Madeira Island Walking
Madeira Island Walking
Madeira Island Walking
8 Days Starting and ending in Funchal, Portugal
Visiting: Funchal, Machico, Madeira, Santana
Tour operator:
Tour code:
JIM
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Discover the enchanting beauty of Madeira with our "Madeira Island Walking" tour, offering mild temperatures and year-round walking opportunities. Traverse the island's unique 'levadas' system, the only one of its kind in the world, and explore dramatic mountains, deep valleys, and rugged Atlantic coastlines. Summit Pico Ruivo, Madeira's highest peak, and admire the exotic tropical flora. Enjoy a mix of 4-star hotels and traditional guesthouses, ensuring comfort in stunning surroundings. With a choice of walks on several days, this self-guided holiday provides flexibility and adventure. Transfers, luggage transport, and an information pack with route notes and maps are included, making your journey seamless and enjoyable.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Madeira
Location: Funchal
Accommodation Name: pension
On arrival at Funchal airport, a short taxi transfer is included to Machico on the east coast.
Machico was the landing point when the island was discovered. This peculiar corner of the island boasts the oldest church, the 'Capela dos Milagres', and two forts still bear witness of the locals’ defence against the many pirate attacks on the village.
Accommodation: Stay two nights at one of two small ‘residencial’ (pension). All rooms have private facilities. The pensions have their own restaurant, where you can enjoy the evening meals. There are also good other places to eat.
Day 2 : Machico: Walk To Porto Da Cruz 12.2 Km /7.5 Miles, 3.5H - Or Marocos 12.2 Km /7.5 Miles, 3H
Location: Machico
Accommodation Name: pension
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast you have a choice of two walks.
Option 1: This is for walkers with a head for heights and in reasonable weather without high winds. Taxi or walk to the start of the Levada de Canical, which you will soon leave to climb to the Boca de Risco pass (300m). From there a cliff hugging coastal path takes you along the wildest stretch of coastline in Madeira, round the Espigao Amarelo, an exposed path with large drop below and down to Larano (200m). From Larano walk down road to Porto da Cruz and transfer by road (included in tour price) back to Machico.
Option 2: A shorter option that can be done in adverse weather. Taxi or walk to the start of the Levada de Canical. You can follow this to its source near Ribeira de Machico/Marocos and transfer (included) back to your hotel in Machico in the afternoon. This levada was built in relatively recent times and is easy to follow.
Both walks can be extended by 4.4km, 1.5 hours and over 300 metres of ascent by walking from Machico up to the viewpoint of Pico de Facho (322m) and then down to the start of the levada (irrigation channel) by the Canical Tunnel.
Day 3 : Machico To Santo Da Serra Via Sao Lourenco Peninsula 9.12Km /5.7 Miles, 3.5H
Location: Madeira
Accommodation Name: 4-star boutique hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
A circular coastal walk around the Sao Lourenco peninsula, on the eastern point of Madeira island. This is different to any other walk during your week in Madeira, taking a trek through the volcanic remains, which are now a nature reserve. There are spectacular cliff views and wonderful flowers.
Accommodation: Overnight in Santo da Serra, a village situated on a broad ridge at 650m above sea level. Two nights in a 4-star boutique hotel, located 400m from the village centre. All 21 rooms have en-suite facilities, TV and phone. The hotel has its own restaurant. There is a heated indoor pool, a spa and a small fitness room. The hotel also has an attractive large garden.
*Today's walk includes transfers to the start and from the end.
Day 4 : Santo Da Serra: Monte To Camacha 14.9Km /9.25 Miles, 4H45
Location: Funchal
Accommodation Name: 4-star boutique hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Transfer to Monte (included), at 550m high in the hills above Funchal. You have time to visit the tropical gardens and palace, and even take the wicker sledge ride down the road a couple of km. However, today's walk is one of those Madieran classics, starting at the top station of the cable car that comes up from Funchal. This is at the northeast corner of the Tropical Garden. You will follow the Levada dos Tornos and then climb up the hillside to follow the Levada da Serra. This levada contours at a higher level (about 750m) around the head of the ‘Valley of Paradise’. You reach Camacha (700m), from where you will be transferred back to Santo da Serra.
