengen area, so recent visits to other Schengen countries count towards the 90-day limit. At border control, your passport will be scanned and you may need to provide a photograph and fingerprints. No advance application is required.

If you hold a passport from outside the UK, check with your local embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements before travelling.

Passport validity: To enter Madeira, your passport must have been issued less than 10 years before the date you arrive and have an expiry date at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area.

Healthcare: UK residents should take a valid Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), which provides access to medically necessary state healthcare in Portugal on the same basis as local residents. The GHIC has replaced the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), although an existing EHIC remains valid until its expiry date. Applications are free through the official NHS service. A GHIC or EHIC does not replace comprehensive travel insurance and does not cover private treatment or medical repatriation.