Madeira: Porto Da Cruz to Machico Hiking Tour With Transfer

The Madeira: Porto Da Cruz to Machico Hiking Tour offers adventurers a chance to explore Madeira’s stunning landscapes. This self-guided trek showcases breathtaking cliff views and tranquil forests, spanning around 4 hours with 3 hours of hiking. Suitable for various fitness levels, the tour includes hotel pickups and ensures safety with proper gear and communication. Whether you’re an avid hiker or simply seeking a memorable outdoor experience, this tour might just be the perfect fit.

Key Points

• This self-guided hiking tour from Porto da Cruz to Machico on Madeira Island lasts 4 hours and features diverse landscapes and scenic views.
• The moderately easy trail is not recommended for children under 12 or individuals with mobility issues, heart problems, or vertigo.
• Complimentary hotel pickup is available, with an additional fee for pickups outside designated areas, and a driver provides support via chat apps.
• Participants must bring appropriate hiking gear, clothing, and sustenance, and the operator may refuse participation if deemed unfit.
• The tour has received an overall rating of 4.9 out of 5 from previous participants, who highlight the stunning views and manageable difficulty.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This self-guided hiking tour takes adventurers on a scenic journey from Porto da Cruz to Machico.

The 4-hour experience (3 hours of hiking) explores Madeira’s northeast coast, featuring diverse vegetation and dramatic scenery changes.

Explore Madeira’s northeast coast on a 4-hour hiking tour featuring diverse vegetation and dramatic scenery changes.

Limited to 7 participants, the tour offers pickups from select locations and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

The moderately easy hike isn’t recommended for children under 12, those with mobility issues, heart problems, or vertigo.

A driver is available via chat apps to provide instructions.

Prices start at €33.00 per person.

Hiking Experience

Although the hike from Porto da Cruz to Machico showcases scenic Madeira’s northeast coast, it features diverse vegetation and dramatic scenery changes along the way. The trail starts with cliff views, transitions through forest, and ends near a levada. Hikers will encounter a range of terrain and landscapes throughout the 3-hour trek.

| Trail Features | Difficulty | Communication |

|—————-|————|—————|

| Cliff views | Easy | Driver available via chat apps |

| Forest | Not recommended for those with mobility issues, heart problems, or vertigo | English and Portuguese spoken |

| Levada | Not suitable for children under 12 | |

Proper hiking gear and fitness level are essential for this self-guided experience.

Transportation Details

The hiking tour offers complimentary pickup from selected hotels and Airbnbs in Funchal, Machico, Santana, Caniço, and Câmara de Lobos.

Complimentary pickup from select hotels and Airbnbs in Funchal, Machico, Santana, Caniço, and Câmara de Lobos.

The driver will confirm the pickup time the day before the tour. However, pickup outside the designated areas incurs an additional fee of €20 per person.

The driver speaks both English and Portuguese, ensuring clear communication throughout the experience.

The transportation details include:

1. Complimentary pickup from select hotels and Airbnbs

2. Additional fee of €20 per person for pickup outside designated areas

3. Driver available for instruction via chat apps like WhatsApp

4. English and Portuguese-speaking driver

Participant Requirements

Participants are required to bring appropriate hiking shoes, water, snacks, and wear comfortable and weather-appropriate clothing.

Smoking, alcohol, and drugs aren’t allowed during the tour.

The hike isn’t recommended for individuals over 60, those with altitude sickness, low fitness levels, or fear of heights, as the trail can be challenging in certain sections.

Safety is a top priority, and the tour operator reserves the right to refuse participation if they deem a person unfit for the hike.

Following these guidelines ensures an enjoyable and safe experience for all participants.

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Customer Feedback

According to the available reviews, the hiking tour from Porto da Cruz to Machico has received an overall rating of 4.9 out of 5 from 17 participants.

Highlights from the feedback include:

1. Positive experience with individual attention from the guide.

2. Enjoyment of stunning views and quiet trails.

3. Recommendations for the hike due to its scenic nature and manageable difficulty.

4. Suitability for various fitness levels, making it accessible to a wide range of hikers.

Scenic Highlights

Dramatic cliff views greet hikers at the start of the Porto da Cruz to Machico trail.

The route transitions through diverse landscapes, including dense forest with towering trees. As the hike progresses, the scenery transforms, revealing a levada, a traditional irrigation channel that runs alongside the path.

Trekkers are immersed in Madeira’s stunning natural beauty, with opportunities to spot native flora and fauna. The gradual changes in terrain and vegetation make this a visually captivating experience, showcasing the island’s remarkable diversity within a relatively short hike.

Trail Description

The hike from Porto da Cruz to Machico starts with a gradual ascent, offering hikers breathtaking vistas of Madeira’s northeastern coastline.

The trail then transitions through a lush forest, where diverse vegetation lines the path.

Towards the end, the hike reaches a levada, a traditional irrigation canal that provides a serene backdrop.

The trail features the following highlights:

1. Dramatic coastal cliff views

2. Exploration of a dense, verdant forest

3. Encounter with a picturesque levada

4. Moderate difficulty suitable for most experienced hikers

Preparing for the Hike

Preparing for the hike requires some key considerations.

Wear sturdy, comfortable hiking shoes to navigate the varied terrain. Pack plenty of water and snacks to fuel the journey. Dress in breathable, layered clothing that can accommodate changes in weather. Bring sun protection like hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

Though the hike is rated easy, it’s not suitable for those with mobility issues, heart problems, or fear of heights. Following the guide’s safety instructions and remaining alert on the trails is crucial.

With the right preparation, hikers can fully enjoy the stunning scenery along the Porto da Cruz to Machico route.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Restroom Facilities Along the Hiking Trail?

The tour overview doesn’t mention any restroom facilities along the hiking trail. Hikers should plan accordingly and make use of facilities before the start of the hike or at the end in Machico.

Can I Bring My Dog on the Hike?

Dogs are not allowed on the hike. The tour operator’s policy prohibits bringing pets due to safety concerns and the potential disturbance to other participants. Participants must adhere to the listed requirements to ensure a safe and enjoyable hiking experience.

Is This Hike Suitable for Young Children?

The hike isn’t recommended for children under 12 due to the difficulty and safety concerns. It’s best suited for older kids and adults in good physical condition without mobility issues or a fear of heights.

Is There Mobile Network Coverage Throughout the Entire Trail?

The tour overview doesn’t mention the availability of mobile network coverage throughout the entire trail. However, the driver is available for instruction via chat apps like WhatsApp, suggesting there may be intermittent coverage along the hike.

Can I Purchase Snacks and Water at the Start or End of the Hike?

There are no snack or water purchase options at the start or end of the hike. Participants should bring their own supplies, as the tour doesn’t provide any refreshments along the way.

The Sum Up

The Madeira: Porto Da Cruz to Machico Hiking Tour offers a stunning self-guided experience through diverse landscapes, featuring breathtaking cliff views and tranquil forests. With complimentary hotel pickups, proper gear, and communication via chat apps, hikers can enjoy the natural beauty of Madeira seamlessly. Though not recommended for those under 12 or with mobility issues, the moderately easy trek is suitable for a variety of fitness levels.

You can check availability for your dates here: