About this trip
Eight days of walking across Madeira, timed for Christmas and New Year, taking in the island's cliffs, waterfalls and volcanic landscapes on foot with a small group.
Days are spent on guided walks along levada paths and cliff-top trails, including the route out to Ponta de São Lourenco and the high-altitude Balcony Walk between Arieiro and Ruivo. Evenings bring a slower pace, with time in local villages over a glass of Madeiran wine.
Because it falls over the festive period, the trip also takes in Funchal's Christmas markets, midnight mass and the city's New Year fireworks, alongside the island's regular walking and sightseeing.
What you'll do
- Walk the cliff tops to Ponta de São Lourenco
- Follow the levada irrigation paths through Madeira's countryside
- Tackle the Balcony Walk between the peaks of Arieiro and Ruivo
- Explore Funchal's gardens, historic centre and farmers' market
- Visit Christmas markets and attend midnight mass in Funchal
- See in the New Year with Funchal's fireworks display
- A walking-focused trip — expect several days of hiking, some at altitude or along exposed cliff paths
- Fixed festive dates, so it suits those who want to spend Christmas and New Year somewhere different rather than at home
Worth it if you want genuinely well-guided walks with strong group dynamics. Think twice if you need reliable airport transfers or consistently high-standard hotel rooms.
- Guides (Joao, Filipe, Filip) are exceptional: knowledgeable, patient, safety-focused, and native Madeiran expertise.
- Hikes offer good balance of varied terrain, waterfalls, and views with realistic progression building stamina.
- Airport transfers included but poorly communicated; long waits for other arrivals and inadequate prior notice.
- Hotel do Carmo (final night) was undergoing extensive construction causing unbelievable noise levels throughout day.
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Getting there
Opens Trip.com, pre-filled — one-way so you can book your return whenever. Prices & booking shown there.
Where to stay
A night before your tour in Santana · 18 Dec – 19 Dec
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