DAY 1
Arrive in Madeira
Funchal is the only international airport on the island, so when you land here, on it’s stilted runway over the sea, you will be collected by our local representative and driven out to Machico on the east of the island.
Machico is a tranquil and historical town where the discoverers of Madeira first landed. With its ancient forts, beautiful beach and whitewashed houses, it is an idyllic retreat from which to start your trip.
The community thrives on fishing and agriculture, so you can be sure of some delicious fresh produce when you dine out in one of the excellent restaurants at night.
Overnight: Machico - White Waters
DAY 2
Sao Lourenco Peninsula—8 km
A nice short walking day to start you off, which takes you out onto the Sao Lourenco Peninsula. Not a levada walk today, but one with stunning views of the North and South of the Island.
The peninsula also betrays its volcanic roots with large lava boulders scattering the barren landscape and some bright mineral colours shining out from the cliffs.
There is some steep ascents with loose rock underfoot, so though you will be enjoying the scenery it is wise to check your footing on these sections.
Overnight: Machico - White Waters
DAY 3
Levada Canical—13 km
A transfer after breakfast takes you to the start of the Levada Canical . This levada takes you up around Machico, giving you some wonderful views down into the town. You then walk along the wild, rugged North Coast to Porto da Cruz.
Porto da Cruz gives off the feeling that life slowed to a stop here a long time ago. A beautiful, relaxed retreat from the modern world where you can visit an old sugar cane factory that has not changed since 1927.
Vinho Seco Americano, a dry red wine that is produced locally and can be enjoyed to relax you into the slow pace of this lovely village.
Overnight: Porto da Cruz - Quinta da Capela
DAY 4
Levaca do Castelejo—9km
Today, the scenery begins to change as you are now walking with views over the mountains of the interior, rather than the coast. The unique plant life of the island begins to shine today as you walk through the wilderness of Ribeira Frio with its limpid pools, mimosas and fine leaved laurels.
Overnight: Porto da Cruz - Quinta da Capela
DAY 5
Levada do Caldeiro Verde—18 km
Today is an enchanting walk through the lush emerald green paradise of the ‘Green Cauldron.’ On a levada that cuts tunnels through the mountain you will get to see the beautiful mossy landscapes of Madeira’s most popular trail.
Walking out into the remote area of the Caldeiro Verde is an experience not to be missed and definitely make sure your camera batteries are charged today. After the tunnels and levada walking comes the Cauldron itself, split and formed bay a dramatic, pencil straight waterfall.
Overnight: Santana - Hotel o Colmo
DAY 6
Walking around Santana—10 km
Today you spend the day in and around the lovely town of Santana. There are plenty of attractions here, most noticeably the Palheiros, traditional triangular houses, that remain here.
There is also a Madeiran Theme Park, which gives you a great history of the island, but the town is surrounded by tons of amazing walking. Here you will have your choice of the best walks in the area through the UNESCO world heritage forests that surround the town.
Overnight: Santana - Hotel o Colmo
DAY 7
High Plateau Walking—14 km
Today sees you collected from your hotel after breakfast and transferred up to the Madeiran High Plateau. From here you will spend your day crossing the mountains, though there is no actual climbing, the route is quite undulating today.
Needless to say, the views are absolutely spectacular as you walk down to your resting place in Paul de Serra.
Overnight:Paul da Serra - Hotel Pico da Urze
DAY 8
25 Fontes Walk—13km
From your accommodation, today you will walk down to Rabacal, for the spectacular 25 Fontes Walk. The levada that you walk beside today rises high above you at points, sending cooling drips of water down to refresh you from the tropical climate.
You continue along the side of this ageing levada into the heart of this age-old tropical forest, where eventually you reach your goal, where 25 waterfalls combine to plummet to the ground in front of you.
Overnight:Paul da Serra - Hotel Pico da Urze
DAY 9
Levada Calheta—Ponta do Pargo—15km
Today is a lovely botanical journey, along a levada littered with Agapanthus and Hydrangeas. You will walk in the shade of Eucalyptus and Pine past banks of sweet smelling lilies.
Though gorgeous all year round, the closer to summer you can walk, the better as the colours of the flora erupt to their fullest.
Overnight:Arco da Calheta/Funchal - Estalagem Engenho Velho
DAY 10
Exploring the Coast—13km
Today you have a variety of options. You can take it easy and explore the little town of Calheta with its rum distillery and its gallery, perched high above the town.
Alternatively you can take a taxi along the coast to explore some great coastal walks that we have outlined for you.
The third option is to take last night and tonight's accommodation in Funchal, rather than Arco da Calheta. This gives you a chance to explore the cosmopolitan capital of the island.
Overnight:Arco da Calheta/Funchal - Estalagem Engenho Velho
DAY 11
Depart Funchal
You will be collected from your accommodation and transferred to Funchal airport for your departure.
Optional Nights Funchal
The capital of Madeira is a lovely place to stay and has many attractions making it worth spending a few days here. You can opt to transfer your last two nights of the trip to Funchal, but I would recommend booking a few extra nights here, which we are more than happy to book for you. The two main hotels we use are the Hotel Orquidea and Hotel Windsor
Additional Nights and Extensions
You can add additional nights at any point along the walk.
Tailor Made Holidays
We are always more than happy to tailor our standard itineraries to suit. Just let us know what you would like and we will be happy to arrange your tailor made holiday.
Grade & Fitness
This walking tour is graded Moderate. The walks are along levadas and along uneven footpaths and coastal paths. There is a lot of climbing on the trip as the island is fairly mountainous, but rarely are you walking over 10 miles a day.
Navigation
Some of the walks on this trip are way marked but many are not and you will need to follow the route notes and maps supplied.
Accommodation
The accommodation on this walk is a combination of charming family run three star hotels. All offer a warm welcome to walkers, traditional hospitality and an authentic experience. You can find the websites of the hotels we use on the Itinerary Page of our website.
Single Rooms
If you require single rooms within your party we would be happy to accommodate you although there is a single room supplement payable.
Solo Walkers
This holiday is available for solo walkers but we would recommend that you are more experienced in walking and navigating alone. If you are travelling solo the holiday is more expensive as some costs are not shared.
Meals
A delicious breakfast is included each morning as are picnic lunches for you to enjoy on route, dinner, however is not included. Dinner is available either at your accommodation or nearby bars, cafes and restaurants.
Baggage Transfer
Your bags will be transferred between your accommodation as per your itinerary. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 20kg per person.
Transfers
You will be collected and dropped off at Funchal airport and the start/end of the trip. Many of the days involve a transfer to the start of the days walking. The details of these will be included in your route notes.
Equipment
Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes and a day pack.
We are often asked the following questions and I hope that you will find the answers useful. Don't hesitate to contact one of our Portugal specialists if you have any further queries.
How fit do I need to be?
This walking holiday is graded moderate and involves between three and seven hours of walking each day. If you are not a regular walker, some training is advised in order for you to get the most out of your trip. There are several inclines on the various walks on Madeira, so you should be used to sustained uphill walking.
When is the best time of year?
Spring and Autumn tend to be the best times of year as these are when the migratory birds can be seen in the area, sometimes in abundance. April - June and late September - December are the best.
How far in advance do I need to book?
We suggest you book as soon as your plans are finalised as this area is extremely popular. You will find up to date availability on our website and we will always try and accommodate your plans so just ask.
What personal equipment do I need?
You will need good walking shoes/boots, comfortable walking clothes, waterproof jacket and trousers, a daypack and hats/gloves etc.
Which is the best airport?
Funchal is the only airport and has links to several regional airports in the UK.
