Adventure FAQs

Are flights included?

Flights to and from your destination aren’t included in the trip price — you’ll need to book these independently. You’ll find recommended arrival and departure airports, along with suggested timings, in the FAQs below.

Which airport do I need to fly in and out of? Plus airport code

Fly into and out of Madeira Airport (FNC), also known as Cristiano Ronaldo Madeira International Airport.

What time should my flight arrive (time for the welcome meeting)?

Ideally before 3pm. The welcome meeting and dinner will be from 5pm onwards starting at the hotel.

What time should my flight depart on the last day?

There are no activities planned for the last day, so you can leave any time you wish. Your Pack Leader can help you book your transfers the night before if needed.

Are airport transfers included?

If you arrive on Day 1 of your adventure, or you’ve booked yourself a pre-night at the same hotel the adventure starts from, your airport arrival transfer will be included. Arrival transfers are private to Flash Pack and in groups depending on flight times, so you may have to wait in the airport for a short while.

However, if you’ve booked alternative pre-trip accommodation or are arriving by another mode of transport, you’ll have to arrange your own arrival transfer. 

Please also note: in order to secure your place on the private transfer, you’ll need to provide your flight details to our Customer Experience team no later than 30 days prior to your adventure’s departure date. You’ll get automated email reminders about this, but the team won’t be chasing you. That’s why it’s key to get this information over in good time. If the details are provided later than 30 days pre-departure, you’ll have to arrange your own arrival transfer.

Departure transfers are typically not included due to travelers leaving at varying times. That said, your Pack Leader will happily help arrange departure transfers for you if required.

Are tips included?

Please note that tips are not included in the cost of this adventure. The currency in Portugal is the Euro (€ / EUR). Suggested amounts per person are:

• Pack Leader: 3-5 EUR per day
• Drivers: 2-3 EUR per day

All tips are at your discretion depending on what you feel comfortable with.

Do I need a visa?

Up-to-date visa and entry information can be found using our official partner, Sherpa, who can help you arrange a visa if needed.

You can also find essential travel advice – including security and local laws, as well as passport and visa information – on the government website of your home country:

• UK residents: review the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice before your adventure.
• US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice for important travel information.
• Australian residents: check the Smart Traveler website for up-to-date travel advice.
• Residents of other countries: refer to the travel advice provided by your own government or local consulate.

Please be aware that passport and visa requirements can change before departure, so it’s important to stay updated with the latest information.

What vaccinations and medication will I need?

While we are not medical professionals and cannot offer personalised medical advice, we want to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable adventure. Here are some tips to help you prepare.

1. Consult with a healthcare professional

We recommend scheduling an appointment with your travel nurse or doctor at least eight weeks before your adventure. This will give you ample time to receive any necessary vaccines or medications.

2. Up-to-date medical advice

• UK residents: visit the NHS Fit For Travel website for the latest medical advice.
• US residents: check the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for specialised health information.
• Australian residents: refer to the Smart Traveler Health website for current medical advice.

3. Government travel advice

• UK residents: review the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice before your adventure.
• US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice for important travel information.
• Australian residents: check the Smart Traveler website for up-to-date travel advice.

4. Medication tips

If you take prescription medication, ensure you bring enough to last the entire adventure, plus a few extra days in case of travel delays. Carry a copy of your prescription with you in case you need to visit a clinic while abroad.

We hope this information will help you prepare for a safe and healthy adventure.

How much should I budget per day for extras?

We recommend budgeting around 40 EUR per day.

 

What fitness levels do I need for this trip?

This trip is best suited for guests with a moderate fitness level. While you don’t need to be an athlete, you should be comfortable with hiking for 3–5 hours on uneven terrain, walking on steep staircases and mountain paths and spending full days outdoors.

The itinerary includes several consecutive active days, so a reasonable level of stamina is recommended.

We recommend having a read through of the itinerary above, and getting in touch if you have specific questions on fitness.

What are the times in hours, and distances in KM for each of the hikes? 

