Complete Madeira

Levada da Janela: A great introduction to levada walking on Madeira! At the start of our walk near the pretty village of Lamaceiros, there are panoramic views through a terraced valley down to the azure sea. The flat levada path is lined by lush vegetation including agapanthus and eucalyptus. There are tunnels to venture through, thundering waterfalls and spectacular views inland into densely covered rolling hillsides. 

We return to the café in Lamaceiros for refreshments before the descent back to Porto Moniz, enjoying 360 degree views of the north coast on the way.

Levada Moinho: An uphill walk through woodland from Achadas da Cruz opens to a levada. The path is narrow at times, but well protected. The levada is often fast flowing, used as it was to power mills. There are wonderful sweeping views of the dramatic coast and steep hillsides with cultivated terracing. 

We can detour to the source of the levada, then follow it to Santa for a café refreshment, before continuing down the traditional cobbled steps to Porto Moniz.

Lombo do Mouro:  Our transfer bus takes us up on to the impressive Plateau of Paul Da Serra where we will have our first views of the dramatic Big Peaks. As we start to descend towards Encumeada the bus will drop us off and continue to Ponto Do Sol with our luggage. We will descend, initially on a small levada with open views of the Big Peaks to the east. We continue through Eucalyptus forest, emerging to fine views down the Ribeira Valley. 

We continue the descent through small villages to the coast at Ribeira Brava where there will be time for a drink before prearranged taxis will take us to the hotel at Ponto Do Sol on the south coast.

Levada do Paul & 25 Fontes: Our walk begins at Christo Rei close to the Plateau of Paul Da Serra. We walk along the quiet Levada Do Paul with uninterrupted views to the dramatic south coast. Upon reaching Rabacal we continue through Laurissilva forest either on Levada Das 25 Fontes or Levada do Risco, both of which finish with impressive waterfalls. 25 Fontes (springs) is a group of waterfalls 30m high tumbling down to a rock pool and has become a premier must see spot in Madeira. 

Returning from the waterfalls, we continue through the Calheta tunnel, then taking a pleasant woodland path to Atouguia and the end of the walk.  

Cabo Girão & Levada do Norte to Faja: We begin with the visit to the Cabo Girão sea cliffs at 580m where its glass skywalk is now the most popular must see attraction in Madeira. Leaving the dramatic cliffs behind we walk along Levada Norte around lush rolling valleys and through sunny cultivated terraces. 

We will stop at a pleasant bar at Boa Morte at lunchtime before continuing towards Ribeira Funda. Leaving the levada below the pretty village, we take a stepped path down to Faja in the Ribeira Valley. The path down has 1600 steps and is a spectacular descent.

Fontes & Chao dos Terreiros: Beginning in the village of Fontes we complete a circuit of the rolling hills to the north of the village before descending to Meia Legua in the lush Ribeira Valley. Heading uphill towards Terreiros, the views begin to open out towards Boca Da Cerro, Pico Grande and the Big Peaks. After a well earned rest with panoramic views at the summit, we return to Fontes. 

For those not wishing to undertake the descent, transport can be taken from here back to the hotel. However the views on the descent route are well worth the effort and the path, although narrow in places, is now much improved and enjoyable.

Boca da Corrida to Encumeada or Curral das Freiras: This walk really has the wow factor from the minute you step off the bus at the Boca da Corrida panoramic viewpoint. The decision to finish at either Encumeada or Curral is weather dependent, Encumeada being a longer route. Both routes have spectacular views of the dramatic high peaks in all directions.

Ribeira Frio to Portela: This is a beautiful and very enjoyable levada walk. There are spectacular views towards the central mountains from Balcoes and down to the north coast by Porto da Cruz. Our route takes us through lush laurisilva forest, a laurel type forest with a unique and niche selection of plants and animals. Madeira is said to have the world’s best preserved example and concentration of this ancient forest so this really is a unique and magical walk!

North Coastal Path: From the Caniçal tunnel we cross terraces, slowly rising to the Boca do Risco pass, where suddenly the turquoise sea opens up in front of us several hundred metres below. We follow a narrow winding cliff path to the pretty village of Porto da Cruz where there will be time for refreshments or maybe a swim in the sea water pools at the beach before returning to Funchal.A great way to finish a fantastic day!

