4
moderate to challenging
Activities
  • guided walk
Accommodation
  • 4 nights in hotel
  • 3 nights in pensions (more basic hotels)
Meals
  • 2 Dinners
  • 1 Lunch
  • 7 Breakfasts

8 Days£1360GBP

Overview

Trip Code: EMG

Madeira Guided Walking Trip highlights


  • Walk along Madeira's unique ‘levadas’ system – the only place in the world
  • Summit Pico Ruivo (1862m) - Madeira's highest peak
  • Spend time at the stunning lava pools at Porto Moniz
  • Walk between Fanal's 'Witch Trees'
  • Take in the dramatic mountains, deep valleys and rugged Atlantic coastline
  • Mild temperatures & year-round walking opportunities, even in the heart of winter
  • Walk in the company of likeminded international hikers
  • Admire the exotic and tropical flora
  • Experienced mountain leader
  • Reach the summit of Bica da Cana; one of Madeira's most photographed viewpoints

This is a guided walking itinerary that exemplifies some of best hikes that Madeira has to offer, with classic walks at various points across the island. Based from attractive small hotels, there are several transfers made with your guide to optimise the time you spend on the trails. The island has an elaborate network of ‘levadas’ (irrigation channels), some dating back to the 17th Century, which wind their way across gullies and steep slopes. There are more than 2000km/1250 miles of channels and over 40km/25 miles of tunnels. You traverse the terraced hillsides and follow local trails and ‘levadas’ through the peaceful, idyllic countryside and even reach the island’s highest peak (Pico Ruivo, 1862 metres).

Closer to Africa than Europe, this Portuguese island 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 semi tropical Lauriselva vegetation is famed for generating its own rainfall.

Please bear in mind Madeiran trails can have drops on one side, cliffs and tunnels and can be wet and slippery and care and good mountain footwear is always needed.

Countries:

Portugal

Starting Point:

Funchal

Finishing Point:

Funchal


On arrival at Funchal airport, a short transfer is included to the village of Santa Cruz on the east coast. At the beginning of the evening you will have a meet & greet with your guide and the rest of the group. The guide will go through the details for the week. Accommodation: Stay two nights at a small ‘residencial’ (pension) in the town of Santa Cruz a 5 minute drive from the airport. All rooms have private facilities. There is a beautiful historical church. Crossing the road you will get to ‘’Praia das Palmeiras’’, a pebble beach and you can enjoy a lovely walk through the promenade, flanked by palm trees and by the sea.

Meals:  Nil

After breakfast we embark on our first walk. It will take you along the stunning coast of Madeira. We begin the day with a short transfer to the start of the Levada de Canical, near the town of Machico which you will soon leave to climb to the Boca de Risco pass (300m). From there a cliff hugging coastal path takes you along ome of the the wildest stretches of coastline in Madeira, along the Espigao Amarelo, an exposed cliff side path which descends to the village of Larano (200m). There is some subjective exposure on this walk, although there is fencing beside the most exposed areas. There are fantastic cliff views towards the north west. From Larano we continue to walk down path and road to the small resort of Porto da Cruz, famous for its 'Engenho do Norte' sugar cane mill and rum distillery, and then transfer by road back to Santa Cruz. If the group is not up for it or the weather doesn't allow (very windy conditions can make the cliffs unsafe), there is a shorter alternative.

Meals:  B

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 40 minute road transfer 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 continue along a high ridge, which forms the backbone of the island, with fabulous views either side (weather permitting). This is the classic walk of the island. It is a strenuous but very rewarding walk and the hardest day of this tour. There are more ‘downs’ than ‘ups’ 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 mountain 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. *Today's route does need reasonable weather conditions. If the weather outlook is poor or the path is closed we will propose an alternative walk.

Meals:  B,D

We climb from the mountain resort at Encumeada and take a winding route with amazing views through the Laurissilva vegetation, along the Caminho do Pináculo e Folhadal. There can be some wet areas today: we will pass a number of impressive waterfalls as we follow the levada do Norte (take a torch for the tunnels). Finally we reach the summit of Bica da Cana one of the most popular (and photographed) viewpoints on the island at 1580 metres. There is a unique view over the São Vicente valley, where the shades of green of the Laurissilva forest are predominant. From here, our bus and driver, familiar friends by now, pick us up to visit the stunning natural lava pools at Porto Moniz (admission excluded). Spend some time in the afternoon before we leave for Boa Ventura. Accommodation: the last 4 nights are spent near Sao Vicente on the northwest coast of Madeira in the village of Boa Ventura. Our normal hotel is a beautiful former manor house carefully refurbished, but retaining many of the original features of a rural Madeiran 'Quinta'. It is close to the Laurissilva Forest in its purest state, where you can enjoy breath-taking and unparalleled scenery. There are Living Rooms, a Museum consisting of traditional Madeiran artefacts, Billiards, Bar, Restaurant, Terraces, Gardens, and miniature golf.

Meals:  B,L

After a 25 minute transfer we walk up steeply from the sleepy village of Ilha onto the ‘levada Caldeirao Verde’ at around 880 metres and into the lush Laurissilva vegetation. Doing this walk will involve a couple of long tunnels, take a torch and watch your head. It is also a popular route so there will be quite a bit of people passing, due to our short transfer in the morning we'll be one of the firsts on the trail. On the way we may do a dog leg out to a beautiful waterfall at the ‘Caldeirao Verde’, the caldera is a cove type feature and there are great potential views over the forested peaks of the ridge of ‘Lomba dos passegueiros’. We finally walk out to the cafe and thatched cottage at Queimadas. From there you are transferred back to Boa Ventura. *Those that prefer, may wish to opt for a free day spend by the lava pools in Porto Moniz.

