Marvels of Madeira Walk

Marvels of Madeira Walk

628 Views
8 Days From

$2120

Marvels of Madeira Walk

8 Days Starting in Santana, Portugal and ending in Funchal, Portugal

Visiting: Santana, Madeira, Ponta de Sao Lourenco, Funchal

Tour operator:

Exodus Adventure Travels

Tour code:

W07MF

Group Type:

Independent

Guide Type:

Self Guided

Age range:

12-99

Special diets catered:

Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements

Activities:

Sightseeing

From: $2120 (USD)

NB: Prices correct on 18-Jan-2025 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on the "Marvels of Madeira Walk" and discover the enchanting landscapes of Madeira, Portugal. This self-guided tour offers a blend of stunning coastal trails and flower-lined levada walks, perfect for nature enthusiasts. Stay in charming, high-quality hotels, each with its own unique character, from ocean-view accommodations in Santana to the exclusive Quinta da Bela Vista in Funchal. Enjoy the freedom to explore bustling Funchal at your own pace, with time to savor local delicacies and relax by the pool. The tour includes all breakfasts, select picnic lunches, and evening meals, along with route notes and maps to guide your journey. Experience the breathtaking beauty of Madeira's natural wonders and vibrant culture on this unforgettable walking adventure.

Highlights

  • Stunning coastal trails and flower-lined levada walks

  • Explore bustling Funchal and its vibrant market

  • Panoramic coastal path from Santana to Sao Jorge

  • Visit the magnificent waterfall at Caldeirao Verde

  • Walk the popular peninsula loop at Ponta de Sao Lourenco's Nature Reserve

  • Experience the majestic views from Cabo Girao

  • Discover the verdant paradise of Levada do Furado with its waterfalls and wildlife

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Circular Walk To Sao Jorge

Location: Santana

Accommodation Name: hotel near Santana

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Arrive at your hotel near Santana where our local partner will brief you on the week's walking.

Day 2 : The Caldeirao Verde Levada

Location: Santana

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

A panoramic coastal path leads you to the ancient cobbled route linking Santana to Sao Jorge. 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.2 options: Walking time 3.5hr, distance 10km/6.2mi or walking time 4hr, distance 13km/8.1mi.

Day 3 : Ribeiro Frio

Location: Santana

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

A transfer (10 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 local bus (payable locally) back to Santana or a pre-arranged transfer back to Porto da Cruz.

Day 4 : Sao Lourenco

Location: Madeira

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

A scenic 30-minute ride takes you to Ribeiro Frio. 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)!

Day 5 : Cabo Girao Walk

Location: Ponta de Sao Lourenco

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Starting with a transfer (30 mins), today's walk takes 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.

Day 6 : At Funchal

Location: Funchal

Accommodation Name: 5-star Quinta da Bela Vista

Meals Included: Breakfast

A 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 the 5-star Quinta da Bela Vista above Funchal where you will spend your last 2 nights.

Day 7 :

Location: Funchal

Accommodation Name: 5-star Quinta da Bela Vista

Spend 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.

Day 8 :

Location: Funchal

Trip ends in Funchal

What's Included

  • All breakfasts, 2 picnic lunches and 5 evening meals

    All breakfasts, 2 picnic lunches, and 5 evening meals are included in the tour package.

  • All accommodation

    All accommodation is included as part of the tour package.

  • Cable car ticket included (day 7)

    A cable car ticket is included for use on day 7 of the tour.

  • Route notes and maps provided

    Route notes and maps are provided to assist with navigation during the tour.

What's Not Included

  • Travel insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and must be arranged separately.

  • Single accommodation

    Single accommodation is available on request and requires a compulsory supplement.

  • Solo traveller supplement

    A solo traveller supplement applies when only one person is travelling on a departure date.

  • Visas or vaccinations

    Visas or vaccinations are not included and must be arranged separately if required.

