Top 10 hiking transfers in Madeira

Edited by Roman Antonov

Our selection: the top 10 of 24 hiking transfers

Viator lists 24 hiking transfers. We analysed all of them, what each trip includes, its programme and its conditions, and picked the top 10. Here they are.

Rating and the number of reviews count as one of the criteria: every trip here had 4.5 stars or more from at least 30 reviews, Viator and Tripadvisor together, when we last went through the list.

Prices, times and reviews as of . We last went through the list on . How we choose.

Hiking transfers in Madeira: which one to choose

If your car is at Pico do Arieiro, book the shuttle from Achada do Teixeira. It runs one way from the car park, three times a day. From Pico Ruivo you walk down to it on PR 1.2.

The morning transfer and the sunrise transfer are for the full PR 1 walk to Pico Ruivo. Both collect in Funchal and Caniço and bring you back from Achada do Teixeira. Check the trail status first: that walk needs the section beyond Pedra Rija open. For the first section of PR 1, I'd look at the sunrise trip that continues on PR 3, or the 08:00 one on the same route.

For 25 Fontes and Risco you have 5 hours for both walks, and the van returns from the same car park at Rabaçal. The São Lourenço van comes back for you after 3 hours 30 minutes on PR 8.

For Caldeirão Verde the two vans start from different trailheads: Queimadas and Pico das Pedras. Starting prices run from €30 to €50 per person. You walk without a guide on every trip here, and the trail ticket is a separate booking.

Transfer to PR9 - Levada do Caldeirão Verde
Transfer to PR9 - Levada do Caldeirão Verde

Start with what matters most to you: which trail the van serves, and where it collects you afterwards. Stars won't tell you that.

Trail status today

Check the trail before you book the ride

Vereda do Areeiro PR 1

partly open

Partly open. Two-way between Pico do Areeiro and the Miradouro da Pedra Rija; the one-way section from the Miradouro da Pedra Rija to Pico Ruivo is listed as closed. The east path over Pico das Torres is also closed. Served by: morning transfer for the full PR 1 walk, sunrise transfer for the full PR 1 walk, shuttle from Achada do Teixeira to Pico do Arieiro, sunrise transfer with the most reviews, sunrise transfer for PR 1 and PR 3, 08:00 transfer for PR 1 and PR 3

6.1 km Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo

Vereda do Pico Ruivo PR 1.2

open

Open, both ways. Served by: morning transfer for the full PR 1 walk, shuttle from Achada do Teixeira to Pico do Arieiro

2.8 km (+ 2.8 km back) Achada do Teixeira to Pico Ruivo

Vereda do Burro PR 3

open

Served by: sunrise transfer for PR 1 and PR 3, 08:00 transfer for PR 1 and PR 3

6.7 km Pico do Areeiro to Ribeira das Cales

Levada das 25 Fontes PR 6

open

Open; controlled circulation in one direction: out from Rabaçal to 25 Fontes along the Levada das 25 Fontes, back to Rabaçal on the alternative section called the Bypass. Served by: transfer for 25 Fontes and Risco

4.3 km (+ 4.3 km back) Rabaçal to 25 Fontes

Levada do Risco PR 6.1

open

Served by: transfer for 25 Fontes and Risco

3 km (+ 3 km back) Rabaçal to Risco

Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço PR 8

open

Served by: São Lourenço transfer with three departures

4 km (+ 4 km back) Baía D’Abra to Cais do Sardinha

Levada do Caldeirão Verde PR 9

open

Served by: Caldeirão Verde transfer from Pico das Pedras, Caldeirão Verde transfer from Queimadas

8.7 km (+ 8.7 km back) Queimadas to Caldeirão Verde to Caldeirão do Inferno

IFCN table dated · checked by islandmadeira.com Fetch the current trail status from the IFCN page; one live request per 30 minutes for the whole site, otherwise the last check is shown.

