more about the route
Daily routes along well-built and very diverse paths, which can however sometimes be on narrow paths. Lots of paths run along the coastline and also along Levadas (irrigation canals), where a head for heights and sure-footedness are essential in some sections. You will need a good level of fitness for this waking holiday where the walks may take max. 5 hours.
Itinerary
Here you can see the programme for the tour.
Today you can relax on the black sandy beach in the small fishing village Porto da Cruz. You can visit one of the last remaining sugar mills where you can try the well-known “Poncha”, which is a local drink made from sugar cane liquor, honey and freshly squeezed orange juice.
Hotel (example): Costa Linda (Kategori A + Charme)
After a short transfer to Machico, you will walk along the impressive north coast on one of the old supply routes, which was previously used to cultivate the vineyards. Today one of the nicest footpaths runs along this route to Porto da Cruz. Enjoy the breath-taking views.er.
Hotel (example): Costa Linda (Kategori A + Charme)
In the traditional town, Santana, which is well-known for its typical houses, you will start today’s stage. Accompanied by amazing panoramic views you ascend from the wild coastline, further upwards past small gardens with wine, sugar canes, vegetables and fruit, until you reach a spectacular viewpoint. From there you can see across the entire northern shore stretching from Porto Moniz to Ponta de Sao Lourenco. If the weather is great then you will also be able to see the neighboring island Porto Santo, which is located north of Madeira. The stunning Kings Levada then leads you through jungle-like vegetation to the waterfall and springs of Ribeiro Bonito.
Hotel (example): Calamar (kategori A)
Hotel (example): Sola da Bica (Charme)
Transfer to the mountains or more specifically to the Paul da Serra high plateau. Today’s walk brings you closer to Madeira’s green mountains. You will walk along high-altitude paths rich in spectacular views, through shady laurel forests, which are partially an UNESCO world natural heritage site. An amazing hiking trail takes you through colorful blooming broom bushes to Fanal, a fairytale-like wood forest and pasture area: crooked trees, green meadows and grazing highland cattle create a very special mystical atmosphere. In the afternoon you reach the coastal village of Porto Moniz with its wonderful views at the blue sea. This charming place is well-known for its natural swimming pools, which were formed by the ocean from black lava rock.
Hotel (example): Aqua Natura (kategori A + Charme)
Today you will walk along the south west coastline via green hills, which steeply drop into the sea after a while. In this part of the island you will discover the original way of life of its habitants, especially Prazeres is known as one of the loveliest villages of Madeira island. On your walk through fragrant eucalyptus forests, you will keep seeing Callas, Amarryllis and Agapanthus growing wildly. You will stay overnight in the lively coastal village, Calheta. It has a fine sandy beach and an elegant marina.
Hotel (example): Savoy Saccharum (Kategori A + Chame)
Short transfer along the southern coast before you set off up to Levada do Norte where you get amazing views from. It is also the longest and widest Levada in the south. You will walk through typical farmed terraces and discover a vast variety of fruits. Along small villages like Quinta Grande and Campanario to the Cabo Girao, which is the highest steep cliff in Europe. From there you will get a fantastic view of the terraced fields below you and of the coastline until the capital, Funchal.
Hotel (example): Four Views Baía (kategori A)
Hotel (example): Arts In Hotel Conde Carvalhal (Charme)
You reach the pilgimage site Monte by cable car, situated high above Funchal. After a visit to the church Nossa Senhora do Monte you can marvel at the dynamic wicker basket sledgers before embarking on your final stage. With a marvellous view onto the coast from Funchal the route leads you once again across subtropical island vegetation and back into the capital. We highly recommend you visit the amazing botanical garden giving you an understanding of the exotic flora of the island on an area of 35 000 square metres.
Hotel (example): Four Views Baía (kategori A)
Hotel (example): Arts In Hotel Conde Carvalhal (Charme)
This tour is now over. During the morning you check out from the hotel. It is possible to book extra nights after the tour if you prefer.
Pictures from the trip
Prices and dates
Price includes
- 7 nights in 2-star and 4-star hotels
- Breakfast every day
- Luggage transfer between hotels
- Welcome briefing
- Bus ride from Cabo Girao to Funchal
- Uphill cable car journey to Monte/Funchal
- Detailed travel information (route maps or overview maps, route description, tourist attractions, important telephone numbers)
- GPS data is available
- 24-hour local and international service hotline for the duration of the tour
- Access to the route in our GPS-app which works offline while you walk
- This is a packaged holiday and is therefore covered by The Travel Guarantee Fund - See which benefits this means for you - click here
- Upgrade to better hotels
- Half board (7x dinner)
- Extra night before or after the tour (contact us)
- Transportation to/from Madeira
- Tourist tax (if due)
- Handling fee (EUR 20)
Practical information
The price is based upon two people sharing. It is also possible travel alone in a single room. Simply choose "1 person" in the booking form and it will automatically add the single room surcharge.
On this tour you will be on your own supplied with maps, route descriptions and luggage transfers. That means that your time is your own and you have plenty of time to enjoy the stages in your own pace.