Food

All continental buffet style breakfasts, 2 picnic lunches and 5 evening meals are included. Madeira is well known for its excellent fresh fish and seafood, tasty soups and mouth-watering fresh fruit. Grilled meats especially chicken (often cooked on a natural wood grill), also make a good choice for your evening meal. A more traditional dish is espetada - skewered beef cooked on an open grill served with lots of salad and boiled potatoes. Portions are generous, especially in smaller, less touristy restaurants and main dishes come with the traditional salad and potatoes. You will also get a basket of bread on the table, even if you don’t ask for it. Some restaurants also bring you portions of soft cheese and fish paste with the bread and will add these to your bill. Wine Madeira’s wine is probably the island’s most famous export. This strong, fortified wine, which tastes a little like port or sherry, comes in a range of flavours (from dry to very sweet) and is renowned throughout the world. It was used to seal the signing of the American Declaration of Independence and is still used today to toast those offered the Freedom of the City of London.

Accommodation

Our accommodation choices offer as many contrasts as the walks: in Santana your 4-star hotel has stunning Atlantic Ocean views; in Santo da Serra your hotel dates back to the 1920s and has been used as a family home and tea house over the years, and in Funchal, the 5-star Quinta da Bela Vista is one of the most exclusive hotels on the island. Room upgrade From £10 per person, per night based on 2 people sharing. All prices are based on 2 persons sharing, so if there is an odd number of people travelling in your party or you are travelling alone, there will be a compulsory single room supplement payable in advance.

Mode of Transport

Transfers are provided to various starting points for walks, including a 10/25-minute transfer to Parque das Queimadas and a 45-minute transfer to Boa Morte. A bus is available for return trips to Santana, and a cable car ticket is included on day 7.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of meals are included in the tour?

    The tour includes all breakfasts, 2 picnic lunches, and 5 evening meals. Madeira is known for its excellent fresh fish, seafood, and grilled meats, with traditional dishes like espetada being a popular choice.

  • What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?

    The accommodation varies throughout the tour, offering a range of experiences. In Santana, you will stay in a 4-star hotel with stunning Atlantic Ocean views. In Santo da Serra, the hotel dates back to the 1920s and has a rich history. In Funchal, you will stay at the 5-star Quinta da Bela Vista, one of the most exclusive hotels on the island.

  • Are there any optional activities or walks during the tour?

    Yes, on Day 4, there are two optional walks. One is a loop at Ponta de Sao Lourenco's Nature Reserve, and the other is on the Levada Nova, offering a rewarding walk with sun-dappled waterfalls and a variety of flora.

  • Is transportation provided during the tour?

    Yes, transportation is provided for various parts of the tour, including transfers to starting points of walks and between accommodations.

  • What is the highlight of the Cabo Girao Walk?

    The Cabo Girao Walk offers a path through pine and eucalyptus trees, lined with pink belladonna flowers, and leads to Cabo Girao where you can enjoy majestic views of the Atlantic Ocean.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Exodus has been trading since 1974

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

Marvels of Madeira self guided

A winning combination of walks in stunning scenery and top quality hotels in which to relax at the end of the day. Being self guided was a great experience, walking notes very clear, and you can go at your own choice of pace and stop whenever you want. Highly recommended.

1 Select your preferred date

Tuesday - Tuesday

Jan 21, 2025 - Jan 28, 2025
$2120 (USD)

Wednesday - Wednesday

Jan 22, 2025 - Jan 29, 2025
$2120 (USD)

Thursday - Thursday

Jan 23, 2025 - Jan 30, 2025
$2120 (USD)

Friday - Friday

Jan 24, 2025 - Jan 31, 2025
$2120 (USD)

Saturday - Saturday

Jan 25, 2025 - Feb 01, 2025
$2120 (USD)

Sunday - Sunday

Jan 26, 2025 - Feb 02, 2025
$2120 (USD)

Monday - Monday

Jan 27, 2025 - Feb 03, 2025
$2120 (USD)

Tuesday - Tuesday

Jan 28, 2025 - Feb 04, 2025
$2120 (USD)

Wednesday - Wednesday

Jan 29, 2025 - Feb 05, 2025
$2120 (USD)

