Funchal · WALKING TOURS
This is the shortlist you would send a friend flying in on Saturday: 15 walking tours that are worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the thing to know before you commit.
A 2-hour guided walk through Funchal old town, hitting markets, sugar history, churches, and a wine lodge for $19.
“Very interesting tour, showing a few historical sites of Funchal. Ended with a little Madeira wine tasting. Would definitely recommend!”
Guided levada walk in Madeira’s Rabaçal Valley from Funchal, including the 25 Fontes springs and a wet 800m water tunnel, with pickup.
“It was a great trip, very well planned and organized, and our tour guide Sara talked about Madeira in a very interesting way.”
7-hour guided tour of East Madeira from Pico do Areeiro to Santana, with a Levada walk and a North Mills rum tasting.
“The driver/guide Rui was excellent. He was miked up and gave us information on the various sites and tidbits on route this included history of the island and infrastructure.”
East Madeira in one day: Pico do Arieiro, Laurissilva levada walk, Santana lunch, Faial Skywalk, rum tasting, and São Lourenço views.
“We had a great time travelling around the island with Lucy. She showed us the best spots around Madeira while telling us about its history, culture, and best spots to visit after the tour. Her positive vibes and previous experience working as a mountain guide make her the perfect person to show you around.”
Walk Old Funchal with a small guide group, see key churches and the farmers market, enjoy street art, then finish with a wine tasting.
“Absolutely brilliant tour, lovely guide Sarah. Would really recommend a tour at the beginning of your stay ..a real insight to Funchal and some great tips on places to visit in Madeira”
A small-group walking food and wine tour in Funchal, Madeira, with 11 tastings, 6 drinks, and local sights in 3.5 hours.
“Matt was an outstanding guide - friendly, relaxed and very knowledgeable not just about the food and drink but also all the historical and cultural areas that we asked him about. The tour was extensive and comprehensive and we left with a good knowledge of the local food and drink and no need for lunch! Thoroughly recommended.”
Guided hike from Funchal to Pico Ruivo, Madeira's highest peak. Air-conditioned transfers, wild flowers, heather forest, big views.
“Amazing - best experience in Maderia, wonderful guide and amazing scenery - would recommend to all”
Funchal to Rabacal: 25 Fontes waterfalls, Cabo Girão glass cliff, plus a Skywalk 4x4 Jeep ride, guided and small-group.
“Amazing scenery and very informative and friendly host. I think they should supply torches for the tunnel walk as using our mobile phone was not enough.”
Hike Madeira’s Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo with a guided peak-to-peak mountain walk, pickup from Funchal, and big views.
“Due to weather the Pico to Pico Hike was not possible but we were offered an amazing Alternative Hike by our Guide Sarah. Everyone loved it and we had a great time Exploring the eastern coast. Lido Tours did the right thing by changing plans in cooperation with our group - with this Company you know your wellbeing and safety come first, even though they are aware some people might be unhappy about changes (though in our group everyone was super happy with the hike!!) Sarah was a super friendly and knowledgeable Guide who will make your Trip worthwhile. 100% recommend!”
8-hour Madeira tour with Pico do Areeiro, Balcões Levada walk, Santana thatched houses, rum distillery stop, and Ponta de São Lourenço.
“Severino is the best guide and driver you can find!”
Madeira levada walk from Queimadas to Caldeirão Verde waterfall, with pickup, forest tunnels, guided stops, and a picnic by the falls.
“This tour was really stunning. In winter it would be even better, so I'm told. The views are stunning. The walk is easy. The waterfall at the end is definitely worth every step. Take a flaslight with you and mind your head in the tunnels.”
East Madeira in 8 hours: levada walk, Santana and Camacha villages, Pico do Arieiro views, 3-course lunch, wine, and rum tasting.
“This was an amazing experience. My husband and I really enjoyed it. Gamma our guide was very knowledgeable and his passion for Madeira showed through. We saw the different areas of Madeira and it is totally different to the West side. The viewing points were well spaced out and the right amount of time.”
Easy half-day walk from Eira do Serrado to the Nuns Valley viewpoints, plus Pico dos Barcelos panoramas and Curral das Freiras chestnut treats.
“A really great half day tour, Benjamin our driver was really good and gave us lots of information regarding our visit during the tour, also thought it was very good value for money”
Walk the Laurissilva forest levada to Caldeirão Verde, past basalt tunnels and an emerald lagoon, with pickup, guide, and insurance.
“The hike was beautiful and had lovely views It was quite easy walking as it was not up hill (just a stair bypass in one place) and not very long sections that were narrow. The tunnels added to the excitement. But, the ground was very uneven and it was important to always look where to walk. As the guide kept a fast pace we were not able to enjoy the surroundings as much as we wanted to. We do levada walks for pleasure, not for reaching a goal or achievement. On the way back (it is a tour where you walk the same path two ways) the guide mostly seemed…”
Walk Madeira’s Serra de Água levada on an easy 5 km route with big south-coast views, native plants, and a coffee stop.
“It was very nice to have an opportunity to walk a levada. I really enjoyed the experience yet I felt the walk was rather rushed, with the guide striding ahead, and intermittently awaiting for all to catch up whilst sharing some interesting information about the environment, and the workings of the levada. Although older, I am a competent walker and had no difficulty in completing the walk. However, there were others who were less experienced and seemed ill equipped. The potential for hazard was, I think, significant. I would have welcomed an opportunity to be more leisurely, take some pictures and have an organised ‘water stop’ before the cafe stop…”
Every kind of day this city sells, and the best of each.