The Big Peaks: This is an extraordinary walk, some would say one of the greatest day walks to be experienced! Starting at Pico Arieiro at over 1800m, we wind our way through spectacular rock formations to Pico Ruivo, passing through several tunnels on the way. Some days you are above the clouds, with the islands dramatic peaks poking through and the vast Atlantic beyond. From Pico Ruivo, an easy path descends past the strange and unique rocks at Homem en Pe to Achada do Teixeira. On our way back to the hotel we may have time to stop in Santana to see some of the island’s traditional thatched cottages.

Ponto São Lourenço: The peninsula at the far eastern end of the island is utterly different from anywhere else on Madeira. Here there is bare eroded igneous rock with wonderful unique colour formations. It is dry, barren and windy, but the views over the rocky landscape and along the cliffs are out of this world. The walk is there and back, but perfect for an easier day when it might be wet in the mountains.

The Big Peaks: This is an extraordinary walk, some would say one of the greatest day walks to be experienced! Starting at Pico Arieiro at over 1800m, we wind our way through spectacular rock formations to Pico Ruivo, passing through several tunnels on the way. Some days you are above the clouds, with the islands dramatic peaks poking through and the vast Atlantic beyond. From Pico Ruivo, an easy path descends past the strange and unique rocks at Homem en Pe to Achada do Teixeira. 

On our way back to the hotel we may have time to stop in Santana to see some of the island’s traditional thatched cottages.

Ponto São Lourenço: The peninsula at the far eastern end of the island is utterly different from anywhere else on Madeira. Here there is bare eroded igneous rock with wonderful unique colour formations. It is dry, barren and windy, but the views over the rocky landscape and along the cliffs are out of this world. The walk is there and back, but perfect for an easier day when it might be wet in the mountains.

North Coastal Path: From the Caniçal tunnel we cross terraces, slowly rising to the Boca do Risco pass, where suddenly the turquoise sea opens up in front of us several hundred metres below. We follow a narrow winding cliff path to the pretty village of Porto da Cruz where there will be time for refreshments or maybe a swim in the sea water pools at the beach before returning to Funchal.A great way to finish a fantastic day!

Ribeira Frio to Portela: This is a beautiful and very enjoyable levada walk. There are spectacular views towards the central mountains from Balcoes and down to the north coast by Porto da Cruz. Our route takes us through lush laurisilva forest, a laurel type forest with a unique and niche selection of plants and animals. Madeira is said to have the world’s best preserved example and concentration of this ancient forest so this really is a unique and magical walk!

Boca da Corrida to Encumeada or Curral das Freiras: This walk really has the wow factor from the minute you step off the bus at the Boca da Corrida panoramic viewpoint. The decision to finish at either Encumeada or Curral is weather dependent, Encumeada being a longer route. Both routes have spectacular views of the dramatic high peaks in all directions.

Levada Moinho: An uphill walk through woodland from Achadas da Cruz opens to a levada. The path is narrow at times, but well protected. The levada is often fast flowing, used as it was to power mills. There are wonderful sweeping views of the dramatic coast and steep hillsides with cultivated terracing. 

We can detour to the source of the levada, then follow it to Santa for a café refreshment, before continuing down the traditional cobbled steps to Porto Moniz.

Levada da Janela: A great introduction to levada walking on Madeira! At the start of our walk near the pretty village of Lamaceiros, there are panoramic views through a terraced valley down to the azure sea. The flat levada path is lined by lush vegetation including agapanthus and eucalyptus. There are tunnels to venture through, thundering waterfalls and spectacular views inland into densely covered rolling hillsides. 

We return to the café in Lamaceiros for refreshments before the descent back to Porto Moniz, enjoying 360 degree views of the north coast on the way.

