Madeira –
Unique views from the flower island 

60 kilometres

8 curated hikes across ridges, forests, cliffs and coastlines — from ancient levadas to volcanic peninsulas.

Experience

Nature, rhythm and real connection — discover the wild edges of Madeira through mindful movement and shared moments.

6 days

From Funchal to Pico Ruivo, lava pools to black beaches — each day opens a new chapter of beauty, presence and flow.

Exploring Madeira

Group of max. 6 selected participants.

Main Highlights:

This six-day Timeout takes you deep into the breathtaking variety of Madeira. We’ll explore the vibrant capital Funchal, visit the famous Mercado dos Lavradores , and ride the iconic cable car up to the lush Botanical Gardens. Along the wild southern coastline, we’ll stop in charming coastal villages like Calheta, admire the Cascata dos Anjos  waterfall, and gaze out from the dramatic Cabo Girão Skywalk. In the rugged west, we’ll catch the sunset at Farol da Ponta do Pargo , marvel at the natural lava pools of Porto Moniz, and walk barefoot on the black-sand beaches of Seixal. On the north coast, we’ll stand atop Madeira’s highest cliffs near Porta da Cruz .


Our hikes will take us through some of Madeira’s most iconic trails: the lush 25 Fontes and Levada do Risco , the ancient laurel forest of Fanal, the panoramic Pico Ruivo ascent (and possibly  Pico do Arieiro), the scenic coastal Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço, and lesser-known gems like the  Levada dos Balcões. We’ll also visit the peaceful harbor town of Machico, with its relaxed charm and local cafés.




Day 1 – Arrival & Welcome Dinner on the South Coast

Welcome to Madeira! After your arrival at Funchal Airport, we take our time to settle into our home base for the week — a peaceful retreat between Campanário,
Tabua
 and Ribeira Brava, tucked into the warm and sunny hills of the island’s southern coast.

In the early evening, we gather for a relaxed welcome dinner nearby — perhaps in Ribeira Brava — to arrive not only on the island, but also in this shared journey. There’s time to meet the group, share a toast to the week ahead, and get a gentle sense of what’s to come.

Day 2 – Funchal Discoveries & Dolphin Safari

We spend the full day in and around Madeira’s capital. A scenic cable car ride takes us up to the Botanical Gardens, where we stroll through lush terraces with sweeping views of the bay. For those who dare, the traditional Monte toboggan ride downhill offers a quirky thrill with a touch of history.

Back in town, we explore the vibrant Mercado dos Lavradores, discover local fruits and fish, and enjoy a bite in the charming streets of the old town. In the afternoon, we head out to sea for a dolphin-spotting tour along the coast — a joyful, salty adventure with a big horizon.

Day 3 – Southern Coast, Skywalk & Poncha Tasting

We follow the sun along the southern coastline. A cable car takes us down to the hidden beach at Fajãs do Cabo Girão, beneath one of Europe’s highest cliffs. Back on top, the Cabo Girão Skywalk offers dizzying glass-floor views straight down to the ocean.

We continue west, stopping in the harbor town of Calheta before reaching Câmara de Lobos — the birthplace of Poncha, Madeira’s signature sugarcane drink. Here, we’ll enjoy a tasting and a relaxed dinner of Espetadas, grilled meat skewers served with warm Bolo do Caco. A day full of flavor, sun, and sea air.

Day 4 – Levada Trails, Fanal Forest & Ocean Pools

Today we dive deep into Madeira’s lush interior. We hike the iconic Levada das 25 Fontes and Levada do Risco — moss-covered trails along rushing water and green ravines.

Afterward, we enter the otherworldly stillness of the Fanal Forest, where ancient laurel trees stand in silence and mist. By late afternoon, we reach the natural lava pools of Porto Moniz for a salty, refreshing dip — and a sense of arrival in something timeless.

Day 5 – Black Beaches, North Coast & Rum Distillery

The morning begins soft and spacious on the black sand beach of Seixal — ideal for swimming, journaling, or simply being. As we move east along the north coast, dramatic cliffs rise from the sea until we reach Porto da Cruz, home to the historic Engenhos do Norte rum distillery.

