An adventure travel consultant's personal review of Explore's Walking in Madeira

I recently had the opportunity to join Explore's Walking in Madeira. It was a great trip with lots of good scenery and hiking, an engaging tour leader and a nice group.

Here's my personal review of Explore's Walking in Madeira.

Landing in Funchal, I was immediately struck by the island’s dramatic scenery. I had heard stories of planes being diverted due to high winds, but our flight arrived smoothly. After collecting my luggage, I exited the secure area to meet my driver, though locating him proved more challenging than expected. Eventually, a hunch led me to a short, older man with his Explore sign tucked under his arm—turns out, that was him.

We had to wait for two more people, but then we were off and the drive from the airport to the hotel set the tone for the week: lush green mountains rose steeply from the ocean, dotted with colourful houses clinging to cliffs.

At the hotel, I checked in and found my room simple but comfortable. To celebrate the start of the adventure, I headed to the bar for a poncha, a traditional Madeiran drink of rum with a splash of fruit juice—strong and warming.

Soon the group began to gather in the lobby for a brief orientation by our guide, though the real briefing would wait until the next day, as some travellers were still arriving.

Dinner that evening was memorable: a giant skewer of freshly roasted beef, fries, a mixed salad, and a glass of local red wine, followed by a dessert called Alegria das Crianças. I asked my waiter for recommendations and every choice was spot on.

First Hike: Levadas and Ocean Views

Levadas are a real fixture of the Madeiran landscape - they are narrow irrigation channels which transport water from the mountains to the valleys, farms, villages and towns.

Our first hike led us to the northeastern point of Madeira at Machico. João, our tour leader, took us along a level levada path, stopping occasionally to admire local flora and birds. The scenery was lush and green, with small villages visible below.

Eventually, a series of stairs led us uphill to a stunning viewpoint overlooking the North Shore of Madeira. We paused for a picnic lunch—sandwiches purchased from a local shop.

The trail continued along cliffside paths, the ocean dropping approximately 300 metres below. The trail was busy with other hikers, thanks to the sunny conditions, but the dramatic vistas made it worthwhile.

By the end, we arrived at the village of Porto Cruz, where we toured a local rum factory before having some free time. We visited a small café overlooking the ocean; for a drink and a snack.

Back at the hotel, a dip in the hot tub was the perfect way to unwind before dinner: another generous skewer of meat accompanied by salad and fries.

Exploring Madeira’s North Coast

The following day began early with breakfast. Today we switched hotels and the morning drive took us to a viewpoint overlooking the north coast, all the way to Porto Moniz. From there, we entered the Boaventura Valley where we hiked along a steep path before joining the Levada de Tornos.

For three and a half hours, we followed a level levada path, surrounded by lush laurel forests resembling primeval jungle. João paused frequently to point out local plants and birds, enriching the hike with his knowledge. Two rest stops offered time for sandwiches and snacks, and the trail eventually led to the entrance of a 14 kilometres long tunnel. Here our hike ended and a short bus ride later, we arrived at Porto Moniz where we enjoyed a refreshing poncha before settling into our new hotel.

Mountain Trails and Waterfalls

The next day we stocked up on groceries for lunch, then headed out with our driver to another viewpoint. The hike started across misty moors, descending into valleys where giant heather and mosses dominated the landscape.

Following a series of levadas and staircases, we reached a waterfall framed by an ancient gnarly tree. The weather was cold and windy, but nothing could diminish the scenery. Next came a place called The Windy Lagoon, a basalt wall with a high waterfall feeding a pond below. Despite freezing water, I took a dip—invigorating and refreshing.

The final leg included a hike through a tunnel through the mountains, emerging on the sunlit south coast.

That evening, dinner at a local café featured dusky grouper, complemented by good wine and lively conversation.

Rain and Coastal Trails

Rain arrived during the next leg of our adventure, prompting us to pause for an hour or so. Once the skies cleared, we followed a levada through eucalyptus forests and agricultural landscapes, showcasing the contrast between the wild north and the settled south of Madeira.

Lunch was a picnic in the courtyard of a 17th-century chapel before we descended 600 vertical metres along narrow roads and trails to the shoreline. Giant sisal and prickly pears punctuated the landscape, and despite slippery conditions, the scenery was breathtaking. A village pub offered a welcome drink accompanied by 70s music, adding humour and charm to the hike.

That evening, we stayed in a luxury hotel in Funchal’s main hotel area, resting in preparation for the next day’s adventure.

Canyoning and Monte Gardens

The following day was a free day and the morning brought the thrill of canyoning. A small group of us received a thorough safety briefing before gearing up in wetsuits. Nervous anticipation gave way to fun and excitement as we rappelled, jumped, and slid down the creek bed. A short hike uphill returned us to the van which drive us back to the hotel.

In the afternoon I took the cable car up to Monte, the town overlooking Funchal.

Monte’s tropical gardens were the highlight showcasing fountains, bridges, a pagoda, and a palace. A coffee and a cornucópia, a horn-shaped custard-filled pastry, offered a well-earned treat while we enjoyed views over Funchal.

Dinner that evening at Taberna Portuense exceeded expectations: cosy atmosphere, fantastic service, shared cheese boards, and octopus paired with a delicious Tejo wine.

Challenging Mountain Hikes

Our last walking day day saw us hiking through pine forests and gradually gaining elevation. The weather closed in with intermittent rain and strong winds, though the trail revealed stunning views over Funchal and surrounding valleys.

After lunch in a sheltered spot, we navigated a long series of steps and winding paths, eventually reaching a bar at the mountain’s summit. Thick clouds obscured what should have been one of the best views on the island, prompting João to call it a day. We drove back towards Funchal where a brief stop at the Christ the Redeemer statue provided scenic coastal views and a chance to refresh with a quick meal. By late afternoon, we returned to the hotel, tired but satisfied from another day on Madeira’s adventurous trails.

Madeira: A Perfect Mix of Adventure and Culture

Madeira captivates with its striking landscapes, thrilling outdoor activities, and cultural experiences. Dramatic levada hikes, cliffside trails, and canyoning adventures showcase the island’s natural beauty while offering a gentle sense of adventure.

Culinary delights complement the scenery, from fresh seafood and traditional meat skewers to locally produced wines, providing a true taste of the island.

My opinion about the Explore tour

For travellers seeking a blend of adventure, culture, and nature, Madeira has plenty to offer and this tour delivered. Thanks to João's enthusiasm and local knowledge, we saw a lot and learned a lot. The only negative was his choice of restaurants was were often geared towards the more budget conscious.

The hotels we stayed in were comfortable and well-located, the vehicle we used had plenty of space and offered good views, while our driver was excellent.

Overall I would give Explore's Walking in Madeira an 8 out of 10.