8 - 19 km
50 - 600 m
8 Days & 7 Nights
Mountain scenery in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean
- Tour Grade
- Distance
7 – 19 km / day
- Profile
Hilly
- Route
Mountain terrain and “levadas”
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Itinerary
Arrival in Funchal
Welcome to Madeira!
Our guide will pick you up at the airport and drive you to Santa Cruz (5 min). Once in Santa Cruz, you will arrive at your first accommodation where you can spend some time at the swimming pool, take a nap or relax with a beautiful mountainous view.
Hike Ponta de São Lourenço
You will start your day with a 20 minute transfer to Ponta de São Lourenço.
You will then walk on a trail that will take you around the volcanic peninsula to the eastern-most point of Madeira Island. Take a look around you and enjoy the amazing view of the Atlantic Ocean and the two islets that sit nearby. The Desembarcadouro Islet is classified as a natural reserve and the peninsula is also considered as a partial one. All the land and sea by the north coast, up to a depth of 50 metres, is part of the European network of important community sites - Natura 2000. What a day and what a scenery to enjoy and celebrate! The day will finish with a short transfer back to Santa Cruz (20 min).
Hike Vereda do Risco
Today, you will head up to Facho Pic (322 metres) and enjoy the north coastal cliffs!
Start with a short transfer in the morning and start your walk in Machico where you’ll get on a trail along the Caniçal Levada for about 2 kilometres. Soon, you will start to see the great view of tiny terrace where islander farmers cultivate the fertile Madeira soil. The path then ascends gently to the crest, Boca do Risco, where you will find a stunning panoramic view of the north cliffs. From Boca do Risco, the trail continues, etched into the cliff face and follows the 300 metre contour until the town of Porto da Cruz. A final transfer of 15 minutes will take you to your hotel in Santana for a well deserved rest.
Hike Levada Caldeirão Verde
Today, the path will go along Caldeirão Verde, one of the most famous Levada walks.
After a 15 minute transfer, start this "out-and-back" walk in the Queimadas Forestry Park and cross some spectacularly steep slopes which is one of the finest ways of penetrating the deep valley of the São Jorge brook on foot. You will need a torch on this walk as you will pass through several tunnels. The Levada of Caldeirão Verde is an impressive work of art that was built in the 18th century. It begins in the main stream bed of the Caldeira Verde brook and passes through steep cliffs and mountains, carrying the water that runs off the highest mountains of Madeira. It offers the traveller a veritiginous and spectacular view of the moutainous terrain.
Hike from Pico Ruivo to Encumeada
On this the morning, you will have a 20 minute transfer that will take you to Achada do Teixeira.
Once you arrive, you will begin your energetic ridge walk! It begins just below Pico Ruivo, which is the highest summit of the island and the third highest of Portugal, and heads west through a steep wood slope to the mountain pass at Encumeada. This day will be marked by frequent climbs and descents and the trail will be c little challenging, but it will all be worth it due to the extremely beautiful landscapes. The Central Moutainous Massif and the Laurissilva Forest are also home to an interesting and unique ecosystem. Today, we will walk back to the hotel.
Hike Pináculo Pico & Levada do Norte Loop
The hike of today will begin from the hotel and will take you through a variety of landscapes and magnificent views.
First, you will have to pass by the well-known Pináculo (Pinnacle) and walk along the Levada do Norte and Levada da Serra. Lovely views of the São Vicente Valley will catch your eyes, as well as some of the architectural heritage of the island, namely the "way of the county", a road used formely for movement between the northern and southern coast. Paved with stone, the levada was built to transport water and tunnels in the rock were even made to facilitate its movement. When you reach you reach the top of the footpath at Pináculo, the two highest peaks will stand out and the Central Mountain Range will give you an image to remember.
Hike from Encumeada to Boca da Corrida
See how the trail unfolds on the base of the highest peaks of Madeira Island and cross part of the majestica Massive Central Mountain.
This "royal path" gives you a glimpse of Curral das Freiras in its mountain stronghold. The perspective offered by this route changes at every step and on every climb and every descent both your eyes and soul will be filled with joy. It begins at Encumeada and fluctuates between elevations of 1340 and 940 metres. Curral das Freiras is in a deep valley surrounded by mountains, located in the center of the island. Due to its unique features, it became the refuge of the nuns of the Covent of Santa Clara in 1566, who brought with them treasures when Funchal was attacked by pirates. The day will end with a transfer to Funchal (30 min) so that you can enjoy the biggest city in the island and its wonders.
Departure
Our splendid program has come to an end.
We hope that the memories and experiences that we have created and shared stay with you forever. Come back soon to discover some more of Portugal's Nature Trails!
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