Lombo do Mouro - Our transfer bus takes us up on to the impressive Plateau of Paul Da Serra where we will have our first views of the dramatic Big Peaks. As we start to descend towards Encumeada the bus will drop us off and continue to Ponto Do Sol with our luggage. We will descend, initially on a small levada with open views of the Big Peaks to the east. We continue through Eucalyptus forest, emerging to fine views down the Ribeira Valley. We continue the descent through small villages to the coast at Ribeira Brava where there will be time for a drink before prearranged taxis will take us to the hotel at Ponto Do Sol on the south coast. 

Levada do Paul & 25 Fontes: Our walk begins at Christo Rei close to the Plateau of Paul Da Serra. We walk along the quiet Levada Do Paul with uninterrupted views to the dramatic south coast. Upon reaching Rabacal we continue through Laurissilva forest either on Levada Das 25 Fontes or Levada do Risco, both of which finish with impressive waterfalls. 25 Fontes (springs) is a group of waterfalls 30m high tumbling down to a rock pool and has become a premier must see spot in Madeira. 

Returning from the waterfalls, we continue through the Calheta tunnel, then taking a pleasant woodland path to Atouguia and the end of the walk.  

Fontes & Chao dos Terreiros: Beginning in the village of Fontes we complete a circuit of the rolling hills to the north of the village before descending to Meia Legua in the lush Ribeira Valley. Heading uphill towards Terreiros, the views begin to open out towards Boca Da Cerro, Pico Grande and the Big Peaks. After a well earned rest with panoramic views at the summit, we return to Fontes. 

For those not wishing to undertake the descent, transport can be taken from here back to the hotel. However the views on the descent route are well worth the effort and the path, although narrow in places, is now much improved and enjoyable.

Cabo Girão & Levada do Norte to Faja: We begin with the visit to the Cabo Girão sea cliffs at 580m where its glass skywalk is now the most popular must see attraction in Madeira. Leaving the dramatic cliffs behind we walk along Levada Norte around lush rolling valleys and through sunny cultivated terraces. 

We will stop at a pleasant bar at Boa Morte at lunchtime before continuing towards Ribeira Funda. Leaving the levada below the pretty village, we take a stepped path down to Faja in the Ribeira Valley. The path down has 1600 steps and is a spectacular descent.

Levada da Janela: A great introduction to levada walking on Madeira! At the start of our walk near the pretty village of Lamaceiros, there are panoramic views through a terraced valley down to the azure sea. The flat levada path is lined by lush vegetation including agapanthus and eucalyptus. There are tunnels to venture through, thundering waterfalls and spectacular views inland into densely covered rolling hillsides. 

We return to the café in Lamaceiros for refreshments before the descent back to Porto Moniz, enjoying 360 degree views of the north coast on the way.

Levada Moinho: An uphill walk through woodland from Achadas da Cruz opens to a levada. The path is narrow at times, but well protected. The levada is often fast flowing, used as it was to power mills. There are wonderful sweeping views of the dramatic coast and steep hillsides with cultivated terracing. 

We can detour to the source of the levada, then follow it to Santa for a café refreshment, before continuing down the traditional cobbled steps to Porto Moniz.

Lombo do Mouro:  Our transfer bus takes us up on to the impressive Plateau of Paul Da Serra where we will have our first views of the dramatic Big Peaks. As we start to descend towards Encumeada the bus will drop us off and continue to Ponto Do Sol with our luggage. We will descend, initially on a small levada with open views of the Big Peaks to the east. We continue through Eucalyptus forest, emerging to fine views down the Ribeira Valley. 

We continue the descent through small villages to the coast at Ribeira Brava where there will be time for a drink before prearranged taxis will take us to the hotel at Ponto Do Sol on the south coast.

Levada do Paul & 25 Fontes: Our walk begins at Christo Rei close to the Plateau of Paul Da Serra. We walk along the quiet Levada Do Paul with uninterrupted views to the dramatic south coast. Upon reaching Rabacal we continue through Laurissilva forest either on Levada Das 25 Fontes or Levada do Risco, both of which finish with impressive waterfalls. 25 Fontes (springs) is a group of waterfalls 30m high tumbling down to a rock pool and has become a premier must see spot in Madeira. 

Returning from the waterfalls, we continue through the Calheta tunnel, then taking a pleasant woodland path to Atouguia and the end of the walk.  

