Madeira Hiking Takes Centre Stage in Finnair Update
Finnair has updated its Madeira guide for 2026, focusing on hiking, road trips, local food and year-round travel around the Portuguese island. The airline continues to fly directly between Helsinki and Funchal throughout the year. Its latest destination update puts particular attention on Madeira’s levada walks and mountain routes, alongside places that can be reached on day trips outside the capital.
Madeira Trip Details to Know
- Airline: Finnair
- Route: Helsinki (HEL)–Funchal (FNC)
- Flights: Direct and year-round
- Summer frequency: Once weekly, on Mondays
- Flight time: 5h 50m outbound; 5h 40m return
- Main activities: Hiking, road trips, golf and city breaks
- Popular walks: 25 Fontes, Caldeirão Verde and Pico Ruivo
- Trail access: Classified PR trails now require advance reservation
Hiking takes up much of the updated guide. Finnair highlights levada routes including 25 Fontes, Caldeirão Verde and Levada do Furado, as well as walks around Madeira’s highest peaks. Away from the trails, Palheiro and Santo da Serra offer golf, while local dishes include espada served with banana, grilled espetada with milho frito and bolo de caco bread with garlic butter.
Funchal is a practical base for exploring more of Madeira, with viewpoints, fishing villages, mountain roads and natural pools all within reach by car or guided tour. The island’s north and west coasts feel very different from the capital, with steeper scenery, quieter towns and more dramatic landscapes. That makes it easy to combine city time with day trips without changing hotels.
A trip based only around Funchal would miss much of what makes Madeira different. Many of its best-known walks, viewpoints and villages require a drive, tour or bus journey, and mountain conditions can differ sharply from the coast. The island works throughout the year, but hikers should check the official trail status and book required routes before leaving, rather than assuming every path will be accessible.