Thursday - Thursday

Jan 30, 2025 - Feb 06, 2025
$2120 (USD)

Friday - Friday

Jan 31, 2025 - Feb 07, 2025
$2120 (USD)

Saturday - Saturday

Feb 01, 2025 - Feb 08, 2025
$2150 (USD)

Sunday - Sunday

Feb 02, 2025 - Feb 09, 2025
$2150 (USD)

Monday - Monday

Feb 03, 2025 - Feb 10, 2025
$2150 (USD)

Tuesday - Tuesday

Feb 04, 2025 - Feb 11, 2025
$2150 (USD)

Wednesday - Wednesday

Feb 05, 2025 - Feb 12, 2025
$2150 (USD)

Thursday - Thursday

Feb 06, 2025 - Feb 13, 2025
$2150 (USD)

Friday - Friday

Feb 07, 2025 - Feb 14, 2025
$2150 (USD)

Saturday - Saturday

Feb 08, 2025 - Feb 15, 2025
$2150 (USD)

Sunday - Sunday

Feb 09, 2025 - Feb 16, 2025
$2150 (USD)

Monday - Monday

Feb 10, 2025 - Feb 17, 2025
$2150 (USD)

Tuesday - Tuesday

Feb 11, 2025 - Feb 18, 2025
$2150 (USD)

Wednesday - Wednesday

Feb 12, 2025 - Feb 19, 2025
$2150 (USD)

Thursday - Thursday

Feb 13, 2025 - Feb 20, 2025
$2150 (USD)

Friday - Friday

Feb 14, 2025 - Feb 21, 2025
$2150 (USD)

Saturday - Saturday

Feb 15, 2025 - Feb 22, 2025
$2150 (USD)

Sunday - Sunday

Feb 16, 2025 - Feb 23, 2025
$2150 (USD)

Monday - Monday

Feb 17, 2025 - Feb 24, 2025
$2150 (USD)

Tuesday - Tuesday

Feb 18, 2025 - Feb 25, 2025
$2150 (USD)

Wednesday - Wednesday

Feb 19, 2025 - Feb 26, 2025
$2150 (USD)

Thursday - Thursday

Feb 20, 2025 - Feb 27, 2025
$2150 (USD)

Friday - Friday

Feb 21, 2025 - Feb 28, 2025
$2150 (USD)

Saturday - Saturday

Feb 22, 2025 - Mar 01, 2025
$2150 (USD)

Sunday - Sunday

Feb 23, 2025 - Mar 02, 2025
$2150 (USD)

Monday - Monday

Feb 24, 2025 - Mar 03, 2025
$2150 (USD)

Tuesday - Tuesday

Feb 25, 2025 - Mar 04, 2025
$2150 (USD)

Wednesday - Wednesday

Feb 26, 2025 - Mar 05, 2025
$2150 (USD)

Thursday - Thursday

Feb 27, 2025 - Mar 06, 2025
$2150 (USD)

Friday - Friday

Feb 28, 2025 - Mar 07, 2025
$2150 (USD)

Saturday - Saturday

Mar 01, 2025 - Mar 08, 2025
$2150 (USD)

Sunday - Sunday

Mar 02, 2025 - Mar 09, 2025
$2150 (USD)

Monday - Monday

Mar 03, 2025 - Mar 10, 2025
$2150 (USD)

Tuesday - Tuesday

Mar 04, 2025 - Mar 11, 2025
$2150 (USD)

Wednesday - Wednesday

Mar 05, 2025 - Mar 12, 2025
$2150 (USD)

Thursday - Thursday

Mar 06, 2025 - Mar 13, 2025
$2150 (USD)

Friday - Friday

Mar 07, 2025 - Mar 14, 2025
$2150 (USD)

Saturday - Saturday

Mar 08, 2025 - Mar 15, 2025
$2150 (USD)

Sunday - Sunday

Mar 09, 2025 - Mar 16, 2025
$2150 (USD)

Monday - Monday

Mar 10, 2025 - Mar 17, 2025
$2150 (USD)

