Complete Madeira

We fly into Funchal and transfer by road across Madeira to Porto Moniz in the north west corner of the island. The journey is very scenic with spectacular mountain and coastal views.

Our walks in Porto Moniz are weather dependant so we may offer them on a different day to this itinerary. 

Levada Moinho - We join the levada after an uphill walk through woodland from Achadas da Cruz. 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 where we stop in a café, before continuing down the traditional cobbled steps to Porto Moniz.

Today we transfer to Ribeira Brava. Our walks are dependant on local weather conditions and may need to be walked on a different day so they may not follow this exact itinerary on a day to day basis.

Levada do Paul & 25 Fontes - We start this walk 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 have impressive waterfalls at the end. 25 Fontes (springs) is a group of waterfalls 30m high tumbling down to a rock pool and has become a premier tourist 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 which wiith its glass skywalk it is now the most popular tourist 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.

Today we transfer to Funchal. We have a morning transfer to Funchal. If rooms are not ready we will store our luggage at the hotel and make our way into the centre of Funchal. Our tour leader will do a guided walk around the main points of interest in the central area. You will have a free afternoon to explore the many delights of this surprisingly charming city.

Our walks in Funchal are dependant on local weather conditions and may not follow the pattern of this day to day itinerary. 

The Big Peaks- This is an extraordinary walk, some would say one of the greatest day walks on the planet! 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 and unique colour formations. It is dry, barren and windy, but the views over the rocky landscape and along the cliffs are excellent. The walk is a there and back one, but perfect for an easier day when it might be wet in the mountains. 

North Coast 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.

There will also be a free day generally on day five so you can further your exploration independently. Funchal is an enjoyable place to stroll around in and take it easy. It is also possible to visit some of Madeira’s famous gardens or the basket weaving centre of Camacha. Dolphin watching is also available too! Some groups undertake the Ponto São Lourenço walk at the far eastern end of the island, utterly different from anywhere else on Madeira. Here there is bare eroded igneous rock with wonderful colour formations. It is dry, barren and windy, but the views over the rocky landscape and along the cliffs are excellent. The walk is a there and back one, but perfect for an easier day when it might be wet in the mountains.

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

Our exploration of Madeira is over and it’s a short transfer to Funchal airport for our return flight to the UK.

On arrival in Funchal airport we transfer to our hotel in the centre of Funchal, ready to start our incredible 2 week adventure in Madeira. 

The Big Peaks- This is an extraordinary walk, some would say one of the greatest day walks on the planet! 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 excellent. The walk is a there and back one, but perfect for an easier day when it might be wet in the mountains.

North Coast 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.

There will also be a free day generally on day five so you can further your exploration independently. Funchal is an enjoyable place to stroll around in and take it easy. It is also possible to visit some of Madeira’s famous gardens or the basket weaving centre of Camacha. Dolphin watching is also available too! Some groups undertake the Ponto São Lourenço walk at the far eastern end of the island, utterly different from anywhere else on Madeira. Here there is bare eroded igneous rock with wonderful colour formations. It is dry, barren and windy, but the views over the rocky landscape and along the cliffs are excellent. The walk is a there and back one, but perfect for an easier day when it might be wet in the mountains.

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

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 viewpoint. The decision to finish at either Encumeada or Curral is weather dependent, Encumeada being a longer route. Either has spectacular views of the dramatic high peaks in all directions.

Today we say farewell to Funchal and transfer by road across Madeira to Porto Moniz in the north west corner of the island. The journey is very scenic with spectacular mountain and coastal views.

Our walks in Ponta do Sol are determined by local weather conditions so the walks may be switched around to different days during the your stay. 

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 - We join the levada after an uphill walk through woodland from Achadas da Cruz. 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 where we stop in a café, before continuing down the traditional cobbled steps to Porto Moniz.

We Transfer to Ponto do Sol for our remaining few days exploring Madeira.

Levada do Paul & 25 Fontes - We start this walk 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 have impressive waterfalls at the end. 25 Fontes (springs) is a group of waterfalls 30m high tumbling down to a rock pool and has become a premier tourist 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 which wiith its glass skywalk it is now the most popular tourist 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.

Our exploration of Madeira is over and we transfer to Funchal airport for our return flight to the UK.

On arrival in Funchal airport we transfer to our hotel in the centre of Funchal, ready to start our incredible 2 week adventure in Madeira. 

The Big Peaks- This is an extraordinary walk, some would say one of the greatest day walks on the planet! 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 excellent. The walk is a there and back one, but perfect for an easier day when it might be wet in the mountains.

North Coast 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.

There will also be a free day generally on day five so you can further your exploration independently. Funchal is an enjoyable place to stroll around in and take it easy. It is also possible to visit some of Madeira’s famous gardens or the basket weaving centre of Camacha. Dolphin watching is also available too! Some groups undertake the Ponto São Lourenço walk at the far eastern end of the island, utterly different from anywhere else on Madeira. Here there is bare eroded igneous rock with wonderful colour formations. It is dry, barren and windy, but the views over the rocky landscape and along the cliffs are excellent. The walk is a there and back one, but perfect for an easier day when it might be wet in the mountains.

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

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 viewpoint. The decision to finish at either Encumeada or Curral is weather dependent, Encumeada being a longer route. Either has spectacular views of the dramatic high peaks in all directions.

Today we say farewell to Funchal and transfer by road across Madeira to Porto Moniz in the north west corner of the island. The journey is very scenic with spectacular mountain and coastal views.

Our walks in Ponta do Sol are determined by local weather conditions so the walks may be switched around to different days during the your stay. 

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 - We join the levada after an uphill walk through woodland from Achadas da Cruz. 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 where we stop in a café, before continuing down the traditional cobbled steps to Porto Moniz.

We Transfer to Ribeira Brava for our remaining few days exploring Madeira.

Levada do Paul & 25 Fontes - We start this walk 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 have impressive waterfalls at the end. 25 Fontes (springs) is a group of waterfalls 30m high tumbling down to a rock pool and has become a premier tourist 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 which wiith its glass skywalk it is now the most popular tourist 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.

Our exploration of Madeira is over and we transfer to Funchal airport for our return flight to the UK.