Hiking and Canyoning Adventure in Madeira

Catch your first glimpse of the subtropical Madeiran archipelago from the plane, then meet your host and transfer to your hotel in Funchal, the island's vibrant capital. Framed by a dramatic backdrop of lush, cloud-tipped mountains on the island's south coast, the city unfolds over a series of steep hills and terraces, overlooking the Atlantic. There's quite a lot to explore in Funchal, including a colourful local market, exotic gardens, historic alleys, and an epic toboggan ride – so if you have some extra time to hand, it's a great spot to extend your stay and explore. Tonight, your guide will take you somewhere local to taste some delicious food and tell you all about the epic adventure ahead.

Kick off your island adventure with a superb hike through Madeira's wild, mountainous interior. Setting off from Bica da Cana viewpoint at 1600m, you'll gradually descend the stunning PR17 trail along levadas (the island's unique irrigation channels), hiking through verdant, high-altitude vegetation – including the native UNESCO-protected Laurisilva forests. Trek through tunnels and duck underneath a couple of cascades to reach your final destination in Encumeada, where you can soak in the views over Ribeira Brava and the towering peaks of the Cordillera Central. Your home for the next two nights is an ocean-front hotel in quaint Sao Vicente – a gem of a village on the island's wild northern coast – and tonight, you'll taste some of Madeira's traditional wines paired with cheese. Cheers!

Dotted with hidden lagoons, cascading falls and ancient laurel forests, Madeira is truly a canyoning paradise. Get ready for a soaking today as you head to Ribeira do Lajeado for an exhilarating adventure in these 'Jurassic World' surroundings. Begin by hiking along the Levada do Alecrim through the dense Laurisilva forest, then continue by scrambling, jumping, sliding and abseiling (up to 25m) your way across the network of trails, river systems and secluded natural pools, alongside your expert canyoning guide. Look over the Vento and Risco waterfalls in the distance, then hike back, grab some lunch and head back to your hotel in Sao Vincente.

Take a short transfer to Achadas da Cruz, the most westerly point of Madeira, then descend down to the traditional village of Fajá da Quebrada Nova via a steep 2km trail, or via an equally vertical cable car ride. Whichever you choose, the coastal views will be truly mesmerising. Once home to an agricultural community, many of the old traditional buildings are now abandoned, giving the place a nostalgic charm. Continue hiking along the beach and then along the Vereda de Tristao River to Porto Moniz. Reward your efforts with a refreshing swim in the incredible tidal pools, then transfer to your final base – the coastal town of Machico.

Get ready for an epic day as you head out to explore the sea around Madeira's eastern tip. Ponta de São Lourenço is a peninsula of volcanic origin, where a semi-arid climate and exposure to northern winds cause the vegetation to be unusually low and absent of trees – a stark contrast with the rest of the island. Join a local marine biologist aboard a high-speed boat, keeping your eyes peeled for the abundant marine life: sightings of common and bottlenose dolphins, as well as loggerhead turtles, are common, and sometimes sperm whales. After lunch, you'll hike along the coastal trails of this incredible nature reserve, stopping for a swim along the way. Back in Machico, enjoy a final meal with your fellow adventurers and guide, then get some rest ahead of an early rise for your final day of adventure tomorrow.

You can't leave Madeira without witnessing the dazzling views from its highest point – Pico Ruivo (1862m). This morning you'll rise early – before dawn – for a short but incredibly rewarding hike that will take you to the roof of the island. Head torch on, you'll set off along the cobbled trail towards the peak. The view at the top will leave you speechless as you contemplate the golden sun rising above the clouds, with incredible views on the mountain ridge and far into the valley towards the ocean (weather permitting!). If you're leaving today, your host will then drive you back to the airport in time for your flight back home. Boa viagem!