Madeira and the Azores. Follow the footsteps of Portuguese sailors
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Volcanic islands
Two magical islands of the Atlantic Ocean in one trip! The green island of eternal spring, Madeira, and the place where geysers boil and lakes rest in the volcano crater - São Miguel Island. Intense hiking, mountain trails and canyons. We are not selling an excursion - we invite you to a great journey! This is a craft track by a traveler and expert on Portugal, a connoisseur of local features. A traveler who has taken care of your impressions to the smallest detail: balanced, perhaps not always easy, but impressive trails! We live in different cities of the archipelago in comfortable rooms, feel all the local flavor at delicious dinners!
Please note: This trip is best enjoyed when two islands are visited. But we understand that sometimes a vacation is too short. We have taken care of those who can only join the Madeira Island hiking. For you, we have a special price and timely arrival at Funchal airport on the morning of the 7th day.
This program is ideal for those who go to the mountains for the first time or want to enjoy the mountains without heavy backpacks.
You may also be interested in other island hiking options:
The program is specially designed for those who want to walk the track without heavy backpacks, while visiting the most interesting places.
The program price includes all accommodation, transfers and visits to all hot springs and parks.
The rich author's program is based on the principle: to see and feel the maximum in a short time
A real hike, not a set of excursions, but at the same time as comfortable as possible. We will spend a lot of time outdoors, go on radial hikes every day, and at the same time do hikes without heavy backpacks.
We do not cancel or reschedule groups. If the manager has given you the go-ahead to buy a ticket, you can buy it. The program will not be canceled through our fault.
The services of a Ukrainian team leader who knows Portugal well. The teamleader speaks Ukrainian and English.
More than 25,000 participants have already gone through the program and 98.7% were satisfied. We are sure you will be too!
Let's start our acquaintance with the island of eternal spring from the capital, Funchal. It is a rather cozy and small city on the southern coast. Neat white houses with tiled roofs are located on terraces on the mountain slope. Walking along the central streets, you realize that the city captivates at first sight. On the Placa Central da Avenida Arriaga, we see a monument to the sailor Zarco, who discovered the island of Madeira in 1419 when his ship veered off course due to a storm. Nearby is the Se Cathedral, many parks and the promenade, where you can take a walk.
But that’s not all — if you’re arriving in May, consider yourself lucky! We’re inviting you to step into a real-life floral fairytale! 🌸 The Madeira Flower Festival is one of the most vibrant spring celebrations, transforming the sunny streets of Funchal every May since 1979. Just imagine: a warm Atlantic breeze on a May day, and suddenly — the entire city becomes a living painting made of a million petals. The central streets come alive with music, floral scents, and joyful chatter.
And then — the highlight of it all: the Flower Parade! Floats decorated with fresh flowers gracefully glide through the streets, while dancers in colorful costumes share their smiles with every onlooker. This festival is not only a treat for the eyes, but a joy for the soul. Come to be inspired, to relax, and to witness art in full bloom — right on the city streets.
🌼 We’ll be waiting for you in Funchal at the Flower Festival. Make this spring unforgettable! 💐✨
Distance: 5 km
We start our exploration of Madeira Island with simple routes. Today we are going to explore the northeast of the island. The northern slopes of Madeira, which met the discoverers, are known for their steep and surprisingly steep slopes, dense forests and heavy rainfall. These slopes were a significant obstacle for the first explorers. The trail offers magnificent views of the ocean. There are many birds on the trail, which makes it even more fabulous. After lunch, we will visit Cape Sao Lawrenço. It will fascinate you with its wildness. The scenery of the cape is different from Madeira Island. There are no forests on the cape, only huge rocks and ocean waves that crash against them. The cape looks like a huge dragon that has fallen into the water and is petrified. The cliffs of the cape are striking in their harshness and diverse rock, the colorful layers of which are clearly visible. The trail sometimes goes quite close to the edge, and although there is a fence in these places, you should be wary of strong gusts of wind, which are not uncommon here. Accommodation in Santana.
Distance: 16 km, 8 hours
We will have a fascinating walk along the Levada do caldeirao Verde (Levada do Caldeirao Verde). At first glance, it seems to be nothing complicated, but the levada runs high in the mountains. It starts in Queimadas Park and ends in the caldera, where there is a large waterfall.
You will be impressed as soon as you step into the park, because the Casa de Abrigo das Queimadas shelter in the Queimadas Forest Park retains the original features of a house typical of the region. It has a triangular shape and a traditional thatched roof.
The route runs along a levada (canal) from which the islanders get water to irrigate their farmland with a large number of tunnels. During the walk, you will see majestic landscapes and many small waterfalls, which makes this route one of the most popular among tourists.
Accommodation in a hotel in Santana.
