General
An island, summits, ancestral trails, a feeling of freedom, Crossing Madeira 8Days an ideal cocktail for experienced walkers!
The journey in summary
Madeira hides natural treasures unsuspected in the heart of a rugged landscape of gorges, ridges and impassable forests. To reach them, we propose you to cross Madeira by a unique and wild route and generally off the beaten tracks. You will enjoy authentic moments close to rural life while enjoying the panoramic views and the excellent gastronomy of the island..
The strong points
- A unique and wild itinerary
- 6 beautiful hikes
- The ascent of the unmissable peaks of the island
- Taxi transfers
The program
Day 1
Reception at the airport, transfer and overnight in Santa Cruz or Machico, seaside village. Installation in your accommodation. Dinner free.
Transfer time: 20 minutes.
Day 2
Sao Lourenco Bridge – Boca do risco – Porto da Cruz
Transfer to the tip of Sao Lorenço, for a visit to this desert and unique region of the island. In the late morning, short transfer by bus line to the Caniçal tunnel. Hike through the Boca do Risco Pass with breathtaking views of the ocean and the north coast. A beautiful path in balcony will take you to Porto da Cruz, a seaside village that will offer you the pleasure of a swim and, if the ocean is capricious, you can opt for a swim in saltwater pool or visit the rum. Continuation by the pass of Cruz for a final ascent for Sao Roque, where we will spend the night. Dinner and accommodation.
Walking time: 6h. Altitude difference: + 700m / – 650m. Transfer time: 30 minutes.
Day 3
Faja da Nogueira – Caldeirão do Inferno – Caldeirao Verde – Ilha
Short transfer to the vicinity of Faja da Nogueira in the Natural Park of Madeira. Beautiful circus at the foot of the great peaks of the island. A track will take you to a levada that you will follow to one of the most beautiful sites on the island: the gorges of hell, a wild place in the heart of the island. You will arrive at the levada de Caldeirao verde, with a splendid and aerial course in a green setting. Descent on the hamlet of Ilha. Crossing of some tunnels (frontal obligatory !!). Transfer to Sao Roque do Faial. Dinner and accommodation.
Walking time: 7h. Elevation: + 800m / – 750m. Transfer time: 30 minutes.
Day 4
Pico do Arieiro – Pico Ruivo – Pico Jorge – Encumeada
Transfer for the sunrise to Pico do Arieiro at 1818 meters. Breathtaking views and breathtaking scenery of grandeur and beauty: huge walls with red, brown, black rocks … plunge into abysses and fog. The decor is really unreal. Departure on ridges to reach the top of the island: Pico Ruivo (1862m). Sublime crossing to Encumeada by ridges with omnipresent views on both sides. A true altitude course, perhaps the most beautiful! Night in hotel in Encumeada.
Walking time: from 8 to 9h. Altitude difference: + 900m / -1700m. Transfer time: 40 minutes.
Day 5
Encumeada – Pico Ruivo do Paul – Estanquinhos
Departure from Encumeada for Paul da Serra by a levadas network in the middle of Laurisylva forest with a view overlooking the valley of Sao Vicente. Small ascent of Pico Ruivo do Paul. Transfer and overnight in Jardin do Mar in a paradise setting and facing the sea.
Walking time: 6h. Altitude difference: + 900m / – 200m. Transfer time: 30 minutes.
Day 6
Paul da Serra – Fanal – Seixal
Departure for one of the most remote and wild regions of Madeira. You start by crossing the plateau and then the beautiful horse trail between the valleys of Ribeira da Janela and Chao da Ribeira. You will continue to areas where nature has remained almost intact with the world’s largest laurels. You will “dive” on the northern slope which will reveal its impressive cliffs to the incredibly wild beauty. Arrival in Seixal, a small village nestled at the foot of large cliffs rushing into the ocean. Night in hotel in Seixal in front of the ocean and the sand beach.
Walking time: 6h. Altitude difference: + 200m / – 1500m. Transfer time: 30 minutes.
Day 7
Encumeada – Pico Grande – Boca do Cerro – Funchal
Transfer to Encumeada. Departure for a hike in the foothills of Pico Grande in the central region of the island to the Boca do Cerro pass. Ascension (optional) of the most beautiful and technical summit of the island: Pico Grande then descent to Curral das Freiras.
Transfer to Funchal (30 min) from Fajã Escura. Overnight in Funchal hotel in the city center. Dinner free.
Walking time: 7h. Altitude difference: + 900m / – 1200m. Transfer time: 1h10.
Day 8
Free visit of the city and transfer to the airport .