Madeira Fitness Adventure: CrossFit, Canyoning and Pico-to-Pico Hiking

Days start at your own pace. Breakfast is in the garden, then the group transfers out — either to Box Naval in Funchal for a coached CrossFit class or to a trailhead or canyoning start point. Workouts are tailored to each guest, so beginners and competitors train in the same session at their own level. If you're rehabbing an injury or following a specific protocol, you can work through it in the open gym area alongside the class.

Afternoons are a mix of adventure and downtime. You'll hike the PR1 Vereda do Arieiro, the ridge trail connecting two of Madeira's highest peaks, with sections above the clouds. You'll spend a morning canyoning — sliding down smooth rock chutes, rappelling through waterfalls and jumping into clear pools, with all water jumps optional and an alternative route always available. There's a cable-car trip down to Fajã dos Padres for lunch and a swim, and a walk to the Ponta do Pargo lighthouse via a local coffee roastery.

Evenings are at the farmhouse. Most nights there's optional yoga or guided stretching in the garden, then a chef-prepared dinner around a long family table, often outside. The villa has a Hobbit bar for a drink before bed. One evening ends with sunset by the pool.

What separates this from a standard fitness retreat is the setting and the guiding. Madeira packs volcanic terrain, forest, tidal pools and sea cliffs into a small island, and all outdoor activities are led by local English-speaking experts — including Fabio Castro of Madeira Adventure Kingdom on the Pico-to-Pico hike. The accommodation is a farm estate with its own organic gardens, outdoor pool and Atlantic views, not a hotel block.

The hosts are Stella Kamba, who founded More Life Adventures after retraining as a personal trainer, and Anna Rickmann, who lives in Portugal and runs yoga and surf retreats. Both host the week alongside local coaches. The company is a B Corp and runs the trip with group transfers, reduced single-use plastic and a leave-no-trace approach on trails and beaches.

What's included

- Six nights at the farm estate, with exclusive use of the house, outdoor pool and grounds - All breakfasts and dinners - All outdoor activities: Pico-to-Pico hike, canyoning, Fajã dos Padres visit and other day trips - All CrossFit classes, bodyweight classes and yoga sessions - All transfers, including group airport transfers - Madeira Retreat gift pack - Photography and video from the week

What's not included

- Lunches (at local restaurants, paid individually) - Return flights to and from Funchal - Travel insurance - Drinks - Optional massage - Private airport transfer if you can't make the group transfer