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Madeira Island Tour: Culture, Food, and Hiking
Embark on a private gastro hike to explore the island’s culture, cuisine, and biodiversity. Experience local cuisine, hike scenic trails, and learn from a certified guide. Make a positive impact on local communities.
Embark on a private gastro hike to explore the island’s culture, cuisine, and biodiversity. Experience local cuisine, hike scenic trails, and learn from a certified guide. Make a positive impact on local communities.
Duration:
5 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- ER203 - Our Gatro Hike will take us for a walk on one of the Levadas of our island, in an area where you only find nature and don’t find the large amount of tourism as in other places. Accessible to most people who visit us, and we can take a walk with 5.5 kms or with only 3.5 kms depending on what our customers prefer. In the end, we ended up…
- ER203 - Our Gatro Hike will take us for a walk on one of the Levadas of our island, in an area where you only find nature and don’t find the large amount of tourism as in other places. Accessible to most people who visit us, and we can take a walk with 5.5 kms or with only 3.5 kms depending on what our customers prefer. In the end, we ended up next to one of the most emblematic places in our mountains to taste a Poncha (local drink) and learn a little about its history. Then we will taste one of the traditional dishes of our island.
What's Included
- Private transportation
- Carbonated beverages
- Dinner
- Tea and coffee
- Alcoholic Beverages
- Private transportation
- Carbonated beverages
- Dinner
- Tea and coffee
- Alcoholic Beverages
What's Not Included
- Gratuities
- Gratuities
Meal Options
- “Skewered” - Local food made of beef on a skewer over the coals, accompanied by french fries, salad and fried corn
- “Skewered” - Local food made of beef on a skewer over the coals, accompanied by french fries, salad and fried corn
Additional Information
Experience the authentic culture, cuisine, mountain trails, history, and biodiversity of the island firsthand. Our activity guides you to dine like a local, visiting the eateries frequented by natives. Enjoy a local kebab, sip on a Poncha, all amidst the less trodden paths that only the true Madeirans know about. Navigate through the island’s history…
Experience the authentic culture, cuisine, mountain trails, history, and biodiversity of the island firsthand. Our activity guides you to dine like a local, visiting the eateries frequented by natives. Enjoy a local kebab, sip on a Poncha, all amidst the less trodden paths that only the true Madeirans know about. Navigate through the island’s history with a certified guide who was born and bred on this island. Our activity also contributes positively towards the local communities, rendering sustainability.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(31 Ratings)
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1 star
Lindsaylr3150il
Apr 6, 2025
Perfect Hike and Perfect Guide - Where to start....Claudio was by far the best guide we had during our stay in Madiera. His enthusiasm and knowledge of not just the walk history but also the flora and fauna were truly engaging.
On top of all that Claudio is a real people person which made the tour all the more enjoyable.
The knowledge and passion Claudio has is clearly evident as you walk the trails, and it is always apparent that everything Claudio does is to make you the centre of the walk.
Our walk was altered at the last minute due to weather conditions, in order to give us a better experience. Claudio did not need to do that but again this is another example of Claudio going that extra mile.
After the walk thd visits to a local Poncha Bar and Espetadas restaurant put the icing on the cake of a perfect hike. No glitter or glamour...just traditional venues with traditional drink and food...I guarantee any tourist on there own would not give these venues a second look...but what gems they are.
Would I book Claudio again.....without a second thought. All other tours we did paled into the shadows compared to walking with Claudio.
We truly thank Claudio for sharing his Madiera with us. Memories we will cherish.
Obrigado Claudio...we will be back!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Robert_p
Apr 6, 2025
Fantastic experience!! - This is an absolute must do on Madeira. Hiking through the forest just two of us with our guide Claudio was amazing. Beautiful scenery and expert commentary on everything from plant life to historical info. Topped the day off with mouthwatering local delicacies like beef and sausage kabobs, polenta and Poncha (rum, honey, and lemon). If you want to enjoy the best of Madeira make sure to reach out to Claudio. You will not be disappointed!!
