Madeira round trip by bike

8 days / 5 days riding  / ref. PT8 / Difficulty Hard / Linear trip
from 1290 €
per person

Your cycling tour in Madeira

Cycling in Madeira, does that work? Of course you have concerns about this too, seeing that the island is of course a well-known walking paradise! We can however assure you that it works very well! On wonderful panoramic roads, you will cycle around pretty much all of the island. In the places where it is too mountainous, our transfers will help you out. You can enjoy a summer-like climate here all year around as well as the exotic flora and fauna. On your way, you will find wonderful parks and gardens, still bays and spectacular cliffs. But you don’t miss out on culture on this tour either! This Portuguese island was already settled in the 15th Century in the centre of the Atlantic and left behind magnificent quintas and monumental fortresses. Spend a wonderful week on this flowery island! World Cultural Heritage site landscape, old sailor culture and above all the hospitable Madeirans will delight you!

Tour highlights

  • Colourful vegetation
  • Breath-taking cliffs
  • Funchal, the lively city
  • The natural pools formed out of lava rock

Day 1Arrival in Caniço


Enjoy all of your hotel facilities today already. It is located right by the beach so the sea is calling you too! In the evening welcome briefing by your tour representative.

Day 2Caniço – Camacha – Porto da Cruz | 25 km + transfer


In the morning there is the transfer to Camacha, where your rental bikes will be fitted.  This village is famous for its basket making. This practical souvenir is of course offered directly from the producers. You will cycle on a lovely high road right towards the East Coast. Enjoy the beautiful views on the way to the little fishing village, Porto da Cruz. Relax here on the beach made out of volcano sand or visit one of the last working sugar cane mills.

Day 3Porto da Cruz – Santana – São Vicente/surrounding | 40 km + transfer


A long, steep ascent will be bridged by bus this morning. In Santana you will start your cycle tour. Beforehand you should however visit the true Madeiran landmark. The traditional, thatched farmhouses have been lovingly restored here. The cycle route goes along a beautiful road through small, charming villages whilst always running along the length of the East Coast until you get to São Vicente. The village, named after Saint Vincent, is located right by the sea. It is however well-known for its 400,000-year-old grottoes.

Day 4São Vicente/surrounding – Rocha Negra – Porto Moniz | 35 km + transfer


To begin with, you go in the mountains today! A transfer will take you to the high plateau Paúl da Serra. From here, you get on your bike and follow the high road past grazing cows and sheep. A long descent will then lead you to the West Coast of the island. Before you get to Porto Moniz, a spectacular view will leave you breathless. Where you are staying tonight is well-known for its natural swimming pools. The sea formed small and large pools, which are popular places to swim by both locals and tourists.

Day 5Porto Moniz – Calheta | 45 km


Today’s stage takes you along the West Coast and right through the UNESCO world heritage site in Madeira. You will cycle through fragrant forests and through small villages and you will always be accompanied by spectacular views of the below lying sea. After every curve you get a new great photo shot. In the lively village Calheta, it was not only the yacht harbour that was rebuilt. For the artificial beach, sand was especially imported from Morocco. The former sugar cane village has become a popular place for locals to meet.

Day 6Calheta – Funchal | 50 km


For the first third of today‘s stage, you will cycle directly along the waterside towards the capital. From Ribeira Brava the route takes you up hill away from the coast and then you will reach the very spectacular view point on the island. At Cabo Girão, a transparent platform was built 580m above the sea. The view down over the highest cliffs in Europe is dizzying. A long descent will then bring you back to the coast and then into the centre of Funchal. Colourful and lively are two strong impressions you will get from the capital of this island.

Day 7Funchal cable car journey/hike


The cable car will take you on your bike free day to the popular destination of Monte. Previously a noble health resort with grand quintas, this area offers many possibilities nowadays for an interesting day.  You can visit the pilgrimage church Nossa Senhora do Monte and the tropical garden “Jardim Tropical Monte Palace”. You could also go for a lovely walk along the famous waterway, the “Levadas”. The rapid ride to the valley is nevertheless spectacular wits one of the fantastic wicker sledges. You will see that Madeira also isn’t boring without a bike…

Day 8Departure during the day



KTM hybrid bike - 27 speed gears

Man frame only

  • 1 rear pannier (saddlebag)
  • 1 front pannier
  • 1 repair kit
  • 1 pump
  • 1 lock

Helmets are not provided. We suggest to bring yours.

PEDELEC e-bike

Universal frame

  • 1 rear pannier (saddlebag)
  • 1 front pannier
  • 1 repair kit
  • 1 pump
  • 1 lock

Helmets are not provided. We suggest to bring yours.

Practical details

  • The rental bike distribution takes place on the first cycle day after the transfer to Camacha (day 2).
  • At the end of the tour, leave the rental bikes at your hotel in Funchal, we will pick them up.
Your journeyHow to arrive in CaniçoReturn

Your journey

Very quiet roads will lead you around this island. You will only cycle on busier roads for very short sections. The steepest and longest ascents will be bridged with transfers. Nevertheless, there are several longer ascents to deal with each day. Due to the topography and also the longer and sometimes steep hills we recommend that you should have good fitness and good confidence on a bike.

Tunnel along the route: about 6 with a maximum length of 300 m (2 with possible bypass, 2 with more traffic).

How to arrive in Caniço

> By plane
Airport Madeira (FNC).
We recommend to take a taxi from the airport to the hotel, travel time approx. 15 minutes, costs approx. € 25.

If you take your own bikes it is necessary to book a private transfer from/to the airport – details on request!

Return

> By plane
Airport Madeira (FNC).
We recommend you take a taxi from the hotels to the airport, journey time approx. 25 mins, cost approx. € 35.

Alternatively you can do this route by shuttle bus, journey time approx. 30 mins, cost € 5 per person, payable directly on the bus, timetable at www.sam.pt

Personal bike return costs are on your responsibility.