Compare the 10 shared trips: price, departure and length

Prices in EUR, as of 21 to 29 September 2026

Hide the tableShow the comparison table
10 trips, in list order. Prices are the lowest the operator lists. Your date may cost more.
TripPickupTrail and ride backListed group limitFrom priceDurationDepartures (local time)Cancellation
01Transfer to PR9 - Levada do Caldeirão VerdeListed hotels in Funchal, Caniço, Santa Cruz and MachicoPR 9 from Pico das Pedras. Ask about the ride back6 travellers€42 per adult6 hours08:15, 10:45Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
02Morning Transfer To Pico Do Arieiro, Hike To Pico Ruivo & Return From TeixeiraFunchal and Caniço accommodation, or meet at Parque 2000PR 1 to Pico Ruivo, ride back from Achada do Teixeira8 travellers€40 per adult7 hours 30 minutes08:00, 08:30, 09:00, 09:30Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
03Transfer to Ponta de São Lourenço Natural ReserveListed hotels in Funchal, Caniço, Santa Cruz and MachicoPR 8 on the peninsula, with the ride back6 travellers€32 per adult3 hours 30 minutes06:00, 08:30, 10:30Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
04Sunrise Transfer To Pico Do Arieiro, Hike To Pico Ruivo & Return From TeixeiraFunchal and Caniço accommodation, or meet at Parque 2000PR 1 at sunrise, ride back from Achada do Teixeira8 travellers€50 per adult7 hours 30 minutes05:30, 05:45, 06:00, 06:15, 06:30Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
05Transfer from Achada do Teixeira to Pico do ArieiroMeet at the Achada do Teixeira car parkOne-way shuttle to Pico do Arieiro7 travellers€30 per adult1 hour11:45, 14:15, 16:30Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
06PR1 Sunrise Pico do Arieiro Self-Guided Hiking TransferFunchal and Caniço accommodationPico do Arieiro at sunrise, ride back from the Funchal Ecological Park16 travellers€49 per adult8 hours05:30Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
07Sunrise at Pico do Arieiro Stairway to Heaven and PR3 Self GuidedYour hotel or accommodationPR 1 and PR 3 at sunrise, with the ride back8 travellers€30 per adult8 hours06:00, 08:30Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
08PR6 & PR6.1 25 Fontes & Risco Levada Self-Guided Hiking RabaçalCentral Funchal and Caniço. Ask about other areasPR 6 and PR 6.1 at Rabaçal, with the ride back16 travellers, in vans of 8€43 per adult8 hours06:00, 08:00Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
09PR1 Pico do Arieiro Self-Guided Hiking Transfer (Morning slot)Funchal and Caniço accommodationPR 1 and PR 3, ride back from the Funchal Ecological Park16 travellers€44 per adult8 hours08:00Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
10PR9 Caldeirão Verde Queimadas Levada Self-Guided Hiking TransferAccommodation in Funchal, Caniço, Santa Cruz, Machico or GaulaPR 9 from Queimadas, with the ride back16 travellers, in vans of 8€43 per adult8 hours06:00, 08:00Free cancellation up to 24 hours before

Group limit is the most people the operator takes on one departure. Times are the usual timetable. Check your date when you book.

All 10 trips have the same rule: free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

The trips

What to know before you book each one

  1. 01

    The Caldeirão Verde transfer from Pico das Pedras

    Transfer to PR9 - Levada do Caldeirão Verde

    PR 9 open

    Transfer to PR9 - Levada do Caldeirão Verde

    4.91/5 from 120 reviews, combined Viator and Tripadvisor

    The van drops you at Pico das Pedras for the walk to Caldeirão Verde. Plan for about 16 km through laurel forest and tunnels. Allow 4.5 to 5.5 hours on foot.

    It takes walkers aged 12 to 66 with at least moderate fitness. I'd settle the ride back before choosing it.

    The trade-off. Ask before you pay whether the price includes the ride back, and where the van collects you. Trail entry is a separate booking.

    From price
    €42 per adult
    Duration
    6 hours
    Listed group limit The most people the operator takes on one departure. Your trip may have fewer.?
    up to 6 people
    Guide
    No guide, you walk on your own
    Listed departure times
    08:15, 10:45
    Cancellation
    Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
    Pickup
    Pickup from the listed hotels and meeting points

    Lowest price the operator lists. Your date may cost more.

