HIKING TRAVEL GUIDE
The trails worth the airfare.
The 15 most popular private drivers hikes. The trails that draw the most hikers, with the distance, the time on your feet, the cost and who guides them.
Sunrise hike from Pico do Arieiro toward Pico Ruivo, ending at Achada do Teixeira, with door-to-door transfer from Funchal.
Most Popular“very nice trip to the mountains, with the possibility of seeing the sunrise.”
Hike Madeira’s highest peaks at sunrise with door-to-door transfer from Funchal or Caniço and clear route instructions.
“Really enjoyed the whole day. We didn’t have the best weather but could still appreciate how magical the place was. Pedro our guide was just brilliant, so pleasant and informative. Really enjoyed the little museum at the end which gave us more information on the area.”
Self-guided PR1/PR3 hike from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo with door-to-door transfer from Funchal and Caniço.
Do 25 Fontes and Risco on Madeira with a self-guided levada hike, early-crowd-busting transfers, and forest-fee ticket.
“This is an excellent walk taking in two levadas with a superb waterfall at the end of each. There are a lot of stairs to negotiate so it is hard on the knees if you are older. Our driver was excellent and chatted away happily and was very informative.”
Shared transfer and self-guided Levada Caldeirão Verde hike from Queimadas Park: shaded forest, waterfalls, and four tunnels for $39.
Self-guided 25 Fontes and Risco Levada hike from Funchal with transfer, early crowd-avoidance timing, and Laurissilva scenery.
“Our guide Petro was great. The transfer was smooth, he engaged with everyone, was knowledgeable on a lot of topics and overall ensured we had a great time. The hike itself was very easy, the waterfalls were amazing, though I liked Risco better. Overall, I recommend this activity, it was very well organized.”
Self-guided PR8 hike on Madeira’s east coast. Ocean views, north-and-south panoramas, and pickup/drop-off from Funchal and nearby areas.
“A stunningly beautiful hike, and our guide Cristiano was so friendly and helpful.”
A self-guided hike in Madeira’s Laurissilva at Caldeirão Verde, with shared pickup and a levada trail of waterfalls and ancient trees.
“I had a wonderful time on this hike, the walk, views and waterfall are stunning. Nuno was an excellent guide - he was punctual, super helpful in explaining the route and meeting instructions and gave us lots of interesting facts about Madeira and tips on experiencing Funchal en route to the hike.”
Hike Madeira’s PR9 Levada do Caldeirão Verde with a small-group transfer. Pickup in Funchal, Caniço or Garajau, tunnels, waterfalls.
“The guide is super nice and friendly, and very punctual for picking up.”
Meteora small-group hike with Kalambaka transfer and monastery visits. Hidden trails, big views, and cave monastery Ypapanti.
“The experience was great. Chris was just very good in all aspect. Punctual, very knowledgeable in everything related to the region, the history, the geology... The hike was not difficult. However, the part after the visit of the monaster was a little bit more challenging. Nothing crazy though. Overall a very good experience.”
Sunrise hike transfer from Pico do Arieiro in Madeira. Small-group van, PR1/PR3 trails, pickup from Funchal and Caniço, about 8 hours.
“The trip was very nice. Our driver was the best, we even got coffe and tea in the morning for the sunset. The trail was perfect and beautiful, we had time for everything ( even for getting engaged 💍 ) and still have a more time in advance. Recommending 10000/10”
Small-group Jinshanling Great Wall hike from Beijing with tickets and shuttle included. Walk a 6km section mostly uncrowded for $75.
“Driver was excellent, very friendly and knowledgeable, spoke excellent English, and safely got us to and from our destination.”
2.5 hours on Franz Josef Glacier after a scenic helicopter ride. Exclusive access, full gear, and expert guided ice walking in NZ.
Helicopter over Fox Glacier, land on the ice for up to 3 hours, then return by air. Safety-led hike with gear included.
Sunrise self-guided hike from Funchal to Pico do Arieiro with pickup/drop-off, flexible pacing, and PR1/PR3 mountain scenery.
“I was concerned at 1st that I may not be able to follow the map/trail but it was very easy and our drivers (Pedro) guidance was great. The organisers communication was excellent as well. They even checked in during the hike with a text as there is phone signal most of the way. Highly recommend…”
Every region we cover, and every kind of ground underfoot.
