8 days tour

Madeira Island Walking

Madeira Island Walking

This tour includes:

Others

Information pack including route notes, GPX files & maps Emergency hotline

Accommodation

4 nights accommodation in pensions & guesthouses & 3 nights in 4 star hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities Transfer from Funchal airport to first accommodation and from last accommodation back to Funchal airport. Hotels described are our usual choice of accommodation, however if these are not available then alternatives are used and if these are of a different standard you will be informed at the time of booking. Baths: All the accommodation has ensuite bathrooms. Private facilities will include a shower more often than a bath.

Meals

7 breakfasts, 3 dinners

Transport

Luggage transfer Vehicle transfers day 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6

Not included:

Guide

This is a self-guided tour.

Optional

Other activities and services are not included.

Others

4 dinners, all lunches & beverages Entrance fees Travel insurance Travel to Funchal (and back at the end of the tour) Personal expenses such as laundry and phone calls Unscheduled transfers required during the trip A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room Guide - this is a self guided holiday A tourist tax maybe requested from your accommodation that you pay to them directly. Excesss Luggage Bring a good torch for levada walking as there are quite a few tunnels

Insurance

Insurance is not included.

Flights

Flights are not included.

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Madeira Island Walking

  • Day 1 Day 1: Arrive Madeira
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 1: Arrive Madeira

      On arrival at Funchal airport, a short taxi transfer is included to Machico on the east coast. Machico was the landing point when the island was discovered. This peculiar corner of the island boasts the oldest church, the โ€™Capela dos Milagresโ€™, and two forts still bear witness of the localsโ€™ defence against the many pirate attacks on the village. Accommodation: Stay two nights at one of two small โ€˜residencialโ€™ (pension). All rooms have private facilities. The pensions have their own restaurant, where you can enjoy the evening meals. There are also good other places to eat.

  • Day 2 Day 2: Machico: Walk To Porto Da Cruz 12.2 Km /7.5 Miles, 3.5H - Or Marocos 12.2 Km /7.5 Miles, 3H
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 2: Machico: Walk To Porto Da Cruz 12.2 Km /7.5 Miles, 3.5H - Or Marocos 12.2 Km /7.5 Miles, 3H

      After breakfast you have a choice of two walks. Option 1: This is for walkers with a head for heights and in reasonable weather without high winds. Taxi or walk to the start of the Levada de Canical, which you will soon leave to climb to the Boca de Risco pass (300m). From there a cliff hugging coastal path takes you along the wildest stretch of coastline in Madeira, round the Espigao Amarelo, an exposed path with large drop below and down to Larano (200m). From Larano walk down road to Porto da Cruz and transfer by road (included in tour price) back to Machico. Option 2: A shorter option that can be done in adverse weather. Taxi or walk to the start of the Levada de Canical. You can follow this to its source near Ribeira de Machico/Marocos and transfer (included) back to your hotel in Machico in the afternoon. This levada was built in relatively recent times and is easy to follow. Both walks can be extended by 4.4km, 1.5 hours and over 300 metres of ascent by walking from Machico up to the viewpoint of Pico de Facho (322m) and then down to the start of the levada (irrigation channel) by the Canical Tunnel.

  • Day 3 Day 3: Machico To Santo Da Serra Via Sao Lourenco Peninsula 9.12Km /5.7 Miles, 3.5H
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 3: Machico To Santo Da Serra Via Sao Lourenco Peninsula 9.12Km /5.7 Miles, 3.5H

      A circular coastal walk around the Sao Lourenco peninsula, on the eastern point of Madeira island. This is different to any other walk during your week in Madeira, taking a trek through the volcanic remains, which are now a nature reserve. There are spectacular cliff views and wonderful flowers. Accommodation: Overnight in Santo da Serra, a village situated on a broad ridge at 650m above sea level. Two nights in a charming hotel, located near the village centre. All rooms have en-suite facilities. The hotel has its own restaurant and an attractive large garden. *Todayโ€™s walk includes transfers to the start and from the end.

  • Day 4 Day 4: Santo Da Serra: Monte To Camacha 14.9Km /9.25 Miles, 4H45
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 4: Santo Da Serra: Monte To Camacha 14.9Km /9.25 Miles, 4H45

      Transfer to Monte (included), at 550m high in the hills above Funchal. You have time to visit the tropical gardens and palace, and even take the wicker sledge ride down the road a couple of km. However, todayโ€™s walk is one of those Madieran classics, starting at the top station of the cable car that comes up from Funchal. This is at the northeast corner of the Tropical Garden. You will follow the Levada dos Tornos and then climb up the hillside to follow the Levada da Serra. This levada contours at a higher level (about 750m) around the head of the โ€˜Valley of Paradiseโ€™. You reach Camacha (700m), from where you will be transferred back to Santo da Serra.

