10 Self-Guided Tours on Madeira Worth the Drive

1.Pico do Arieiro Sunrise Transfer Self-guided Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 2,798 reviews · from $37Our pick

Sunrise hike from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo, hotel transfer from Funchal or Caniço, self-guided 10 km walk to Achada do Teixeira.

“Our driver Diogo picked us up on time and was very friendly and professional. The vehicle was modern, clean and comfortable and he drove us to the drop off carefully whilst explaining the tour. He gave us great advice before we left and made sure we understood. We also received messages from Jessica in the office explaining everything the day before, and during the day to check we were doing ok. The hike itself was fantastic; breath-taking views both for sunrise and the walking sections. Be prepared that it will be busy and not everyone is polite when it comes to sharing a narrow path- but that is the same…”

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2.25 Fontes & Risco Levada Transfer Self-guided Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 841 reviews · from $38

Self-guided 25 Fontes and Risco Levada day trip from Funchal with shared transfer, crowd-beating early start, and stunning waterfall hikes.

“Early start time is great. There was only our group when we got there. Our driver explained all about our route carefully and accurately. Pick up and drop off are perfectly comfortable.”

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3.Caldeirão Verde: Queimadas PR9 Transfer and Self-Guided Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 668 reviews · from $38

Caldeirão Verde self-guided hike in Madeira with shared pickup, waterfall levada views, 4 tunnels, round-trip transport, $38.

“We thoroughly enjoyed our hike. Started in the dark which was a bit daunting but also fun! Luis our driver was so so lovely, hilariously funny and made our journey up and down such fun, he had us laughing non stop! The hike itself is a beautiful hike, very easy, minimal fitness level required in my opinion, once you’re able for a few hours walking you’ll be fine. Glad we went early as the crowds were coming in their droves when we were walking back down! Cafe at end is cash only if you’d like a coffee/sandwich when you are finished!Read more”

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

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

Sunrise hike from Pico do Arieiro with pickup in Funchal or Caniço, small-group shuttle, self-guided PR1 and PR3 route options.

“Fantastic!!!!! Thank you so much to Filipe who provided us with great recommendations for what to do on the island (which we took and had a great time doing!). Pick up was punctual, everything went perfectly. Highly recommend.”

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5.PR6 & PR6.1 25 Fontes & Risco Levada Self-Guided Hiking Rabaçal

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 80 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $41

Self-guided 25 Fontes and Risco Levada hike from Funchal with pickup and map. Early start, 5-hour 10 km walk to Casa do Rabaçal.

“Everything was as described, information and travel arrangements by the company were clear and on time, some parts of the walk were very steep but plenty of time to finish.”

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6.PR9 Caldeirão Verde Queimadas Levada Self-Guided Hiking Transfer

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 28 reviews · 8 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $39

Self-guided PR9 hike from Queimadas through Laurissilva forest to Caldeirão Verde waterfalls, with pickup from Funchal area.

“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.”

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7.PR1 Pico do Arieiro Self-Guided Hiking Transfer (Morning slot)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 27 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $38

Morning self-guided transfer for the PR1 Stairway to Heaven and PR3 Vereda do Burro hike from Pico do Arieiro toward Pico Ruivo.

“Really enjoyed the self guided aspect, you have 5 hours to complete the trail which is plenty of time to take lots of tests and photos. Can also wait at the cafe at the end if you arrive early. Hike itself is beautiful though extremely busy, often having to queue up behind one another. Lots of steps but doable with moderate fitness. Great communication with the company. Highly recommend”

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8.Audio Guide Citywalk Funchal for Cruise Guests

★★★★★★★★★★3.8 · 23 reviews · 365 days · from $11Best value

Self-guided audio walk from Funchal harbor to the market halls and parks, with GPS stops, Madeira stories, and poncha breaks.

“Just a recording on an app. Totally not worth it”

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9.“Self-Guided” E-Bike Tour – Ponta de São Lourenço to Funchal

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5 reviews · from $95

Ride a self-guided e-bike from Ponta de São Lourenço to Funchal with GPS, hotel pickup, helmet, and an optional Cristo Rei viewpoint.

“Beautiful bike ride on excellent bikes and good roads, which is excellent to do. A lot of freedom along the way to deviate from the programmed route to visit viewpoints, interesting places and villages along the route; the GPS automatically leads you back to the original route. Excellently organised.”

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10.“Self-Guided” E-Bike Road Tour from Funchal to Garajau

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews · from $55

Self-guided e-bike ride from Funchal to Garajau with Garmin GPS and a stop at Cristo Rei viewpoint, short, scenic, and great value.

“We were met by Oscar who bought a selection of bike sizes to make sure we had the right ones. The bikes were like new and so smooth. The battery was phenomenal getting us easily up the hills despite them being so steep. The helmets were new and clean and the Garmin showed the route clearly. Although we were on roads they were generally quiet and we had no issues with traffic. We had a great morning and can’t rate MAD cycles high enough. If in doubt - book it and enjoy!”

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