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Around Madeira

Unique coastal walks and floral scenes around the rugged Atlantic island

Hiking tour
8 Days / 7 Nights
Self-Guided
Challenging
from
839.00 GBP
Book now Book

Explore the diverse and impressive island in the Atlantic Ocean – Madeira. This stunning destination boasts steep, rugged coastlines, lush green hills, and serene small bays ideal for swimming. You'll also encounter cloud forests and sun-drenched banana plantations. Madeira, known as the "flower island," treats visitors to a range of landscapes and a delightful year-round climate.

Each region of Madeira beckons you to discover its unique charm. From the arid east to the temperate north, the rugged mountains to the moist high plateaus, and the sunny south, this island promises a wealth of experiences. Throughout the year, different flowers and trees bloom at various altitudes, creating an ever-changing tapestry of colours.

The warm and tradition-rich locals extend a warm invitation to explore their country and culture. Embark on a comprehensive round trip to uncover all facets of Madeira's beauty.

For botanists, hikers, and vacationers, Madeira offers a vibrant tapestry of experiences. In just eight days, you'll traverse this diverse island from Porto da Cruz to the capital, Funchal. Your journey will take you across the Paul da Serra plateau, through soothing laurel forests, and to the natural pools of black lava rock – the perfect places to relax and refresh.

Details about the walking holiday in Madeira

The tour in Madeira starts in the small fishing village of Porto da Cruz on the black sand beach. Be sure to try a "Poncha," a drink made from honey, orange juice, and sugar cane brandy. The daily routes run on varied hiking trails, which can sometimes also be narrow paths. In some places, you should certainly not be afraid of heights and stand firm. The daily walks during your tour of Madeira's botanical paradise are an average of five hours a day.

Highlights of the Madeira walking holiday at a glance

  • Breathtaking views of the coast: Walk along the impressive north coast via Boca do Risco leads over an old supply route. Enjoy the view from the spectacular terraces of Porto da Cruz

  • Exotic floral splendour: Explore shady laurel forests, part of the UNESCO World Heritage, that accompany you on your route

  • Lava stone sea pools: The most beautiful places to swim can be found in Funchal and Porto Moniz. Tip for snorkelers and divers: the Gulf Stream is home to tropical biodiversity! So don't forget your mask!

  • Vibrant capital of Funchal: The city has many attractions. The Sé Cathedral and the Market Hall are well worth a visit.

Around Madeira
Challenging
Hiking tour
8 Days / 7 Nights
Self-Guided
from
839.00 GBP
Book now Book

Itinerary

In the small fishing village of Porto da Cruz, you can relax on the black sand beach. You can also visit one of the last sugar cane mills where you can taste the famous "poncha", a local drink made from sugar cane brandy, honey and freshly squeezed orange juice.

After a short transfer to Machico, you will walk along the impressive north coast on 'the saddle of Boca do Risco' via an old supply route that used to work the vineyards. Today one of the most beautiful paths along this route leads to Porto da Cruz, where the spectacularly landscaped terraces still inspire. Enjoy the breathtaking view.

In the traditional village of Santana, known for its typical houses, the route starts on this day. With panoramic views from the rocky coast, past small gardens with vines, sugar cane, vegetables and fruits, climb to the lookout point. Here you look out over the entire north coast from Porto Moniz to Ponta de São Lourenco and in good weather, you can see the neighbouring island of Porto Santo to the north. The beautiful King Levada then leads you through jungle-like vegetation to the waterfall and springs of Ribiero Bonito.

Transfer to the mountains to the plateau of Paul da Serra. Today's walk will bring you closer to the green mountainous area of ​​Madeira. Along paths with scenic views, you will walk on the mountain ridges and pass shady laurel forests, which are part of the UNESCO World Heritage. 

A great hiking trail leads you through colourful flowering gorse bushes to Fanal, a fairytale forest and meadow area: wind piles, lichen trees, green plains and grazing by Highland cattle create a very special and mystical atmosphere. In the afternoon you will reach the seaside town of Porto Moniz with a beautiful view of the azure sea. This charming place is known for its natural pools of black lava rocks formed by the ocean.

Today you walk along the southwest coast over the green hills, which then steeply into the sea. In this part of the island, you will experience the original life of the islanders, especially Prazeres is considered one of the most beautiful villages in Madeira. On your walk through the fragrant eucalyptus forest, you will see the wild Callas, Amaryllis and Agapanthus again and again. Overnight stay in the lively coastal town of Calheta with a fine sandy beach and an elegant marina.

Short transfer along the south coast before heading to the spectacular Levada do Norte, the longest and widest Levada in the south. You walk through typically cultivated terraces and discover the most varied fruits in the gardens. Via small towns such as Quinta Grande and Campanario, you reach Cabo Girao, the highest rock in Europe. From there you have a fantastic view of the terraced fields below you and the coast to the capital Funchal.

The funicular takes you to the pilgrimage town of Monte, high above Funchal. After visiting the Church of Nossa Senhora do Monte, watch the lightning-fast riders on the toboggan, made of reed sledges, before starting your varied final stage. With stunning views of the Funchal coast, your way leads through the subtropical island vegetation and back to the capital. Be sure to visit the beautiful botanical garden, which brings you closer to the exotic plant world of the 740 km2 island.

Departure from Funchal or spend extra nights in the city or surrounding region.

Route map and overview

The daily routes run along good and above all very varied hiking trails, which can sometimes be very narrow. Many walks take you along the coast and along levadas (irrigation canals), fear of heights and weak knees you can not use in some parts. A good basic condition is necessary for daily walks of up to 5 hours.

Prices and dates

Prices per person in GBP

Services & Information

Further information about this walking holiday

Included

  • 7 nights as described, including breakfast
  • Transfers according to program
  • Cabo Girao-Funchal bus ride
  • Funchal-Monte . funicular
  • Tobbogan ride Monte-Funchal
  • Luggage transfer(s)
  • Travel folder 1 x per room (German, English with route and overview maps, detailed route description, places of interest, important telephone numbers, luggage labels)
  • Own signage on the route
  • GPS data available on request
  • Service Hotline

Not included

  • Tourist tax, if applicable, to be paid locally
  • Flight
  • Airport: Funchal Airport, by bus in approx. 30 min. to Porto da Cruz or by taxi approx. €30 one way
  • Departure: Bus Funchal Airport approx. 1 hour, by taxi approx. €30. Travel time approx. 30 minutes
  • Half board: Dinner in the hotel restaurant or in a restaurant in the immediate vicinity with a voucher
from
839.00 GBP
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