35 independent reviews for Madeira walking holiday
Reviews for Madeira walking holiday
Lorrie Gilbert review 23 Nov 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The time we spent hiking and staying in Porto Moniz. What a fabulous place!2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
It’s perfect… the guide, João, was great, knowledgeable about the flora, the geology, and the island in general (he grew up there).3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes… we were advised about the efforts to keep Madeira lush, clean, and to remove trash and invasive species.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent! A couple of dinners thrown into the covered price would have been nice.Angela Punnett review 2 Nov 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The scenery was incredible. We particularly enjoyed the ‘less travelled’ trails. The flora in the different areas of the island and our siting of the Madeiran Firecrest were highlights, as were coffee or beer in smaller villages of the island.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
It is definitely helpful to explore the island with a knowledgeable guide in order to explore off the beaten track. The hiking was manageable for the entire group even at our different paces.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, in that much of the trip was spent in smaller communities. Our guide reinforced best practices.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Great holiday- thank you!Alison Short review 13 Apr 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The group bond, tour lead and stunning walks and scenery.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Prepare well, possession of a reasonable level of walking fitness.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Leaving no trace was our group moto, but like any form if tourism, it comes with pollution and population issues.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Five star, amazing!Elizabeth Robertson review 2 Mar 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
So many memories. It's hard to choose. The beauty of the island, the varied weather and scenery, the friendly people who helped along the way, our wonderful guide, Filipe; all created varied memories. Unfortunately, we were unable to walk the main peaks because of bad weather on the last 2 days, but we were able to complete a fun, muddy walk out to the most easterly point and return via a small boat with a marine biologist who showed us hidden bays and caves.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
This was my first group trip and so I was a little unsure. I would say just relax and go with the flow. The walking itself, was not at all strenuous, although there were some steep descents. Obviously the fitter you are, the more you get out of it. In February be prepared for all weather's.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Madeira is very popular with walkers. While we were there there was no problem with too many people on the path. The island needs to look at a permit system for the more popular walks.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent, well planned and organised.Siriporn Chamsai review 9 Feb 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Our walking hours.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Stay a little longer in Madeira after the trip done3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Totally4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
5 stars , Except the first hotel should be replaced by another hotel.Jo Gill review 2 Jun 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The people in the group2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
The pace is very fast3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, we dined in local restaurants and had little impact on the environment as far as we were aware. We learned about the environment4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Fantastic holiday. Well organised. Good accommodatio. A great group of people. It was though hard going due to the pace of walkingAngela Milne review 6 Jan 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
New Year eves fireworks2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
There is a nice free spa take a swim suit and cap. It is a very easy walking holiday so not suitable for those who want a good work out.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
A local guide was used and we ate in local restaurants4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
The guide was excellent. The worst part was a lunchtime meal which was very cheap 15EU for starter dessert a drink and coffee however the main course consisted of chick peas and fat and bone actual meat was undetectable. The worst meal ever! It was part of the programme , eliminate it!mike burnham review 7 Sep 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The hiking itself was wonderful2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Don’t book anything using Explore3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
The hotels were disgustingly/dirty/noisy. They were clearly booked to save the operator money. I would never use this company again. The hotel under extensive construction ( despite what we were told the noise started 8am!!!!) advised us they the operator were well aware of the construction. It’s disgusting they think so little of their clients.Read the operator's response here:
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review, although we were disappointed to see you felt the trip was only worth 2 stars based solely on the accommodation.
I am glad however to see you enjoyed the hikes on this walking trip and I hope you enjoyed the other aspects of this adventure as well.
As for your comments regarding the accommodation, this has been passed on to our Local Partners to review and see if any changes need to be made. Unfortunately, due to the current tourism boom Madeira is experiencing, it is becoming increasingly difficult to find suitable group accommodation, but I want to assure you we are taking your feedback seriously and doing what we can to ensure the best possible experience for all our customers.
We wish you the best with any future adventures you may embark on!
