4
moderate to challenging
Activities
  • self guided walk
Accommodation
  • hotel
  • mountain lodge
Meals
  • 5 Dinners
  • 7 Breakfasts

8 Days£1290GBP

Overview

Trip Code: JWM

Undiscovered Madeira Walking Trip 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
  • Swim in the unique natural lava pools at Porto Moniz

This itinerary concentrates on the quieter north, western and central parts of Madeira. There is some great 'levada' walking involving sections of tunnels and vast views over the wild Atlantic Ocean as well as the giant cliffs and internal mountains of the island. Traverse the terraced hillsides and follow local trails and ‘levadas’ through the peaceful, idyllic countryside. A couple of major attractions are the agricultural hamlet of the Fajã da Quebrada Nova, partially deserted, but brimming with old cottages and farmsteads. Then there is the popular Porto Moniz with its natural bathing areas carved out of volcanic rock. Ultimately there is also the chance to reach the island’s highest peak (Pico Ruivo, 1862m). Stay at a mix of 4* and smaller traditional properties in beautiful surroundings.

Closer to Africa than Europe, the Portuguese island of Madeira is blessed with a mild and equable climate all year round. Volcanic in origin, there are 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.

*Extra time 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.

Countries:

Portugal

Starting Point:

Funchal

Finishing Point:

Funchal


Arrive at Funchal Airport from where an hours private transfer will take you to the quieter and less wandered western part of Madeira island. For the first three nights you will be based at a 4* property in Prazeres. This village is located in a quiet rural southwest region of Madeira, surrounded by mountains, green valleys and nature trails. You may have time to visit the Quinta Pedagogica, a garden supported by the local church with a tiny zoo, flowers, fruits, herb garden, and a teahouse. Accommodation: Stay three nights at a villa-style hotel located on a cliff top overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. All rooms have private facilities, a terrace with sea view and a small kitchen. There are an informal restaurant, a bar, indoor & outdoor pool, gym, tennis court, and a sauna. Picnic supplies can be bought at the small shop.

Meals:  D

The longer walk is a circuit from Prazeres via Paul do Mar and Faja da Ovelha and back to Prazeres. We start this magnificent hike between the sea and mountain landscapes. You will be walking on part of the Caminho Real that winds its way along the cliffside to the fishing village of Paul do Mar. Paved with some small steps, the Caminho Real was an important historical trading route. People often travelled with heavy loads on their backs. However, it was the only alternative to the sea connection, which was too expensive for many and unavailable anyway when the sea was rough. After climbing back up to the top of the cliff to the village of Faja da Ovelha, the path winds through valleys and mountains with magnificent views of the Atlantic. In Raposeira, you will meet the Levada Nova which will take you back to Prazeres. The shorter walk is via Raposeira, about two thirds the length of the full circuit. Ascent 380-720m / descent 370-710m. Today brings very pleasant walking, there is a big ascent and descent on both walks, but at least for most of the day walking by the Levada sections is very flat.

Meals:  B,D

This morning you have an included transfer over to Estreito da Calheta. The walking route explores parts of the Levada Nova da Calheta. On the way you’ll find large planted trees such as Pines and Eucalyptus, as well as housing and farm land. Along this route you cross many streams and tributaries such as Ribeiras da Calheta, Marinheiros, Moinhos, Seca, Funda and many more. In the more humid corners of the levada it is possible to find the original island species belonging to the Laurel Forest, like Canary Laurels and the endemic Bay Trees. You pass through farmland where the main regional vegetables grown are potatoes, sweet potatoes and green beans. Fruits also flourish here, such as fig, papaya, lemon and apple trees. Ascent 340m / descent 460m.

Meals:  B,D

The day starts with a 35min drive to Achadas da Cruz in the far northwest of Madeira where the seascapes are wild and there are imposing rugged green hills which define the shade of the landscape. If you want to avoid the initial steep descent, there is an optional cable car down to the small beach and farmlands of the Fajã da Quebrada Nova. The cable way is an essential aid in transporting farmers and their harvests (one of the main reasons why it was created). The hamlet has quite a few abandoned farmsteads, which have just become too uneconomical, too difficult to run and is unique on the island. From the coast the path ascends steeply again inland, cutting off a headland and passing through the village of Santa where you can stop for refreshments. Suddenly you start descending again with fantastic views from points like Miradouro da Pedra Mole. Arrive in Porto Moniz with its famous natural volcanic rock pools. Ascent 630m / descent 1,060m Accommodation: on Madeira's north coast, spend the next two nights in a 4* hotel in Porto Moniz with stunning views over the ocean and the natural pools. If this is not available, you will be transferred to a simple, welcoming hotel in Sao Vicente for the next two nights.

