ON FOOT · PORTUGAL HIKING TOURS

The 15 Best Hikes in Portugal

32 hikes  ·  from $33 a head

Madeira does two things: levada paths that barely climb, and the Arieiro ridge that does nothing but. The 15 below split them, with transfers, tunnels and torches noted.

Funchal: Pico do Arieiro Sunrise Hiking Transfer - The early ride from Funchal or Caniço
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Funchal: Pico do Arieiro Sunrise Hiking Transfer

1.Pico do Arieiro Sunrise Hiking Transfer

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 4,021 reviews · 8.5 hours · from $38Our pick

You’ll ride from Funchal or Caniço to Pico do Arieiro, watch the sunrise, then hike at your own pace toward Pico Ruivo and Achada do Teixeira. Drivers such as Pedro, Diogo, Cristiano, and Miguel explain the route, meeting points, weather, and tricky sections before leaving you to walk independently. Allow about 8.5 hours, including transfers.

“very nice trip to the mountains, with the possibility of seeing the sunrise.”

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Madeira: Pico Arieiro to Pico Ruivo Hike - Leaving Funchal for the high mountains
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Madeira: Pico Arieiro to Pico Ruivo Hike

2.Pico Arieiro to Pico Ruivo Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 2,224 reviews · 8 hours · from $54

Join a certified mountain guide for an eight-hour Madeira mountain day from Funchal, Machico, Caniço, Santa Cruz, or Câmara de Lobos. The classic PR1 route between Pico Arieiro and Pico Ruivo is currently closed, so expect an alternative or split-peak walk. Bring warm layers, water, food, sunscreen, and sturdy shoes.

“I had split hiking tour to Pico do Arieiro and Pico Ruivo. It was my first hiking. Absolutely fantastic experience. It's can be done by beginners with good fitness level. Tour guide Nuno best of the best. He is so friendly and patient. There was certain schedule to follow but still plenty of time to admire stunning views and take some pictures. Would love to do it again after reopening of the whole route.”

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Funchal: Pico do Arieiro & Pico Ruivo Hiking Transfer - Pico do Arieiro and the open PR1 section
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Funchal: Pico do Arieiro & Pico Ruivo Hiking Transfer

3.Pico do Arieiro & Pico Ruivo Hiking Transfer

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 1,845 reviews · 8 hours · from $37

You’ll ride from Funchal or Caniço to Pico do Arieiro, receive route advice from drivers such as Pedro, Filipe, or Fernando, then hike independently toward Pico Ruivo and Achada do Teixeira. Expect about 10 km and five hours, with steep steps, changing weather, and a possible PR3 alternative if PR1 is closed.

“Communication was really clear and easy. Pedro was lovely, told us all about the island, gave us tips for the hike, helped navigate the maps so we had all the information we needed. Great day”

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Rabaçal: 25 Fontes & Risco Levada Hiking Transfer - Starting at the 25 Fontes parking area
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Rabaçal: 25 Fontes & Risco Levada Hiking Transfer

4.Rabaçal: 25 Fontes & Risco Levada Hiking Transfer

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,670 reviews · 8 hours · from $40

Travel by shared van from Funchal, Caniço, or nearby south-coast towns to Rabaçal for a self-guided hike on the 25 Fontes and Risco levadas. Your English-speaking driver explains the route, provides a map, and returns at the agreed time. Choose the 6 a.m. pickup to reach the waterfalls before the crowds.

“Great walk. Transport arrangements worked very well. Thanks to all”

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Peniche: Berlengas Island Trip, Hiking and Cave Tour - Leaving Peniche by catamaran or smaller boat
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Peniche: Berlengas Island Trip, Hiking and Cave Tour

5.Berlengas Island Trip, Hiking and Cave Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,473 reviews · 4 hours · from $46

From Peniche, take a catamaran or smaller boat to Berlenga Grande, then explore its cliffs, caves, beaches, fortress, and lighthouse. A local guide leads the hike and explains the island’s history and geology. The trip lasts four hours and includes roundtrip transport, a glass-bottom boat ride, and the guided walk. Bring sturdy shoes and motion-sickness medicine if needed.

“We really enjoyed Berlengas Island. The ride over was pretty choppy but most people actually enjoyed it, save for one little girl in the boat. We left the castle and walked up to the lighthouse with our guide and a group of 10 others. We were at the back of the group and unfortunately could not hear the information provided about the lighthouse (it was very windy that day). But I mentioned this to our guide near the end of our tour and he gave us the rundown, which was much appreciated. Personally I would not book the cave tour again as it was very quick and not really worth…”

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Pico Do Arieiro Pico Ruivo Sunrise or Morning Hike Transfers - The open section of PR1 and the famous stairway
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Pico Do Arieiro Pico Ruivo Sunrise or Morning Hike Transfers

6.Pico Do Arieiro Pico Ruivo Sunrise or Morning Hike Transfers

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,169 reviews · 8 - 8.5 hours · from $37

Ride from Funchal or Caniço to Pico do Arieiro, catch sunrise above the clouds, then hike toward Pico Ruivo or use the PR3 alternative when PR1 is closed. English-speaking drivers such as Radko and Ciro explain the route, set a clear pickup point, and return you by minivan after up to five hours on the mountain.

