While Madeira may have developed its reputation amongst most travelers for its fortified wine and all-inclusive resorts, there’s much more to this Portuguese island than one may think.
In fact, Madeira has experienced a dramatic transformation in recent years to become more than just a traditional vacation destination, evolving to become an adventure and active lovers’ paradise.
However, according to Stella Kamba, the founder of active travel company More Life Adventures (morelifeadventures.com) – which has been leading trips to Madeira since 2023, alongside other European locations – Madeira remains a less obvious adventure destination compared to other locations in Europe that are renowned for their active offerings, like the fjords of Norway.
And Kamba shares that Madeira is best experienced in the shoulder season, when fewer people visit the island and its natural landscapes are in their prime, a period many travelers wouldn’t initially gravitate towards.
“Madeira has always had the natural assets to be an adventure travel destination, but its recent transformation has stemmed from a concentrated effort from its government to attract discerning tourists. And the shoulder seasons, between February to March and September to November, in particular, are when these assets are best experienced.”
Kamba adds that many of her active and fitness-focused clients had never recognized the breadth of opportunities Madeira could offer them:
“More active travelers, as well as digital nomads, are visiting the island, but in the case of many of my clients, they hadn’t even considered the breadth of opportunities Madeira could offer them.
“I think this is a case of the island flying under people’s radars, but there are just so many adventurous experiences amidst Madeira’s unique geography of volcanic peaks, rugged coastlines, and laurel forests.”
For outdoor enthusiasts, Kamba has shared the parts of Madeira’s landscapes and adventurous activities that active travelers should experience in the shoulder season to gain an authentic insight into the island and its diverse natural offerings.
Hike the Pico to Pico, Summiting Two of the Highest Peaks in Madeira
On one trail, travelers can experience two of the island’s highest peaks, where narrow paths are carved into rock through ridges, with panoramic views of valleys and peaks. The route takes roughly 3.5 hours on a round-trip and spans 12.2 kilometres, combining climbs of the magnificent Pico Ruivo mountain and Pico do Areeiro.
Soaring at 1,862 metres, Pico Ruivo is the highest peak in Madeira, and Kamba shares that summiting it feels like “climbing into the clouds, without the need for superhuman stamina.” Pico do Areeiro is the island’s third-highest peak, reaching a breathtaking 1,818 metres.
While the hike is relatively challenging, it is accessible for many travelers, with its path being well-maintained by the local authorities, and it is hugely rewarding. On the route, travelers can expect panoramic views of Madeira’s rugged mountains and stretching cloud-drenched valleys, alongside ancient lava flows and the relict laurel trees.
“Often you’ll reach the peak, and you’ll be above the clouds. Granted, you might be out of breath, but it’s totally worth the effort and one of the most rewarding activities there is on the island, whether you’re a seasoned hiker or not,” shares Kamba.
Explore Faja dos Padres, Accessible Only by Cable Car
Once only accessible by boat, this secluded and narrow slice of Madeira is tucked between the Atlantic Ocean and a 250-metre cliff on the island.
Now, Kamba shares that it’s only accessible by cable car, “which descends dramatically down the cliffside, witnessing the lush, terraced landscape of Madeira as you approach its strip of land.”
Home to mango, banana, and avocado plantations protected by its unique microclimate, and a small pebbled beach perfect to take a moment and reflect, “it’s like a modern day Garden of Eden”, she adds.
Canyoning Through Waterfalls in Madeira’s Inlands
To connect with Madeira’s wild heart, Kamba shares that canyoning immerses visitors in the island’s lush forests, misty waterfalls, and volcanic rock formations.
“The island is, in my opinion, one of the best in Europe for canyoning, and you can slide down natural rock slides and jump into pools before swimming through narrow canyons drenched in sunlight. You’ll feel awe and adrenaline all at the same time.”
The ecological park of Funchal, located 12km from the vibrant city of Funchal, is in a mountainous area between 470 and 1818 metres of altitude. It is dedicated to conserving much of the island’s untouched nature and wildlife in its region, and offers a fantastic beginner-level destination for canyoning, according to Kamba.
Madeira’s 20-million-year-old subtropical rainforest, the Laurisilva forest, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is also a great backdrop for canyoning on the island for more seasoned canyoners.
Diving Along Madeira’s Coastline
According to Kamba, a trip to Madeira would not be complete without savoring its diving opportunities, where reefs, caves, and volcanic rock formations are home to an array of marine life waiting to be discovered.
The island has several local diving companies that support travelers to safely plunge into the waters of its coastline and sight wonderful underwater species, from barracudas to rays, octopus, and even seahorses on occasion.
One of the best sites for diving on the island, according to Kamba, is Reis Magos Beach. Located on Madeira’s east coast, its waters are known for their transparency, offering prime conditions for sighting Madeira’s underwater residents, surrounded by the beautiful natural landscapes on this part of the island. “Whether you’re a seasoned diver or you’re learning the ropes, this Blue Flag beach is suitable for all”, Kamba adds.
“What makes Madeira so special is the diversity of experiences available in such a compact island”, Kamba explains.
“In the morning, you can be scaling a 1,800m peak in the clouds, and in the afternoon, you could be canyoning in its lush inlands surrounded by waterfalls and natural pools. It’s one of the few destinations in Europe where you can have so many activities in such close proximity.”
With its year-round temperate climate and ease of accessibility from major European airports in as little as a couple of hours, Madeira offers accessible adventure regardless of season.
For those seeking to visit Madeira, More Life Adventures offers its own Madeira Fitness Retreat.
Over a 7-day period, travelers can explore Madeira’s adventurous and active nature with an intimate group of like-minded travelers, blending fitness, adventure, and relaxation.
The trip blends the experiences highlighted by Kamba above, including canyoning, hiking the Vereda do Areeiro, diving, and visiting Fajo dos Padres, while taking group classes led by an excellent team of active coaches and staying in a beautiful farm estate on the southwest of the island, surrounded by small organic gardens and views of the Atlantic Ocean.
