Walking in Madeira – Explore Portugal’s largest island!

During the course of this week you will have the opportunity to walk through the wild and varied scenery of Madeira, from gentle strolls along flower-lined levadas and spectacular coastal footpaths, to more demanding forays amongst the jagged ridges and peaks of the rugged volcanic interior. There is plenty of time to relax by the sea in the fishing village of Machico and discover the historic importance of Funchal, an old trade centre famous for exporting sugar and wine to the Indies and the New World.

Walking Madeira
Level: 3 (moderate)  /  Activity: Walking & Trekking  / Group size: 4-16 / Min age: 16

You really have not seen Madeira if you haven’t experienced the wondrous and thrilling landscapes of the island. Trails are all so accessible, so easy to find and often effortless to walk. So either you prefer walking, hiking or trekking, you just have to choose and explore these paths around the island, invariably filled with a thrilling sense of adventure and unforgettable beauty. You’ll meet residents and other tourists along the way, as this is definitely one of the most popular outdoor activities on the island throughout the year.

Highlights

• Superb walking through Madeira’s botanical paradise
• Flower-lined levadas with stunning coastal views
• Mild year-round climate perfect for walking
• Picturesque fishing villages and the historic town of Funchal

What’s included:

• 8 days/7 nights
• All breakfasts
• All accommodations
• Tour leader throughout
• Transfers

Itinerary:
DAY 1 – Start Machico.  – Hotel is Santa Cruz Village

DAY 2 – Walk along Ponta de Sao Lourenco, where rocks contrast with the blue of the ocean.
Meals included: breakfast

DAY 3 – Spectacular walk along the north coast path to the fishing village of Porto da Cruz.
Meals included: breakfast

DAY 4 – Transfer to Queimadas; walk along Levada do Caldeirao Verde to the remote village of Ilha.
Meals included: breakfast

DAY 5 – Early departure for sunrise at Achada do Teixeira; ascend the island’s highest mountain, Pico Ruivo; follow a stone staircase down to Encumeada.

DAY 6 – High level walk through beautiful chestnut and eucalyptus woods to Corticeiras; panoramic local bus ride to Funchal. Meals included: breakfast

DAY 7 – Free day to visit the bustling ‘Marcado dos Lavradores’ (workers’ market), se Cathedral or for wine tasting in Madeira’s Wine Lodge. Meals included: breakfast

DAY 8 – End Funchal. Meals included: breakfast

Key information

• Group normally 4 to 16, plus leader.  min age 16 yrs.
• Altitude maximum 1,862m; average 750m.
• Not suitable for severe vertigo sufferers
• Moderate walks, good level of fitness recommended

This trip consists of 5  day walks and 1 free day. The walks are either fairly easy medium-duration walks or harder, shorter walks and reasonable fitness is required. The paths we use are generally flat and well maintained but some of the routes cross rougher terrain with longer ascents and descents. Some of the paths are quite narrow and stony underfoot and require walking in single file. On several occasions where the path becomes narrow and has a steep drop to one side, walkers need a head for heights. Handrails sometimes protect these sections, but we do not recommend this holiday for vertigo sufferers. A few of the levada paths enter short tunnels through the rock but these are easily navigated with the aid of a torch.

Contact us for 2022 dates and rates!

Plus book by  December 31, 2021 and receive a $35 Visa Gift Card compliments of Just Spas & Adventures!

Contact us for more information or to book this itinerary!

Tour Code: XS