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5-Day Madeira Hiking Adventure from Machico

Viewed by 188 travelers

Day 1: Eastern Madeira Hiking

Machico, Madeira on May 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pastelaria Casa da Seda

Start your day with traditional Madeiran pastries and strong Portuguese coffee at this popular bakery in Machico, perfect fuel for your hikes.
EUR5, 0h30m

9:00am

Hike to Levada do Caniçal

Drive 15 minutes east to Caniçal and enjoy a 3.5-hour roundtrip hike along the Levada do Caniçal, known for tranquil landscapes and stunning views of the sea.
Free, 3h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Restaurante O Calhau

Taste freshly caught seafood dishes in Caniçal, a delightful seaside restaurant offering traditional flavors and ocean views.
EUR15-20, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Ribeiro Frio

Drive 20 minutes to Ribeiro Frio and stroll along the short Levada dos Balcões trail (about 1 hour) for breathtaking viewpoints over the Laurisilva forest.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Return to Machico

Drive back to Machico to relax and prepare for the next day's adventures.
Fuel cost only, 0h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at A Bica

Dine at this local favorite featuring Madeiran specialties such as espetada (grilled beef skewers) in Machico.
EUR20, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Machico

Day 2: Levada do Caldeirão Verde

Santana, Madeira on May 6, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel in Machico

Enjoy a wholesome breakfast with local fruits and pastries to energize for a longer hike.
Included in accommodation, 0h45m

8:30am

Drive to Queimadas Forestry Park

Travel about 1 hour northwest to the Queimadas Park trailhead near Santana, starting point of the Caldeirão Verde hike.
Fuel cost, 1h

9:30am

Hike Levada do Caldeirão Verde

Enjoy a 4-hour moderate hike along this scenic levada featuring waterfalls, tunnels, and majestic forest views, culminating at Caldeirão Verde waterfall.
Free, 4h

1:30pm

Lunch at Restaurante Cantinho da Serra

Relish traditional smoked meats and local dishes in Santana village nearby.
EUR15-20, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Santana's thatched houses

Stroll around Santana to admire its iconic colorful triangular thatched houses, an emblem of the island’s culture.
Free, 1h

4:30pm

Return to Machico

Drive back to Machico for some well-deserved rest.
Fuel cost, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Restaurante O Farol

Dine in Machico with fresh seafood options and a relaxed atmosphere.
EUR20, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Santana

Day 3: Levada do Rei Hike

São Jorge, Madeira on May 7, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at local café in Machico

Enjoy freshly brewed coffee and pastries to start your hiking day.
EUR5, 0h30m

7:45am

Drive to São Jorge

Head 40 minutes northwest to the São Jorge trailhead for Levada do Rei hike.
Fuel cost, 0h40m

8:30am

Hike Levada do Rei

Complete a 3.5 to 4-hour walk following the Levada do Rei, taking in lush landscapes, waterfalls, and native flora of the Laurisilva forest.
Free, 4h

12:30pm

Lunch at Casa de Chá Gorreana in São Jorge

Enjoy light refreshments and local tea while relaxing after your hike.
EUR10-15, 1h

1:45pm

Explore São Jorge village

Wander through the quaint village streets and visit local shops selling honey and regional products.
Free, 1h

3:00pm

Return to Machico

Drive back to Machico to unwind and reflect on the day's adventure.
Fuel cost, 0h40m

7:00pm

Dinner at Tasca O Gaucho

Savor grilled meats and local wine in a cozy Machico restaurant perfect for hikers.
EUR20, 1h30m
Find Hotels in São Jorge

Day 4: Laurisilva and Caldeirão Inferno

Queimadas, Madeira on May 8, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Machico

Have a fulfilling breakfast at your accommodation to prepare for intense nature hiking.
Included, 0h45m

8:30am

Drive to Queimadas Forestry Park

Travel around 1 hour to the trailhead gateway into Madeira’s protected Laurisilva forest.
Fuel cost, 1h

9:30am

Hike to Caldeirão do Inferno

Venture on a moderate 4-hour return hike with spectacular views through vibrant laurel forests culminating at the Caldeirão do Inferno waterfall.
Free, 4h

1:30pm

Lunch Picnic

Enjoy a packed lunch amidst nature at one of the scenic rest spots.
Self-catered, 1h

3:00pm

Pause at Balcões Viewpoint

On the return leg, stop briefly for the famous panoramic Balcões viewpoint offering sweeping views over the valley and peaks.
Free, 0h30m

4:00pm

Drive back to Machico

Return for rest and relaxation after a day immersed in Madeira’s natural beauty.
Fuel cost, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Restaurante Maré Alta

Celebrate your adventures with fresh seafood and local dishes in Machico’s well-reviewed seaside restaurant.
EUR25, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Queimadas

Day 5: Ponta de São Lourenço Hike

Machico, Madeira on May 9, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Machico

Fuel up early with Madeira-style breakfast including bolo do caco bread and coffee.
EUR5, 0h30m

8:00am

Drive to Ponta de São Lourenço

A short 20-minute drive takes you to the easternmost point of the island, known for its dramatic cliffs and ocean vistas.
Fuel cost, 0h20m

8:30am

Hike the Ponta de São Lourenço Trail

Enjoy a sunny 4-hour coastal hike along the peninsula’s rugged cliffs with breathtaking Atlantic views and geological formations.
Free, 4h

12:30pm

Lunch at Restaurante O Barqueiro

Indulge in fresh grilled fish and regional salads at this nearby beachfront eatery.
EUR20, 1h

2:00pm

Return to Machico

Head back for final afternoon relaxation and exploring Machico’s charming streets.
Fuel cost, 0h20m

4:00pm

Visit Machico Beach and town

Enjoy a leisurely walk along Machico beach promenade or browse local shops and cafes.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Casa Madeira

Conclude your hiking adventure with traditional Madeiran cuisine and warm ambiance in central Machico.
EUR25, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Machico
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