Where most islands offer sun and sand, Madeira offers dramatic summits, UNESCO-listed forests and hiking trails that stretch above the clouds, making this tiny island in the Atlantic Ocean one of Europe's most rewarding adventure destinations.
From picturesque walking trails and lofty clifftop passes to secluded turquoise-blue bays and terracotta-roofed hillside villages, Madeira has a unique way of surprising even seasoned travellers. Our small group tours are built to show you the very best of this extraordinary island. Follow ancient footpaths through breathtaking mountains and explore a vast network of mossy levadas on our best-selling Madeira Walking Holiday. Waterfalls cascade through the hillsides and freshwater pools entice you in for a dip to cool off. Step onto the famous Balcony Walk, a narrow path carved into the edge of the cliff face high above the ocean and navigate your way through dark tunnels to the summit of Pico Ruivo.
For those who want to take in Madeira's culture and landscape in comfort, our Upgraded Madeira Island Discovery Tour is a premium small group experience combining expert-led exploration with carefully chosen accommodation. Set out on a boat trip along the island’s south coast, swim in volcanic rock pools in Porto Moniz and take in the island’s colourful exotic fruit at the Mercado dos Lavradores in Funchal. Madeira is also an excellent destination for family adventures. Our Family Madeira Adventure sees you set out on jeep safaris across the volcanic highlands, catamaran trips in search of dolphins and whales, and stand-up paddleboarding in the sheltered Atlantic bays. This centre-based trip has plenty of chances to enjoy Madeira at a slower pace too - pasteis de nata in Funchal, a lazy afternoon at the black-sand beach at Seixal, or a wicker toboggan ride down from the Monte that the whole family will talk about for years. If you're new to Explore, check out our blog answering some of the most-asked questions about small group travel.
From cloud-capped walking trails and ancient laurisilva forest to the cobbled streets of Funchal and the crystal-clear waters of the Atlantic, Madeira is a destination that earns its place on any adventure traveller's list. Here are some of the highlights from our tours.
Madeira's levadas are a vast network of ancient irrigation channels that span the entire island. Our Madeira Walking Holiday follows these historic waterways through moss-draped laurisilva forest, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed ecosystem found almost nowhere else on Earth. Wander through dramatic landscapes that shift from lush green valleys and terraced hillside vineyards to exposed ridgelines with panoramic views across the Atlantic. The undisputed highlight is the ascent to Pico Ruivo, Madeira's highest point at 1,862 metres. The approach passes through the eerie, mist-filled tunnels cut into the rock face at Encumeada before breaking out into the open air of the island's spine. On clear days the views extend across the neighbouring island of Porto Santo and beyond.
Explore’s Upgraded Madeira Island Discovery is designed for travellers who want the intimacy and spontaneity of a small group tour with an added layer of comfort and quality. Stay in premium accommodation and explore Madeira with a knowledgeable local tour leader. Highlights include Funchal's extraordinary Mercado dos Lavradores, where tropical fruits, dried herbs and fresh-caught fish fill stall after stall. Visit the hilltop village of Santana with its distinctive triangular thatched houses. Explore the botanical gardens and embroidery workshops that tell the story of an island shaped by Portuguese seafarers, tropical trade winds and volcanic geology. End the day with a glass of aged Madeira wine on a terrace overlooking the lights of the capital.
Madeira is one of Europe's most rewarding family destinations - compact, safe and packed with experiences ideal for all ages. The itinerary for our Family Madeira Adventure is built around a comfortable base hotel with both indoor and outdoor pools, giving families the flexibility to pick up the pace or slow down depending on the day. Active days include jeep safaris into the volcanic highlands, stand-up paddleboarding in sheltered Atlantic bays and catamaran excursions with a genuine chance of spotting common, bottlenose and even Atlantic spotted dolphins. Older children can try their hand at canyoning, while younger ones are perfectly happy exploring the volcanic rock pools at Seixal's black-sand beach.
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