Overview
Welcome to Madeira. Our original Active Odyssey experience and one of the most special places we’ve ever explored. If you’re looking for a women’s adventure holiday that combines hiking, wellness, breathtaking scenery, meaningful connection and time to properly reset, this is it. Madeira is a Portuguese island sitting in the Atlantic Ocean, often called the “Hawaii of Europe” because of its stunning cliffs, lush green mountains, waterfalls and year-round spring weather. The kind of place where you wake up above the clouds, hike through ancient levada trails, swim in natural volcanic pools and finish the day watching the sunset. Idyllic! This trip is designed for women who want adventure without pressure. You do not need to be an elite hiker or experienced traveller but require a general level of fitness and be happy in the outdoors walking and exploring. Most women join solo and many come looking for a confidence boost, a mental reset, new friendships, or simply a break from everyday life. Over 6 nights, we’ll explore some of Madeira’s most beautiful hiking trails and hidden spots while staying in our private luxury villas on the west coast of the island. Expect a balance of movement, rest, exploration and connection throughout the week. Alongside guided hikes and adventure activities, we include optional yoga, mindfulness sessions, journaling, nourishing meals prepared by local chefs and free time to relax by the infinity pool or explore at your own pace. Everything is planned for you from airport transfers to guided activities so you can switch off and fully enjoy the experience. This isn’t a retreat where you sit still all week. And it’s not a hardcore hiking expedition either. It’s the sweet spot in between.
Highlights
PHYSICAL RATING
Expect several active days with hiking, walking and outdoor activities. Some trails include inclines, uneven terrain and stairs, but we move at a supportive group pace with regular breaks. You do not need to be an experienced hiker, but a basic level of fitness will help you enjoy the trip more comfortably. We also provide optional fitness guidance before the trip to help you prepare. Please contact us if you’d like to know more about how we can help you prepare.
MAIN ACTIVITY
The main activity of this trip will be hiking and exploring diverse trails, hills and or mountains. On an AO trip we love to find hidden gems, off-the-beaten-track paths, and epic viewpoints while connecting with local culture and history. This adventure may also include optional outdoor pursuits and sports, adding even more variety to your journey.
RELAXATION
This trip offers optional movement and meditation through a style of yoga, stretching, and mindfulness. We encourage moments of grounding reflection and sometimes offer guided journaling to help you focus on key intentions during your journey. All our yoga and holistic sessions are beginner-friendly.
Programme
Swipe to see your day by day programme of activities.
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Day 1. Welcome to Madeira
Arrive at Funchal Airport where our scheduled transfers will bring you to our peaceful villa in Prazeres.
Depending on your arrival time, you can potentially explore the colourful streets and cafés of Funchal before check-in and we can pick you up on route to the villa.
In the evening, we’ll settle in with a welcome dinner prepared by local chefs, followed by a gentle meditation and intention-setting session to ease into the week.
Highlights:
Airport transfers
Ocean-view villa stay
Welcome dinner
Meditation and grounding session
Meet your retreat group
Day 2. Levada Trails, Waterfalls & Fanal Forest
We start the morning slowly with optional yoga and movement overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
Today’s adventure takes us into Madeira’s famous Laurisilva Forest, home to some of the island’s most beautiful levada walks, waterfalls, and panoramic viewpoints.
We’ll cool off with a waterfall swim before heading to explore some more (options depend on time permitting and the groups pace)
Highlights:
Levada hike in Madeira
Waterfall swims
Fanal Forest experience
Guided journaling
Chef-prepared dinner
Day 3. Optional Canyoning Adventure or Relaxed Coastal Day
Today is all about choice.
If you want a challenge, you can join our optional canyoning experience where you’ll explore hidden waterfalls, natural pools, and dramatic gorges with expert guides.
If slower days are more your thing, spend the day relaxing by the pool, exploring Ponta do Sol, swimming in the ocean, or enjoying a slower afternoon with the group. Options will be given by our host.
Highlights:
Optional canyoning in Madeira
Free time to relax
Coastal cafés and ocean views
Evening stretch session
Reflection and journaling
Day 4. Catamaran Cruise & Dolphin Watching
We head to Funchal Marina for a private catamaran experience along Madeira’s coastline.
Keep an eye out for dolphins and whales as we sail across the Atlantic. You’ll also have the chance to swim in secluded waters before we spend free time exploring Funchal’s botanical gardens, cafés, and old town streets.
Highlights:
Private catamaran cruise
Dolphin and whale watching
Ocean swimming
Explore Funchal Old Town
Relaxed evening dinner
Day 5. Sunrise Above the Clouds. Iconic Pico Ruivo View Point
Sunrise above the clouds. An early rise for a worthy view! We will head to see one of the island's most dramatic viewpoints, Pico Ruivo. Before a guided hike to some of the less well trodden trails around the island.
Expect dramatic ridgelines, unforgettable views and one of the most rewarding hikes in Europe.
After the hike, we’ll slow things down with recovery time back at the villa, optional Yin Yoga, or massage treatments.
Highlights:
Sunrise above the clouds
Pico Ruivo trail
Traditional Santana houses
Optional massage and Yin Yoga
Day 6. Relax and Recover with an Evening to remember!
Our final full day is a little slower with optional daily activities. We’ll have a final dinner in Funchal before heading for an epic final sunset at the Islands most sought after view points, Pico Areeiro.
We’ll be taking the opportunity when there are less crowds to move around, dramatic colours and hopefully a few cloud inversions if the weather permits. A walk to the pedra to Pedra Rija viewpoint.
Highlights:
Relaxing morning at the villa
Afternoon in Funchal
Final meal
Pico Areeiro to Pedra Rija Viewpoint
Day 7. Departure Day
Enjoy a slow morning, breakfast at the villa, and one final coffee with the group before airport transfers.
