Madeira, an enchanting island with exotic flowers, sub-tropical fruits, majestic mountains and year round glorious sunshine, has much to offer guests. This is the perfect location for walkers, with endless footpaths and Levada trails (former irrigation channels) scattered across the island. These trails enable walkers to access areas difficult to reach by vehicle, rewarding them with magnificent views and spectacular scenery.
Our 7-night walking holiday includes four Levada walks, plus an optional walk on a Friday, each covering a different area of the island. Several viewpoints are reached, each providing a new insight to the island. The walks, led by a local guide, are suitable for all abilities and follow level paths 90% of the time.
Monday
Arrive at Funchal airport and transfer to the Quinta da Casa Branca in Funchal.
Tuesday
Day at leisure – time to enjoy the delights of Funchal
Wednesday
Full day: Risco / Rabacal / 25 Waterfalls
Departure from Funchal to Risco and Rabacal, a protected nature area, on the west coast of the island, stopping en route at Ribeira Brava for a short visit. This 8km walk (c. 3.5 hours) follows two short Levadas surrounded by a remarkable evergreen landscape and 25 spectacular waterfalls. A picnic lunch is optional (payable locally c. 8 euros). Transfers from/to the Quinta da Casa Branca are included.
Grade 2
Thursday
Optional Walk (Not included in the price)
Full day: Pico do Arieiro / Pico Ruivo / Santana
Without doubt, this is one of the most scenic and interesting of mountain climbs. Today’s 8km walk (c. 3.5 hours) starts at Pico do Arieiro (1810m) and ascends Pico Ruivo, the highest peak on the island (1861m). Following constant ups and downs, affording majestic views and passing through many small tunnels, you arrive at Pico Ruivo. After a picnic lunch (picnic payable locally c. 8 euros), you make your way down to Achada do Teixeira where transportation to your hotel will be waiting. Transfers from/to the Quinta da Casa Branca are included.
Grade 3+
Friday
Full day: Caldeirao Verde
The setting for today’s 12km walk (c. 4 hours) is the natural park of Queimadas, close to the village of Santana – famed for its unspoilt beauty and traditional houses. Initially following a winding Levada and then passing through several short tunnels, this walk concludes at Caldeirao Verde, a majestic waterfall. A picnic lunch is optional (payable locally c. 8 euros). Transfers from/to the Quinta da Casa Branca are included.
Grade 2+
Saturday
Full day: Ribeiro Frio / Portela
Departure from Funchal towards Ribeiro Frio where you will visit a trout hatchery. This 12km walk (c. 4 hours) follows the path of one of the most beautiful Levadas of Madeira, surrounded by a primitive forest of countless floral species and exotic plants. On approaching Portela you will be faced with the magnificent view over Porto da Cruz and Penha D’Aguia. A typical Madeiran meal ‘Espetada’ at a local restaurant is included. Transfers from/to the Quinta da Casa Branca are included.
Grade 2
Sunday
Half day: Cabo Girao / Boa Morte
This 8km walk (c. 3 hours) walk follows the south coast of the island from Boa Morte to the cliff top viewpoint at Cabo Girao - site of the second highest ocean cliffs in the world. Passing through small rural villages and cultivated lands, this walk affords fabulous views along the island’s coastline. Transfers from/to the Quinta da Casa Branca are included.
Grade 1
Monday
Transfer to Funchal airport for return flight home.
Price includes:
• Direct scheduled flight with TAP Portugal from London Gatwick to Funchal. • 7-nights accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis as detailed.
• All transfers in Madeira including transfers to and from each walk (hotel pick-up between 08:30–08:45).
• Four walks as mentioned in the tour, each one led by an experienced guide. • Lunch included with Saturday walk only (Full day: Ribeiro Frio / Portela).
Grading of walks: 1 = Easy 2 = Medium 3 = Difficult
| No. of nights |
Accommodation |
Location |
| 7 |
Quinta da Casa Branca* |
Funchal |
* Alternative hotels in Funchal are available on request - see Funchal accommodation >
Please telephone us on 020 8758 4722 for a quotation.
Guideline Price £ per person – 7 nights:
Prices based on 2-sharing a standard twin/double room, flights to Funchal with TAP Portugal, four walks and all transfers. Single room supplement on request.
| Walking Holiday |
Apr £970 |
May £950 |
Jul £931 |
Sep £939 |
As all our holidays are tailor-made, we have adopted a flexible pricing policy based on individual airline net fares which now, as a result of the changing airline industry, fluctuate on a regular basis. Our new computer system enables us to give up to the minute quotes on all properties. The price will reflect the latest flight prices and any offers from hotels.
