Madeira: The Sunny South West
- A self-guided walking adventure discovering Madeira’s South West.
- Easy-moderate walks exploring the island’s sunniest coast.
- Follow the levada trails of the UNESCO Rabacal National Park.
- Relax at the end of the day with a glass of the local fortified wine.
- Explore Funchal, Madeira’s capital city.
Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive Funchal and overnightUpon arrival at Funchal Airport an included transfer (20 mins) will bring you to your hotel. Wander through the narrow streets and alleys of the town and try some delicious local specialities like Espetada– a grilled meat dish rubbed with herbs and spices and served on a bay leaf or wooden skewer.

A friendly and well situated 3-star hotel, the Orquidea is the perfect base from which to explore Funchal. In between exploring, soak up the sun on the hotel’s sun terrace, or enjoy a drink from the on-site bar.
Spend the day in Funchal exploring further. A ‘must do’ in the town is the famous ‘basket-sledging’. Take the cable-car to Monte and return via basket — once the only way to travel to Funchal for the residents of Monte — by being pushed down the hill and covering 2km in about 10 minutes! Also not to be missed is the ‘Mercado dos Lavradores’ a colourful fruit and fish market. You will be picked up late afternoon and taken to your next hotel in Ribeira Brava (15 mins).

Located in a quiet spot perched on a hilltop, enjoy the surrounding views from this comfy 4* hotel. Relax by the pool after a day on the trails.

The views from Hotel Encumeada’s balconies are simply incredible, particularly when the clouds sink like a soft blanket into the valley below. Enjoy a delicious meal at the restaurant; perhaps a specialty of the mountain region—lamb and roast suckling pig, accompanied by sweet potatoes, rice and fresh salads.
Today’s walk starts directly from the hotel and explores the charming valley of Tabua by following the Levada Nova which offers good views of the coastal towns, sea and verdant Tabua valley. The path can be exposed in parts, and included in today’s hike is a section through a 75m tunnel– so be sure to take your headtorch with you, there are also few easy river crossings. Today’s walk is a fantastic and varied introduction to walking on Madeira.
Ascent/Descent: +507/-701

Located in a quiet spot perched on a hilltop, enjoy the surrounding views from this comfy 4* hotel. Relax by the pool after a day on the trails.
Today can be spent exploring Ribeira Brava and its São Bento church, or simply relax in the hotel.

Located in a quiet spot perched on a hilltop, enjoy the surrounding views from this comfy 4* hotel. Relax by the pool after a day on the trails.
Arrive at Rabacal National Park by private transfer (1 hr). One of the most iconic walking spots on Madeira, the sub-tropical forests and pretty waterfalls have earned this spot UNESCO world heritage status. Following a levada path you come across the 25 natural springs of Rabacal—a collection of waterfalls. Continue on a detour to the Risco waterfall– the tallest on the island. You will be picked up and taken to your next destination (35 mins); Estreito da Calheta. On the return journey, you have the opportunity to visit a sugar cane factory– part working factory and part museum.
Ascent/Descent: +287/-567m

A beautiful manor-style hotel with amazing views over the mountain ridges of Calheta.
A private transfer (20 mins) brings you to the start of the Levada Nova, which you will follow to the charming village of Prazeres. Today’s walk is an easy-going one, winding through two valleys, pine forests and the usual abundant greenery. Stop at the small hamlet of Raposeira do Lugarinho en-route and enjoy a refreshment in its traditional bar, before continuing to Prazeres, where you’ll be picked up and taken back to the hotel in Estreito da Calheta (10 minutes).
Ascent/Descent: +514m/-544m

A beautiful manor-style hotel with amazing views over the mountain ridges of Calheta.
A private morning transfer (30 mins) brings you to Ponta do Pargo, the most westerly point of Madeira, and a large plateau. On today’s walk you will see a different side of Madeira. This barren landscape is a striking contrast to the lush green vegetation that you have seen so far. On your hike you will experience the tranquillity of this rural and lesser travelled region. Enjoy the impressive views of the wild Atlantic coast before returning to your hotel (20 mins).
Ascent/Descent: +840m/-816m