Meals:  B

A morning transfer takes us to the start of the Levada dos Cedros. We follow this Levada up to Fanal. Here you will find a centuries-old Til (Ocotea foetens) forest, some of which was here when the island was discovered. The Levada dos Cedros is one of the oldest levadas in Madeira. Built in the 17th century, it starts in the water outcrops of Lombo do Cedro, at an altitude of 1000 metres. It is excavated in the soil of the hillside, and is only paved in areas where the soil is more friable. There are some ancient 30-40 metre high trees on the way that are known as 'Witches Trees'. It is an intermediate walk that does involve a steep climb of about 500m through Laurisilva forest. We will stay at this level for a circular walk appreciating the views from this plateau at Parque Florestal. At the end of the walk, transfer back to the hotel in Boa Ventura.

Meals:  B

Today you will be transferred to Lombo do Urzal to find the start of the Levada dos Tornos. Via the Faja do Penedo chapel, this levada takes us all the way back down to our accommodation in Boaventura. A spectacular route through the hills and valleys that connect the towns of Faja do Penedo, and Lombo do Urzal. This Levada is a fascinating tour along the paths that break through the green mountains with breathtaking views of the small rural towns in the region. This evening we bid farewell to our guide and group with a communal dinner at the hotel.

Meals:  B,D

After breakfast, a transfer to the airport is organised and takes approximately one hour. If it is your first time to Madeira, we advise you to spend some time in the charming capital Funchal. Please check below 'Options & Supplements' for a package that includes 2 overnights and an airport transfer in the low season, prices per person. Speak to our team for further details.

Meals:  B


Inclusions

  • 7 breakfasts, 2 dinners, 1 packed lunch
  • 5 nights accommodation in 3* hotels, 2 nights in a small hotel / Pension
  • English speaking local mountain guide
  • Transfer from Funchal airport to first accommodation and from last accommodation back to Funchal airport.
  • Luggage transfer
  • Private vehicle transfers on all days
  • Emergency hotline

  • 5 dinners, 5 lunches & beverages
  • Entrance fees
  • Travel insurance
  • Travel to Funchal (and back at the end of the tour)
  • Personal expenses such as laundry and sim card
  • Unscheduled transfers required during the trip
  • A supplement will apply if you book a single room
  • A tourist tax maybe requested from your accommodation that you pay to them directly
  • Excesss Luggage

Suitability

moderate to challenging

4

We grade the tour as 'Moderate to challenging' - 3 of the walks are moderate and 3 are slightly more challenging. We do not recommend this trip if you suffer from vertigo or balance issues. As far as fitness goes the walks should present no difficulties for anyone in reasonable condition and accustomed to walking in hilly areas. When walking in the high mountains you may encounter mist (low cloud), short sections of some walks may be loose and slippery underfoot and a head for heights is an advantage on quite a few occasions. There are dark tunnel sections and you need to watch your head etc. On any day you can if you prefer opt out of the walking and travel with the baggage. Day Stages: 10-15km per day, with ascents of up to 1000m, descents of up to 1320m. 4 to 6.5 hours walking per day.


Departure dates


Notes

H
High Season
NB:
High Season is from May - Oct, a supplement applies for high season departures.
NB:
A supplement or minimum stay may apply when travelling during the Christmas and New Year period.
NB:
Due to a landslip, the Levada do Furado is currently closed. If trails are closed for maintenance alternative walks will be supplied.

Priceper person from

£1360GBP

Options & Supplements*
  • Single SupplementGBP£220
*Prices listed are per person

Frequently Asked Questions

To enjoy your walking holiday in Madeira, reasonably good cardio fitness and the ability to walk up and down some steep slopes in warm conditions will be needed.

Vertigo will be an issue for severe and moderate sufferers. Some of the trails are quite narrow along or on the side of the levadas (irrigation channels) and there are some drops, usually on one side. Some walks go through tunnels where you may get wet feet.

Definitely, we would recommend to plan extra time in Funchal, it's such a charming place.

Very easy! You will be transferred to the first hotel in Machico and from the last hotel in Boaventura back to the airport.

Wet weather can occur any time of year, but especially in the spring. Trails can be closed at short notice due to landslips, in which case our guide will do their best to find an exciting alternative route for you and change the programme slightly.

The minimum number of hikers on the Madeira guided walking holiday is 4 and the maximum group size is 12.


Madeira Guided Walking Trip reviews


Why travel with us

Personal Experience

We've been walking and cycling the planet for over four decades and are passionate about delivering exceptional service. Combined, we’ve travelled to virtually every corner of Europe, and are eager to share the many benefits of travelling on foot or by bike.

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Our well priced trips offer great value for money. Included in your package are comprehensive route notes, maps & guide books along with bag transfers and locally run accommodation. We take the stress out of organising your holiday.

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We have been operating active self guided holidays since 1973. We handle all the necessary logistics so that you can relax and explore your destination at your own pace. Many of our tours depart daily, giving you even greater flexibility.

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