Touring Bike (EB)
£112 for 7 days
Does cycling work in Madeira? Absolutely — and this 8-day loop tour is the proof. The island is famous for walking, but on two wheels its flower-filled panoramic roads, dramatic clifftops, and lush forests reveal themselves at a perfect pace. A summer-like climate all year round makes Madeira one of the most reliable cycling destinations in Europe.
The route circles the island clockwise from Caniço near Funchal, taking in the basket-weaving village of Camacha, the fishing village of Porto da Cruz, the traditional farmhouses of Santana, and the dramatic natural swimming pools of Porto Moniz. Eurobike’s clever use of bus transfers tackles the steepest climbs for you, leaving the rewarding descents and coastal paths for the cycling. A cable car trip from Funchal to the historic hilltop district of Monte rounds off the week.
Daily cycling stages range from 13 to 32 miles, though the terrain is mountainous and some stages are demanding despite the assistance of transfers. Accommodation is in 4-star hotels throughout, with one 2-star hotel directly by the sea.
Caniço is a charming coastal town close to Funchal with spectacular Atlantic views, steep cliffs, lovely promenades, and peaceful bays. A visit to the viewpoint with the Cristo Rei statue is a lovely way to spend your first evening on the island.
Example accommodation: Hotel Four Views Oasis ****
A morning transfer takes you to Camacha, a village famous for its basket weaving, where your rental bikes are fitted. You cycle on a lovely high road towards the east coast, with beautiful views of the Atlantic. Porto da Cruz, a picturesque fishing village, lies at the bottom of a dramatic descent past one of the island’s last working sugar cane mills.
Example accommodation: Hotel Vila Bela **
A bus transfer this morning bridges the steep climb to Santana. Here you’ll find Madeira’s most iconic landmark: the traditional thatched farmhouses, A-framed in red and white, which have been lovingly restored. A beautiful road follows the length of the north coast, through small charming villages, to São Vicente, whose 400,000-year-old volcanic grottoes are well worth a visit.
Example accommodation: Hotel Mediteraneo, São Vicente ***
Today starts with a transfer to the high plateau of Paul da Serra. From here you cycle along a spectacular high road past grazing cows and sheep, with breathtaking views in every direction. A long descent then leads to Porto Moniz on the west coast, famous for its natural seawater swimming pools formed in the volcanic rock — one of the most extraordinary swimming spots in Europe.
Example accommodation: Hotel Aqua Natura, Porto Moniz ****
Today’s stage follows the west coast and takes you through the UNESCO World Heritage laurisilva forest — fragrant ancient woodland that once covered much of southern Europe. You cycle through small villages with spectacular views of the sea below, arriving in Calheta where a sandy beach of imported Moroccan sand and a yacht harbour have transformed this former sugar cane village into a popular coastal destination.
Example accommodation: Hotel Saccharum, Calheta *****
A beautiful coastal stage heading east towards Funchal, the capital. For the first section you cycle directly along the waterside before the route climbs away from the coast. At Cabo Girão, a transparent glass platform at 580 metres above the sea offers dizzying views down Europe’s highest sea cliffs. A long descent then brings you back to the coast and into the centre of Funchal, a city full of colour and energy.
Example accommodation: Hotel Four Views Baia ****
Your bike-free day is a chance to discover Funchal’s gardens, markets, and museums at leisure. The highlight is the cable car up to Monte, the noble hilltop district with its pilgrimage church and the extraordinary Tropical Garden of Monte Palace. The return journey in a traditional wicker toboggan, steered by two men in white suits and straw hats, is an experience unique to Madeira.
Example accommodation: Hotel Four Views Baia ****
After breakfast your tour comes to an end in Funchal. Madeira Airport is around 20 minutes by bus or 25 minutes by taxi.
We recommend flying to Madeira Airport (FNC) and returning from Madeira Airport (FNC).
£112 for 7 days
£196 for 7 days
£308 for 7 days
Not available for hire
Getting to Madeira
By plane: Madeira Airport (FNC) is served by direct flights from London Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted, as well as Manchester, Bristol and several other UK airports. TAP Air Portugal, easyJet, Ryanair and Jet2 all operate routes from the UK. The airport is around 22 km east of Funchal, and a bus service (Aerobus) runs to the city centre in around 30 minutes.
Airport transfers: A taxi from Madeira Airport to Caniço costs around £78 for up to 4 people and takes around 20 minutes. Advance booking is recommended. A transfer from Funchal to the airport costs around £82 for up to 4 people.
Getting home from Madeira
This is a loop tour ending in Funchal, so your return airport is the same as your arrival. Madeira Airport has good connections to UK airports year-round, with flight times of around 3 hours 30 minutes from London.
Bikes are not included. You are welcome to bring your own bike or hire one. Please see our bike hire section for details.
Flights are not included. Please refer to the what's included section for full details.
We will confirm your booking within 48 hours of receiving your enquiry. Please wait for confirmation before booking flights or making other travel arrangements.
Most itineraries include cycling on most days, with some rest or shorter days built in. Please check the itinerary for day-by-day details.
The latest you can book is 9 days before departure. This gives us enough time to confirm arrangements and accommodation.
You will receive full travel details, including accommodation, meeting points and local contacts, 3 to 5 weeks before departure.
Guided • 7 nights
Easy
From £1,250
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