Madeira
Six days on levada trails and volcanic ridges, built for runners who already have a base and want more vert, more exposure, and more of Madeira's green than a coastal loop can give you. A small group, one coach all week, and a chef who happens to be her dad.
On the trail with you, every single day
This is your coach Lisa on a typical Madeira route. She'll guide all the running sessions throughout the week, showing you the best views while teaching you how to move safely and efficiently on the trails.
The terrain
Madeira is crisscrossed with levadas, the narrow stone-edged irrigation channels cut into the mountainside centuries ago, and the trails that follow them through laurel forest and along exposed green ridges. It's some of the most photogenic running you'll do all year, and also some of the least forgiving footing if you're not paying attention.
The week builds from easier levada walks and runs into the steeper ridgelines around the island's highest peaks, with a proper climbing day mid-week and honest exposure on a few of the ridge sections. Most days sit around 800 to 1000m of gain, in line with what we ask of an intermediate camp.
If you're comfortable running 10 to 15km with that much climbing, and don't mind a bit of mist rolling in, you're ready for this terrain.
Levada paths, laurel forest trails, volcanic ridge singletrack
Steady climbing, 800 to 1000m of gain most days
Moderate. Narrow edges, occasional exposure, wet rock near waterfalls
Cooler and wetter than the coast, mist common in the interior
The program
Six days of exploring this island rich in nature, with each run building on the last one, leaving you with an unforgettable experience.
Arrival & settle in
Fly in whenever it suits you, we handle the transfer from the airport. In the afternoon, when everyone has arrived, we do a gear check, explore the neighbourhood, and get to know each other over dinner.
First trail day
An easier levada route to find your legs and get used to the narrow paths, followed by a technique session on the stone edges so footing stops feeling foreign by the afternoon.
Building day
A longer route climbing into the ridgelines, more elevation, more exposed, bigger views than on Thursday, still well inside intermediate range. Recovery session with Fede in the afternoon.
The big day
The main event of the week, a high ridge route past Madeira's highest peaks and the longest run of the camp. This is what the rest of the week has been building toward.
Shake out & recover
A short easy run or full rest, your call. Massage with Fede, and the afternoon is yours: explore Funchal, nap, or just sitting still for once.
Wrap up
Light breakfast, a short debrief with Lisa on where to take your training next, checkout by midday.
This schedule gives you an idea of what this week can look like. Plans can shift with the weather or the wishes of the group. We aim to be flexible, but will make sure you get the maximum out of the week.
The accommodation
A private house on the sunny south coast just for our group, five nights, shared kitchen and living space, plenty of room to stretch out after a long day on the trails.
Rooms are shared, split by gender, so you'll always be sharing with people of the same gender. Want your own room instead? That's available for a surcharge, email us for more information.
What's included
Coaching, all week. Every day, Lisa guides you on the trails and gives tips and tricks to improve your running.
Accommodation. A private house for the group for five nights. Rooms are shared, see below for details.
Airport transfers. Land, and we take it from there.
All local transport. All transfers to and from trailheads or other group activities.
All meals. Cooked by Nick with local produce, adjusted for allergies and preferences if you tell us in advance.
Trail snacks. A selection of trail snacks is available to keep your strength up.
Recovery. Massage sessions with Fede built into the week.
Flights. You make your own way to Madeira Airport (Funchal).
Insurance. Make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance. We partner with IATI if you're interested.
Extra drinks or meals outside the house.
Parking fees and permits. Dealing with the trail reservation system.
Pricing
Per person, flights and insurance not included.
Book early
Valid until the end of April. Deposit secures your spot.
After early bird
Standard rate once the early bird window closes.
Bring a friend along and you'll both get €50 off.
Based on double occupancy, single supplement available on request. Deposit and balance terms go out with your booking confirmation.
Is Madeira your camp?
Intermediate
You've got some trail experience already, or plenty of hiking experience, that's OK too. You're comfortable running 10 to 15km (pace doesn't matter), on routes with more than 800m of elevation gain. That's the bar for this camp.
Want something gentler, or with even more climbing? See the other camps or check the full level guide.
What runners say
Madeira, specifically
I've got some trail experience but nothing this technical, is this a problem?
If you're comfortable running 10 to 15km on routes with more than 800m of elevation gain, no. This is our intermediate camp, the levada paths take a bit of getting used to, but Lisa builds the week so that skill comes on gradually, not on day one.
What if the pace ends up too easy or too hard for me?
That's what the six-person cap is for. Lisa adjusts each day's route and pace to the group that actually showed up, not to a plan written months in advance.
Do I need to prepare for rain or cold on Madeira?
Bring layers. The coast can be warm and sunny while the interior, where a lot of the levada running happens, sits in cloud and mist. We'll send a full kit list once you're signed up so you're not caught out.
Ready to run Madeira, 6–11 October 2027?
Spots are capped at 6 runners. Apply now to lock in your place.