Distance: 13 km, 6.5 hours
How could you live without mountains, especially since they are so steep here? The 1862-meter-high peak of Pico Ruivo is a cult site and the highest mountain on the island. But that's not all, then we will have an energetic walk along the ridge just below Pico Ruivo to the mountain pass in Encumed. The route is characterized by ascents and descents, the trail runs at an altitude of 1800 to 1000 meters. This route will allow you to enjoy the views to the fullest. We will walk along the central mountain range of the island. A special feature is the millennial forest of Laurissilva, the surrounding landscapes do not leave anyone indifferent. With a stunning view, we will sit down in a café for a well-deserved rest. Accommodation at the Porto Moniz hotel
Distance: 15 km, 6.5 hours
The Pinaculo and Folhadal trail is a challenging route, past the waterfalls we will climb to the 1490 m Bica da Cana viewpoint, where we will enjoy the beauty of the central mountain range. Then we will pass through levadas, long tunnels and descend through a laurel forest to an altitude of 970 meters. The finish will be a rest in a café with a glass of cold beer or garlic soup, whatever you like.
Tired and happy, we return to Funchal, the capital of the island.
Distance: 15 km, 7 hours
Today we are going to experience a new element - water.
This canyoning is designed for beginners. It is an easy and accessible route for all ages (from 10 years old) and lasts 3 hours. Along the route, along with all the natural obstacles, the group will have four descents, the highest of which is 15 meters high. The descents will be alternated with jumps to small natural reservoirs.
Return to the hotel in Funchal, lunch and dinner at the restaurant.
In the morning, departure to São Miguel Island, one of the nine islands of the Azores archipelago. This island in the archipelago was discovered in 1427 by the second Portuguese navigator Diogo Silves during his voyage to the island of Madeira.
Today we are going to visit one of the most beautiful places on the island, Lake Fogo. It is located in the heart of São Miguel Island, in the crater of a former volcano. Hence, its name - Fogo is Portuguese for "Fiery". It was fiery, however, during the last volcanic eruption, which took place in 1563.
Then we set off on an incredibly beautiful and easy hike to the valley to the "queen of mineral waters". The trail will lead us along a narrow ridge, passing from one mountain to another. Until we get down to the dense forest. We will quench our thirst with sweetish mineral water that comes straight from the spring. Check in at the hotel in the Furnash city.
Distance 5 km. Time 2 hours.
Meeting the sunrise over the city of Furnas. This beauty over the volcano crater is worth coming here so early. Next, we will take a route around Lake Furnas, where we will admire another attraction. This is a neo-Gothic church built in 1882. It was built for the sick wife of a wealthy Azores landowner named Jose do Canto. We will walk through bamboo groves and come to a waterfall.
Then we will visit the geysers and watch how huge pots are taken out of the ground, where meat is cooked in volcanic heat for about 5-6 hours. "Kozido" is a variety of meats, sausages and vegetables that have been cooked in their own juices in the ground. One of those pots is ours — we’ll enjoy a delicious lunch at a pre-booked restaurant.
In the evening, we’ll unwind with a soak in a hot thermal pool (39°C).
Overnight stay at a hotel in the town of Furnas.
Distance 12 km. Time 5 hours
Time to uncover the secret of tea. After breakfast, we’ll head to a tea plantation — a family-run business that has been operating for over 140 years. They grow green and black tea without the use of pesticides or chemicals.
Thanks to the island’s unique microclimate — mild, humid, and enriched by volcanic soil — the tea is cultivated naturally, with no need for aggressive treatment.
The sun and rain, humidity and winds help to cover the slopes of volcanoes, fields and forests on the island with extraordinary grasses and flowers. Miradouro da Boca do Inferno views from this viewpoint are the first in the list when you search for the Azores on Google.
We walk and drive to the ruins of the hotel, all in order to climb to the roof, because it offers a stunning view of the City of Sidadish, a double lake. Lagoa Verde and Lagoa Azul are connected by a small strait. Interestingly, one lake is blue, and the other is green.
Then we take a transfer to the ocean. Ponta de Ferraria. In this unique natural attraction, bathing in warm volcanic waters, you feel a little like a child when another cold wave rolls over you.
On this good note, we return to the hotel in Ponta Delgada.
Distance: 12 km. Time 6 hours
The capital of the Azores, Ponta Delgada, stretching along the southern coast of São Miguel Island, boasts many interesting places. It is here that our program ends, but you can still stay and spend time among the elegant churches and old luxury mansions.
Ponta Delgada is a port city that was once a small settlement founded in 1450. The city has managed to preserve the architecture of those times. Narrow streets with low buildings attract tourists from all over the world. We recommend taking a walk and seeing the historic buildings, such as the old city gate. Nowadays, they do not fulfill their original function, but are a monument. There are several tourist beaches in the city where you can enjoy the hot sun and sea coolness. Also, ask your guide how to get to the lava cave located on the outskirts of the capital. And set off on a new adventure!
