Madeira · SELF-GUIDED TOURS
17 reviewed
Below are the 15 best self-guided tours, best first: what each one costs, how long it takes, and which kind of traveller it suits. Start at number one, it earned the spot.
Sunrise hike transfer from Funchal to Pico do Arieiro with self-guided PR1 and possible PR3 route changes, plus hotel pickup and drop-off.
“It was absolutely brilliant. Breathtaking views and great guidance from the company to make sure everything went smoothly. Well worth doing :)”
Self-guided PR6/PR6.1 hike to 25 Fontes and Risco Levada from Rabaçal with Funchal pickup, maps, and early crowd control.
“Awesome, The guide didn’t stop answering the guests questions, Showing us sceneries and explaining the different trees, cultures, cooking, suggestions about other trips we should take in the future”
Self-guided Levada do Caldeirão Verde hike from Pico das Pedras with shuttle pickup, UNESCO Laurisilva tunnels, and a waterfall ending.
“Even though i had a rental car at my disposal i am really satisfied from being brought up and down again after the trip. Vitor was driving calmly, safely and had an excellent playlist to go with the ride.”
A simple self-guided transfer from Funchal to the start of PR8 at Ponta de São Lourenço, then back after 3.5 hours.
“Perfect timing, our driver Fabio was very thoughtful, gave us clear explanations about the hike and checked on us before pick up, 100% recommended. About the hike, the landscapes are stunning but there is no shade, mandatory sunscreen and a hat/cap!”
Self-guided Caldeirão Verde levada hike with transfer from Funchal. 5.5-hour trek, waterfalls, and optional route changes.
“The forest and scenery is beautiful! Personally I preferred the 25 Fontes and Risco waterfalls but the Caldeirão Verde waterfall is still pretty (just felt more crowded). If you are a bit anxious about heights just be mindful the last little stretch might make you a bit nervous (worth pushing through though). When it gets busy the paths are tight so letting people past is tricky. Luis was awesome at giving us insights to from the hike.”
Self-guided PR1 and PR3 hike with included transfer from Funchal to Pico do Arieiro, finishing at Madeira’s Ecological Park.
“The trips was really good organized and we had plenty of time to do the hike. It was great and i woud recommend to do it”
Self-guided audio walk through Funchal for cruise passengers, starting at the port and ending in Santa Catarina Park. GPS and flexible pacing.
“Just a recording on an app. Totally not worth it”
Self-drive Funchal in an electric car with GPS and voice narration, hitting Mercado dos Lavradores, Sé Cathedral, Formosa, and Câmara de Lobos.
“What a great way to travel’. A tablet with GPS is supplied so no worries on getting lost. Vehicle is easy to drive So helpful explaining everything and so friendly”
Hike Madeira PR9 Levada do Caldeirão Verde from Queimadas Forest Park to the Green Cauldron waterfall, with pickup and a self-guided route.
“I had a good experience with Luís, organisation was smooth, picking up close to my location was a great help, I got all necessary information and tips about the trail. I felt safe and supported. 🧭”
Sunrise at Pico do Arieiro, then PR1 Stairway to Heaven and PR3 Vereda do Burro. Pickup, self-guided route, return to Funchal.
“Wow. The best organised trip we have ever had. Luis is so caring and thoughtful, very knowledgeable and professional. He will provide the reassurances that everything is well organised and will go to plan. His warm and funny personality will ensure you know you are in safe hands. He checks in with you before your trip and throughout making sure you get the best experience that you wanted. I cannot recommend Hiking Transfers enough. So good we booked a 2nd walk straight away. The Sunrise is amazing and PR1 (even the first 1.2km) is unmissable and the sights will astound you. Worth every penny. You haven’t seen Madeira’s magic if…”
Ride an e-bike with Garmin help from Funchal to Garajau for a half-day loop, hill-climbing assistance, and optional ocean swim.
“Die Einweisung durch den Guide war top, man konnte den Veranstalter auch per WhatsApp jederzeit erreichen und bekam schnell eine Antwort. Jedoch würde ich eine Radtour nur wirklich erfahrenen Radfahrern empfehlen. Es gibt keinen Radweg, man fährt auf verdammt engen Straßen zwischen Bussen und Autos, um schlecht einsehbare Kurven herum,relativ steil bergauf und bergab. Wenn man das nicht gewohnt ist, kann man die wirklich wunderschöne Umgebung vor lauter Konzentration kaum wahrnehmen. Ich war mit meinem 13 jährigen Sohn unterwegs und würde die Tour persönlich erst ab 16 Jahren empfehlen.”
Walk Funchal’s Old City with offline English audio, from CR7 Museum to fort ruins and São Lourenço views. Great value at $11.99.
“Excellent informative audio guide. I did have to check the navigation map a couple of times due to gps lag but the audio navigation prompts otherwise worked well. Recommended.”
Self-guided Ponta São Lourenço hike with door-to-door transfer from Funchal and nearby towns, plus a map briefing and easy scheduling.
“It was very nice and very well organized. Cristiano - our driver was very friendly and always arrived on time and gave us a lot of great recommendations. Thank you!Auto-translated”
Hike the Rabaçal valley to 25 Fontes and Risco waterfalls with pickup in Madeira, levada trails, and a simple self-guided plan.
“Luis was a wealth of knowledge about Madeira and the hike He was helpful, knowledgeable and funny He had lots of recommendations about Funchal also”
A 1.5–2 hour audio walk through Funchal’s historic center, linking gardens, churches, maritime sights, and Madeira wine-era ties.
“A pleasant and Informative audio tour. The app worked well. My first audioguide, so I think it´s a nice option for solo travellers.”