Day 5 : Walk Camacha To Santo Da Serra, Transfer To Santana 16 Km /10 Miles, 5-6H
Location: Santana
Accommodation Name: 4-star pension
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning you will be driven to the start of today's walk in Camacha for a day of mostly levada walking back to the hotel in Santo da Serra. As you follow the Levada dos Tornos, there are many good views towards the coast and some dramatic, steep-sided valleys to traverse. The route includes a number of tunnels for which a torch (flashlight) is required, however none of the tunnels are very long (you can see the exit from the entrance of all the tunnels that you walk through). The levada altitude is approx. 620m and you are walking downhill with the flow of water. You will pass through a mix of cultivated land, small villages, hamlets and woodlands of eucalyptus, mimosas, pine and chestnut. There are some short steep ascents at the end of the day to Santo de Serra on tarmac roads with little or no traffic. You will be driven to Santana this afternoon for the next part of your holiday.
Accommodation: Stay in the centre of the village at a 4-star pension. Rooms have hair dryer, cable TV, digital phone, air conditioning, double-glazing and balcony, with views over the fields and countryside. General facilities include a small indoor pool, sauna etc. The hotel has a popular restaurant and offers traditional island fayre.
*Request with us an extra day & night in Santana in order to walk the levada from Queimadas to Ilha via Caldeirao Verde, another beautiful walk!
Day 6 : Achada Do Teixeira To Encumeada, Incl. Pico Ruivo 16 Km /10 Miles, 6H
Location: Madeira
Accommodation Name: 3-star pension
Meals Included: Breakfast
Time to head up into the high mountains for a spectacular walk along the highest ridge in the centre of the island. The walk starts with a road transfer (included) up to Achado do Teixeira (1592m), from where it is about an hours walk up to the summit of Pico Ruivo (1862m), the highest summit in Madeira. From there you can continue along a high ridge, which forms the backbone of the island, with fabulous views either side (weather permitting). This is a strenuous but very rewarding walk and the hardest day of this tour. There are more ‘downs’ than ‘ups’ and you eventually descend to Encumeada (1007m), a high road pass and cafe. From here it is a short road walk down below the pass to your hotel.
Accommodation: Our 3* pension is a welcoming destination after a long day in the hills. All rooms have en-suite facilities, balcony with mountain or valley views, TV, and phone. The public lounge has a fireplace. The restaurant and bar are in traditional rustic style. There is an outside drinks terrace. The natural setting of the hotel among the forest and peaks is quite outstanding.
*Today's route does need reasonable weather conditions. If the weather outlook is poor or the path is closed you can ride with your baggage from Santana to Encumeada for an alternative walk, to Ginjas (13 km/8 miles, 3.5 h bus or taxi back to Encumeada not included).
Day 7 : Boa Morte To Cabo Girao (Bus To Funchal) 12 Km /7 Miles, 4 Hrs
Location: Funchal
Accommodation Name: 4-star hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today you will be transferred from Encumeada to Boa Morte and the Levada do Norte as it contours around the mountainside, crossing two tiny farmlng areas (Campanário and Quinta Grande) to finish at the amazing viewpoint of Cabo Girão,
Accommodation: We use a 4-star hotel which is located from the centre of Funchal. The hotel has fully equipped rooms, with TV. It also has a good restaurant, swimming pools, a small fitness room, etc.
Day 8 : Arrangements End After Breakfast
Location: Funchal
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, a transfer to the airport is included in your trip price and takes approx. 30 minutes.
What's Included
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Meals
7 breakfasts and 3 dinners are included.
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Accommodation
4 nights in pensions and guesthouses and 3 nights in 4-star hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities.
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Airport Transfers
Transfer from Funchal airport to the first accommodation and from the last accommodation back to Funchal airport.
