Madeira Island Walking

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 'Capela dos Milagres', and two forts still bear witness of the locals’ defence against the many pirate attacks on the village.

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.

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.

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, today'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 ‘Valley of Paradise’. You reach Camacha (700m), from where you will be transferred back to Santo da Serra.

Today you follow the Levada do Furado up into the wild, forested hills of the Madeira Natural Park. With magnificent views at a number of points, the levada threads its way along the hillsides covered with Laurisilva vegetation and the water is very pure. Today’s levada is a whole lot more dramatic and challenging than anything on the previous walks; with narrower paths and uneven going underfoot. At Ribeiro Frio (Cold Stream, 850m above the sea) you are met and transferred to Santana, a village set, 400m/1300 feet above the north coast (transfer included in tour price). Overnight in Santana. This village, perched on a shelf high above the north coast, is known for its traditional architecture.You will be driven to Santana this afternoon for the next part of your holiday.

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 to the Pico Ruivo Shelter House (1700m), near the highest summit in Madeira. There are more ‘downs’ than ‘ups’ and you eventually descend to Ilha from where you will be transferred to your hotel in Encumeada. This is challenging descent and only suitable for those that are in excellent fitness (we give this walk a Grade 4).

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 (Campanário and Quinta Grande) to finish at the amazing viewpoint of Cabo Girão,

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