    Times are local. Check your date when you book.

    Before you book

    • Travellers must be aged 12 to 66. You need at least moderate fitness.
    • Agree the return pickup before paying. Check that the fare covers it.
    • Carry a torch for the tunnels. Wear non-slip footwear. Look elsewhere if you get vertigo.
    • Book a PR 9 entry slot online through SIMplifica. The visitor fee is €4.50. Children aged 12 enter free with a booking.
    • Check the PR 9 status before travelling.
    • The trail ticket is refunded only after an official closure or restriction.
    • Give this one a miss if you're pregnant, or if you have a back or spine injury or a heart condition.
    View tour details

    Book through Viator, a Tripadvisor company. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

    Details as of .

  2. 02
    Morning Transfer To Pico Do Arieiro, Hike To Pico Ruivo & Return From Teixeira

    4.82/5 from 251 reviews, combined Viator and Tripadvisor

    This transfer is for the full walk from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo. The 11 km route ends at Achada do Teixeira, where the van collects you. Pickup is in Funchal or Caniço.

    I'd choose it for a daytime start when PR 1 is open all the way to Pico Ruivo. It takes walkers aged 14 to 80 with at least moderate fitness.

    The trade-off. The walk needs the section beyond Pedra Rija open, so check the PR 1 status first. Trail entry is a separate booking.

    From price
    €40 per adult
    Duration
    7 hours 30 minutes
    Listed group limit The most people the operator takes on one departure. Your trip may have fewer.?
    up to 8 people
    Guide
    No guide, you walk on your own
    Listed departure times
    08:00, 08:30, 09:00, 09:30
    Cancellation
    Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
    Pickup
    Pickup at your accommodation in Funchal or Caniço, or meet at Parque 2000

    Lowest price the operator lists. Your date may cost more.

    Times are local. Check your date when you book.

    Before you book

    • You walk without a guide. You'll need at least moderate fitness.
    • The trip takes walkers aged 14 to 80.
    • Pickup covers accommodation in Funchal and Caniço.
    • Your pickup time arrives by WhatsApp or email the evening before.
    • Agree your return pickup time before starting the walk.
    • Give this one a miss if you're pregnant, or if you have a back or spine injury or a heart condition.
    View tour details

    Book through Viator, a Tripadvisor company. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

    Details as of .

  3. 03

    The São Lourenço transfer with three departures

    Transfer to Ponta de São Lourenço Natural Reserve

    PR 8 open

    Transfer to Ponta de São Lourenço Natural Reserve

    4.88/5 from 80 reviews, combined Viator and Tripadvisor

    The van drops you at the start of PR 8 on the eastern peninsula. It comes back for you after 3 hours 30 minutes. You walk without a guide.

    I'd pick it for the peninsula without a hire car. There are three departures, the first at 06:00.

    The trade-off. Be back on time, because the van leaves without latecomers. Children must be at least 12 and at least 1.35 m tall.

    From price
    €32 per adult
    Duration
    3 hours 30 minutes
    Listed group limit The most people the operator takes on one departure. Your trip may have fewer.?
    up to 6 people
    Guide
    No guide, you walk on your own
    Listed departure times
    06:00, 08:30, 10:30
    Cancellation
    Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
    Pickup
    Pickup from the listed hotels and meeting points

    Lowest price the operator lists. Your date may cost more.

    Times are local. Check your date when you book.

    Before you book

    • Children must be at least 12 years old and at least 1.35 m tall.
    • You need at least moderate fitness. Keep away from the cliff edges.
    • Your exact pickup time arrives the day before or that morning. Be on time. The van leaves without latecomers.
    • Book a PR 8 entry slot online through SIMplifica before you reach the trail. The visitor fee is €4.50. Children aged 12 enter free with a booking.
    • Check the PR 8 status before travelling.
    • The trail ticket is refunded only after an official closure or restriction.
    • Give this one a miss if you're pregnant or have a heart condition.
    View tour details

    Book through Viator, a Tripadvisor company. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

    Details as of .