“Great trip. The guide collected us from our hotel. The mini bus was comfortable and the ride to the starting point was smooth . The guide showed us exactly where to begin our hike and where he would pick us up. Great value for money too. As renting a car to get up there yourself would definitely be a challenge.”

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Caldeirão Verde: Levada Caldeirao Verde Hiking Transfer - Queimadas Park and the first stretch
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Caldeirão Verde: Levada Caldeirao Verde Hiking Transfer

7.Caldeirão Verde: Levada Caldeirao Verde Hiking Transfer

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 1,071 reviews · 8 hours · from $39

You’ll ride from Funchal, Caniço, Santa Cruz, or Machico to Queimadas Natural Park, then follow a 13 km self-guided levada trail through ancient Laurissilva forest. Expect four tunnels, waterfalls, narrow paths, and a lagoon where swimming may be possible. Drivers such as Nuno, Pedro, Diogo, and Cristiano provide the trail briefing and transfer.

“the guide super nice and extremely communicative. We felt under his care. his has picked us up right on time and left us back and agred place. We recommend this Tour and the guide”

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Madeira: Sunrise at Pico do Arieiro & Hike Larano trail - The pre-dawn pickup from Funchal
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Madeira: Sunrise at Pico do Arieiro & Hike Larano trail

8.Sunrise at Pico do Arieiro & Hike Larano trail

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 951 reviews · 7 hours · from $53

Start before dawn with hotel pickup from Funchal or Caniço, watch sunrise at Pico do Arieiro, and optionally walk 1.2 km toward the Stairs of Heaven. After a coffee stop and Guindaste’s glass platform, follow the self-guided 7 km Larano coastal trail. English-speaking drivers such as Rosbert, André, and Luis provide directions and island stories.

“We had the most perfect day and can’t recommend it enough. We caught a beautiful sunrise and managed to make it all the way to the Stairs of Heaven in the allotted time. We stopped off for coffee and some Madeira cake (great fuel) and I’m not exaggerating when I say it may be the best coffee I have ever had. The 7km hike along the coast was great, plenty of shade, really easy trail to follow and stunning views of the sea. We were outside of the pick up zone but it was no problem for them to arrange to collect us from our hotel (for an extra fee),…”

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Funchal: Caniçal Ponta São Lourenco Hiking Transfer - The 7.5 km trail, with more ups and downs than expected
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Funchal: Caniçal Ponta São Lourenco Hiking Transfer

9.Caniçal Ponta São Lourenco Hiking Transfer

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 756 reviews · 6 hours · from $35Cheapest way up

Ride from Funchal, Caniço, Santa Cruz, or Machico to Madeira’s PR8 trailhead, then hike Ponta São Lourenço at your own pace. Your English-speaking driver explains the route, timing, and safety rules before leaving you to explore. You get about four to four and a half hours, with time for viewpoints, the beach, and a possible swim.

“Great hiking! The view is amazing, our guide was well explaining the route and wait for us before we finished the trip, very nice experience!”

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Madeira: PR 9 - Levada do Caldeirão Verde Hike Transfer - From your hotel to Pico das Pedras
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Madeira: PR 9 – Levada do Caldeirão Verde Hike Transfer

10.PR 9 – Levada do Caldeirão Verde Hike Transfer

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 620 reviews · 7 hours · from $47

Travel from Funchal, Caniço, or Garajau to Pico das Pedras, then walk independently through Madeira’s Laurissilva Forest to Caldeirão Verde. Your driver-host, including Vitor, Fabio, Roberto, and Cristiano, provides maps, safety advice, and return pickup. Expect a long, mostly level hike with four dark tunnels, wet paths, and a dramatic waterfall.

“The transfer was on time and we were provided good local information.”

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From Porto: Hike & Swim in Gerês National Park - The 105-minute drive into the park
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From Porto: Hike & Swim in Gerês National Park

11.Hike & Swim in Gerês National Park

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 452 reviews · 9h 30m · from $88

Leave Porto for a guided 10 km hike in Gerês National Park, with 5 km out to seven natural pools and 5 km back. You get 1.5 to 2 hours to swim and eat your packed lunch. Guides such as Miguel, Rui, André, and Angelo lead small groups in English, French, Spanish, or Portuguese.

“I would highly recommend this trip! the meeting point is easy to find and starting at 8 meant we got to walk through porto without the crowds and see the sun coming up. our guide was brilliant, warm, friendly and fun. our group was small and a delightful bunch. the walk was gentle and beautiful, most had walking boots but I found comfy steady trainers just fine, and probably less hot on the feet. the lagoons were breathtaking, never seen anything like that before. the water was wonderfully cold. made for amazing pictures. the little village at the end had the most glorious water.”