Meals:  B

In the morning you will be taken to the start of the Levada da Ribeira da Janela at Lamaceiros. This is a particularly undulating route finishing with a steep descent down to Porto Moniz. The Ribeira da Janela levada is one of the most famous levadas in the northwest of the island, known for its 7 tunnel. Please bring a headtorch, the tunnels are sometimes a bit low and require some caution. The walk starts along the river bed that feeds into the levada and soon you are immerged in the tropical vegetation with stunning views on the Ribeira da Janela. We recommend walking to the first or second tunnel to allow enough time to return. You come back the same way, poping out above Porto Moniz at the Miradouro da Lagoa Lamaceiros viewpoint before descending back into the town. Ascent 510m / descent 880m

Meals:  B

The trail today offers a mix of breathtaking views and challenging terrain. Starting from the Bica da Cana viewpoint (one of the island's most popular and most photographed), where the morning sun illuminates the surrounding peaks and valleys, the first part of the hike follows a winding road with stunning views on the ocean through the Laurissilva vegetation. On reaching the Levada do Norte, you follow the traditional irrigation channel, which offers a picturesque and relatively flat route taking you deeper into the lush forest, with its rich biodiversity and vibrant greenery. The trail is relatively gentle, punctuated by numerous impressive waterfalls. This portion of the PR17 trail showcases Madeira's stunning diversity in landscape and atmosphere, making it a truly memorable hiking experience. The path is well maintained but can be narrow and rocky in places, so it's important to be careful where you step. Ascent 270m / descent 1,000m A harder option for today is a more challenging walk from Sao Vicente up to Encumeada. (optional challenging walk 12.4km / miles, 5.5h with 1,050m ascent / 250m descent) Accommodation: for your last two nights you will stay at a simple mountain pension. Although of a more basic standard than your previous nights in Madeira, it is a welcoming destination after a 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.

Meals:  B,D

Don't underestimate the grading of one of Madeira's most popular paths today. An early morning transfer will take you in just over 1 hour to Pico do Arieiro. The walk crosses up to the high spine of the island, part of the ancient eroded volcanic walls. You ascend to Pico Ruivo, at 1862m the highest point on Madiera, before a heavily undulating route through giant heathers and trees. It's a remarkable landscape with some areas charred by decades of forest fires, whereas adjacent areas can be unaffected. The tiring day returns via the road pass at Encumeada where you could have some refreshments before descending the road to the hotel. Ascent 670m / descent 1,630m You have a choice of two other options today, hike from Achada do Teixeira to Encumeada (incl. Pico Ruivo; 1h10min driving, 14.3km / 8.9 miles, 6h10min) or hike from Pico Cedro to Pico Alto (13km / 8.1 miles, 4h30), which does not include Pico Ruivo but reach the top of three peaks that rise above 1700 metres (Pico do Cedro, Curral Martinho and Pico do Arieiro) and offers impressive panoramic views. Sometimes path closures may dictate what walk is taken today.

Meals:  B,D

After breakfast, a transfer to the airport is included in your trip price and takes approx. 45 minutes. 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, 5 dinners
  • 2 nights accommodation in pension, 5 nights in 4* hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities
  • Transfer from Funchal airport to first accommodation and from last accommodation back to Funchal airport
  • Luggage transfer
  • Vehicle transfers day 3, 4, 5, 6 & 7
  • Information pack, incl. route notes & map
  • Navigational App
  • GPS files available on request
  • Emergency hotline

  • 2 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.
  • Excess Luggage
  • 3€/person entrance fee per walk

Suitability

moderate to challenging

4

We grade the tour as 'Moderate to challenging' (grade 4). 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) and it is necessary for those days to be experienced with compass and map. Short sections of some walks may be loose and slippery underfoot and a head for heights is an advantage on quite a few occasions. On any day you can if you prefer opt out of the walking and travel with the baggage if changing accommodations that day. Day Stages: 10-17km per day, with ascents and descents of up to 1600m, and 3.5 - 7 hours walking per day.


Departure dates

Daily

Notes

H
High Season
NB:
High Season is 1 May - 31 Oct, a supplement applies for travel during high season.
NB:
If trails are closed for maintenance alternative walks will be supplied.
NB:
A supplement or minimum stay may apply when travelling during the Christmas and New Year period.

Priceper person from

£1290GBP

Options & Supplements*
  • Single SupplementGBP£210
  • Solo Traveller SupplementGBP£660
*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 add extra time in Funchal.

Very easy! You will be transferred to the first hotel in Prazeres (west Madeira) and from the last mountain accommodation in Encumeada back to Funchal airport.

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


Undiscovered Madeira 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.

Great Value & Quality

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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