We dive into Madeira’s sugarcane traditions and sample local varieties. In the evening, we share dinner with ocean views — grounding the day with warmth, conversation, and a glass of something golden.

Day 6 – Mountain Peaks or Coastal Cliffs

Depending on weather and trail conditions, we take one of two unforgettable paths: either the dramatic ridge trail between Pico do Arieiro and Pico Ruivo, Madeira’s highest peaks — or a lesser-known alternative that still opens wide views and deep connection.

This day is all about presence, perspective, and walking with intention in high places.

Day 7 – Wild East: Cliffs of São Lourenço

Our final hike leads us to Madeira’s easternmost point: the Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço. This raw, windswept peninsula offers wide horizons, volcanic colors, and a deep sense of space.

It’s a perfect closing chapter — a place to breathe, reflect, and gather the threads of the journey before returning home.

Day 8 – Departure

After a final breakfast, we make our way to the airport. There’s no rush — just a quiet transition, full of impressions, new connections, and a little more space inside than when we came.

You are protected from any loss of money by our Terms & Conditions. Read more here: Terms & Conditions

What’s included in the price?

Our aim is to create an individual experience for your safe, breathtaking and unforgettable Time Out! 


  • Guided hikes & exploration of the island (English, German, French, Italian speaking)
  • Breakfast and healthy snacks during the hikes
  • Excursion tickets & entry fees
  • Accomodation in 3 star Hotels and B&B with an excellent level of service and comfort
  • Transport from/to Cristiano Ronaldo Airport and local shuttle to hikes and visits

Not included: Flights to/from Madeira, extra nights, lunches, dinners, drinks, special voluntary activities: massages, whale and dolphin watching, 

f.a.q.

Why only six participants?

Our experience shows that six is the ideal group size to create the right balance of diversity and intimacy. It’s small enough to allow for real connection, yet large enough to bring different perspectives and stories into the space.

For you, this means being part of a carefully chosen group where every voice is heard. For us, it allows the presence and attention needed to support each of you individually, to sense the group’s dynamics, and to ensure that everyone has a unique and meaningful experience.

Do I need to be an super experienced hiker?

We walk exclusively on paved hiking trails or along long beaches. The subsoil changes between earth, gravel and sand. A good level of fitness is required to be able to enjoy the daily stages. Good surefootedness is required for most of  the ascents and descents.

Do I have to struggle with my heavy backpack?

No, we recommend not packing more than 10kg in your backpack. Just indulge in minimalism and only pack what is absolutely necessary (see our packing list). A liberating experience of traveling with less luggage. If this is not for you and you don’t want to do without anything, just bring a separate suitcase. We transport this from accommodation to accommodation and you pack what you need for the day in your backpack every day.

What equipment do I need?

We have put together a packing list for you. As said, you are welcome to bring more and we will transport that for you.

How am I accommodated?

We stay in 3* Hotels and B&Bs. You have a comfortable bed and your own bathroom every day. Most of the accommodations are embedded in the small towns along the Fishermans trail and – if you like – also invite you to explore them in the evening.

What will I eat?

Strengthening your physical energy is an important part of the retreat. That’s why we pay a lot of attention to nutritious food. The breakfast, which we eat outside in nature, consists of fresh foods rich in vitamins, minerals and proteins, which we procure locally in organic markets and from local producers. In the restaurants and accommodations where we have lunch and dinner, there is a rich offer of local fish and seafood, meat, vegetables and salads. The cuisine is mostly local Portuguese. Appealing vegetarian/vegan options are of course available everywhere. Do you have special needs, just talk to us 🙂

What is the Weather & Climate like?

Summer is the most popular time to visit Madeira. The extended peak season starts in June and lasts till the end of September. The average temperatures are around 25 °C and there are about 8 hours of sunshine daily.

The chances of experiencing rain are slight with the average monthly rainfall in the range of 5 to 10 mm during the summer months.

The summer in Madeira is very pleasant thanks to the cooling winds and gentle sea breezes. This makes the island a perfect holiday destination not only for the heat lovers but also for those who find high temperatures uncomfortable.  

Time Outs 2025

Time Outs 2026

We are happy to get to know you in person and to jointly find out,
if a Time Out on Madeira is the right thing for you.