Cabo Girão & Levada do Norte to Faja: We begin with the visit to the Cabo Girão sea cliffs at 580m where its glass skywalk is now the most popular must see attraction in Madeira. Leaving the dramatic cliffs behind we walk along Levada Norte around lush rolling valleys and through sunny cultivated terraces. 

We will stop at a pleasant bar at Boa Morte at lunchtime before continuing towards Ribeira Funda. Leaving the levada below the pretty village, we take a stepped path down to Faja in the Ribeira Valley. The path down has 1600 steps and is a spectacular descent.

Fontes & Chao dos Terreiros: Beginning in the village of Fontes we complete a circuit of the rolling hills to the north of the village before descending to Meia Legua in the lush Ribeira Valley. Heading uphill towards Terreiros, the views begin to open out towards Boca Da Cerro, Pico Grande and the Big Peaks. After a well earned rest with panoramic views at the summit, we return to Fontes. 

For those not wishing to undertake the descent, transport can be taken from here back to the hotel. However the views on the descent route are well worth the effort and the path, although narrow in places, is now much improved and enjoyable.

Boca da Corrida to Encumeada or Curral das Freiras: This walk really has the wow factor from the minute you step off the bus at the Boca da Corrida panoramic viewpoint. The decision to finish at either Encumeada or Curral is weather dependent, Encumeada being a longer route. Both routes have spectacular views of the dramatic high peaks in all directions.

Ribeira Frio to Portela: This is a beautiful and very enjoyable levada walk. There are spectacular views towards the central mountains from Balcoes and down to the north coast by Porto da Cruz. Our route takes us through lush laurisilva forest, a laurel type forest with a unique and niche selection of plants and animals. Madeira is said to have the world’s best preserved example and concentration of this ancient forest so this really is a unique and magical walk!

North Coastal Path: From the Caniçal tunnel we cross terraces, slowly rising to the Boca do Risco pass, where suddenly the turquoise sea opens up in front of us several hundred metres below. We follow a narrow winding cliff path to the pretty village of Porto da Cruz where there will be time for refreshments or maybe a swim in the sea water pools at the beach before returning to Funchal.A great way to finish a fantastic day!

The Big Peaks: This is an extraordinary walk, some would say one of the greatest day walks to be experienced! Starting at Pico Arieiro at over 1800m, we wind our way through spectacular rock formations to Pico Ruivo, passing through several tunnels on the way. Some days you are above the clouds, with the islands dramatic peaks poking through and the vast Atlantic beyond. From Pico Ruivo, an easy path descends past the strange and unique rocks at Homem en Pe to Achada do Teixeira. On our way back to the hotel we may have time to stop in Santana to see some of the island’s traditional thatched cottages.

Ponto São Lourenço: The peninsula at the far eastern end of the island is utterly different from anywhere else on Madeira. Here there is bare eroded igneous rock with wonderful unique colour formations. It is dry, barren and windy, but the views over the rocky landscape and along the cliffs are out of this world. The walk is there and back, but perfect for an easier day when it might be wet in the mountains.

The Big Peaks: This is an extraordinary walk, some would say one of the greatest day walks to be experienced! Starting at Pico Arieiro at over 1800m, we wind our way through spectacular rock formations to Pico Ruivo, passing through several tunnels on the way. Some days you are above the clouds, with the islands dramatic peaks poking through and the vast Atlantic beyond. From Pico Ruivo, an easy path descends past the strange and unique rocks at Homem en Pe to Achada do Teixeira. 

On our way back to the hotel we may have time to stop in Santana to see some of the island’s traditional thatched cottages.

Ponto São Lourenço: The peninsula at the far eastern end of the island is utterly different from anywhere else on Madeira. Here there is bare eroded igneous rock with wonderful unique colour formations. It is dry, barren and windy, but the views over the rocky landscape and along the cliffs are out of this world. The walk is there and back, but perfect for an easier day when it might be wet in the mountains.