You’ll leave with tired legs, a full camera roll, new friendships, and memories that stay with you long after the week ends.
Hosts
Your Odyssey Guides...
Our local guides are true experts, sharing their deep knowledge of the destination’s culture, history, and hidden gems. Their insights and authenticity bring each place to life, ensuring you experience it through the eyes of those who know it best. Alongside them, Your dedicated Active Odyssey host will ensure your trip runs smoothly, managing logistics and enhancing your overall adventure with a warm and welcoming energy. Together, they form a team that delivers an unforgettable and deeply connected travel experience.
Where We Stay.
Villa Flora & Fauna, Cantinho da Natureza
For our Madeira experience, we stay at Villa Flora & Fauna Cantinho da Natureza, a beautiful retreat on Madeira’s peaceful west coast. Surrounded by mountains and ocean views, it offers a calm and welcoming space to relax, connect and recharge after days spent exploring the island.
More like a beautiful home than a traditional hotel, the villa features comfortable shared and private accommodation options, cosy social spaces, two infinity pools, an outdoor solarium, and stunning outdoor areas for yoga, journaling, group dinners or simply enjoying Madeira’s spectacular sunsets.
Its location provides easy access to some of Madeira’s most scenic hiking trails and natural attractions, while offering a peaceful escape from the busier tourist areas. Whether you're travelling solo or with a friend, Villa Flora & Fauna is the perfect base for a week of adventure, wellbeing and meaningful connection.
What's included
What's Included
Scheduled airport transfers
6 nights accommodation in luxury private villas
All guided activities listed in the programme
Experienced local guides
Canyoning experience
Catamaran trip
Yoga, mindfulness and journaling sessions
Daily breakfasts
Freshly prepared dinners by private chefs
Welcome goodies
Access to pre-trip fitness guidance
Dedicated Active Odyssey host throughout the trip
What's Not Included
Flights to Madeira
Travel insurance
Lunches
Alcoholic drinks
Optional personal spending
Accommodation
Single Bed Shared Occupancy
Sea View Room x2
FROM$2,074.35/pp
$2,350.93/pp
King Room Single Occupancy
Sea View King room for a Queen
FROM$2,489.22/pp
$2,765.80/pp
Sea View, Double, Private room or a Single bed, shared room (twin)
Choose to share this sea view twin room with anther guests or this room can be changed into a double for privacy.
FROM$2,350.93/pp
Add Ons
Canyoning Experience
Explore Madeira's rugged beauty with a canyoning adventure. Navigate through waterfalls, natural pools, and rock formations in one of the island’s striking landscapes. Led by experienced guides, this activity combines hiking, abseiling, and sliding through untouched canyons. Whether you're a beginner or more experienced, it's a great way to experience Madeira’s untouched beauty, offering a unique perspective of the island’s natural environment. Exciting and immersive....
Read More
FROM$103.72/pp
ADD THISGallery
Reviews
Life Changing! Life changing is the only word that I can use to describe what I experienced on this retreat. I woke up this morning, went for a walk. Did some yoga and I wasn’t doing this prior to the retreat. I always wanted to but I didn’t have the confidence before. I couldn’t have asked for a better host or crew of women.I was the only one from the US and I felt like I’d known these people for my entire life . I couldn’t have imagined I’d meet such and amazing group of women in my life! I was so nervous but, everyone made me feel so comfortable, it was such a welcoming environment. Corrines energy fed out positive vibes the entire time! We did some many activities that I never thought I would do… I climbed a mountain! It was challenging but being surrounded by this group girls made everything so much better. Everyone supported and motivated me … I never felt that I was less than anybody even though I have never hiked more than 2 miles before the trip. Truly the best experience of my life and I will definitely be attending another excursion in the future!
Karisa Pancottini
An experience I will treasure for life Everything was great, from the choice of location to the activities and accommodations provided. Corrine and Beth made sure everything was perfect and that everyone was happy, there were choices for the activities so nobody would feel left out. There was a team of two chefs coming to cook every night, they accommodated everyone's food preferences and allergies and everything was delicious and fresh. I went back home from this retreat full of energy and with many mindfulness and wellness practices that I am now integrating in my daily life. This is an experience I will treasure for life, as well as the friendships I made there.
Maria Marin
FAQs
Is This Trip Right For You?
This Madeira adventure is ideal for women who:
Want an active holiday with balance
Love nature, hiking and being outdoors
Want to travel solo but not alone
Are craving a reset mentally and physically
Want to meet like-minded women
Enjoy wellness without anything too “woo”
Want adventure with comfort included
Are nervous about joining alone but still want to do something for themselves
Do I need hiking experience?
Not at all. Many women joining are beginners or have only done casual hikes before. The trip is designed to be supportive, encouraging and beginner-friendly.
Is this trip suitable for solo female travellers?
Absolutely. Most women join solo. One of the biggest reasons guests book with us is because they want to travel solo without feeling alone.
What fitness level do I need?
You should feel comfortable walking for several hours and managing moderate activity levels across the week. Some hikes can be challenging in parts, but we move together and support each other throughout.
What should I pack for Madeira?
We recommend:
Hiking shoes or trail trainers
Activewear layers
Waterproof jacket
Swimwear
Comfortable evening clothes
Small backpack
Reusable water bottle
Sunglasses and sunscreen
Weather can change quickly in Madeira, especially in the mountains.
Are the yoga and wellness sessions mandatory?
No. Everything wellness-related is optional. This is your trip and we encourage you to experience it in a way that feels good for you.
Will I have my own room?
Room options vary depending on availability and booking type. Shared and private room options may be available depending on the trip date.
Is Madeira safe for female travellers?
Madeira is considered one of the safest destinations in Europe and is incredibly welcoming for solo female travellers.