General

Complete Madeira 15 Days to discover the different facets of the Atlantic garden!

The journey in summary

The Complete Madeira 15 Days Program

You will discover the island in all its splendor, with hikes sometimes inland following the magnificent wire of ridges, sometimes along the shredded coasts dominating the Ocean. Let yourself be charmed by the island life, and moments shared with its inhabitants. Hospitality and comfort will be required. A sensational trip for those looking for sustained hikes.

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The strong points

  • Variety of hikes: balcony, coastal, levadas, ridges
  • The visit of the most beautiful sites of Madeira
  • All transfers included

The program

Day 1

Reception at the airport of Funchal, transfer for your accommodation in Sao Roque do Faial or Porto da Cruz according to the chosen accommodation option and installation at the hotel.

Transfer time: 20 minutes.

Day 2

Sao Lourenço Point

Transfer to Abra Bay for a ride to the tip of Sao Lourenço Point: the cape line stretches from the quiet Abra Bay to the south and the still-bustling north coast. Volcanic cliffs with multicolored rocks that plunge into the ocean, and small coves with clear water in which to swim; diving enthusiasts may cross colorful fish … Dinner and overnight in Porto da Cruz.

Walking time: from 3 to 4 hours. Altitude difference: + 450m / -450m. Transfer time: 20 minutes.

Day 3

Machico – Porto da Cruz

After following a small levada (the canals that form the basis of the Madeira irrigation system) dominating Machico bay and winding between flowering houses, terraced crops, and mimosa forests, a path leads to the pass of Boca do Risco from where you dominate the ocean and the north coast of more than 350 meters high. A beautiful balcony path over the ocean leads you to Porto Da Cruz and allows you to go down to the sea while sneaking between homes and cultures. Swimming possible in Porto da Cruz. Dinner and overnight in Porto da Cruz.

Walking time: 4 to 5 hours. Altitude difference: + 170m / -350m. Transfer time: 25 minutes.

Day 4

Pico do Arieiro – Pico Ruivo

Transfer to Pico do Arieiro where a magnificent crossing awaits you. After climbing to Pico do Ariero, descent into a circus, breathtaking landscape of grandeur and beauty. Huge walls with red rocks, brown, black … plunge into the abyss and the mist. The decor is really unreal. The cloud sea from the north often tries to cross the other side. The view of the surrounding peaks and the valley of Curral das Freiras is magnificent. Arriving at the top of Pico Ruivo (1862m) the view is sublime. Descent to Achada do Teixeira, before passing “Homem em Pé” strange natural figure.

Transfer from Achadas do Teixeira to Porta da Cruz, (depending on the weather this day may be changed with another day in order to enjoy the best weather for the ascent).

Walking time: 5h. Altitude difference: + 500m / -600m. Transfer time: 1h.

Day 5

Queimadas – Caldeirao Verde – Ilha

From the surroundings of Pico das Pedras, a peaceful levada takes you to the bucolic garden of Queimadas. After admiring the flowers of this enchanting garden, you will follow the levada to Caldeiro Verde, where a few small air passages and tunnels await you. Caldeiro Verde is a gigantic natural pot, where a magnificent waterfall rushes into a basin of emerald water. Descent on Ilha through lush vegetation. Transfer and overnight in Porto da Cruz.

Walking time: 5 to 6 hours. Altitude difference: + 50m / -550m. Transfer time: 20 minutes.

Day 6

Achadas do Teixeira- Encumeada

Transfer to Achadas do Texeira. Sublime crossing of Achadas do Teixeira to Encumeada by ridges with omnipresent views on both sides. A true altitude course, perhaps the most beautiful!

Arrival on foot. Installation for 2 nights in a 3 * mountain hotel in Encumeada. Dinner included.

Walking time: 6h. Elevation gain: + 800m / -1100m.

Day 7

Lombo do Mouro – Encumeada

Transfer to Encumeada. Hiking loop to the beautiful Levada Nova, also known as the levada of flowers, lined with heather trees. It dominates the valley of Sao Vicente and in the distance the ocean. Breathtaking views of the North Slope and the surrounding peaks. You will continue to Encumeada pass through tunnels, waterfalls, and finish with the astonishing and refreshing levada do Norte. Night in hotel in Encumeada.

