Madeira Explorers
Madeira Explorers
4.5
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
540 reviews
Excellent
363
Very good
118
Average
36
Poor
13
Terrible
10
Mausie
Newcastle upon Tyne, UK443 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
We were picked up from our hotel on time and our guide was the wonderful Maria, who was great fun and so full of interesting information and expertise . We really enjoyed our day, the majority of our group were German and Maria spoke in both fluent English and German. Good value in my view for €44 for a full day. Highly recommend this company and would use them again when next in Madeira for other hikes
Written 16 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lucie02
Newcastle upon Tyne, UK195 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
Just back from a Levada walk at Sao Jorge - Ribeiro Bonito. Guide was Maria. Excellent full day. Hotel pick up/ drop off. Hike was 6.5 miles. Some muddy parts and a bit rocky underfoot at times, so wear appropriate boots. Only a gradual ascent. No fear about the drops as well guarded where necessary.
Through forest and lovely views across the valley.
Stops on the way to learn about the indigenous flora. Walked 2 hours before 30 mins for lunch and then returned same route - took about 1.5 hours as no stops this time. We were able to walk alone on the return and not as a group, which was nice.
This was an excellent day and I would thoroughly recommend. Maria is very informative and very funny!
Through forest and lovely views across the valley.
Stops on the way to learn about the indigenous flora. Walked 2 hours before 30 mins for lunch and then returned same route - took about 1.5 hours as no stops this time. We were able to walk alone on the return and not as a group, which was nice.
This was an excellent day and I would thoroughly recommend. Maria is very informative and very funny!
Written 16 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sphersh
Thornhill, Canada27 contributions
For treks like this the best time to take them is when the flowers are booming - spring/summer. We did their trek March 1st and it was too early in the season. The guide was great, getting to/from was easy. But without flowers, this trek loses it spark and it became a March.
Written 1 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Janet C
1 contribution
Feb 2024 • Solo
The tour was made by the Guide, Adrian(o)! He was clear, informative, attentive and funny. The walk was pretty and full of botanical interest and the coffee stop not a tourist trap. I think I’d go on a longer more challenging walk next time but this is a great valley stroll.
Written 17 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kevknm
Normanton, UK57 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
Be careful of some Levada walks can be a long drop some with no guards up, I had to rescue a man who tripped and fell over the edge lucky bush growing out of the side, otherwise 500 foot drop !!
Written 29 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CharlieCB
Swindon, UK820 contributions
Feb 2023
On this years visit I did two walks with ME, the first to Wind Lagoon and the second Larano. My wife does not like heights, so I joined the groups on my own.
The first was very pleasant, with a bit of a climb back from the Wind Lagoon up to a higher Lagoon where we stopped for lunch, which was nice and peaceful. The Larano walk was also good, although it started with a steady climb and included more vertiginous parts.
It is a wonderful way to spend a day, in beautiful landscapes with many stunning views.
Margarita (hope I have the name right) was informative and friendly.
Two good days and I am looking forward to next year for my next Madeiran explorations.
The first was very pleasant, with a bit of a climb back from the Wind Lagoon up to a higher Lagoon where we stopped for lunch, which was nice and peaceful. The Larano walk was also good, although it started with a steady climb and included more vertiginous parts.
It is a wonderful way to spend a day, in beautiful landscapes with many stunning views.
Margarita (hope I have the name right) was informative and friendly.
Two good days and I am looking forward to next year for my next Madeiran explorations.
Written 24 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Erez2018
Modiin, Israel278 contributions
Feb 2023
The Risco + 25 fountains trail starts from a parking near the main road, from which you will go done on a steep paved road for an elevation drop of 400 meters ...
This will be waiting for you on the way back ! - Be prepared ... :-)
The trail itself is at mid level difficulty with steep stair up and down and some very narrow path above the cliff. most likely you will have to walk in water part of the time , so bring suitable hiking shoes - NO flip-flops !!!
The Risco waterfall in much more impressing than the 25 fontain ( in my view), and the walk along the Levada is nice - gives you the idea how water is managed all over the island.
All in all it is about 6 hours walk , including a stop for cake & coffee/beer on the way back, at the well located mountain canteen.