Elena Montero review 16 Nov 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
My holiday in Madeira was nothing short of exhilarating. The atmosphere was exciting and vibrant, making every moment memorable. I thoroughly enjoyed walking around the island, discovering its hidden gems and stunning landscapes. The diverse trails and breathtaking views made each walk an adventure. The blend of nature, culture, and the warm hospitality of the locals truly made my trip unforgettable2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Bring Quality Gear: Ensure your hiking boots and poles are of good quality. Madeira's terrain can be rugged, so reliable gear is a must.Dress Appropriately: Wear layers and pack a waterproof jacket. Madeira's weather can change quickly, especially in the mountains. Capture the Moments: Bring a camera or smartphone to capture the stunning scenery. Madeira's landscapes are breathtaking, and you'll want to remember your adventure.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Reflecting on my holiday in Madeira, I do believe it had a positive impact in several ways: Supporting Local Economy: By staying in locally-owned accommodations, dining at local restaurants, and purchasing from small shops and markets, I contributed to the local economy, helping sustain jobs and businesses. Eco-Friendly Practices: I made a conscious effort to minimize my environmental footprint by using reusable water bottles, avoiding single-use plastics, and choosing eco-friendly transport options like walking or public transportation whenever possible. Conservation Awareness: Participating in guided tours and hikes with local experts provided insights into Madeira's unique ecosystems and the importance of conservation. These experiences emphasized the need to protect the island's natural beauty and biodiversity. Sustainable Tourism: Choosing activities that promote sustainable tourism, such as responsible hiking and visiting nature reserves, ensured that my presence did not harm the environment. I also supported local conservation projects through donations and by following guidelines to respect wildlife and natural habitats. Overall, my trip to Madeira was not only a thrilling adventure but also an opportunity to engage in responsible travel practices that benefit the community and the environment.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
I would rate my holiday in Madeira a solid 9 out of 10. The island's breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and the exhilarating hiking trails created an unforgettable experience. While there were a few challenges along the way, they were minor compared to the overall joy and adventure that Madeira offered. It was a trip filled with stunning views, warm hospitality, and endless discoveries.Annette MAJEKODUNMI review 6 Oct 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Too difficult - I enjoyed all the walks and all were memorable. Benny had to vary some of the walks due to fires and he chose well.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Bring binoculars .3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I felt we stayed in local hotels and our guide was local so hopefully the community did benefit. However, I didn’t feel we reduced environmental impact especially as one hotel kept changing our towels daily and we didn’t want them.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was a very enjoyable holiday and I can’t fault it in anyway.Bernard Butt review 10 Mar 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The walks, landscape visited.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Let it happen, it’s so well thought through3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes in many ways4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
The guide Bennie was so good Knowles and committed to our holiday.Susie Gareau review 24 Mar 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Wonderful sights and wonderful people2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
The walking is mostly downhill3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Not really4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Very good tripPhilippa Hatch review 13 Feb 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Climbing Pico Grande on the last day and all the exotic plant life on all the walks. João was an excellent guide.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Do pack a warm jacket and a warm jumper. It was warm in the sunshine but pretty cool in the shade and at night.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We stopped for coffee in local bars and ate in local restaurants. we only used a minibus for 15 people so yes.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
The first hotel was a bit cold and we didn't get to walk the balcony walk because of a landslide but otherwise, the trip was excellent.Michael Hewett review 9 Feb 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Walking the high peaks.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be prepared for cold weather high up.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
It involved local businesses but there were no specific activities to support conservation.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Generally good, although some walks were not as scenically interesting as I had expected.Julian ellis review 4 Jan 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Whale watching2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Prepare clothing no for all weathers, especially when high up.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
No idea.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Hotel buffet breakfasts not high standard. Excellent local guide, well planned trips. An extra rest day would be good, extend to 8 days possibly.Tony Ripley review 25 Apr 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
I cannot pick out a single thing as the whole trip was wonderful.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Just be prepared for some hills, up and down!3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, the lunch was always bought from a local shop and the guide took us to some lovely local restaurants. The afternoons always included a visit of some sort to a local attraction.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent and would recommend to anyone who enjoys walking in a beautiful country.Margaret Dent review 13 Mar 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The scenery and the other group members.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Expect beautiful places and enjoy.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Not really sure.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
ExcellentSarah Day review 29 Oct 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Laughter and fun with the group. Loved the levadas.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
It’s very static but a great intro to the island.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Not really4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Super fun. Exactly as advertised. Amazing local guide - Philipe and v comfy hotel. ( except the pool pump on final night, above my room, malfunctioning all night so I had no sleep! )Rosie Lorenz review 25 Jul 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Swimming in a waterfall2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Comfy practical clothing3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
It benefited local businesses.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
We had a great time. The one thing we could have benefited from is fans or air con in our hotel rooms. There was a ceiling fan in Funchal but it would have been nice to have something to circulate the air in our other accomodationShauna Dickson review 23 Jul 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The views from Pico Arieiro and nearby lookout (1862 metres). It was spectacular.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
