Madeira Adventure
In the heart of the Atlantic, the island of Madeira is a treasure trove for the senses. A coast sculpted by the force of nature, dense forests with unique and colourful endemic plants, steep mountains and breathtaking panoramic views, terraced plantations that blend perfectly into the scenery... The primary richness of this island is the contrast created by nature over the years. Each hike on this itinerary will plunge you into a different landscape, tell a different story, and in the evenings, you relax in the heart of small Portuguese villages rich in culture and community. Highlights • Exploring the most beautiful hikes on the eastern part of the island • 2 nights in 3-star hotels with swimming pool • Discovering Funchal, the capital of Madeira
Your Itinerary
Welcome to Madeira
Welcoming at the airport and taxi transfer to Machico, the first town founded in Madeira and the former capital city. Today it is a small peaceful seaside resort. Depending on your time of arrival, feel free to wander and explore the village and walk along the beachside promenade. Meals included : None. Night : Machico.
PR8 São Lourenço Peninsula
The Peninsula of Sao Lourenço is located to the east of the Island. The landscape is very different from the rest of the island because of the semi-arid climate and its basalt cliffs carved by wind and waves. This nature reserve allows you to observe unique flora and fauna on the island. Walk: Loop | 3h | 7 km | Elevation : +/-400m Meals included : Breakfast. Night : Machico.
Boca do Risco Balconies
Transfer to the Tunnel of Caniçal, to the start of one of the most beautiful walks of Madeira, on a footpath 300 metres above the ocean. After the terraced pastures of the Ribeira Seca valley, the coastal path of Boca do Risco gives you a high angle view on the backwash and creaks below and ends with a big descent to the ocean and to the village of Porto da Cruz. It used to be a small fishermen’s village as it’s located along the northern coast, in one of the only places where the cliffs do not drop directly into the Atlantic. Transfer to Santana, famed for its typical thatched houses. Walk : Machico > Boca do Risco > Porto da Cruz | 4h15 | 13 km | Elevation : +250m/-350m Meals included : Breakfast. Night : Santana.
PR9 Caldeiro Verde
A short transfer to the start of your walk where you will discover one of the most spectacular Levada hikes of Madeira. You will enter the famous Laurisilva - remains of the humid and subtropical laurel forest. After safely passing through several tunnels and cliffside passageways, you will get to the famous “Caldeiro Verde’ (Green Cauldron). Then, you will return to the path to walk down to the isolated village of Ilha, with incredible vantage points over the ocean on the way. Return transfer to Santana. Walk : Pico das Pedras > Caldeiro Verde > Ilha | 4h30 | 14 km | Elevation : -90m/-600m Meals included : Breakfast. Night : Santana.
Boaventura Loop – PR2 Vereda do Urzal
Starting from the lost hamlet located on the northern side of the island, nestled between terraced pastures, you will find the levada dos Tornos. This walk will take you into one of the most wild and subtropical areas of the Laurissilva – primary forest – and through the countryside of this sunken valley and its terraced farmlands. A secluded area of the island where very few tourists go. Walk: Boaventura > Levada dos Tornos > Boaventura | 5h15 | 15 km | Elevation : +/-450m Meals included : Breakfast and Dinner. Night : Santana.
PR10 Levada do Furado
After 200m of positive elevation gain on a regular path, you arrive at the levada do Furado, that you follow for over 8km. The famous levadas, small irrigation canals that are typical of Madeira, are located on the mountainside and are punctuated by waterfalls and views of the valleys, leading you through the laurisilva (primitive forest of laurel and heather trees). The first part of the Levada do Furado is spectacular, cut into the rock with safety barriers. Arriving at Ribeiro Frio, a further 1km along the levada, will give you fantastic views over the highest peaks of the island. Walk: Portela > Ribeiro Frio | 5h15 | 13.5 km | Elevation : +600m/-365m Meals included : Breakfast. Night : Funchal.
Pico Ariero, Whale Watching & Funchal
Transfer to Pico do Arieiro early in the morning, one of the most breathtaking summits on the island. Enjoy the panoramic views and unique mountain atmosphere before heading back to Funchal by late morning. There you’ll have free time to enjoy lunch at your leisure before making your way to the harbour. At 14:30, our local partner will welcome you aboard their catamaran for a 3-hour cruise in search of some of the remarkable cetaceans that inhabit the waters surrounding Madeira. After returning to Funchal, take advantage of your free time to explore this charming town, nestled around the bay. Stroll through its cobbled streets, colourful gardens, and scenic coastal promenade - a delightful way to end the day. Meals included : Breakfast. Night : Funchal.
Departure
Taxi transfer to the airport 2h30 before the flight
What's Included
- 7 nights in double occupancy standard rooms with private facilities
- 7 breakfasts
- 1 dinner
- Trail fees for PR8 + PR9 + PR2 + PR10
- Whale watching tour on day 7
- All transfers mentioned in the descriptive above
- Numeric roadbook with detailed maps,
- vouchers and contacts
- Emergency assistance 24/7
Not Included
- International flights to Madeira
- All lunches and dinners not mentioned
- Tourist taxes : 2€/person/night
- Drinks
- Insurances
- Personal purchases
- Tips to drivers and restaurants