Most important: be sure to select a non-rainy day for this hike !
This will be waiting for you on the way back ! - Be prepared ... :-)
The trail itself is at mid level difficulty with steep stair up and down and some very narrow path above the cliff. most likely you will have to walk in water part of the time , so bring suitable hiking shoes - NO flip-flops !!!
The Risco waterfall in much more impressing than the 25 fontain ( in my view), and the walk along the Levada is nice - gives you the idea how water is managed all over the island.
All in all it is about 6 hours walk , including a stop for cake & coffee/beer on the way back, at the well located mountain canteen.
Most important: be sure to select a non-rainy day for this hike !
Written 24 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Noel M
6 contributions
Dec 2022
Picked up from hotel by Maria, fabulous all day walk to see Lavada's and waterfalls
Excellent pace, all good walkers in our group so no waiting around for unfit people in the wrong shoes
Excellent pace, all good walkers in our group so no waiting around for unfit people in the wrong shoes
Written 18 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ken G
Edinburgh, UK11 contributions
Nov 2022
One word - Astounding!
The beauty of Madeira is amazing and we were so lucky with the weather conditions on our walk that we could appreciate it properly.
Our mountain guide, who's name I have forgotten, was absolutely excellent. Firstly, she made sure our walk was safe and I think we all had faith in her. She made sure we were all aware of the difficulty of the walk and that we were all prepared.
She was also a huge font of knowledge on the island, the mountains and the vegetation and she was happy and cheerful with us all.
The walk is amazing.....I do a fair amount of hill-walking in Scotland and our views and mountains are wonderful but the views from the Pico Areeiro - Pico Ruivo trail are simply breathtaking. Around every rock there's a new vista.....leave any one of the short tunnels and there's another 'Wow' moment.
The mountain path challenging but very well maintained, so thanks also to all the Madeirans who look after the trails.
This is our third visit to Madeira and we will definitely be back next year and my wife and I can enjoy one or two of the more gentleLevada walks. But, I will definitely book the mountain walk again. I'm sure with different weather conditions, it will be quite a different experience.
The beauty of Madeira is amazing and we were so lucky with the weather conditions on our walk that we could appreciate it properly.
Our mountain guide, who's name I have forgotten, was absolutely excellent. Firstly, she made sure our walk was safe and I think we all had faith in her. She made sure we were all aware of the difficulty of the walk and that we were all prepared.
She was also a huge font of knowledge on the island, the mountains and the vegetation and she was happy and cheerful with us all.
The walk is amazing.....I do a fair amount of hill-walking in Scotland and our views and mountains are wonderful but the views from the Pico Areeiro - Pico Ruivo trail are simply breathtaking. Around every rock there's a new vista.....leave any one of the short tunnels and there's another 'Wow' moment.
The mountain path challenging but very well maintained, so thanks also to all the Madeirans who look after the trails.
This is our third visit to Madeira and we will definitely be back next year and my wife and I can enjoy one or two of the more gentleLevada walks. But, I will definitely book the mountain walk again. I'm sure with different weather conditions, it will be quite a different experience.
Written 4 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John L
Sheffield, UK136 contributions
Fantastic walk with guide. Really great scenery, gentle pace and very informative guide. Was a horticultural master glass that my daughter and I thoroughly enjoyed. I’ll definitely do another walk with this business next I visit Madeira.
We were collected and dropped off from our hotel which made the experience very convenient too.
Highly recommended.
We were collected and dropped off from our hotel which made the experience very convenient too.
Highly recommended.
Written 2 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
VetkaSireni
Minsk, Belarus4 contributions
Hello !
Please tell me if the climate is humid in Funchal? I heard that it is difficult to breathe because of the high humidity. Your answers are very necessary. The child can hardly tolerate high humidity. A visit is scheduled for June!
Thank you !
Marold
Olsztyn, Polska76 contributions
Wilgotno jest, bo to wyspa na oceanie, ale spokojnie można oddychać. Byłam we wrześniu tego roku i w pażdzierniku 2017. W pażdzierniku było bardziej chmurno i trochę więcej padało, ale nikt problemów z oddychaniem nie miał. W 2017 był z nami 2 miesięczny wnuk i wszyscy wróciliśmy zdrowi.
cat123xxx
london48 contributions
Are the hikes suitable for pregnant lady. I am very fit and active and have done hikes in the past.