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Luggage Transfer
Luggage transfer is included.
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Vehicle Transfers
Vehicle transfers on days 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 are included.
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Information Pack
An information pack including route notes, GPX files, and maps is provided.
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Emergency Hotline
An emergency hotline is available.
What's Not Included
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Additional Meals and Beverages
4 dinners, all lunches, and beverages are not included.
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Entrance Fees
Entrance fees are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included.
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Travel to Funchal
Travel to Funchal and back at the end of the tour is not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as laundry and phone calls are not included.
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Unscheduled Transfers
Unscheduled transfers required during the trip are not included.
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Solo Traveler Supplement
A supplement will apply if you are traveling solo or book a single room.
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Guide
This is a self-guided holiday; a guide is not included.
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Tourist Tax
A tourist tax may be requested from your accommodation that you pay to them directly.
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Excess Luggage
Excess luggage is not included.
Accommodation
4 nights in pensions and guesthouses. Hotels described are our usual choice of accommodation, however if these are not available then alternatives are used and if these are of a different standard you will be informed at the time of booking. Baths: All the accommodation has ensuite bathrooms. Private facilities will include a shower more often than a bath.
Grading
We grade the tour as 'Moderate' (grade 3). We do not recommend this trip if you suffer from vertigo or balance issues. As far as fitness goes the walks should present no difficulties for anyone in reasonable condition and accustomed to walking in hilly areas. When walking in the high mountains you may encounter mist (low cloud) and it is necessary for those days to be experienced with compass and map. Short sections of some walks may be loose and slippery underfoot and a head for heights is an advantage on quite a few occasions. On any day you can if you prefer opt out of the walking and travel with the baggage. Day Stages: 9-17km per day, with ascents of up to 800m, descents of up to 1000m. 3.5 to 7 hours walking per day.
Mode of Transport
Transfer from Funchal airport to first accommodation and from last accommodation back to Funchal airport. Vehicle transfers on days 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. Luggage transfer is also included.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation can I expect during the Madeira Island Walking tour?
You will stay in a mix of 4-star hotels and smaller traditional properties such as pensions and guesthouses. All accommodations have ensuite bathrooms, and the hotels typically offer additional amenities like restaurants, indoor pools, and fitness rooms.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour package includes 7 breakfasts and 3 dinners. Additionally, 4 dinners, all lunches, and beverages are also included.
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What kind of support is available during the tour?
The tour provides an information pack including route notes, GPX files, and maps. There is also an emergency hotline available for any urgent issues.
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Is this tour suitable for someone with vertigo or balance issues?
No, this tour is not recommended for individuals who suffer from vertigo or balance issues due to the nature of the walks, which may include steep and exposed paths.
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What happens if the weather is poor on the day of the high mountain walk?
If the weather is poor or the path is closed, you can ride with your baggage from Santana to Encumeada and opt for an alternative walk to Ginjas.
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Are there any additional costs I should be aware of?
Yes, personal expenses such as laundry and phone calls, unscheduled transfers, a supplement for solo travelers or single rooms, and a possible tourist tax requested by your accommodation are not included in the tour price.
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What is the difficulty level of the walks on this tour?
The tour is graded as 'Moderate' (grade 3). The walks should present no difficulties for anyone in reasonable condition and accustomed to walking in hilly areas. However, some sections may be loose and slippery underfoot, and a head for heights is advantageous.
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What should I do if I prefer not to walk on a particular day?
If you prefer not to walk on any given day, you can opt out of the walking and travel with the baggage.
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What kind of transfers are included in the tour?
The tour includes transfers from Funchal airport to the first accommodation and from the last accommodation back to Funchal airport. Vehicle transfers are also provided on days 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6.