A beautiful manor-style hotel with amazing views over the mountain ridges of Calheta.
A final transfer brings you to Funchal airport, from where you can make your onward journey.
Other Information
Is it for me?A great winter walking destination, this trip is perfect for those looking to escape a dreary winter at home. If you like easy to moderate walking in peaceful landscapes, this tour is for you. Perfect for those looking to take things easy and at their own pace, with the option of a rest day mid-way. Stay in comfortable 3 & 4* hotels, and take in the relaxed friendliness of the locals.
Slower Adventures | Where walking and cycling meet easy-going exploring, our Slower Adventures are the perfect combination. Most days are filled with picturesque journeys with some free time to dive into the destination and experience the people, local food and culture as you go.
Inn to Inn Walking | Walk from place-to-place changing accommodations each night. Generally staying in B&B’s, inns, and guesthouses.
Islands, Winter Sun
This tour is graded moderate overall with walks up to 12.5m and average ascents of around 500m. However, it should be noted that there are some fairly long descents on this tour of up to 800m. The final days walking to Ponta do Pargo would be graded more as Moderate-Strenuous as it involves around 800m of ascent and descent. The levada trails are unique to Madeira and while the paths are usually clear and easy to walk on, they can be narrow and close to the edge. This trip is not suitable for those who suffer from a fear of heights. The levada trails also often lead through unlit tunnels so be sure to take a head light with you. Walking poles are highly recommended. Underfoot can be quite rocky on some of the days and will be slippy in bad weather so we recommend walking with a good pair of hiking boots.
The accommodation on this walk is a combination of 3* and 4* hotels. All offer a warm welcome to walkers and traditional hospitality.
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
Breakfast is included each morning. Lunch and dinner is not included, leaving you free to choose from the available options each day. Some of the accommodations will offer picnic lunches, but in the towns where you will be staying there are little supermarkets or bakeries where you can purchase what you need. There are plenty of restaurants in which to have dinner in each location.
Only some of the walks are waymarked. We will provide you with a detailed information pack, route notes and map so you won’t have any trouble finding your way each day.
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.
We also provide you with access to the Macs Adventure Smartphone App, which you can use to navigate. We strongly recommend using this App, or at least having it on your phone ready to use should you ever be in any doubt about your direction.
- 7 nights accommodation in 3 & 4* hotels
- 7 breakfasts
- Airport transfers on Madeira
- Private transfers to and from the trail heads as per the itinerary
- Bag transfers as per the itinerary
- Detailed route notes and information pack/maps
- Access to the Macs Adventure Smartphone App
- 24/7 support from our local partner and the UK office
- Travel insurance (required)
- Flights to/from Madeira
- Lunches & Dinner
- Drinks and snacks
- Personal equipment
- Additional nights before, during and after the walk
This trip is available to start on any day of the week all year-round (subject to availability). Madeira is well suited to year-round walking, especially the South, which receives the most sunshine and the mildest weather.
NOTE: Please note that the hotel in Ribeira Brava is closed from the beginning of January through to the end of March. During this time and subject to availability we will change your reservation to a hotel in Ponta do Sol and change the walk on Day 3 from Levada Nova Tabua to Levada Moinhos which is another very nice walk.
By Air: Madeira - Funchal Airport is the only international airport and can be reached directly from Edinburgh, 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.
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.
The distances and ascents/descents are approximations of the recommended routes. Please be prepared by packing all necessary items, for example proper rain gear (jacket and pants), sunhat, sunscreen. Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includeds 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 daypack.
It is a condition of booking with us that you have suitable travel insurance that covers you for cancellation, curtailment, illness or injury.
This tour is graded easy to moderate with walks as long as 14km (15km if you go for the optional hike of Pico Grande) and daily ascent/descent is on average 400m a day, with some more difficult days. The routes are undulating so 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.
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. The weather during the summer months is usually considerably hotter than at other times during the year. Wet weather can affect paths and lead to necessary changes to the walks, and our colleagues in Madeira will update you so that you make the best of your time on the island. The weather during the winter months is usually very pleasant and suitable for walking, a great way to escape from a dreary winter at home!
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. During peak times, such as the flower festival, it may be necessary to accommodate you in alternative hotels and guesthouses; these will be of at least the same or greater standard than those highlighted.
You will need good walking shoes/boots, comfortable walking clothes, waterproof jacket and trousers, a day pack and hats/gloves etc.
Funchal airport is the only international airport and can be reached directly from Edinburgh, Bristol, Manchester and London in the UK. Flight time from London is approximately 3hrs 45 mins.
Other international flights connect to Madeira (Funchal) via Portugal’s capital, Lisbon.
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