Review provided by Viator
Kate
Mar 24, 2025
Just do it, Claudio is brilliant 🤩 - What a great combination for a fabulous day learning more about Madeira. It is clear from the outset that Claudio cares deeply about his customers, his hiking and his food - local, authentic, sustainable and delicious 😋
We had a lovely walk along a private levada away from the crowds and learned lots about the flora and fauna that make up Madeira.
The food and the conversation was top notch, would definitely recommend!
A day to remember and a reason to return 💚
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Julian_c
Jan 28, 2025
Amazing afternoon - An amazing afternoon with Claudio. A superb experience in the magical forest followed by poncha and a delicious meal. Such a friendly and interesting guide who went out of his way to ensure we had a great time. Highly recommend Claudio as a knowledgeable and great fun guide. We had the best time
Review provided by Viator
Clinton_d
Nov 25, 2024
Fantastic Day - It was such a fun day. Even though we had rain, Claudio made it work. Lovely hike, amazing local lunch and fantastic fellowship. Terrific guide!
Review provided by Viator
Henri
Nov 15, 2024
Amazing 🤩 Extraordinary 🤩 - Amazing guide with a huge wealth of knowledge, experience and passion about Madeira. Was happily suprised to experience a calm Levada hike in an extrodinary environment. After the hike we got to visit a local pub for real Poncho and some lupin beans (amazing choice of snacks). Before arriving to the local restaurant we got to see Funchal at night from a viewpoint. Amazing scenery. Final destination an Espetada at a local restaurant. It was so delicious and right on the spot of our tastebuds. Thank you also for the tips of other local restaurants in Funchal area. We have already tested a few. 🙂
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Louisett9606kv
Nov 9, 2024
AMAZING DAY FABULOUS GUY - What a wonderful day we have just had. Claudio provides a top-notch guided experience. A great guide combined expertise and knowledge Claudio excels in both. Knowledgeable and entertaining, Claudio shared fascinating insights we had never encountered before, and this was our sixth visit! We could tell how passionate claudio is about his job and about Madeira too. Do not miss out on this tour; it's truly a hidden gem. Throughout the day we only encountered two mountain biking groups whilst on our walk which added to the serene experience. We enjoyed a poncha at a local bar and had the chance to cook our own espatada in the most authentic setting. Thank you Claudio, for an unforgettable day! Bravo, and may your upcoming adventures be wildly successful. Best wishes and we will definitely see you on our next visit in 2025.
Andre (video glasses) and Louise (regular glasses).
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kit_c
Aug 25, 2024
Fantastic local experience of Madeira - Had a fantastic hike with Claudio who is so passionate and knowledgeable about Madeira’s food, history, geography and culture. We learned so much during the hike and chatted like old friends, everything was paced well and Claudio was attentive to us and the surroundings. Would definitely recommend if you are looking to learn about Madeira in a local setting away from the touristy crowds. Hope to return for another hike with him!
Review provided by Viator
Armandoah5744rp
Aug 17, 2024
Amazing tour - All very good,5 stars and I recommend to 100%.The Claudio very friendly and managed to fit the tour to all ages, knows the sites well and clarified all our questions, no doubt we will repeat and recommend,The Claudio became the new son of my mother.Very fun, it led us to a restaurant we ate well.Thanks Claudio for everything
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Judi
Jul 10, 2024
A Wonderfully Unique Experience - The Gastro Hike with Claudio was the HIGHLIGHT of our 6 day trip for me, my husband, and our 17 year old son.
Claudio is kind, knowledgeable and witty. His love for the island and its vegetation is obvious and he has a knack for storytelling. The hike was not in a touristy area, which we appreciated. This allowed us to stop and discuss things whenever we wanted, to pick wild fruit or enjoy the vista quietly.
Aside from the hiking, we made two pit-stops; one at a tavern to drink poncha and the other at a restaurant where we cooked our own espetada. The restaurant was a “local-joint” and the food was delicious.
Truly, this excursion exceeded all expectations. ❤️💚
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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