Tuesday - Tuesday

Mar 11, 2025 - Mar 18, 2025
$2150 (USD)

Wednesday - Wednesday

Mar 12, 2025 - Mar 19, 2025
$2150 (USD)

Thursday - Thursday

Mar 13, 2025 - Mar 20, 2025
$2150 (USD)

Friday - Friday

Mar 14, 2025 - Mar 21, 2025
$2150 (USD)

Saturday - Saturday

Mar 15, 2025 - Mar 22, 2025
$2150 (USD)

Sunday - Sunday

Mar 16, 2025 - Mar 23, 2025
$2150 (USD)

Monday - Monday

Mar 17, 2025 - Mar 24, 2025
$2150 (USD)

Tuesday - Tuesday

Mar 18, 2025 - Mar 25, 2025
$2150 (USD)

Wednesday - Wednesday

Mar 19, 2025 - Mar 26, 2025
$2150 (USD)

Thursday - Thursday

Mar 20, 2025 - Mar 27, 2025
$2150 (USD)

Friday - Friday

Mar 21, 2025 - Mar 28, 2025
$2150 (USD)

Saturday - Saturday

Mar 22, 2025 - Mar 29, 2025
$2150 (USD)

Sunday - Sunday

Mar 23, 2025 - Mar 30, 2025
$2150 (USD)

Monday - Monday

Mar 24, 2025 - Mar 31, 2025
$2150 (USD)

Tuesday - Tuesday

Mar 25, 2025 - Apr 01, 2025
$2150 (USD)

Wednesday - Wednesday

Mar 26, 2025 - Apr 02, 2025
$2150 (USD)

Thursday - Thursday

Mar 27, 2025 - Apr 03, 2025
$2150 (USD)

Friday - Friday

Mar 28, 2025 - Apr 04, 2025
$2150 (USD)

Saturday - Saturday

Mar 29, 2025 - Apr 05, 2025
$2150 (USD)

Sunday - Sunday

Mar 30, 2025 - Apr 06, 2025
$2150 (USD)

Monday - Monday

Mar 31, 2025 - Apr 07, 2025
$2150 (USD)

Tuesday - Tuesday

Apr 01, 2025 - Apr 08, 2025
$2150 (USD)

Wednesday - Wednesday

Apr 02, 2025 - Apr 09, 2025
$2150 (USD)

Thursday - Thursday

Apr 03, 2025 - Apr 10, 2025
$2150 (USD)

Friday - Friday

Apr 04, 2025 - Apr 11, 2025
$2150 (USD)

Saturday - Saturday

Apr 05, 2025 - Apr 12, 2025
$2150 (USD)

Sunday - Sunday

Apr 06, 2025 - Apr 13, 2025
$2150 (USD)

Monday - Monday

Apr 07, 2025 - Apr 14, 2025
$2150 (USD)

Tuesday - Tuesday

Apr 08, 2025 - Apr 15, 2025
$2150 (USD)

Wednesday - Wednesday

Apr 09, 2025 - Apr 16, 2025
$2150 (USD)

Thursday - Thursday

Apr 10, 2025 - Apr 17, 2025
$2150 (USD)

Friday - Friday

Apr 11, 2025 - Apr 18, 2025
$2150 (USD)

Saturday - Saturday

Apr 12, 2025 - Apr 19, 2025
$2150 (USD)

Sunday - Sunday

Apr 13, 2025 - Apr 20, 2025
$2150 (USD)

Monday - Monday

Apr 14, 2025 - Apr 21, 2025
$2150 (USD)

Tuesday - Tuesday

Apr 15, 2025 - Apr 22, 2025
$2150 (USD)

Wednesday - Wednesday

Apr 16, 2025 - Apr 23, 2025
$2150 (USD)

Thursday - Thursday

Apr 17, 2025 - Apr 24, 2025
$2150 (USD)

Friday - Friday

Apr 18, 2025 - Apr 25, 2025
$2150 (USD)

Saturday - Saturday

Apr 19, 2025 - Apr 26, 2025
$2150 (USD)