The lengths of each hike varies. Here’s a summary for each:

• PR8 – Duration: Approx. 3 hours – Distance: 6 km
• PR6 – Duration: Approx. 3-3.5 hours – Distance: 7.2 km
• PR1 – Duration: Approx. 4-5 hours – Distance: 8 km
• PR13 – Duration: Approx. 4 hours – Distance: 10.8 km

I have knee problems or a previous knee injury. Is this trip suitable for me?

This is one of our more physically demanding European adventures and includes several days of hiking over uneven, rocky and mountainous terrain, including long descents which can place significant strain on the knees.

Whilst trekking poles are recommended and can help reduce the impact during longer descents, guests with existing knee problems or a history of knee injuries should carefully consider whether this trip is suitable for them and seek medical advice if they are unsure.

It’s also important to be aware that some of the hiking routes are in remote locations where evacuation can be challenging. In the event of an injury, assistance may involve:

– Extended waits for mountain rescue teams
– Stretcher evacuation over difficult terrain
– Helicopter evacuation in more serious cases

Any rescue or medical evacuation costs would typically need to be covered by the guest’s travel insurance, and not all policies include mountain rescue or helicopter evacuation cover. We strongly recommend checking your insurance policy carefully before travelling to ensure you have appropriate protection for this type of adventure.

Are hiking boots mandatory?

Hiking boots are strongly recommended. Safe and comfortable footwear is advised as the weather conditions can change rapidly. For this reason, we advise bringing waterproof clothing, water, and appropriate footwear. If the guide determines that the weather conditions are not suitable for a safe hike, we won’t proceed with the trail.

What happens if a hiking trail is closed?

Madeira has an extensive network of official hiking trails, which means there are often alternative routes available across the island.

In Madeira, some trails may close due to weather conditions, whilst others may close due to rockfall, maintenance works or wildfire prevention measures. The most suitable replacement will therefore depend on the specific circumstances at the time.

Our local team continuously monitors official trail updates and will select the most appropriate alternative based on:

– Current trail conditions
– Safety considerations
– Similar difficulty level
– Similar scenic and experiential value wherever possible

The aim is always to preserve the challenge, scenery and overall experience of the itinerary.

Are there weather-dependent activities?

Yes. As Madeira is a mountainous Atlantic island, weather conditions can vary significantly across different parts of the island, even within the same day. It’s not uncommon for one area to experience cloud, wind or rain whilst another enjoys clear skies.

The following activities are weather dependent:

– Hiking activities
– Dolphin watching boat experience
– Canyoning
– Natural ocean pools
– Outdoor yoga and sound bath session

What happens if weather impacts an activity?

Safety will always be our number one priority.

Our local team continuously monitors trail conditions, weather forecasts and official route closures. If an activity cannot operate safely, we will always look to provide the best possible alternative that maintains the spirit of the itinerary. We will always try to reschedule activities where possible.

Depending on conditions, alternatives may include:

– Alternative official hiking trails that are open and safe to access
– Jeep safari experiences showcasing Madeira’s dramatic landscapes and viewpoints
– Additional cultural experiences and local sightseeing

For the yoga and sound bath experience, an indoor session may be arranged at the accommodation or another suitable indoor venue if weather conditions do not allow it to take place in the forest.

Can dietary requirements be catered for during the Bolo do Mel workshop?

The traditional Bolo do Mel recipe uses wheat flour, and the workshop takes place in a home kitchen where standard baking ingredients are used.

Unfortunately, the host cannot guarantee gluten-free flour or a gluten-free environment. There is also a risk of cross-contamination, including airborne flour, so this experience is not suitable for guests with coeliac disease or severe gluten allergies.

For vegan guests, the good news is that the recipe uses traditional Madeira sugar cane honey (“mel de cana”) rather than bee honey, so vegans can participate in the workshop.

If you have any specific dietary requirements, please let our Customer Experience team know before travelling so that we can inform our local partners in advance.

Will the itinerary change?

Please be aware that the itinerary, activities, and hotels are subject to change. These changes can happen with little notice due to availability, poor weather, seasonal changes, or other circumstances beyond our control – but we’ll always do our best to ensure it has little impact on your experience. From time to time, we may also make changes to your itinerary to try out new ideas and keep things fresh and exciting.