6 - 19 km
100 - 750 m
14 Days & 13 Nights
Laurissilva Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site
- Tour Grade
- Distance
6 – 19 km / day
- Profile
Hilly
- Route
Mountain terrain and “levadas”; single tracks and cliff trails
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Itinerary
Arrival Funchal Airport (FNC) Transfer to Hotel
Welcome to Madeira!
Our guide will pick you up at the airport and drive you to Machico. This will be the location of your first accommodation. Take some time to enjoy the swimming pool, take a nap or relax with a beautiful view.
Ponta de São Lourenço Hike
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 Machico (20 min).
Hike from Ribeiro Frio to Portela
Today, you will have your first experience in the famous levadas, which are an extensive network of small irrigation channels that make the perfect path for adventurous hikers.
After a transfer to Ribeiro Frio (30 min), start your hike along this levada which is one of the first acquired by the state to irrigate the farmlands of Porto da Cruz. You will then follow the levada of Serra do Faial at an elevation of 860 metres, all the way to the station where the waters divide. From there, you will descend to the area of Lamaceiros. The walk ends with another descent to the village of Portela, where you will be transferred back to your accomodation in Machico (20 min).
Hike from Machico to Porto da Cruz
Today, you will head up to Facho Pic (322 metres) and enjoy the north coastal cliffs!
Start the walk from your hotel at Machico and 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 30 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 20 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. This Levada is used for agricultural purposes but is also an important way of reaching the interior of the deep valley, the São Jorge brook, on foot. It offers the traveller a veritiginous and spectacular view of the moutainous terrain. The day will finish with a 20 minute transfer to Santana.
Hike Pico Ruivo to Encumeada
On this the morning, you will have a 30 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 fluctuate between elevations of 1000 and 1800 metres, 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 Encumeada Loop
This day will begin at the regional highway, E.R. 110, which is on the way up to Paul da Serra from Encumeada.
This path follows the levadas of Serra and Norte, crossing an incredible area of native high-altitude vegetation, as well as the native Laurissilva Forest, an area that is part of the Natura 2000 Network. Along the way, you will encounter magnificent views of the São Vicente Valley, as well as examples of the island’s architecture and heritage, as is the case of a “municipal path” - a public pathway used by the islanders to travel between the north and south sides of the island. Once you reach the top of the footpath at Pináculo you will have a view of the breathtaking landscape of the Ribeira Brava Valley and the Central Mountain Range, where the island’s two highest peaks stand out. The day will finish with a walk back to the hotel.
Hike Paúl da Serra Plateau
If you woke up thinking this natural beauty must be special, then you are right!
The trail reserved for today is included in the area of Laurissilva Forest, which is classified by UNESCO as a Natural World Heritage site since 1999 and is also a member of the European network of sites of community importance - Natura 2000. After a 35 minute transfer, start exploring Paúl da Serra plateau and follow the trail to visit several viewpoints that reveal a set of beautiful landscapes which highlight the view over the valley of Ribeira da Janela and Chão da Ribeira. Pay attention to the area known as "Fio" where the visitors can appreciate what is left of an ingenious apparatus of steel cables that stretch down-hill which were used to carry wood and shrubs that were collected in the Fanal forest. After, you will arrive at Fanal, a small volcanic crater classified as a resting reserve of the Natural Park of Madeira with the centenary forest of Ocofeafoefens trees (Til) showing us how overwhelming untouched nature can be. A short 20 minute transfer will take you to your hotel in Porto Moniz.
Hike Levada da Janela
Begin hiking on a trail which follows the Levada da Ribeira da Janela.
After a gorgeous 40 minute transfer to Lamaceiros along the northern coast, you’ll arrive at a levada at an elevation of 500 metres. It has its source in the bed of the Ribeira da Janela stream, which separates the lands of Porto Moniz from those of Ribeira da Janela Village. The exotic forest which you will encounter at the beginning of the trail, with marime pines and eucalyptus, precedes the dense vegetation, which is characteristic of the Laurissilva forest. Waterfalls and frequent streams guarantee vitality to many species of flaura and fauna that abound along the levada. Tunnels are common along this levada, and as you pass between these long tunnels, you will get glimpses of the beautiful panoramic views of the Ribeira da Janela Valley landscape. The day will end with a transfer to Porto Moniz.
Hike from Prazeres to Paúl do Mar
The day starts with a 45 minute transfer to the start point of the hike.
You will walk through a route full of heritage which is located on the west side of the Madeira Island that links the villages of Prazeres and Jardim do Mar. In the past, this trail was one of the few routes available for the population of Prazeres to access the coastline. Characterized by a height difference of approximately 500 metres, it is an oppportunity to walk calmly so you can take your time and absorb the landscape of the sea shore and the land filled with terraced farm plots which are held in place by stone walls. These were formerly used to grow grain crops by dedicated local farmers. Designated as a "municipal path", this trail is genuine historical heritage, bearing witness to the isolation of past generations and to the ingenious and difficult trails built by the people to overcome it. The day will end with a short transfer back to the hotel (15 min) but before, make sure to explore Paúl do Mar, an old fishing village known for the export of tuna which has a small and lovely parish on the seashore and some stunning views of the cliffs.
Hike Rabaçal & 25 Fontes
After a 30 minute transfer to the surroundings of Rabaçal, begin your hike and today there will be an amazing hidden secret awaiting!
After gently descending to Rabaçal, you will find two paths (PR6.1 and PR6.5). The path that signs PR6.1 will take you to an impressive waterfall as it goes along the Levada do Risco. At an altitude of 1000 metres above sea level, the path reveals many landscapes, wonderful sensations and a wide variety of endemic species. After a short while, you will arrive at the Lagoa das 25 Fontes (Lagoon of the 25 Springs) and it is an absolutely magical place. The waters that formed this place permeated through the wall that forms the lagoon and also came from the top of the Moutain Marsh (Paul da Serra). This allowed for the construction of the 25 Fontes Levada in 1835 and it has always been a diamond for our eyes. As the day comes to an end, the time to rest approaches. A 30 minute transfer will take you back to your hotel. Enjoy a tasty traditional dinner tonight!
Hike from Encumeada to Boca da Corrida
What a lovely day to walk! Leave your hotel with a 40 minute long transfer to Encumeada.
As you start your hike, 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. Along the way, the view of Curral das Freiras will emerge and it is worthy of some contemplation. This village 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 (40 min) so that you can enjoy the biggest city in the island and its wonders.
Visit Funchal
After a 60 minute transfer to Funchal, you will have the day off to enjoy the city!
This is the most famous city of Madeira and people love to walk the streets of its cosmopolitan city center. Look for its historical sites like the cathedral or find the best ocean view spots. The opportunities are endless. You must also find the market of Funchal and enjoy part of your day tasting the best gastronomy from the islands; from meat skewer, to banana cake or the traditional poncha drink. You will not be disappointed!
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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