  4. 04
    Sunrise Transfer To Pico Do Arieiro, Hike To Pico Ruivo & Return From Teixeira

    4.79/5 from 249 reviews, combined Viator and Tripadvisor

    You reach Pico do Arieiro before sunrise. The planned walk runs 11 km via Pico Ruivo to Achada do Teixeira, where the van collects you.

    I'd choose it for the first light and a full walk after it, when PR 1 is open all the way to Pico Ruivo. It takes walkers aged 14 to 80.

    The trade-off. Check the PR 1 status before you book. Listed departures start at 05:30, and your own pickup time arrives the evening before.

    From price
    €50 per adult
    Duration
    7 hours 30 minutes
    Listed group limit The most people the operator takes on one departure. Your trip may have fewer.?
    up to 8 people
    Guide
    No guide, you walk on your own
    Listed departure times
    05:30, 05:45, 06:00, 06:15, 06:30
    Cancellation
    Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
    Pickup
    Pickup at your accommodation in Funchal or Caniço, or meet at Parque 2000

    Lowest price the operator lists. Your date may cost more.

    Times are local. Check your date when you book.

    Before you book

    • Travellers must be aged 14 to 80.
    • You need moderate fitness.
    • Pickup covers Funchal and Caniço only. You can also meet at Parque 2000.
    • Your pickup time arrives by WhatsApp or email the evening before.
    • Agree the return pickup time before starting the walk.
    • Give this one a miss if you're pregnant, or if you have a back or spine injury or a heart condition.
    View tour details

    Book through Viator, a Tripadvisor company. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

    Details as of .

  5. 05

    The shuttle from Achada do Teixeira to Pico do Arieiro

    Transfer from Achada do Teixeira to Pico do Arieiro

    PR 1 partly openPR 1.2 open

    PR 1 - Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo

    4.93/5 from 43 reviews, combined Viator and Tripadvisor

    A one-way ride from the Achada do Teixeira car park to Pico do Arieiro. The journey takes about 1 hour. There are three departures a day.

    I'd use it to get back to a car left at Pico do Arieiro. From Pico Ruivo, PR 1.2 leads down to the car park at Achada do Teixeira.

    The trade-off. Book a departure you can reach after your walk. The van can leave without you if you are late. Children under 12 cannot travel.

    From price
    €30 per adult
    Duration
    1 hour
    Listed group limit The most people the operator takes on one departure. Your trip may have fewer.?
    up to 7 people
    Guide
    No guide, this is a ride only
    Listed departure times
    11:45, 14:15, 16:30
    Cancellation
    Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
    Pickup
    Pickup at the Achada do Teixeira car park, drop-off at Pico do Arieiro

    Lowest price the operator lists. Your date may cost more.

    Times are local. Check your date when you book.

    Before you book

    • The shuttle only runs from Achada do Teixeira to Pico do Arieiro.
    • Meet at the Achada do Teixeira car park.
    • Be there at your booked time. The van can leave without you.
    • Children under 12 cannot travel.
    • Cancel at least 24 hours before departure for a full refund.
    View tour details

    Book through Viator, a Tripadvisor company. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

    Details as of .

  6. 06
    PR1 Sunrise Pico do Arieiro Self-Guided Hiking Transfer

    4.78/5 from 334 reviews, combined Viator and Tripadvisor

    This sunrise transfer collects in Funchal and Caniço. You get a map and a briefing. It has the most reviews in this selection.

    Settle the walking route before you pay. The trip details give two plans: a walk to Pico Ruivo, and a ride back from the Funchal Ecological Park. Travellers must be aged 18 to 80.

    The trade-off. Ask which route ends at the return pickup. The listed departure is 05:30, and your own pickup time arrives the day before.

    From price
    €49 per adult
    Duration
    8 hours
    Listed group limit The most people the operator takes on one departure. Your trip may have fewer.?
    up to 16 people
    Guide
    No guide, you walk on your own
    Listed departure times
    05:30
    Cancellation
    Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
    Pickup
    Pickup at your accommodation in Funchal or Caniço

    Lowest price the operator lists. Your date may cost more.

    Times are local. Check your date when you book.

