Madeira: The Flower Island

8 Days & 7 Nights 4.8 Read 39 reviews

Madeira, a lush green island, with its bounty of colourful flora and fauna.
Swimming in the natural pools formed by lava in Porto da Cruz.
Exploring Funchal’s cobbled streets and browsing the flower market.
Following the network of 'Levadas' - ingenious irrigation channels of Madeira.
Admiring the vibrant orchids, birds of paradise, magnolias and azaleas.

The flower-filled island of Madeira is full of contrasts; the colonial charm of the towns and villages, the rugged and dramatic coastal scenery, the explosion of colours of the local flora and fauna, its lush green interior and the levadas, the traditional irrigation channels which form a network of paths across this sub-tropical island. This enchanting botanical paradise still has a sleepy charm which makes it a unique place to visit. The walks lead you through the High Plateau, giving you sweeping views over verdant valleys and on trails where the deep purples and enchanting scents of hydrangea and agapanthus lead you towards the coast.

What To Expect

Travel restrictions and resources, to and from any destination

Madeira is the ideal walking getaway. On this exceptional island you can experience incredibly scenic walking alongside levadas, and along coastal trails, constantly surrounded by an abundance of lush foliage and colourful blooms. It is a nature-lovers paradise and you’ll also love the relaxed friendliness and charm of the local people.

Tour Type:

Classic Routes | If you’re the active, outdoorsy type, who’s interested in taking on the great routes of the world or looking for a challenge, then our Classic Routes are for you. We’re talking the West Highland Way, Tour Du Mont Blanc and the Passau to Vienna Danube Cycle Path, to name but a few!

Activity:

Multi Centre Walking | With a mix of loop and point-to-point walks stay 2 or 3 nights in one place which offers the chance to slow down and really explore a destination.

Ideal if you have an interest in:

Islands, Winter Sun

As a guide, we would suggest that the minimum age of traveler this tour would be suitable for is: 12 Years

Activity Level & Terrain

This walking tour is graded moderate. On most days there are quite significant elevation gains and losses (anything up to 700m elevation gain and 900m elevation loss, but on most days it is not as significant as this - please see your route notes for specifics). There are alternate walking choices on some days. Please check your route notes for this information. It is essential that you try some walking with some ups and downs for a few weeks before your departure so you can make the most of this tour and feel comfortable while you are walking.

The walks are predominantly along levadas, but there are also stony paths, paths cut into cliffs and through forests and along cliff tops. Many of the paths have steep drops alongside, without any walls or barriers, and so this tour is not recommended for anyone who suffers from vertigo. Walking poles are highly recommended.

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.

Please note that due to the nature of Madeira and its fragile terrain, it is not uncommon for the paths and therefore walks to change at late notice; this is due to rainfall, potential landslides and other weather conditions. If an alternate walk needs to be taken our local partners in Madeira will be in touch with you. It is therefore recommended that you keep a flexible attitude and are prepared to alter your plans.

Accommodations

The accommodation on this walk is a combination of 3* and 4* hotels and small guesthouses. All offer a warm welcome to walkers, traditional hospitality and an authentic experience.

Solo Walkers & Single Rooms

This trip is not available to solo walkers due to the remoteness and nature of the terrain. Single rooms are available and a single supplement is payable.

Meals

7 Breakfasts are provided and dinners on Days 3, 4, and 5. On some days you will be able to buy supplies for a picnic at local shops, but on the days when this is not possible, you can ask your accommodation to make one for you. Please request this on the previous evening (payable locally). On the evenings when dinner is not included, you can eat in your hotel restaurant or at a local restaurant.

Included

7 Nights in 3* and 4* hotels & guesthouses
7 Breakfasts
4 Dinners (days 2, 3, 4 and 5)
Baggage Transfers
Transfers to and from Funchal Airport
Transfer to and from the walks as described in the itinerary
Detailed route notes and information pack and a 1:40,000 map
24/7 support from our local partner and the UK office

Excluded

Travel insurance (required)
Travel to and from Funchal
Lunches
4 Dinners
Local buses where necessary
Drinks and Snacks
Personal equipment
Mountain rescue/emergency assistance

Extras

Additional nights

When To Go

This tour is available to start any day of the week all year round (subject to availability). Whilst the weather is cooler in the winter months and there is a risk of rain, it is still warm enough to walk.

Getting to the Start

By Air: Madeira - Funchal Airport is the only international airport and can be reached directly from Bristol, Manchester and London in the UK. The flight time from London is approximately 3H45. You will be transferred to your first and last hotel to and from Funchal Airport.

Other international flights connect to Madeira (Funchal) via Portugal’s capital, Lisbon, where it is possible to add an overnight stay as necessary; please contact our team if you would like to arrange this.

Getting from the End

An included transfer will take you back to Funchal Airport for onward travel connections.

Luggage 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.

General Information

The distances and ascent/descents are approximations of the recommended routes. Please be prepared by packing all necessary items, for example, proper rain gear (jacket and pants), sun hat, sunscreen. Your information pack has a detailed equipment list, which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes for the cooler months and lightweight clothing for summer, and a day pack.

Travel Insurance

It is a condition of booking with us that you have suitable travel insurance that covers you for cancellation, curtailment, illness or injury.

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Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Funchal, transfer to Santa Cruz and overnight Day 2 San Lourenco Peninsula 4.5 miles / 7.5 km Day 3 Levada do Canical to Porto da Cruz 7.75 miles / 12.4 km Day 4 Levada do Caldeirao Verde 8.5 miles / 13.7 km Day 5 Paul da Serra—Levada do Norte-Encumeada 8.4 miles / 13.4 km Day 6 Faja Escura Walk 7.9 miles / 12.7 km Day 7 Boa Morte to Cabo Girao and Camara do Lobos 9.3 miles / 15 km Day 8 Onward Travel

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