Sarah M
Stirling, UK100 contributions
I’ve never been pregnant so take that into consideration!
I did two walks, a levada one and the tough walk over the mountains in the centre of the island. I would think that the levada walks would be no problem if you’re used to walking/hiking. The Mountain walk involves climbing a ladder but otherwise isn’t particularly difficult imo. Maybe check with the guides when you book?
hermien d
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Graag een overzicht van begeleide wandelingen op Madeira,alwaar ik 1 februari aankom
hermien d
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Graag een overzicht van begeleide wandelingen op madeira.1 februari kom ik voor 1 week naar madeira
yeomantim
Lechlade, UK68 contributions
Hi, We will be at Quinta Bela Sao Tiago in Rue Bella Santiago 70 from 16/9 - 26/9.
We would like to consider a levada walk with guide. Last visited Madiera in 1997.
What is the cost. Do you pick up from the hotel.
Tim
Boschenvaal
Sasolburg, South Africa190 contributions
I believe that they will pick you up at your hotel (looks like it is in Funchal). We paid 28 Euro per person for a full guided day tour, all included. depending on which Levada you want to walk, it can either be a full day or half a day.
Hope this helps.
yeomantim
Lechlade, UK68 contributions
How far are you from quinta Bella Sao Tiago in its Bella Santiago 70 and what is the cost per adult. We would like a guided leaves walk. Last visited Madeira 1997 and coming over 16/9-26/9
Davechantler
Manchester, UK39 contributions
Sorry I don't know the answer to this but you can check it out on the Madeira explores web page.
Lisa M
3 contributions
Hi. Does anyone know if it is possible to go exploring on these trails without any guide?
portsoy
Aberdeen62 contributions
Yes it is possible to walk the levadas etc. independently without being in a guided walking group. You should, however, get an appropriate guide book - recommend the Sunflower guide which also provides information on transport to and from the walks (including local buses). Taxis are also good and can be pre-booked from your hotel.
I would recommend that, if this is your first trip to start with a guided walk to give you an idea of what to expect and of the walking grading system.
As an independent walker there are risks for the unwary. On many levadas a head for heights is required as there can be shear drops with sometimes minimal barriers. Make sure you carry a torch as some require you to pass through roughly hewn tunnels with limited headroom. Also take care not to step back when taking photos - there have been a number of deaths in this way. Always take waterproof gear (jackets and footwear), especially when tackling the higher level walks - it is also easy to lose your way when the cloud is down (which is often).
Otherwise the walking is excellent - have a great time.
William P
Liverpool, UK21 contributions
Hi I am going to funchal 30/11/2015 and would like to do some walks, do they do them at this time of year and what is the contact number for booking and approx cost per person for the walks
Svein B
Mandal, Norway165 contributions
As far as I know they does walking all true the whole year. Contact number to Madeira Explores you can discover up by Google (00351) 291763701
Unfortunately I do not know any prices, as we was a group of 12 and i all together was a pack price that included the hotel as well.
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Claim your listingMADEIRA EXPLORERS: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Madeira Explorers
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Madeira Explorers:
- Rabaçal / Risco / 25 Fountains Full-day walk (From R 915,56)
- Full-day Walking Experience in Pico do Arieiro (From R 915,56)
- Lakes of Madeira- Alecrim Full day walk (From R 915,56)
- Half-Day Paradise Valley Walking Tour (From R 707,46)
- Referta / Castelejo 2-Hour Hike in the North Coast of Madeira (From R 707,46)
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- (0.67 km) The Views Baia - Adults Only
- (0.34 km) Apartamentos Vista Oceano
- Restaurants near Madeira Explorers:
- (0.27 km) Restaurante La Belle Terrasse
- (0.76 km) Casa da Sogra
- (0.37 km) Restaurante A Ferradura
- (0.66 km) Central Grill : Churrascaria - Restaurante
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