We enjoyed seeing so much of Madeira, as well as the walking mainly by levadas.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. The guide was local and environmentally minded.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Very enjoyable, if challenging at timesjoy withers review 26 Mar 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The scenery2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Ensure that you're fit and up to how the trip is described. If you're not fit, you may spoil it for others.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. We ate in different local restaurants and shown local products. Our guide was passionate about the environment and Madeira in itself4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Tim Hayman review 1 Mar 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The sheer beauty of the island. The incredible engineering of the levadas2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Depending on your age check that the hikes are within your abilities.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Everyday we bought our picnic locally and visited local restaurants. I am sure that tourist money help maintain the levadas and paths in good condition4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Fantastic experence,but tough.Lydia Charnock review 28 Dec 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The group, the walks and of course Filipe.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Go for it - you won’t know till you have tried it.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I guess so. Made friends with the local people4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Amazing. BrilliantKathleen Bartholomew review 30 Oct 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Hiking the lavadas, immersed in so much beauty there was little talking.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Don't forget your flashlight. Bring a fleece and raincoat.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, because we hiked. What depressed me was the bottled water machine at the airport. All this wonderful water on the island and they sell bottled water which was a HUGE turnoff. 40% of there fresh water goes unused back to the ocean, while Madeira imports single use plastic bottles, UGH!!!!4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Great, will do it again! Never thought I could walk 24 miles in 3 days but with a group, I could easily. Amazing how comradery carries you. My luggage was stolen from the van when the driver went for a coffee, but a tourist found it and it was returned intact - and Filip was so responsive and supportive (Could have done without the driver's constant bemoaning and defense of himself). My roommate was almost 80 and is my new idol - hard to feel proud of yourself when she knocked it out effortlessly.Michael taverner review 19 Sep 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Enjoying the dynamics of the group and the marvelous walking.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Push yourself.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Tourism is very important for this island, this type of holiday lessens environmental impact.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent and Benny the walking guide was brilliant.Rosine Arnold review 5 Jun 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The discovery of the levada on Day 2.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be physically prepared for some challenging walks and a variety of weather conditions.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, it benefitted local people and supported conservation. Not sure it reduced environmental impacts.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
A great success, with lots of memorable times.Rowena Dark review 27 Mar 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The scenery2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Nothing to add3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Fantastic. Really beautiful country and stunning walks with fabulous sceneryJosephine Glover review 12 Sep 2021
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The walks, especially Pico Areeiro to Pico Ruivo, way above the clouds.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
The walks are a lot more challenging than they sound.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
No4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Great holiday. So good to get away. Amazing scenery inland but Funchal is really disappointing so we could have done with less time there. The Funchal hotel (do Carmo) was grim.Nancy Wiesenfeld review 1 Mar 2020
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Balcony Walk and the first walk along the peninsula at the tip.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be in shape.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, we ate in local restaurants and stayed in small but nice hotels.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
ExcellentSunita Raj review 18 Feb 2020
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Walk to the highest point Pico Ruivo. Incredible views all the way But every day was a different kind of walk with totally different and breathtaking scenery The tour guide was incredibly knowledgeable, capable, empathic and attentive to the needs of the entire group.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Would be worth booking a couple of extra days in funchal, I definitely wasnt ready to go homeTorch needed to go through the tunnels. Longest is 800m.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
A few trips to local businesses. Stayed in smaller towns and ate at smaller more local restaurants.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Well organised trip. Good balance of activity and relaxation. Excellent tour guide.Eldad Rosenthal review 20 Oct 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The hiking trips in the mountains and along the Levadas2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
To extend the visit in Madeira beyond one week in order to see other places .3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Only partially .4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Very goodAnne Monks review 28 Mar 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The walks; particularly the first and last day2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
take layers and windproofs/waterproofs3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Benefited locals4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent. Felipe is an amazing guide; his love of the island and knowledge of its flora really enhanced the walksSarah Withycombe review 21 Feb 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The whole holiday was amazing, our guide Filipe Gomes was brilliant, and probably the best guide I've had so far, loved and knew everything about his culture, history and plants of the island, and very enthusiastic to keep and preserve the natural beauty of the island and it's habitat. The views were amazing out of this world and walking to Pico de Ruivo, Madeira's highest point in the mountains, was magical with the clouds passing by. We were also lucky with a great group that gelled well together like a little family.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Have a good amount of fitness, especially for walking up hill as there is a lot of long steep climbs and steep steps. And good walking poles will help a lot.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, Our guide and driver were from Madeira, both spoke good English, were very helpful as were all the staff at the hotels, and gave us all lots of tips of how to get around the island and what to look out for. For example good places to get our pack lunches, avoid paying tourist extras, keep the same water bottle and just re-fill saving on plastic. Filipe our guide does a lot of voluntary work re planting in the mountains and helping others, and is so enthusiastic about helping maderia keeping its natural beauty.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Had a fantastic time, made 11 new friends, was a little nervous at first as I haven't done a walking holiday for about 11+ yrs but im so glad I did it, it was out of this world, the other walkers (now friends), our guide (Filipe) and places we visited + all the little exras that Filipe did with us the whole experience was a 5* + Thank you!Denise Mahood review 25 Aug 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The walks were excellent. The hike to the top of the mountain was especially memorable. The lead as we're so interesting. Our guide, Philippe, was absolutely wonderful - better than excellent.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be ready to enjoy the company of others, to enjoy the food and the beautiful environment.Yes3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes - we supported local businesses and were responsible visitors.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent - 10/10Diana Greer review 7 Apr 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Getting to the top of Pico Ruivo (the highest peak in Madeira) above the cloud level.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Walking poles are useful.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. We ate at small local places and tried many foods grown, caught or produced locally.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
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