General

South Side “Levadas of the Sun” Hikes on the south coast of Madeira, the company of the ocean, the charms of Funchal and the adorable coastal village Jardim do Mar

The journey in summary

Madeira South Side on the Levadas of the Sun 8 Days Program (6)

Your course

Madeira is a paradise for hikers and especially the south coast with its astonishing network of flowering levadas, its paths through terraced crops and its splendid views of the ocean. It will also be an opportunity to discover the cellars of the famous wine that has contributed to the reputation of the island of Madeira. You can taste “Doce”, “Meio-Doce” and other “Seco” of different ages … Madeira is a good wine, believe us! And if the tastings are not your cup … of wine, the visit of the cellars is not without interest! But you can also admire the vibrant colors of the flower market, and blow in our oceanfront accommodation in Jardim do Mar.

The strong points

  • Coastal hikes
  • The calm of the lovely village of Jardim Do Mar at the end of your stay
  • All transfers included
  • Possibility to visit the wine cellars

The program

Day 1

Arrival in Madeira. Transfer and overnight to Machico.
Transfer time: 20 minutes.

Day 2

Ponta de Sao Lourenço – Funchal

Transfer to Abra Baia. Hike to the Sao Lourenço point and its multicolored cliffs. North side, a regularly agitated ocean where the waves rush under the overhanging walls; south side, a quiet bay sheltered from the waves, where some coves are within walking distance. Transfer and overnight in Funchal.

Walking time: 4h. Elevation: + 300m / -300m. Transfer time: 40mn.

Day 3

Funchal – Estreito de Camara de Lobos – Cabo Girao – Jardim do Mar

Free morning to visit Funchal. in the early afternoon, transfer to Estreito de Camara de Lobos, for a hike to Cabo Girao on the Levada do Norte, through the vineyards. The pleasant landscapes invite to take breaks. A small hook to see the highest Cape of Europe, the incredible Cabo Girão is inevitable! Transfer and overnight in Jardim do Mar.

Walking time: 3h. Altitude difference: + 100m. Transfer time: 1h20.

Day 4

Jardim do Mar – Prazeres – Paul do Mar

Climb amidst banana trees with an ever-greater view of the ocean. Descent by picturesque gorges to the village of Paul do Mar. Possibility of swimming. Short transfer from Paul do Mar and overnight in Jardim do Mar.

Walking time: from 3 to 4 hours. Altitude difference: + 550m / -550m.

 

Day 5

Vehicle tour on the west side of the island with Portuguese-speaking driver: Encumeada, Sao Vicente, Seixal, Porto Moniz, Ponta da Pargo and Faja do Ovelha.

Day 6

The levadas of Rabaçal: Hiking 25 Fountains 

Early in the morning, transfer to Rabaçal, village in the heart of unspoiled nature, where many levadas take their source. Refreshing, they succeed each other on several levels, crossing thick forests of heather trees.

Walking time: from 3 to 4 hours. Elevation: + 450m / -150m.

 

Day 7

Ponta do Sol – Ribeira Brava

Transfer to Lombada da Ponta do Sol. Departure from the Solar, manor which was for several centuries the most imposing of the island. Peaceful hike through terraced gardens, testimony to the hard work of the Madeiran people. Descent to the seaside town of Ribeira Brava, swimming and visiting the city. Night in Funchal.

Walking time: 4 to 5 hours. Altitude difference: -400m. Transfer time: 30 minutes.

Day 8

Transfer to Funchal airport. Return flight

Available departures

Price 575 Euros Double Bed Room
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Practical Details

PROGRAMMING DATES

Departure every day according to availability.

APPOINTMENT

RV at Funchal airport.

END OF STAY

On the last day, a taxi will take you back to the airport.

LEVEL

Hiking from 4 to 6 hours with 100 to 500 m of elevation climb. Paths sometimes a little aerial, often along the "levadas" (channels), but without technical difficulty.

GUARANTEED DEPARTURE FROM (pers.)

2

PORTAGE

You will only wear your belongings for the day.

BAGGAGE TRANSPORT

When you change accommodations, he will drop off your luggage in your new home site.

ORGANIZATION

Organized transfers for hiking and airport-accommodation return.

FRAMING

Freedom stay without guide.

ACCOMMODATION

Simple formula: 1 night in Machico in 2 * hotel, 4 nights in Jardim do Mar in bed and breakfast, and 2 nights in Funchal in 2 * hotel.

Comfort Package: 1 night in Machico in a 4 * hotel, 2 nights in a 3 * hotel in Funchal, and 4 nights in a 3 * hotel in Jardim do Mar.

TRAVEL

A taxi will take you to the starting point of the hikes and will take you back to the hotel at the end of the day.

TRAVEL POUCH CONTENT

15 days before your departure, but after receiving the balance of your stay, we will send you a travel bag including: Map, topo, factsheet, labels for your luggage, as well as the contractual documents (invoice, insurance contract).

TO MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICE

Get access to our detail

Equipment

BAGGAGE

1 travel bag or large backpack for "business followers" not exceeding 12 kg.

1 small backpack (30 to 40 l) for the day's business

CLOTHES

To adapt according to the season:

1 hat or cap and / or scarf.

1 pair of fine gloves

1 hat

Short-sleeved t-shirts (and / or depending on the season, in long-sleeved sweaters) in breathable material. Quantity: 1 for 2 to 3 days of walking.

1 fleece fur jacket.

1 waterproof and breathable gore-tex windproof jacket with hood.

1 backpack.

1 mountain pants (trekking) water repellent.

1 waterproof and breathable gore-tex overpants (if your budget allows it)

1 shorts

1 swimsuit for any bathing + towel (mask for diving enthusiasts). However, the beaches of Madeira do not lend themselves to idleness or swimming (beaches often made up of sometimes impressive blocks and waves).

1 pair of water shoes (if you want to swim, there are pebbles)

Walking socks (1 pair for 2 to 3 days of walking) Focus on specific wool or hiking socks. Avoid cotton (bulbs).

1 pair of hiking shoes holding ankle and waterproof Vibram soles type. Remember to "test" previously new and unused shoes for a long time.

Underwear.

1 comfortable pants for the evening.

1 pair of very light casual shoes for the evening.

THE MATERIAL TO TAKE

1 large plastic bag to slip into your backpack to protect the contents.

1 pair of sunglasses of excellent quality with side protection.

1 pair of sticks (optional)

1 bottle (1.5 liter minimum)

1 thermos if you bring tea, coffee ... soup (especially in winter or stays at altitude)

1 hermetic plastic box (volume 0.5 to 0.75 liter approximately) for the picnic.

1 pocket knife type Opinel.

1 Tupperware box for picnic + cutlery + tumbler

1 small waterproof pouch to put money, identity card, vital card and contract of assistance.

Toiletries.

1 towel that dries quickly (useless if stay in hotel unless bathing possible).

Ear plugs or Ear plugs (if your neighbor snores!)

Toilet paper + 1 lighter.

Sunscreen + labial screen.

1 frontal or flashlight (essential).

1 survival blanket

Camera, binoculars (optional) and battery backup