Walking time: 5h. Elevation: +400 m / -600m. Transfer time: 30 minutes

Day 8

Porto Moniz

Free day in Porto Moniz or optional trekking on the Ribera da Janela levada (optional, cost of transfer: 10 €). Night in hotel in Porto Moniz.

Day 9

Achadas da Cruz – Porto Moniz

Transfer to Achada da Cruz, and descent to Calhau, at the edge of a pebble beach dominated by reddish cliffs. You will walk in a labyrinth of vineyards protected by palisades of heather. At certain times, old wine presses can be seen in activity, as well as people tending their vineyards and other crops. Climb through the terraced cultures to Santa, which you will discover by taking a levada and small paved paths sneaking between flowered houses. Back to the hotel by an old paved path overlooking Porto Moniz. Return to the hotel.

Walking time: 4h. Altitude difference: + 600m / – 1000m. Transfer time: 30 minutes.

Day 10

Rabaçal

Transfer to Paul da Serra. Discovery of Rabaçal, in the heart of a preserved nature, where many levadas take their source. Refreshing, they succeed each other on several levels, crossing thick forests of heather trees. You will discover the waterfall of Risco and the circus of 25 fountains. Transfer and overnight in Jardim do Mar.

Walking time: 4h. Altitude difference: + 150m / – 600m. Transfer time: 50mn.

Day 11

Jardim do Mar

Free day

For those wishing to hike, possibility from Jardim do Mar, on the south coast to climb through banana crops up to Prazeres. The view of the coast is beautiful. Here, the villages are more numerous and the landscape totally different from the north coast. Descent through a beautiful gorge to Paul do Mar, a village confined between cliffs and ocean. Overnight in Jardim do Mar.

Walking time: 4h. Altitude difference: + 550m / -550m.

Day 12

Ponta do Sol – Ribeira Brava

Transfer to Lombada da Ponta do Sol. Departure of Solar, manor which was for several centuries the most important 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. Transfer and night in Encumeada mountain hotel.

Walking time: 4h. Altitude difference: – 400m. Transfer time: 30 minutes.

Day 13

Encumeada – Pico Grande – Curral das Freiras

Departure on foot. A crossing to the Col de Boca do Cerro (1297m) at the foot of Pico Grande. Nice overview of the peaks previously climbed: Pico do Arieiro, Pico das Torres, Pico Ruivo. The climb to the top of Pico Grande is optional (elevation gain 900m, drop on the descent 1150m). A descent through the pastures and then the chestnut groves takes you to Curral das Freiras, a village nestled at the bottom of a cirque of steep mountains. Transfer and overnight in Funchal downtown. Free dinner.

Distance: 14km. Altitude difference: + 500m / -650m.

Day 14

Free visit of Funchal and free dinner.

Day 15

Transfer to the airport.

Available departures

Price Double bedroom per person - 1195 Euros
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Practical Details

PROGRAMMING DATES

Departure every day according to availability, from March 1st to October 31st.

APPOINTMENT

At the airport of Funchal.

END OF STAY

We usually schedule an appointment at your hotel in Funchal between the taxi and yourselves, about 2 hours before your flight.

LEVEL

4 to 6 hours of walking a day, without technical difficulty.

GUARANTEED DEPARTURE FROM (pers.)

2

PORTAGE

You will only wear your belongings for the day.

BAGGAGE TRANSPORT

Your luggage will be transported from one accommodation to another while you walk.

ORGANIZATION

Transport

FRAMING

Stay in freedom without an escort.

ACCOMMODATION

Simple package: 5 nights in a rural hotel in Porto da Cruz, 3 nights in a mountain hotel in Encumeada, 2 nights in a 2 * hotel in Porto Moniz, 2 nights in a rural hotel in Jardim do Mar, 2 nights in a 2 * hotel in Funchal.

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 water bottle (1.5 l minimum)

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

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

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.