North Coastal Path: From the Caniçal tunnel we cross terraces, slowly rising to the Boca do Risco pass, where suddenly the turquoise sea opens up in front of us several hundred metres below. We follow a narrow winding cliff path to the pretty village of Porto da Cruz where there will be time for refreshments or maybe a swim in the sea water pools at the beach before returning to Funchal.A great way to finish a fantastic day!

Ribeira Frio to Portela: This is a beautiful and very enjoyable levada walk. There are spectacular views towards the central mountains from Balcoes and down to the north coast by Porto da Cruz. Our route takes us through lush laurisilva forest, a laurel type forest with a unique and niche selection of plants and animals. Madeira is said to have the world’s best preserved example and concentration of this ancient forest so this really is a unique and magical walk!

Boca da Corrida to Encumeada or Curral das Freiras: This walk really has the wow factor from the minute you step off the bus at the Boca da Corrida panoramic viewpoint. The decision to finish at either Encumeada or Curral is weather dependent, Encumeada being a longer route. Both routes have spectacular views of the dramatic high peaks in all directions.

Levada Moinho: An uphill walk through woodland from Achadas da Cruz opens to a levada. The path is narrow at times, but well protected. The levada is often fast flowing, used as it was to power mills. There are wonderful sweeping views of the dramatic coast and steep hillsides with cultivated terracing. 

We can detour to the source of the levada, then follow it to Santa for a café refreshment, before continuing down the traditional cobbled steps to Porto Moniz.

Levada da Janela: A great introduction to levada walking on Madeira! At the start of our walk near the pretty village of Lamaceiros, there are panoramic views through a terraced valley down to the azure sea. The flat levada path is lined by lush vegetation including agapanthus and eucalyptus. There are tunnels to venture through, thundering waterfalls and spectacular views inland into densely covered rolling hillsides. 

We return to the café in Lamaceiros for refreshments before the descent back to Porto Moniz, enjoying 360 degree views of the north coast on the way.

Lombo do Mouro - Our transfer bus takes us up on to the impressive Plateau of Paul Da Serra where we will have our first views of the dramatic Big Peaks. As we start to descend towards Encumeada the bus will drop us off and continue to Ponto Do Sol with our luggage. We will descend, initially on a small levada with open views of the Big Peaks to the east. We continue through Eucalyptus forest, emerging to fine views down the Ribeira Valley. We continue the descent through small villages to the coast at Ribeira Brava where there will be time for a drink before prearranged taxis will take us to the hotel at Ponto Do Sol on the south coast. 

Levada do Paul & 25 Fontes: Our walk begins at Christo Rei close to the Plateau of Paul Da Serra. We walk along the quiet Levada Do Paul with uninterrupted views to the dramatic south coast. Upon reaching Rabacal we continue through Laurissilva forest either on Levada Das 25 Fontes or Levada do Risco, both of which finish with impressive waterfalls. 25 Fontes (springs) is a group of waterfalls 30m high tumbling down to a rock pool and has become a premier must see spot in Madeira. 

Returning from the waterfalls, we continue through the Calheta tunnel, then taking a pleasant woodland path to Atouguia and the end of the walk.  

Fontes & Chao dos Terreiros: Beginning in the village of Fontes we complete a circuit of the rolling hills to the north of the village before descending to Meia Legua in the lush Ribeira Valley. Heading uphill towards Terreiros, the views begin to open out towards Boca Da Cerro, Pico Grande and the Big Peaks. After a well earned rest with panoramic views at the summit, we return to Fontes. 

For those not wishing to undertake the descent, transport can be taken from here back to the hotel. However the views on the descent route are well worth the effort and the path, although narrow in places, is now much improved and enjoyable.

Cabo Girão & Levada do Norte to Faja: We begin with the visit to the Cabo Girão sea cliffs at 580m where its glass skywalk is now the most popular must see attraction in Madeira. Leaving the dramatic cliffs behind we walk along Levada Norte around lush rolling valleys and through sunny cultivated terraces. 

We will stop at a pleasant bar at Boa Morte at lunchtime before continuing towards Ribeira Funda. Leaving the levada below the pretty village, we take a stepped path down to Faja in the Ribeira Valley. The path down has 1600 steps and is a spectacular descent.