    Before you book

    • Travellers must be aged 18 to 80.
    • You need moderate fitness.
    • Pickup and drop-off cover Funchal and Caniço only.
    • Agree the walking route and return pickup point before booking.
    • Your exact pickup time arrives the day before.
    • Give this one a miss if you have a back or spine injury or a heart condition.
    View tour details

    Book through Viator, a Tripadvisor company. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

    Details as of .

  7. 07
    Sunrise at Pico do Arieiro Stairway to Heaven and PR3 Self Guided

    4.89/5 from 46 reviews, combined Viator and Tripadvisor

    After sunrise you walk the first section of PR 1 to Ninho da Manta and the Stairway to Heaven. The route then follows PR 3 Vereda do Burro. A driver takes you back to your accommodation.

    I'd book the early departure for sunrise and a walk that stays off the path to Pico Ruivo. Children can join from 12. Look elsewhere if you get vertigo.

    The trade-off. Choose the sunrise departure when you book, because there is also an 08:30 start. Entry to the first section of PR 1 is a separate booking.

    From price
    €30 per adult
    Duration
    8 hours
    Listed group limit The most people the operator takes on one departure. Your trip may have fewer.?
    up to 8 people
    Guide
    No guide, you walk on your own
    Listed departure times
    06:00, 08:30
    Cancellation
    Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
    Pickup
    Pickup at your hotel or accommodation

    Lowest price the operator lists. Your date may cost more.

    Times are local. Check your date when you book.

    Before you book

    • Children must be at least 12.
    • You need moderate fitness.
    • This walk is not recommended if you have vertigo.
    • Choose the early departure for sunrise. There is also a later departure.
    • Wear hiking shoes. Bring warm clothes and rain gear.
    • Give this one a miss if you're pregnant, or if you have a back or spine injury or a heart condition.
    View tour details

    Book through Viator, a Tripadvisor company. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

    Details as of .

  8. 08
    PR6 & PR6.1 25 Fontes & Risco Levada Self-Guided Hiking Rabaçal

    4.75/5 from 110 reviews, combined Viator and Tripadvisor

    A shared van takes you to the 25 Fontes car park at Rabaçal. You get 5 hours for both levadas, about 10 km in all. The ride back leaves from the same car park.

    I'd choose it for both levadas in one day if you're staying in central Funchal or Caniço. You get a map and a briefing.

    The trade-off. Ask about pickup before you pay if you're staying in Câmara de Lobos, Ribeira Brava or Ponta do Sol. Book entry to both trails separately.

    From price
    €43 per adult
    Duration
    8 hours
    Listed group limit The most people the operator takes on one departure. Your trip may have fewer.?
    16 travellers, in vans of 8
    Guide
    No guide, you walk on your own
    Listed departure times
    06:00, 08:00
    Cancellation
    Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
    Pickup
    Pickup at your accommodation in central Funchal or Caniço

    Lowest price the operator lists. Your date may cost more.

    Times are local. Check your date when you book.

    Before you book

    • You need at least moderate fitness. Look elsewhere if you get vertigo.
    • The booking age range is 10 to 66. Ask how to book for a child aged 10 or 11.
    • For Câmara de Lobos, agree your pickup address before paying.
    • Book a separate entry slot for PR 6 and PR 6.1 through SIMplifica. The combined visitor fee is €9. Children aged 12 or under enter free with a booking.
    • Check the status of PR 6 and PR 6.1 before travelling.
    • Book the transfer at least 4 hours ahead.
    • Give this one a miss if you're pregnant, or if you have a back or spine injury or a heart condition.
    View tour details

    Book through Viator, a Tripadvisor company. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

    Details as of .

  9. 09
    Photo taken by Riccardo Trimeloni

    4.80/5 from 35 reviews, combined Viator and Tripadvisor

    The van drops you at the entrance to Pico do Arieiro. You walk 10 km: the first section of PR 1 to the Stairway to Heaven, then PR 3 Vereda do Burro down to the Funchal Ecological Park. The van collects you there.

    I'd look at it if sunrise is too early for you. Travellers must be aged 16 to 65 with at least moderate fitness.