Choose the desired dates, leave an application and fill out the form.
The team eader has the right to make changes to the route depending on the weather conditions and general wishes of the group.
Citizens of Ukraine need a biometric passport, insurance and a return ticket to visit Portugal (you may be asked for these documents at the airport). Citizens of other countries need to have a Schengen multivisa or apply for a visa to Portugal specifically for the tour. We provide the necessary documents and help with the registration. It's not as scary as it might seem at first glance;)
After completing this hike, we recommend the following routes:
We provide you with airfare from Funchal airport to Ponta Delgada on the seventh day of the program. We emphasize that this flight is included in the program price only with hand luggage. The program does not require participants to have a lot of things, a backpack of ~35 liters (or 8 kg) is enough for most participants. But we can take into account your wishes and buy a ticket with luggage. Approximately ~€30 extra charge and depends on the airline. The consultant at the preparation stage will definitely ask you again about the size and weight of your things and tell you the exact amount.
Double accommodation in hotels or apartments in the city center.
Portugal and its islands are inexpensive relative to the rest of Europe. Coffee costs €1.5-3. Dinners €20-25. A bottle of wine from €3 to €15 in a restaurant.
The special price for the shortened program of 7 days only on the island of Madeira is 950€. You will be traveling with the group for these days. The flight from Madeira to the mainland is available in the evening of this day, but we recommend staying for the last night with your new friends. In the morning, the main group will go to the flight to Ponto Delgada, and you will have a flight home.
The Azores, like Madeira, belong to Portugal, but are located almost in the heart of the Atlantic Ocean, between the Iberian Peninsula to the west and Canada to the east.
They are known for their warm subtropical climate, tranquility and unspoiled nature.
The Azores are home not only to introverts, but also to many plant and animal species, many of which are unique to the archipelago. During your hike, you can encounter endemic flora, such as the Azores heather and laurel forests, as well as a variety of birds and cetaceans.
The hiking routes in the Azores are suitable for all levels of experience and fitness, ranging from leisurely coastal strolls to challenging mountain climbs. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a beginner looking for scenic walks, there are routes to suit all tastes. The islands are geologically active, and hiking in the archipelago often brings you close to fascinating geothermal sites such as geysers, hot volcanic springs, and fumaroles. These natural phenomena add an extra dimension of intrigue to your hiking experience.
Additional opportunities for adventure: canyoning, whale watching, caves, paragliding.
If you have been with us on a hike in the Canary Islands (north of Tenerife), the hike may partially remind you of this. And it's not surprising - all these islands and archipelagos belong to the same group Greek: "Islands of the Blessed". All of them are volcanic, have a warm subtropical climate, are rich in delicious fruits and red volcanic landscapes. The landscape is steep with impressive cliffs and terraced slopes. If you compare the Azores and the Canaries, the Azores are greener, with lots of flowers, waterfalls, and water in general. Compared to Madeira, the nature is very similar, but the Azores will appeal more to those interested in geology and earth sciences, as volcanism is more pronounced here - geysers, hot springs, etc. In addition, there are 9 Azores islands - there is plenty of room for hiking. Also on the Azores is the highest point in Portugal, although not very high, the dormant stratovolcano Pico (2351 m), which is considered a geological wonder - it was formed over thousands of years as part of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, at the border where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet.
With its dense forests and green pastures, the Azores also resemble the Carpathians and Switzerland.
The water from all springs and rivers is portable, so we don't carry heavy backpacks on our hikes, and we don't take a lot of water, because it's available almost everywhere.
Local wine, local tea (from the only plantation in Europe), and volcanic barbecue cooked in geysers will win you over.
Minimum group for this program: 5 participants. We have calculated the costs for a smaller number, but increased them slightly. So as not to be in the red ourselves.
So we can confirm the date earlier, and you will have the opportunity to buy tickets and plan your unforgettable trip!
The special price for the shortened program of 7 days on Madeira Island is € 1050
Additional expenses are at your discretion, but we recommend that you have at least €250 on your card for souvenirs and possible additional expenses and entertainment. If you arrive at the island earlier or leave later, you should keep in mind that you can eat in a café for about €15-20 (at a time).
If the amount of prepayment is too much for you at the moment, but you still want to book a place, write to the consultant and he will break it down into comfortable parts.
👉 Check out: payment methods and refund conditions in case of cancellation or departure from the route
Dear friends, please don't take 500 euro banknotes. There are always problems with them when settling payments with partners in Europe. Thank you for your understanding!
*Please note: the consultant will help with the selection and search for air tickets, recommend an insurance company, but it is not his task to purchase them. Participants do it themselves or contact our partners, all contacts are in the article: tickets, hotels and insurance