Sunday - Sunday

Apr 20, 2025 - Apr 27, 2025
$2150 (USD)

Monday - Monday

Apr 21, 2025 - Apr 28, 2025
$2150 (USD)

Tuesday - Tuesday

Apr 22, 2025 - Apr 29, 2025
$2150 (USD)

Wednesday - Wednesday

Apr 23, 2025 - Apr 30, 2025
$2150 (USD)

Thursday - Thursday

Apr 24, 2025 - May 01, 2025
$2150 (USD)

Friday - Friday

Apr 25, 2025 - May 02, 2025
$2150 (USD)

Saturday - Saturday

Apr 26, 2025 - May 03, 2025
$2150 (USD)

Sunday - Sunday

Apr 27, 2025 - May 04, 2025
$2150 (USD)

Monday - Monday

Apr 28, 2025 - May 05, 2025
$2150 (USD)

Tuesday - Tuesday

Apr 29, 2025 - May 06, 2025
$2150 (USD)

Wednesday - Wednesday

Apr 30, 2025 - May 07, 2025
$2150 (USD)

Thursday - Thursday

May 01, 2025 - May 08, 2025
$2225 (USD)

Friday - Friday

May 02, 2025 - May 09, 2025
$2225 (USD)

Saturday - Saturday

May 03, 2025 - May 10, 2025
$2225 (USD)

Sunday - Sunday

May 04, 2025 - May 11, 2025
$2225 (USD)

Monday - Monday

May 05, 2025 - May 12, 2025
$2225 (USD)

Tuesday - Tuesday

May 06, 2025 - May 13, 2025
$2225 (USD)

Wednesday - Wednesday

May 07, 2025 - May 14, 2025
$2225 (USD)

Thursday - Thursday

May 08, 2025 - May 15, 2025
$2225 (USD)

Friday - Friday

May 09, 2025 - May 16, 2025
$2225 (USD)

Saturday - Saturday

May 10, 2025 - May 17, 2025
$2225 (USD)

Sunday - Sunday

May 11, 2025 - May 18, 2025
$2225 (USD)

Monday - Monday

May 12, 2025 - May 19, 2025
$2225 (USD)

Tuesday - Tuesday

May 13, 2025 - May 20, 2025
$2225 (USD)

Wednesday - Wednesday

May 14, 2025 - May 21, 2025
$2225 (USD)

Thursday - Thursday

May 15, 2025 - May 22, 2025
$2225 (USD)

Friday - Friday

May 16, 2025 - May 23, 2025
$2225 (USD)

Saturday - Saturday

May 17, 2025 - May 24, 2025
$2225 (USD)

Sunday - Sunday

May 18, 2025 - May 25, 2025
$2225 (USD)

Monday - Monday

May 19, 2025 - May 26, 2025
$2225 (USD)

Tuesday - Tuesday

May 20, 2025 - May 27, 2025
$2225 (USD)

Wednesday - Wednesday

May 21, 2025 - May 28, 2025
$2225 (USD)

Thursday - Thursday

May 22, 2025 - May 29, 2025
$2225 (USD)

Friday - Friday

May 23, 2025 - May 30, 2025
$2225 (USD)

Saturday - Saturday

May 24, 2025 - May 31, 2025
$2225 (USD)

Sunday - Sunday

May 25, 2025 - Jun 01, 2025
$2225 (USD)

Monday - Monday

May 26, 2025 - Jun 02, 2025
$2225 (USD)

Tuesday - Tuesday

May 27, 2025 - Jun 03, 2025
$2225 (USD)

Wednesday - Wednesday

May 28, 2025 - Jun 04, 2025
$2225 (USD)

Thursday - Thursday

May 29, 2025 - Jun 05, 2025
$2225 (USD)

Friday - Friday

May 30, 2025 - Jun 06, 2025
$2225 (USD)

Saturday - Saturday

May 31, 2025 - Jun 07, 2025
$2225 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Exodus Adventure Travels allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus adventure travels, 43 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.