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Self-guided holidays - inclusions
We have designed our self guided walking and cycling tours to include a number of elements to help you enjoy your holiday more, while leaving out some things to give you more freedom to tailor the trip to your needs and interests. Refer to the Trip Notes for more information on the specific inclusions for each trip. What’s included: - Detailed Route Notes - Accommodation - Luggage transfers - Any scheduled transfers as per Trip Notes - Emergency support - Some meals (mostly breakfasts) What’s NOT included: - Transport to/from start/finish points - Most meals - Any entrance/park fees - Travel insurance - Personal expenses along the way - Unscheduled transfers required during the trip
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Trip Grading & Preparation
Match your level of fitness & requirements Please read this information carefully to find out which grade is most suited to your level of fitness and requirements. To make the most of your Walkers' Britain holiday it is essential and your responsibility to choose a trip that is well within your capabilities. All our active holidays are graded and clearly marked in each trip description. All mountains have uphill and downhill sections and by definition walking and cycling demand some effort. However all things are relative, and these grades assume that you are a reasonably active person who enjoys walking or cycling. Few trips are extreme and most allow ample time for sightseeing and enjoying the scenery. If in doubt about the grade of any holiday, please contact us for advice or request the tour dossiers, you can also chat with our team about the right travel insurance for you. Grade 1 – Introductory These trips involve walking for four to five hours per day or cycling for 15-50 km per day at a slow but steady pace. You will need a reasonable level of fitness and good health. Suggested Preparation 30 minutes of aerobic-type exercise (either road cycling or jogging), three times a week for three months leading up to your trip. Grade 2 – Introductory to Moderate These trips involve a combination of what is described in our Introductory and Moderate levels. The emphasis is on introductory activity but including several moderate stages. Grade 3 – Moderate These adventures involve walking for up to six hours per day or cycling for up to 65 km per day, at a steady pace. You will need a good level of fitness and be in good health. Suggested Preparation 45 minutes of aerobic-type exercise (road cycling or jogging) three times a week for three months leading up to your trip. Grade 4 – Moderate to Challenging This trip grading involves a combination of what is described in our Moderate and Challenging levels. The emphasis is on moderate activity but including several challenging stages. Grade 5 – Challenging These active holidays involve walking up to nine hours per day in mountainous terrain with steep ascents and descents, pass crossing & alpine weather conditions, or cycling for up to 80 km per day over undulating terrain, with some steep and sustained hills. You will need an excellent level of fitness, be prepared to carry a daypack weighing up to 8 kg and be completely comfortable in adverse weather conditions. Suggested Preparation 1 hour of aerobic-type exercise five times a week for three to six months leading up to your trip. We also recommend regular hill walking with a pack in variable weather conditions or road cycling.
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Route notes
While our tours vary in terms of difficulty, route finding is made simple and convenient with our specially prepared package of maps and route notes. On many of the walks it is easy enough to navigate carefully using the route notes provided with a cursory glance at the map. As holidays reach the higher grades, you will need to take more care and we would expect you to have at least some knowledge of using a compass. Maps for our tours also vary considerably, from up-to-date GPS referenced additions, to old map copies which may still be the only ones obtainable for a particular area. The differences in style, grade and destinations of our tours are features that make them of continual interest and delight to our walkers & cyclists. Each set of route notes can contain the following elements relevant to the route: History and information on the region and the route you are walking. Detailed maps including points of interest and accommodation. Detailed step-by-step descriptions (with pictures) of the route and information on detours/optional additions. Transport timetables and information for getting there and away. Safety information and advice. Contact details of accommodation, transport, local representatives and emergency support. Advice for things to do along the way. Suggestions for dining and self catering.
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How our self-guided holidays work
Self guided walking and cycling holidays offer freedom, independence and choice, allowing you to tailor your holidays in the UK & Europe to your interest and travel style. Our detailed Route Notes will contain all of the information you need to plan how you would like to approach each day, giving you the freedom to set your own pace. As you are not limited by the constraints of group travel, you are free to shorten or lengthen your walk as the terrain permits and can even take a day off, although you may need to travel onto your next accommodation by taxi or public transport in order to do so.
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Low Deposit
Walkers' Britain requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of walkers' britain charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.