Explore Madeira On Foot

Arrive to Funchal airport and transfer by bus or taxi to Porto da Cruz. If you arrive early why not relax on the sandy beach or you can visit one of the last remaining sugar mills where you can try the well-known “Poncha”, which is a local drink made from sugar cane liquor, honey and freshly squeezed orange juice.

Today you shall have a short transfer after breakfast to Machico, then you will walk along the impressive north coast on one of the old supply routes. This route was previously used to cultivate the local vineyards. This is actually one of the nicest footpaths where you can enjoy some breath-taking coastal views.

Santana, which is well-known for its typical houses on the Island is where you walk starts today. Take some time to explore this wonderful village. Your walk today heads along the Levada do Rei towards the waterfalls of Ribeiro Bonito. Now through some short tunnels, the path continues to the head of the valley. Here you shall see some wonderful landscapes and views. 

Firstly you shall have a short transfer to the mountains an area called the Paul da Serra high plateau. Today you hike will be through Madeira’s green mountains. You will walk along high-altitude paths where you shall see some spectacular views. This area is partially a UNESCO world cultural heritage site. Now An amazing hiking trail takes you through colourful blooming broom bushes to Fanal, a fairytale-like forest with crooked like trees and green meadows with grazing highland cattle which create a very special mystical atmosphere. In the afternoon you reach the coastal village of Porto Moniz with its wonderful views of the blue sea. This charming place is well-known for its natural swimming pools, which were formed by the ocean from black lava rock.

Today you will walk along the south-west coastline via green hills. In this part of the island, you will discover the original way of life of its habitants, especially Prazeres is known as one of the loveliest villages of Madeira island. You will walk through fragrant eucalyptus forests, you will keep seeing Callas, Amarryllis and Agapanthus growing wildly. You will stay overnight in the lively coastal village, Calheta. It has a fine sandy beach and an elegant marina.

Today a short transfer along the southern coast before you set off up to Levada do Norte where you will see some amazing views. It is also the longest and widest Levada in the south. You will walk through typically farmed terraces and discover a vast variety of fruits. Passing small villages like Quinta Grande and Campanario to the Cabo Girao, which is the highest steep cliff in Europe. From there you will get a fantastic view of the terraced fields below and of the coastline until the capital, Funchal.

Today you reach the pilgrimage site of Monte by cable car which situated high above Funchal. After a visit to the church of Nossa Senhora do Monte you can marvel at the dynamic wicker basket sledgers before embarking on your final stage. With a marvellous view onto the coast of Funchal the route leads you once again across subtropical island vegetation and back into the capital. We highly recommend you visit the amazing botanical garden giving you an understanding of the exotic flora of the island.

Depart after breakfast.