    The trade-off. The listed departure is 08:00, and your own pickup time arrives the day before. Pickup covers Funchal and Caniço only. Trail entry is a separate booking.

    From price
    €44 per adult
    Duration
    8 hours
    Listed group limit The most people the operator takes on one departure. Your trip may have fewer.?
    up to 16 people
    Guide
    No guide, you walk on your own
    Listed departure times
    08:00
    Cancellation
    Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
    Pickup
    Pickup at your accommodation in Funchal or Caniço

    Lowest price the operator lists. Your date may cost more.

    Times are local. Check your date when you book.

    Before you book

    • Travellers must be aged 16 to 65. You need at least moderate fitness.
    • Pickup covers Funchal and Caniço only. The return drop-off must be at the same address.
    • Book a PR 1 entry slot through SIMplifica. The visitor fee for the section to Pedra Rija is €4.50. PR 3 has no IFCN fee.
    • Check the PR 1 status and the PR 3 status before travelling.
    • Take warm clothing and drinking water. PR 3 has uneven ground and a long descent.
    • The trail ticket is refunded only after an official closure or restriction.
    • Give this one a miss if you're pregnant, or if you have a back or spine injury or a heart condition.
    View tour details

    Book through Viator, a Tripadvisor company. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

    Details as of .

  10. 10
    PR9 Caldeirão Verde Queimadas Levada Self-Guided Hiking Transfer

    4.67/5 from 40 reviews, combined Viator and Tripadvisor

    A shared van takes you to Queimadas Park for Caldeirão Verde. You get a map and a briefing. The ride back is included.

    I'd consider it from Santa Cruz or Machico. Pickup also covers Gaula, Funchal and Caniço. Travellers must be aged 14 to 80.

    The trade-off. Agree the route before you pay. The trip details disagree: 13 km back to Queimadas Park, or 15 km ending at Pico das Pedras. Ask where the van collects you.

    From price
    €43 per adult
    Duration
    8 hours
    Listed group limit The most people the operator takes on one departure. Your trip may have fewer.?
    16 travellers, in vans of 8
    Guide
    No guide, you walk on your own
    Listed departure times
    06:00, 08:00
    Cancellation
    Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
    Pickup
    Pickup at your accommodation in Funchal, Caniço, Santa Cruz, Machico or Gaula

    Lowest price the operator lists. Your date may cost more.

    Times are local. Check your date when you book.

    Before you book

    • Agree the walking route and finish before paying. Check the collection time for the return van.
    • Travellers must be aged 14 to 80. You need at least moderate fitness.
    • Pickup also covers Funchal and Caniço, plus Gaula. Câmara de Lobos and Ponta do Sol are outside the pickup area. Your exact time arrives the day before.
    • Carry a torch for the tunnels. Wear non-slip footwear. Look elsewhere if you get vertigo.
    • Book a PR 9 entry slot online through SIMplifica. The visitor fee is €4.50. Check the PR 9 status before travelling.
    • The trail ticket is refunded only after an official closure or restriction.
    • Give this one a miss if you're pregnant, or if you have a back or spine injury or a heart condition.
    View tour details

    Book through Viator, a Tripadvisor company. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

    Details as of .

Hiking transfers in Madeira: questions before booking

Short answers from the listings

Is there a shuttle back to Pico do Arieiro after hiking to Pico Ruivo?

Yes. The Achada do Teixeira shuttle runs to Pico do Arieiro. From Pico Ruivo, walk down 2.8 km on PR 1.2 to the Achada do Teixeira car park. Daily departures are at 11:45, 14:15 and 16:30. Book a time you can reach. PR 1.1 to Ilha is another way down from Pico Ruivo, but this shuttle only collects at Achada do Teixeira.

How do I get to the PR 1 trailhead from Funchal without a car?

The morning transfer and the sunrise transfer collect at accommodation in Funchal and Caniço. You can also meet them at Parque 2000 in Funchal. Both plan a walk to Pico Ruivo with a ride back from Achada do Teixeira, so check the PR 1 status first. For a walk on the first section only, look at the sunrise trip that continues on PR 3.

Is there a transfer to Levada do Caldeirão Verde from Funchal?