Check the price quickly
You can quickly check the price of your desired trip without having to fill in anything. Here's how:
- Choose your desired start date
- Click on the green button "See price and reserve your holiday" and go to the booking form
- Select number of people, add any optional extras and see the price at the bottom of the page (you don't have to fill in anything on the form).
Get a quote
For example, if you want a flight included or changes to the trip, you can order a quote for this using the "Get a quote" button. Remember to describe in detail what, if anything, you want changed.
The process of your booking
When you book, we will start booking hotels and arranging all the practical details of the trip. This process typically takes 2-5 working days, but some bookings may take longer. If you are arranging your own transport, we recommend that you wait until we have confirmed your booking before arranging this.
Dates
If you can select the date in the tour calendar at the top of this page, this is a possible start date. We continually update the tours with sold-out dates, after which those dates will turn red and cannot be selected.
The flights to/from Funchal, Madeira are not included in the price. You can easily find a suitable flight via a flight booking engine such as Momondo or Skyscanner.
Notice: we recommend that you book with us and wait for the confirmation before you book your flights.
It works like this:
- You book your chosen holiday with us
- We confirm your holiday (usually within 2-5 working days)
- You arrange your transportation
Get a quote
If you prefer that we handle your flight, then we would be happy to arrange this for you. You simply book a quote below the map on this page and we will return with a quote as soon as possible (usually within 48 working hours). Please note that we add a handling fee of 45 euro to each flight and this means that the flight will be cheaper if you book it yourself.
Upon arrival to Funchal
From the airport in Funchal it is easy to get a bus to Porto da Cruz. The journey takes roughly 30 minutes. It is also possible to get a taxi which costs roughly 30 euro.
Upon return from the last hotel
The journey from the last hotel to the airport in Funchal takes about one hour by bus. Again it is possible to get a taxi which costs roughly 30 euro and takes 30 minutes.
The tour with Category A hotels
On this tour you will stay at carefully selected 2-star and 4-star hotels. The 2-star hotel is right by the sea. Breakfast is included.
If you upgrade to Charm hotels
On the booking form you can decide to upgrade the accommodation to Charm hotels instead. If you decide to do that, we will use the following hotels.
Porto da Cruz: Costa Linda**
Sao Vicente: Casa de Piedade
Porto Moniz: Aqua Natura****
Calheta: Savoy Saccharum*****
Funchal: Arts In Hotel Conde Carvalhal****
In the itinerary you can see some examples of the hotels we use on this tour. Notice that the hotels are examples and you may end up staying in different hotels. It depends on availability when you book the tour.
Extra nights
It is possible to book extra nights before or after the tour. Contact us if you want a quote on this.
On this tour breakfast is included every day. It is also possible to buy half board (7x dinner). The dinners consist 3-dish menus and is sometimes served on restaurants close to the hotel. See the bookingform to buy half board.
Luggage transfer is included on this tour. Upon arrival at the first hotel you will be given luggage tags along with the rest of the welcome package. You fill out the luggage tags and put them on your bags where they will remain for the duration of the tour.
Your luggage is picked up from the hotel lobby around 9am every morning and will arrive at your next hotel at 6pm at the latest (often long before that). If there are any special exceptions to the luggage transfer you will be notified upon arrival.
Luggage transfer includes one bag per guest and the bags can weigh 20kg each.
The day trips described in the program are grade 3.
Grade 3
Hiking in mountainous terrain with longer ascents and descents. You will hike 5-7 hours a day. Requires generally good fitness and health, but no special technical skills or prior experience. Requires good shoes, such as trekking or mountain boots.
Read more about our grading system here.
Here you can get an overview of the entire route and the elevation profile for each day. The data shows the data from the GPX-files related to the tour. Notice that the routes are sometimes updated, which means that there might be small variations.
Colors
Blue routes: The route as normal
Red routes: Variations/options (such as shortened or extended routes)
On this tour, you will receive the following documents:
Upon booking
Immediately after booking this trip, you'll get access to your 'my tour' page where you'll find practical information about the trip.
One month before departure
You will receive a hotel list and voucher
Upon arrival at the first hotel
You'll receive the welcome pack, which contains everything you need for the trip. There will be route descriptions, maps, luggage tags and specific local vouchers. The documents are in English.
We recommend taking out travel insurance that covers at least illness, accident, repatriation, lost holiday, luggage and liability. As a customer, you are responsible for taking out the necessary travel insurance to cover these costs.
Before taking out insurance, you should check whether you are already covered by travel or cancellation insurance through your home insurance company, credit card or similar - please note that there may be differences in insurance coverage.
After booking this trip, you get access to various discount schemes.
A hiking holiday in Portugal around Madeira offers temperatures between 16-25 degrees in the spring months of March, April, and May, with moderate rainfall and mild wind conditions. In the summer months of June, July, and August, you can expect temperatures of 22-30 degrees. Therefore, we recommend that you, especially on particularly hot days, start your daily stage early in the day to avoid the midday heat. During this time, rainfall is rare and wind conditions remain mild. The autumn months of September, October, and November offer continued mild temperatures between 12-20 degrees. Rainfall slightly increases and the mild winds continue. In the winter months of December, January, and February, you can expect mild temperatures between 12-20 degrees, with increased rainfall and continued mild winds.
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"We look forward to making your holiday dreams come true"