The 12 Private Car Days in Madeira That Earn Their Price

1.Pico do Arieiro Sunrise Transfer Self-guided Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 2,798 reviews · from $37Our pick

Hike Madeira’s high peaks at sunrise with a Funchal transfer, clear trail instructions, and a backup route when mountain weather or closures intervene.

“Really enjoyed the whole day. We didn’t have the best weather but could still appreciate how magical the place was. Pedro our guide was just brilliant, so pleasant and informative. Really enjoyed the little museum at the end which gave us more information on the area.”

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2.Transfer to Pico do Arieiro & Pico Ruivo Trail

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 1,591 reviews · from $36

Hike Madeira’s high peaks on a self-guided Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo trek with hotel transfers, trail advice, and flexible pacing.

“As PR1 is partially closed due to fires that impacted the trail, the journey is a mix of PR1 to experience the Stairway to Heaven then back to starting point to take PR3. It was amazing! The view on the mountains was impressive, we had the sunshine with us but the clouds passing also gave us amazing pictures. The PR3 trail was also a proper adventure going down steps at the start and then crossing some river streams still with a mix of sun and clouds. Go for it!”

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3.Rabaçal: 25 Fontes & Risco Levada Transfer Self-guided Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 841 reviews · from $38

Hike Madeira’s famous 25 Fontes and Risco levadas with early shared transport, clear trail advice, and five hours to explore.

“Our guide Petro was great. The transfer was smooth, he engaged with everyone, was knowledgeable on a lot of topics and overall ensured we had a great time. The hike itself was very easy, the waterfalls were amazing, though I liked Risco better. Overall, I recommend this activity, it was very well organized.”

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4.Caniçal Ponta São Lourenco Hiking Transfer

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 756 reviews · 6 hours · from $35

Review of Madeira’s PR8 Ponta São Lourenço hike, with shared transfers, trail advice, costs, timing, crowds, swimming, and honest practical tips.

“Great experience and a very friendly and knowledgeable guide Nuno, would definitely recommend to other travellers, advisable to arrive early to avoid the crowds”

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5.Caldeirão Verde: Queimadas PR9 Transfer and Self-Guided Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 668 reviews · from $38

Review of Madeira’s Caldeirão Verde PR9 hike, with shared transfers, waterfalls, tunnels, forest tips, timing, and honest value advice.

“Since there is no guide you can finish it on your own pace, there is more than enough time and you can have additional for snack/coffee and photos. Very good communication over WhatsApp - team is very helpful and patient. Driver was on time and he was very knowledgeable - all necessary information for the hike was provided. Overall it was a nice experience and I would do it again in the future.”

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6.PR 9 – Levada do Caldeirão Verde Hike Transfer

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 620 reviews · 7 hours · from $47

Review of Madeira’s PR9 Caldeirão Verde hike transfer, with pickup, safety briefing, tunnels, waterfalls, trail tips, and honest value advice.

“The transfer to the hike was very well organised. Cristiano was our driver and he was very friendly and gave us all the necessary information about the hike. I would definitely recommend booking with this company.”

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7.PR8 -Ponta de São Lourenço Natural Reserve Transfer

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 392 reviews · 4 hours · from $35

Review of Madeira’s PR8 transfer: a flexible self-guided hike with coastal views, local pickup, safety tips, and time for a swim.

“Fabio is a good driver with experiences and he knows almost every corner of Madeira. He pick up and drop off hikers without using navigation! Since he is local, he can answer all questions we have and also provide good recommendations”

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8.PR1 Sunrise Pico do Arieiro Self-Guided Hiking Transfer

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 299 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $39Top rated

Hike Madeira’s famous peaks at sunrise with hotel transfers, clear trail guidance, and time to tackle PR1 or an alternate route at your own pace.

“It was a great hike but conditions were less than perfect!! High winds, rain and fog! It was freezing and we were not prepared for the cold and wet! We didn’t do PR1 as it was too windy and we couldn’t see a thing but we took the extra time coming down PR3, which was pretty cool, great views when the cloud and fog cleared. But no one warned us about the 5 streams you need to walk through!! The cafe at the end was amazing - great food and comfy to rest! Amazing adventure! Also shoutout to Christiano, our driver, great guy! He said he’d done PR1 in worse…”

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

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 243 reviews · 7 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $37

Review of Madeira’s Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo hike, with Funchal pickup, clear trail instructions, and return from Achada do Teixeira.

“Sometimes you’ve just got to give credit to the team that organise these excursions! Our driver was fantastic gets up early every morning and they must be tired but there Professionalism of picking us up and being informative is a credit to them. Our driver who was from Ireland was really warm and welcoming and made our trip really Pleasant.”

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

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 233 reviews · 7 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $42

Hike Madeira from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo at sunrise with small-group transfers, flexible timing, and pickup from Funchal or Caniço.

“very nice views all the way perfect weather very good driver definitely need outdoor winter schoes for the hike”

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11.Boat Trip with Lunch, Drinks, and Hotel Transfer

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 98 reviews · 5 hours · from $81

Review of Madeira’s 5-hour boat trip with hotel transfers, swimming, snorkeling, Portuguese buffet lunch, drinks, and dolphin sightings.

“Really enjoyed the boat trip. The crew were lovely and very attentive. Always making sure you had a drink and the lunch was lovely. Thank you for a great trip.”

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12.From Funchal/Caniço: Rabaçal Hike (25 Fontes) Bus Transfer

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 77 reviews · from $32Best value

Ride from Funchal or Caniço to Rabaçal, then hike the 25 Fontes and Risco trails at your own pace with a practical return transfer.

“Everything was very well organized. I did PR6 and it wasn‘t challenging at all. Beautiful scenery and waterfalls. Make sure to bring a water-proof jacket.”

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