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. 8 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.
No selected calculator
Your booking is subject to 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!
Not included: Flights to/from Madeira, extra nights, lunches, dinners, drinks, special voluntary activities: massages, whale and dolphin watching,
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- Madeira Island, Portugal
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- Romantic sunset view of lighted lighthouse on the edge of the cliff. The western cape of Madeira island, Ponta do Pargo, Portugal.
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- Mysterious 1000 years old laurel trees on Madeira Island on a foggy summer day.
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- The rugged north coast of Madeira island.
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- Madeira island – Dramatic sunrise over atlantic ocean with waterfall landscape from Miradouro do Veu da Noiva
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- Traditional rural house, Santana village, Madeira island, Portugal
f.a.q.
Our Time Outs are designed for small, carefully selected groups. A maximum of eight participants allows us to combine different perspectives and shared experiences while maintaining a personal and intimate atmosphere. It also gives us the flexibility to respond to individual needs, adapt our activities, and make sure everyone feels part of the journey.
No, but a good level of fitness and surefootedness are important. Our hikes take us along levadas, mountain trails and coastal paths, sometimes with steep ascents, descents or exposed sections. You should feel comfortable walking for several hours on uneven terrain. We adapt our routes to weather and trail conditions, always keeping safety and enjoyment in mind.
Not at all! We stay at one home base throughout the week, so you only need a small daypack for our hikes and excursions. Your main luggage stays at the accommodation while we explore the island.
Comfortable hiking shoes with good grip, layered clothing, a waterproof jacket and a small daypack are essential. Madeira’s weather can change quickly, especially in the mountains. We’ll provide you with a detailed packing list before departure.
We stay in comfortable 3-star hotels or B&Bs on Madeira’s southern coast, in the area around Ribeira Brava. Our accommodation serves as a welcoming home base throughout the week, allowing us to explore different parts of the island without having to pack and move every day.
We start our days with breakfast at our accommodation and provide healthy snacks during our hikes.
For lunch and dinner, we’ll discover Madeira’s local cuisine — from fresh fish and seafood to traditional Espetadas, Bolo do Caco and regional specialties. Vegetarian options are available, and we’re happy to discuss individual
dietary requirements before the trip.
Madeira enjoys a mild subtropical climate throughout the year. In February, daytime temperatures along the coast are typically around 16–20°C, making it a wonderful season for exploring the island. The weather can be changeable, with occasional rain and cooler temperatures in the mountains. Sunshine on the southern coast and misty forests in the north can be part of the same day. We remain flexible with our hiking plans, choosing routes according to the conditions to make the most of each day.
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.