Photo: Asurnipal ↗THE JOURNEY IN DETAIL
Coast to coast across the island.
The Madeira Island Ultra-Trail crosses the island from north-west to east: a midnight start in Porto Moniz, a climb through laurel forest to Pico Ruivo (1,862 m) and an ocean finish in Machico. Part of the World Trail Majors, with a 32-hour limit. For those not ready for 115 km there is the 85 km Advanced, the 56 km Discover and a marathon. We stay in Machico, preview the key sections and crew the aid stations.
- The midnight start by the ocean in Porto Moniz
- The Pico Ruivo to Pico do Arieiro ridge at dawn
- Tunnels and staircases through the laurel forest
- The finish on Machico seafront
With old friends or new ones
Join a group or arrange a separate departure for your own team. Before travelling, we get to know each other, discuss everyone's experience and find suitable dates. You can also prepare together.
DAY BY DAY
Your daily itinerary.
A provisional itinerary. Weather, group readiness and local conditions may change the order and length of the stages.
- DAY 1 · Transfer, walk
Arrival on Madeira
Funchal airport is ten minutes from Machico. We settle in, walk to the finish arch on the seafront and eat fish in the old harbour.
Overnight: Apartments in Machico - DAY 2 · 7 km, 500 m of climbing
The Pico do Arieiro ridge
We drive up to Pico do Arieiro (1,818 m) and run 7 km along the ridge to Pico Ruivo through tunnels and staircases. It is the most technical stretch of the race, best seen in daylight.
Overnight: Apartments in Machico - DAY 3 · 6 km, flat
Easy run and bib collection
A morning 6 km along a levada near Machico — flat, shaded. Then the race village, bibs and kit check; in the evening Ivan’s briefing on the cut-offs.
Overnight: Apartments in Machico - DAY 4 · Start at 00:00
Midnight start in Porto Moniz
Rest and a nap during the day. In the evening the bus crosses the island to Porto Moniz; at 00:00 the Legend starts on the seafront by the lava pools. The first hours climb into the mountains in the dark; Advanced runners start in the morning from São Vicente.
Overnight: Apartments in Machico (runners on course) - DAY 5 · Race, finish
Pico Ruivo and the Machico finish
The crew works the aid stations at Encumeada and Pico Ruivo, then descends to meet runners in Machico. The finish stays open until 08:00 the next morning.
Overnight: Apartments in Machico - DAY 6 · Recovery, transfer
Ocean and departure
A swim at Machico beach, a late breakfast, the award ceremony. A short transfer to the airport.
Overnight: —
Included in the estimated price
5 nights in apartments in Machico
Breakfasts and three shared dinners
Funchal airport transfers
Group car and the transfer to the Porto Moniz start
Ivan’s support at aid stations and the finish
A preview run on the Pico do Arieiro ridge with course briefing
Not included in the price
Flights to the meeting point
Personal travel insurance and visas
Personal equipment
Single-room supplements and personal expenses
MIUT entry fee
Lunches
Single supplement
YOUR PREPARATION
Arrive ready for the route.
Legend requires an 80 km-plus mountain finish and confidence on steep, wet steps; Discover works after a mountain marathon. Ivan prepares runners with stair and night sessions and pole technique for steep descents.
Prepare with IvanROUTE QUESTIONS
BEFORE WE MEET ON THE TRAIL
What to prepare in advance
- Trail shoes already tested in training
- A running vest, soft flasks and rain protection
- Layers for changing weather and familiar trail food
- Poles, if suitable for the route and you know how to use them
Once we choose a date, we agree on the equipment list, meeting point and transfer time. Please wait until the programme is confirmed before booking flights.