20 km and 850 m of elevation gain
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Ultimate Madeira Cycling Holidays
8 days / 7 nights
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Uncover the mesmerizing allure of Madeira on two wheels, pedaling across stunning mountains and alongside the deep blue Atlantic, in a year-round cyclist's haven.
Starting point
Santa Cruz
Finish point
Funchal
Fitness level
4/5
Uncover the mesmerizing allure of Madeira on two wheels, pedaling across stunning mountains and alongside the deep blue Atlantic, in a year-round cyclist's haven.
Uncover the mesmerizing allure of Madeira on two wheels, pedaling across stunning mountains and alongside the deep blue Atlantic, in a year-round cyclist's haven.
Starting point
Santa Cruz
Finish point
Funchal
Fitness level
4/5
- Traverse through Madeira's captivating towns like São Vicente, Funchal, Porto Moniz, and Calheta
- Bask in the evergreen splendor of the 'flower island', enriched by a kaleidoscope of exotic flora
- Dive into the natural volcanic swimming pools of Porto Moniz
- Explore the iconic A-frame cottages in Santana and delve into the ancient caves in São Vicente
- Indulge in the freedom of self-guided cycling, tailoring your expedition to your pace
- Satiate your palate with authentic Madeiran cuisine, as you dine amidst quaint, picturesque settings
Itinerary of the trip
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What’s included in the price?
Self-guided
7 nights in 3-star hotels with breakfast
Digital guidebook with detailed itinerary and route instructions
GPS navigation with an easy-to-use app
Tour design and organization
Service and support during your tour
Luggage transfer
NOT INCLUDED
Tourist tax
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
Airport transfer
E-bike
E-road bike
Gravel bike
MTB
Regular bike
Road bike
Single supplement
Imagine pedaling through sun-dappled paths, with the Atlantic's cool breeze on your face and panoramic views that seem plucked from a dream.
That is what Madeira offers on a cycling holiday. Its mild climate from February to December not only nourishes its nickname as the 'flower island' but also renders it an idyllic cycling retreat even in winter.
The route takes you from the tranquil beaches of Santa Cruz to the vibrant city of Funchal, revealing Madeira's hidden gems along the way. You'll traverse verdant hills, explore traditional villages like Santana with its iconic A-frame houses, and unwind in Porto Moniz's natural volcanic pools.
Each day presents a new challenge and reward, from ascending misty mountains to coasting through serene valleys, with every kilometer unveiling a new perspective on the island's natural splendor.
To ensure your holiday goes as smoothly as possible, we handle every detail. From comfortable accommodations to expert-crafted itineraries, GPS routes and round-the-clock support, your journey is in the best hands.
Whether you're an avid cyclist or a spirited explorer, this is a cycling opportunity you cannot let pass by!
TOP Places You’ll See
From natural wonders to authentic local culture, the route is packed with memorable sights—these are our absolute favorites.
Santana
Santana is a municipality on Madeira's northern coast, famed for its small triangular thatched houses called “palheiros”—brightly painted timber-and-thatch cottages dating back to the 16th century. These iconic dwellings, along with traditional embroidery crafts, are symbols of Madeira’s cultural heritage.
Madeira Botanical Garden
Located on a former estate above Funchal and opened in 1960, the Madeira Botanical Garden spans about 8 hectares and features over 2,000 plant species—from endemic island flora to exotic palms, succulents, orchids, and ferns. It functions as both a public garden and a conservation/research center.
Farmer’s Market Funchal
This lively market, inaugurated in 1940, is the heart of Funchal's food scene. It’s a colorful, high-energy space selling local produce, tropical fruits (think dragon fruit, bananas), fresh fish and meat, plus decorative flowers and craftwork. The upper floor features fruits and flowers, while downstairs is the fish and meat section.
Laurisilva Forest
Madeira’s laurel (laurisilva) forest is a UNESCO World Heritage–listed “cloud forest” featuring ancient trees and unique biodiversity. It’s home to endemic bird species like the Madeira firecrest and blue chaffinch and is crisscrossed by historic levada trails. This primeval ecosystem remains one of Europe’s last subtropical forests.
Porto Moniz Natural Pools
Formed naturally among volcanic black lava along the northwest coast, the Porto Moniz pools are filled by the tide and offer safe, scenic swimming. Turquoise tidal water within rugged rock formations creates a memorable bathing experience.
Our Bikes
To ensure the best possible experience on your cycling adventure, we offer top-quality bikes for rent. Our fleet features the latest models, meticulously maintained for both performance and comfort.
To match each rider with the right equipment, our team will also assist you in selecting the most suitable bike based on your physical profile, personal preferences, and the technical requirements of the tour.
Trekking Bikes
Best for: Multi-day touring, relaxed pace, and varied surfaces
These high-quality trekking bikes are built for comfort over multiple days. They feature a relaxed riding position, smooth-rolling wheels, and often come with practical additions like an adjustable stem, rear rack, or mudguards. They're not necessarily built for speed, but more for enjoying the ride.
