After arriving on Madeira, pick up your rental car and drive to nearby Machico, where you'll check into your accommodation and settle in. Depending on your arrival time, you can explore the historic center, walk along the seaside promenade, or take a short stroll to one of the nearby viewpoints. The first day is intentionally relaxed, giving you plenty of time to get settled, pick up some essentials, and recover from your journey. The real highlights of Madeira await you in the days to follow.

In the morning, you'll head out for a hike along the volcanic peninsula of Ponta de São Lourenço. The open, almost treeless landscape lets you see both the northern and southern coasts of the island and stands in sharp contrast to the lush green interior of Madeira. After the hike, you'll continue across the northeast of the island. You'll make a quick stop at the Ponta do Rosto viewpoint and by the Água d’Alto waterfall.

PR1 isn't just a path between two famous peaks. It’s a trek through the very heart of Madeira, where the perspective changes almost constantly. One moment the trail follows an open ridge, and just minutes later, it disappears into a tunnel or winds around a nearly vertical cliffside. From Pico do Areeiro, you’ll cross the central mountain massif all the way to Pico Ruivo, Madeira's highest mountain. From the island's highest peak, you'll descend to Achada do Teixeira, where you'll take a pre-arranged transfer back to your car. 

This is a one-way mountain trek (it cannot be done in reverse). The route starts at Pico do Areeiro, continues along PR1 to Pico Ruivo, and ends with a descent via PR1.2 to Achada do Teixeira. It is the most popular hike on Madeira. The path was closed until 2026 while the trails were being renovated. As a result, the permit fee for this route is higher than for other PR trails; in 2026, the permit costs €10.50. 

The full-day hike takes you from the traditional house in Queimadas deep into the laurel forest. Along the water channel, you will pass through narrow rock ledges and four tunnels until you reach the Caldeirão Verde waterfall.

After two demanding hikes, a more relaxed road trip is in order. In the morning, you'll walk among the ancient trees in Fanal, in the afternoon you'll take a dip in the lava pools of Porto Moniz, and you'll wrap up the day at the lighthouse on the western tip of the island.

In the morning, hike along a peaceful levada high above the green Rabaçal valley to the Dona Beja mountain lagoon. If you're up for it, you can extend the hike to the Lagoa do Vento lake and its waterfall. In the afternoon, stay on the Paul da Serra plateau and wrap up the day in the golden light at Pico Ruivo do Paul and catch the sunset at the Bica da Cana viewpoint.

From Boca da Corrida, you'll set off along the old Caminho Real above the Curral das Freiras valley. You'll climb up to Pico Grande along a mountain trail that gradually opens up, and in the evening, you'll visit the Valley of the Nuns.

In the morning, enjoy your last sunrise over Machico, and before your flight, you can make a quick stop at the Cabo Girão glass skywalk high above the Atlantic. Adjust the program according to your departure time.