Surging from the Atlantic Ocean, Madeira offers a temperate sub-tropical paradise perfect for year-round walking. One of Madeira's many charms is its infinite variety; each day's walking and every levada - the island's unique network of water channels - is different. Landscapes vary from cultivated vine terraces and verdant slopes dotted with white hamlets to coastal cliffs with balcony views over the azure seas. Also a nature lover's paradise, there are over 120 endemic species of flora and fauna including the pride of Madeira, the bird-of-paradise, along with jacaranda, tiny bisbis birds, chaffinches and hawks - the list is endless.
On this Self Guided walking holiday in Madeira, hotel-to-hotel holiday, the island's coastal paths and levadas take you from the sleepy wine village of Santana on the north coast to bustling Funchal in the south. Fringed with a rainbow of colourful flora, the levadas lead you inland to breezy Santo da Serra; a transfer then takes you to the Levada do Norte for spectacular views from the cliff tops.
Day 1: Circular Walk to Sao JorgeToday you take the panoramic coastal path that leads you to the ancient cobbled route linking Santana to Sao Jorge. (If you are staying at the Vila Bela in Porto da Cruz a 15 min transfer will be provided). Agapanthus and cacti line the descent to the seaside 'resort' of Calhau. It's then along the base of the cliffs, where big Atlantic rollers come sweeping in, before you climb to enjoy balcony views. There are fabulous coastal vistas as you ascend to Sao Jorge, with the village's lighthouse glimmering above the azure waters. The mighty peak of Pico Ruivo frames the horizon as you return to Santana or transfer to Porto da Cruz if you are staying there.
You stay at the Quinta do Furao (breakfast and evening meal)
2 options: Walking time 3.5hr, distance 10km/6.2mi or walking time 4hr, distance 13km/8mi.
Day 2: The Caldeirao Verde LevadaA transfer (10/25 mins) takes you up to the Parque das Queimadas - all the hard climbing is done for you! The walk follows the beautiful (and shady) Caldeirao Verde Levada (the Green Cauldron Levada) into the Vale da Lapa. The scenery is magnificent; the views of the sea, of hilltop villages, and of the lofty central peaks are unforgettable. You head up the valley through a series of impressive levada tunnels to the magnificent waterfall at Caldeirao Verde. Then it's back down the Lapa Valley to Ilha before taking the bus back to Santana or a transfer to Porto da Cruz.
You stay at the Quinta do Furao (breakfast, and evening meal)
Day 3: Ribeiro FrioBefore departure, a picnic is provided by your hotel for today and a minibus will collect you at the hotel for a scenic 25/35 minute ride taking you to Ribeiro Frio where you start your walk. You join the Levada do Furado, a verdant paradise of laurel, heather and pine with waterfalls tumbling into the gushing river. Tiny firecrest and tame finches flit between the trees, which occasionally part to reveal stunning views of white hilltop hamlets. You descend to Santo da Serra's vibrant square with its lively market; wood smoke fills the air as meats grill al fresco - you must try the traditional espetada (marinated meat skewered on laurel twigs)!
You stay at the Porto Bay Serra Golf (breakfast, picnic and evening meal)
Day 4: Sao LourencoThere are 2 optional walks provided today. The first starts with a transfer (30 mins), taking you to the most eastern point of Madeira, to Ponta de Sao Lourenco's Nature Reserve, where you'll walk the hugely popular peninsula loop, with sweeping views, jagged peaks and masses of flora and fauna.
The second optional walk is on the Levada Nova (9.5km/6mi/3hr). The Levada Nova is a rewarding walk and quite spectacular. It takes you round into the upper reaches of the Ribeiro Santa Cruz, where there are sun-dappled waterfalls and a wide variety of flora. The levada is reached by a short, but steep descent on a quiet country lane.
You stay at the Porto Bay Serra Golf (breakfast and evening meal)
Day 5: Cabo Girao WalkA 45 minutes transfer takes you to Boa Morte to take the Levada do Norte, through pine and eucalyptus trees, and on paths lined with pink belladonna flowers. High on the poios (terraces) the path wanders through pretty villages, before arriving in Cabo Girao where the majestic expanse of the Atlantic is spread out before us. A transfer will take you on to your hotel in Funchal where you will spend your last two nights.
You stay at the Quinta da Bela Vista (breakfast, picnic)
Day 6: At FunchalSpend your last day exploring at leisure in Funchal, perhaps starting in the bustling market near the harbour - it's full of atmosphere and ablaze with colour. Enjoy lunch on the harbour, saving room for an afternoon cream tea at Reid's, then it's time to relax by the pool or in the beautiful exotic gardens of your hotel.
You stay at the Quinta da Bela Vista (breakfast)
-EnSCVfJRced8EByDZl8Zn9cY.jpg)
/https%3A%2F%2Ftr2storage.blob.core.windows.net%2Fpaymentlogos%2FPQMDipO7JCPn2yEWc7-3FKskixvtc7iWKY.png)