Touring E-Bikes
Best for: Comfortable trekking, touring, longer distances, and hilly routes
These pedal-assist electric bikes are designed to make riding easier and more enjoyable—especially on longer or hillier routes. They come with powerful mid-drive motors, long-lasting batteries, and comfortable riding geometry for smooth support across varied terrain. With intuitive controls and quality components, they’re a great choice for riders who want extra assistance without giving up the feel of a real ride.
Road Bikes
Best for: Paved routes, longer distances, and climbs
Our road bikes are lightweight, fast, and built for endurance. They typically feature carbon or high-quality aluminium frames, smooth gearing, and reliable components—often Shimano 105 or similar. Well-suited for long days in the saddle, they’re perfect for climbs, steady cruising, and covering serious distance on tarmac.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ratings & Reviews
5.0 average rating
+11
I recently completed the Tour of Champions ride which is a 7-day road cycling tour in Slovenia. The entire experience was fantastic. The cycling in Slovenia is amazing. The roads were great and the scenery on each ride was spectacular. Our guide, Blaz, was fantastic. He planned routes throughout Slovenia and some parts of Italy that were amazing. The routes on each day included some amazing climbs which were challenging, to say the least, but after they were done there was an excitement among everyone in the group about completing the climbs. The routes also included some amazing flats where we were cruising along in a nice pace line. Blaz was also a great person. He was supportive of everyone in the group, and he was so encouraging and attentive to everyone. His attention to detail was admirable. The crew was also great in the support van. The hotels, the meals, and especially the bike that I rented was fantastic. It was a top-of-the-line bike which was equivalent to my bike at home. The accommodations were superb and the selection of restaurants for dinner each night were great. Tina, who I dealt with when it came to organizing the trip was great. She was very accessible, and she answered all the questions I had when organizing the trip for my wife and a friend of mine. Tina also helped me organize some kiteboarding in Croatia after the cycling trip which was outside the scope of her business model which was above and beyond. By the way the kiteboarding in Croatia was fantastic! The group was small with a total of 5 riders not including the guide. If anyone is interested in challenging themselves on a road cycling trip, I would strongly recommend this trip.
My self-guided Bergen Bike Tour was an amazing experience. The route took me through some of Norway's most beautiful landscapes, like the Sognefford and the charming village of Solvorn. Cycling along the Gaularfjellet National Tourist Route with its stunning waterfalls and glaciers was both a challenge and a highlight. The GPS navigation made it easy to follow the route, and I loved having the freedom to explore at my own pace. The team at Bike Tours Norway was incredibly helpful from start to finish. Timotej was especially great-he answered all my questions and made sure everything ran smoothly. The accommodations were cozy, and the luggage transfers made the whole trip stress-free. This tour was the perfect mix of adventure and independence, and I'd recommend it to anyone who wants to see Norway's stunning nature up close.
My self-guided Bergen Bike Tour was an amazing experience. The route took me through some of Norway's most beautiful landscapes, like the Sognefford and the charming village of Solvorn. Cycling along the Gaularfjellet National Tourist Route with its stunning waterfalls and glaciers was both a challenge and a highlight. The GPS navigation made it easy to follow the route, and I loved having the freedom to explore at my own pace. The team at Bike Tours Norway was incredibly helpful from start to finish. Timotej was especially great-he answered all my questions and made sure everything ran smoothly. The accommodations were cozy, and the luggage transfers made the whole trip stress-free. This tour was the perfect mix of adventure and independence, and I'd recommend it to anyone who wants to see Norway's stunning nature up close.
I recently completed the Tour of Champions ride which is a 7-day road cycling tour in Slovenia. The entire experience was fantastic. The cycling in Slovenia is amazing. The roads were great and the scenery on each ride was spectacular. Our guide, Blaz, was fantastic. He planned routes throughout Slovenia and some parts of Italy that were amazing. The routes on each day included some amazing climbs which were challenging, to say the least, but after they were done there was an excitement among everyone in the group about completing the climbs. The routes also included some amazing flats where we were cruising along in a nice pace line. Blaz was also a great person. He was supportive of everyone in the group, and he was so encouraging and attentive to everyone. His attention to detail was admirable. The crew was also great in the support van. The hotels, the meals, and especially the bike that I rented was fantastic. It was a top-of-the-line bike which was equivalent to my bike at home. The accommodations were superb and the selection of restaurants for dinner each night were great. Tina, who I dealt with when it came to organizing the trip was great. She was very accessible, and she answered all the questions I had when organizing the trip for my wife and a friend of mine. Tina also helped me organize some kiteboarding in Croatia after the cycling trip which was outside the scope of her business model which was above and beyond. By the way the kiteboarding in Croatia was fantastic! The group was small with a total of 5 riders not including the guide. If anyone is interested in challenging themselves on a road cycling trip, I would strongly recommend this trip.
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Self-guided
Those who like a good adventure and limitless flexibility should go on a self-guided cycling holiday...
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We handle itineraries, accommodations, and anything else you prefer not to deal with, so you can enjoy a carefree holiday.
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