Madeira Island Walking Tour with 13 Reviews by World Expeditions

8 daysDuration

Group TourJoin a group of travelers

20 peopleMaximum group size

18 - 99 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Starts

Ends

Funchal, Portugal

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Highlights

Mild temperatures & year-round walking opportunities, even in the heart of winter

Walk along Madeira's unique ‘levadas’ system – the only place in the world

Treat yourself to a mix of 4* and smaller traditional properties in beautiful surroundings

Take in the dramatic mountains, deep valleys and rugged Atlantic coastline

Summit Pico Ruivo (1862m) - Madeira's highest peak

Admire the exotic and tropical flora

Choice in walks on several days

Admire the exotic and tropical flora

Choice in walks on several days

Itinerary

Follow the Levadas to discover the dramatic and rugged mountain scenery on the island of Madeira. Our team have devised a walking itinerary that exemplifies the best that Madeira has to offer. Traverse the terraced hillsides and follow local trails and ‘levadas’ through the peaceful, idyllic countryside and ultimately reach the island’s highest peak (Pico Ruivo, 1862 metres). Stay at a mix of 4* and smaller traditional properties in beautiful surroundings and learn more about the island through our detailed route notes.
Closer to Africa than Europe, the Portuguese island of Madeira is blessed with a mild and equable climate all year round. Volcanic in origin, Madeira’s rugged interior rises abruptly to over 1800 metres, with forests of fragrant pine, eucalyptus and laurel flanking its jagged peaks. You will find colourful flowers and trees in bloom at all times of the year but the island is ideal for a walking holiday for another reason: its elaborate network of ‘levadas’ (irrigation channels), which wind their way across gullies and steep slopes to more than 2000km/1250 miles of channels and over 40km/25 miles of tunnels.
*An extra day is recommended in the bustling little capital of Funchal so that you will have time to visit a Madeira wine lodge, explore the colourful markets and the famous botanical gardens, enjoy the superb fish restaurants or spend more time at the picturesque Monte neighbourhood. Another extra day can be requested in Santana where you can enjoy a beautiful walk along the Levada do Caldeirao Verde.

day 1Arrive 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 'Capela dos Milagres', and two forts still bear witness of the locals’ defence against the many pirate attacks on the village.
Accommodation: Stay for two nights at either a hotel by the ocean or a small residencial (guesthouse). All rooms have private facilities. Both the hotels and guesthouses have their own restaurants where you can enjoy your evening meals, and there are also several other good places to eat nearby.

day 2Machico

day 3Machico to Santo da Serra via Sao Lourenco peninsula 8km /5 miles approx 3.5h

day 4Santo da Serra

day 5Walk Santo da Serra to Ribeiro Frio, transfer to Santana 15.3 km /9.5 miles, 4.5-6h

day 6Achada do Teixeira to Queimadas via Pico Ruivo (overnight Encumeada) 9 km /5.6 miles, 4.5h

day 7Boa Morte to Cabo Girao (bus to Funchal) 10.9 km / 6.6 miles, 4 hrs

day 8Arrangements end after breakfast

What's Included

Accommodation

1 nights accommodation in a mountain pensions and 6 nights in hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilitiesTransfer from Funchal airport to first accommodation and from last accommodation back to Funchal airport

Meals

7 breakfasts, 1 dinner

Others

Luggage transferPrivate transfers day 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6Hiking fee for 6 walksDigital information pack including Navigational App, maps and route notesEmergency hotlineGPX files can be supplied upon request

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

5.0

based on 13 reviews

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What are customers saying about Bookmundi

4.67/5

Excellent based on 846 customer reviews from

Anonymous

Guillia put a great self-drive tour together for us and Susana looked after us as we travelled. (Even when we got lost) The car and accommodation was good and the guides patient and informative. Only issue we had was parking in small villages, garages, and cities. Apart from the parking we had a relaxing and enjoyable holiday, thank you.

1 week ago

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