Madeira: The Flower Island

Upon arrival, you'll be picked up for your very short transfer to Santa Cruz, which is located on the east coast of the island. Santa Cruz is the vibrant capital city of Madeira right on the coast and is known for its beautiful pebble beach, Praia das Palmeiras.

Today’s walk takes in the beautiful Sao Lourenco Peninsula, a dry and sunny corner of Madeira, which contrasts with the lushness of the rest of the island. You will be transferred to Canical after breakfast where you will begin the walk. Today is a fantastic introduction to Madeira, with stunning seascapes and views to the north and south, including the Ilhas Desertas (Deserted Islands).

This is also a great place for bird watching, as many species pass through on their migratory routes. A private transfer will pick you up at the end of the day and transfer you back to your hotel in Santa Cruz. 

Ascent/Descent: 475m/475m

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the Levada Canica. Follow the levada along the wild, rugged northern coast to Porto da Cruz, a relaxed and charming village that produces an excellent dry red wine ‘Seco Americano’.  

At the end of the walk, a taxi transfer is arranged to take you to Santana, a lovely village, characterised by its small thatched triangular houses, called "palheiros".

For this walk, 2 options are available. Option 2 starts in Machico town center. The trail reaches the standard walk starting point, at 3.18km.

Option 1 Ascent/Descent: 225m/420m

Option 2 Ascent/Descent: 425m/425m

After breakfast a private transfer brings you to Pico das Pedras, from where you embark on your enchanting walk following trails through the lush emerald green paradise of Madeira's interior. Then arrive at the "Green Cauldron", which is split by a dramatic waterfall. Upon reaching Ilha, you meet your taxi transfer back to your hotel in Santana, where you can look forward to a relaxing evening.

Ascent/Descent: 133m/642m

Alternatively, you can start the walk in Ilha and walk to Pico das Pedras, to avoid the long descent.

Alternative Walk Ascent/Descent: 538m/133m

Begin with a private transfer to Bica da Cana, leaving behind Santana and its fairytale cottages for the desert plateau of Paul da Serra, in the centre of the island. Whilst walking on the Levada do Norte you can enjoy impressive views over the Sao Vicente Valley, walking past cultivated terraces.

Dont forget to bring your head torch today as you have negotiate your way through numerous tunnels to reach the Encumeada pass. It is here that you will find the Hotel Encumeada, nestled on the slopes of the Ribeira Brava Valley.

Ascent/Descent: 155m/900m

From the Residencial Encumeada, a short steep climb leads you to the first track of the day, which is gently undulating. This walk crosses beneath the Pico Grande and through a valley, which, until the 1950s was completely isolated. Eventually the path descends rapidly in a series of hair pin bends and ending in the hamlet of Faja Escura. From here a taxi transfer takes you to your accommodation in Funchal.

Ascent/Descent: 700m/900m

There is the option to climb to Pico Grande. A reasonable level of fitness is required, as well as a head for heights. This involves an extra 350m of elevation and descent.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Due to works on the Hydraulic Station of Serra de Água the standard walk above is currently closed until April 2024. You can do an alternative 6.7km walk, a scenic ancient trail that joins the standard walk at Relvinha Pass, facing Madeira's highest mountains range. A steep descent slides down to the first houses of Fajã Escura. A transfer will be arranged to take you to the start of this walk locally. 

Alternative Walk Ascent/Descent: 170m/730m

A transfer brings you to the edge of the village of Boa Morte, where you once again join the Levada do Norte as it winds its way through eucalyptus, sweet chestnut and pine trees, above the cultivated fields of the alluvial plain. The sights and sounds of village life greet you from below as you pass high above the villages of Corugeria, Campanario and Quinto Grande.

Finally, after traversing a short tunnel (there is an option to avoid this tunnel if you wish), you work your way up to Cabo Girao with its spectacular cliffs and after taking in the views, you have the option of continuing down the steep valley sides to the quaint fishing village of Camara do Lobos, where you can enjoy a beer or a coffee in one of the many harbour side cafes, before returning to Funchal.

Ascent/Descent: 60m/610m

An included transfer to Funchal Airport is included today and from here you can take your onward flights.