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From Faro: Benagil Hiking Cliffs and the 4 Treasure Experience - Praia da Marinha and the first cliff walk
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From Faro: Benagil Hiking Cliffs and the 4 Treasure Experience

12.From Faro: Benagil Hiking Cliffs and the 4 Treasure Experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 424 reviews · 6 hours 20 minutes to 6 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $54Best guided

Travel from Faro in a small, air-conditioned van for a six-hour coastal outing covering Praia da Marinha, the top of Benagil Cave, Algar Seco, Senhora da Rocha, and Praia Nova. Guide Claire leads the easy-to-moderate walks, shares local culture, and helps with photos. Umbrellas and masks are provided, but snorkeling depends on sea conditions.

“We had a wonderful time on our tour with Claire. She brought us to some really beautiful sites along the coast. We were able to hike around and explore and we stayed the right amount of time. I would recommend this tour to anyone who wanted to check out the beautiful southern coast. Make sure you bring cash for the snack bar at the end!”

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PR1 Sunrise Pico do Arieiro Self-Guided Hiking Transfer - Finding the Stairway to Heaven
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PR1 Sunrise Pico do Arieiro Self-Guided Hiking Transfer

13.PR1 Sunrise Pico do Arieiro Self-Guided Hiking Transfer

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 299 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $39

Start before dawn with pickup in Funchal or Caniço, then watch sunrise from Pico do Arieiro before hiking at your own pace. Drivers such as Pedro, Filipe, and Adriana explain the route and trail changes. The transfer group is capped at eight, and pickup follows at Funchal Ecological Park.

“Fabulous trip, early start but you get a great spot for the sunrise. And the stars are amazing such a clear view of the sky. Great conditions so saw the sunrise above the clouds , amazing view. Take layers as it’s quite cool early on in the morning got to the top at 0615 and the sunrise was 0735 so take a few snacks and a drink. I wore trainers and was fine the trail is very dry so trainers were fine. I do a lot of hikes in the Lake District, so it wasn’t difficult just a lot of downhill on the PR3 section on dusty paths. The PR1…”

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From Funchal: Ponta de São Lourenço/Caniçal Full-Day Hike - The ride from Funchal to the eastern trailhead
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From Funchal: Ponta de São Lourenço/Caniçal Full-Day Hike

14.Ponta de São Lourenço/Caniçal Full-Day Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 262 reviews · 8 hours · from $50

Walk Madeira’s eastern peninsula from Funchal with a guide such as Ruby, Sergio, or Sarah. Expect volcanic cliffs, unusual rock shapes, views toward the Desertas and Porto Santo, and time for a swim. The route is about 7 km round trip, with an optional tougher summit section and a possible speedboat return for €15 to €25 when sea conditions allow.

“Great hike to start. Transport and guide was excellent. Highly recommended.”

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Madeira: Pico Ruivo Guided Sunrise Hike with Hotel Pickup - Hotel pickup and the one-hour drive into the mountains
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Madeira: Pico Ruivo Guided Sunrise Hike with Hotel Pickup

15.Pico Ruivo Guided Sunrise Hike with Hotel Pickup

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 257 reviews · 5 hours · from $68

Start with hotel pickup and a one-hour drive to Achada do Teixeira. Guide Carlos leads a small group up Pico Ruivo in the dark, pointing out stars and pacing the 260-meter climb with breaks. At the summit, enjoy sunrise, hot tea, and a granola bar before walking back and riding to your accommodation.

“Incredible views that really were breathtaking! Well worth the trip!”

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Just written up: Portugal Hiking Tours

★ 5.0Gastro hike (Private Tour)From $9645 reviews
★ 5.0Peneda-Gerês Hiking & Sightseeing: Private ExperienceFrom $14467 reviews
★ 5.0HIKING XL (Full Day Private Tour)From $18025 reviews
★ 5.0Private Sunrise Hike to Pico Ruivo with Hotel PickupFrom $9428 reviews
★ 5.0Half-day Hike & Picnic with Dog Love in Porto’s MountainsFrom $59136 reviews
★ 5.0Sunrise Guided Hike PR1 Pico do Areeiro Pico Ruivo small groupFrom $120133 reviews
★ 5.0Wild West Coast Hiking Adventure with Sunset Picnic Dinner & WineFrom $119120 reviews
★ 4.8Rabaçal Valley and the 25 Fountains HikeFrom $54171 reviews
★ 4.8Pico do Arieiro Sunrise Plus 2 extra Hiking TrailsFrom $33179 reviews
★ 5.0Pico Mountain: Climb the Highest Point of Portugal 2351mFrom $90187 reviews
★ 4.525 Fountains Levada: Hiking Tour in Madeira Rabaçal Valley (PR6)From $52187 reviews

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