Yes. The Queimadas transfer includes pickup in Funchal and a ride back after the walk. Agree the finish before you pay: the trip details give 13 km back to Queimadas or 15 km ending at Pico das Pedras. For the transfer starting at Pico das Pedras, ask whether the price includes the ride back.

How do I get to 25 Fontes without a car?

Take the 25 Fontes and Risco transfer from central Funchal or Caniço. It gives you 5 hours for a walk of about 10 km. The van collects you at the same car park at Rabaçal. Walk out along the levada and come back on the signed Bypass. Ask about pickup in Câmara de Lobos, Ribeira Brava or Ponta do Sol before you pay.

How do I get to Ponta de São Lourenço from Funchal without a car?

The São Lourenço transfer takes you to the start of PR 8 and comes back for you after 3 hours 30 minutes. Its pickup list covers hotels in Funchal, Caniço, Santa Cruz and Machico. Be on time for the ride back. The van leaves without latecomers.

Which trail fees do I need to pay?

None of these transfers includes the trail ticket. A single IFCN route costs €4.50 per person. For 25 Fontes and Risco you book both PR 6 and PR 6.1, €9 together. PR 1 to Pedra Rija costs €4.50. The full PR 1 ticket costs €10.50 and covers the way down on PR 1.2. PR 3 is run by Funchal council and has no IFCN fee. Book each route online on SIMplifica. Children aged 12 or under pay nothing, but they still need a booking.

What happens if the trail closes or I miss the van?

Cancel a transfer at least 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Ask before you pay what happens when a trail closes at shorter notice. The Achada do Teixeira and São Lourenço vans can leave without latecomers. The trail ticket has its own terms. IFCN refunds or moves a booking only when the route is closed or restricted, and you have 10 working days to ask. Skipping the walk because of rain does not count.

Can children join these transfers?

Age limits differ by trip. From 12 you can take the Achada do Teixeira shuttle, the Pico das Pedras transfer and the sunrise walk on PR 1 and PR 3. For São Lourenço, children must be at least 12 and at least 1.35 m tall. Both transfers returning from Achada do Teixeira take ages 14 to 80, and so does the Queimadas trip. For the 08:00 transfer the range is 16 to 65. For the sunrise transfer with the most reviews it is 18 to 80. Ask before booking Rabaçal for a child aged 10 or 11.

Do these transfers include a walking guide?

No. You follow the route on your own. Several trips include a map and a briefing before you start. The Achada do Teixeira shuttle covers the ride only. If you want someone leading the way, see our guided levada walks or the Pico Ruivo hikes.

What should I bring for the walk?

Take food and drinking water. For the mountain walks, bring warm clothing and rain gear. Carry a torch for the tunnels on PR 1 and PR 9. The PR 9 board also asks for non-slip footwear. Our route pages list what each board says.

How this selection was made

How we compared

We started from the 24 hiking transfers that guides and other providers sell on Viator. We read every one of them.

First the bar: 4.5 stars or more from at least 30 reviews, Viator and Tripadvisor counted together. 13 of the 24 fell short of that and stayed out. We also look at the Viator reviews on their own. A trip rated below 4.5 by five or more Viator travellers stays out, whatever the combined score says. That rule kept one trip out here.

Then the fit. Does the trip do what this page promises? Do its details agree with each other? When the same trip is sold under two names, we show it once.

The order comes from this score. It uses the exact rating. Ties go to the trip with more reviews.

(rating × reviews + 4.6 × 50) ÷ (reviews + 50)

The score is about reviews, nothing else. It does not say how good your day will be. We have no review texts and we have not taken every trip. The line under each name says when we would pick it. Commission never changes the order.

Who made this list

Edited by Roman Antonov. I love Madeira and keep going back. Trip details come from the operators' own listings on Viator, read line by line and compared.

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Where the details come from.

Prices, times, conditions and review counts come from the operators' listings on Viator, as of 21 to 29 September 2026. We last went through this list on 29 September 2026.

Bookings go through Viator. If you book through a link here, we earn a commission. It costs you nothing extra. How we earn.