  • Day 5 Day 5: Walk Camacha To Santo Da Serra, Transfer To Santana 16 Km /10 Miles, 5-6H
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 5: Walk Camacha To Santo Da Serra, Transfer To Santana 16 Km /10 Miles, 5-6H

      This morning you will be driven to the start of todayโ€™s walk in Camacha for a day of mostly levada walking back to the hotel in Santo da Serra. As you follow the Levada dos Tornos, there are many good views towards the coast and some dramatic, steep-sided valleys to traverse. The route includes a number of tunnels for which a torch (flashlight) is required, however none of the tunnels are very long (you can see the exit from the entrance of all the tunnels that you walk through). The levada altitude is approx. 620m and you are walking downhill with the flow of water. You will pass through a mix of cultivated land, small villages, hamlets and woodlands of eucalyptus, mimosas, pine and chestnut. There are some short steep ascents at the end of the day to Santo de Serra on tarmac roads with little or no traffic. You will be driven to Santana this afternoon for the next part of your holiday. Accommodation: Stay at a 4* pension. Rooms have hair dryer, cable TV, double-glazing and balcony, with views over the fields and countryside. General facilities include a small indoor pool, sauna etc. The hotel has a popular restaurant and offers traditional island fayre. *Request with us an extra day & night in Santana in order to walk the levada from Queimadas to Ilha via Caldeirao Verde, another beautiful walk!

  • Day 6 Day 6: Achada Do Teixeira To Encumeada, Incl. Pico Ruivo 16 Km /10 Miles, 6H
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 6: Achada Do Teixeira To Encumeada, Incl. Pico Ruivo 16 Km /10 Miles, 6H

      Time to head up into the high mountains for a spectacular walk along the highest ridge in the centre of the island. The walk starts with a road transfer (included) up to Achado do Teixeira (1592m), from where it is about an hours walk up to the summit of Pico Ruivo (1862m), the highest summit in Madeira. From there you can continue along a high ridge, which forms the backbone of the island, with fabulous views either side (weather permitting). This is a strenuous but very rewarding walk and the hardest day of this tour. There are more โ€˜downsโ€™ than โ€˜upsโ€™ and you eventually descend to Encumeada (1007m), a high road pass and cafe. From here it is a short road walk down below the pass to your hotel. Accommodation: Our 3* pension is a welcoming destination after a long day in the hills. All rooms have en-suite facilities, balcony with mountain or valley views, TV, and phone. The public lounge has a fireplace. The restaurant and bar are in traditional rustic style. There is an outside drinks terrace. The natural setting of the hotel among the forest and peaks is quite outstanding. *Todayโ€™s route does need reasonable weather conditions. If the weather outlook is poor or the path is closed you can ride with your baggage from Santana to Encumeada for an alternative walk, to Ginjas (13 km/8 miles, 3.5 h bus or taxi back to Encumeada not included).

  • Day 7 Day 7: Boa Morte To Cabo Girao (Bus To Funchal) 12 Km /7 Miles, 4 Hrs
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 7: Boa Morte To Cabo Girao (Bus To Funchal) 12 Km /7 Miles, 4 Hrs

      Today you will be transferred from Encumeada to Boa Morte and the Levada do Norte as it contours around the mountainside, crossing two tiny farmlng areas (Campanรกrio and Quinta Grande) to finish at the amazing viewpoint of Cabo Girรฃo, Accommodation: We use a 4-star hotel which is located from the centre of Funchal. The hotel has fully equipped rooms, with TV. It also has a good restaurant, swimming pools, a small fitness room, etc.

  • Day 8 Day 8: Arrangements End After Breakfast
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 8: Arrangements End After Breakfast

      After breakfast, a transfer to the airport is included in your trip price and takes approx. 30 minutes.

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Experience Style

Experience Style

Mixed

There will be challenging activities such as hiking, biking, canyoning and trekking, but youโ€™re also going to have other means of transportation and relaxed moments to just chill.

Accomodation level

Accomodation level

Medium

This accommodation includes essential services like a hot shower, electricity, and a nice and comfy bed.

Experience Type

Experience Type

Small Group

Youโ€™ll be accompanied by a small group of travelers just like you.

Physical Rating

Physical Rating

Average

There are several physical activities that last from 2 to 6 hours in easy terrains, low altitude flats, or water experiences. Please ask if youโ€™re not sure this applies to you.

Age range

Age range

Min: 2 / Max: 99

Age range allowed for this experience.

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