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Explore the diverse and beautiful landscapes of Madeira, from easy walks along levadas (ancient waterways) filled with flowers and stunning coastal trails, to more challenging hikes among the sharp ridges and peaks of the volcanic interior. Enjoy the seaside views in the village of Machico, watch the waves crash near the shore in Porto Moniz and learn about the historic role of Funchal in exporting sugar and wine to the Indies and New World. Includes 3-4* hotels with breakfast and 2 dinners.

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• 7 nights in 3*- 4* hotels
• All breakfasts, 2 dinners
• 5 days guided walking
• Tour leader and listed activities
• All local transport

Day 1 Start Machico

• The trip starts at the hotel in Machico, which overlooks the beach of Machico Bay. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening.

Day 2 Walk to Ponta de São Lourenço

• Follow the classic route along the Ponta de São Lourenço today. This path is challenging in some parts, but it rewards you with amazing scenery. Look out for wallflowers, stalwarts and many other tiny plants that survive the windy conditions and grow in salty soils. The rocks, shaped by nature, have a variety of colours from black to red, contrasting with the blue of the ocean. Park rangers protect the plants and animals that live in this eastern end of the island, near Casa do Sardinha. Back to our hotel in Machico in the afternoon there is some free time to explore the village or relax at the beach.

Day 3 Spectacular walk along the  coast to Porto da Cruz

• Take the public bus this morning and walk along a scenic cliff trail on the north coast. Start along the small Levada do Caniçal, a quieter and simpler path than yesterday’s, then slowly climb to the top of the cliffs at Boca do Risco, where there are amazing views of the north coast. Then go west along the coastal path: a spectacular route, often carved into the cliff. And finally go down to Porto da Cruz, a sleepy and picturesque village that used to be a busy port. If there is time (and if it is open), we visit a factory that has been making Madeira rum for hundreds of years. Move to Santana for the night.

Day 4 Transfer to Queimadas; walk along Levada do Caldeirão Verde to Ilha

• After a short visit to see the thatched-roof houses of Santana, take a short ride inland to Queimadas Natural Park. Here you walk along the Levada do Caldeirão Verde, a route with many waterfalls some of which you may have to go under to continue the path. Use your torch/flashlight to walk through tunnels dug into the mountains. The walk ends with a downhill stretch to the village of Ilha before transferring to the coastal town of Porto Moniz in the west of the island.

Day 5 Vereda do Fanal, the ancient forest of Madeira

• Start the walk today on the Paul da Serra plateau and finish at the Unesco World Natural Heritage site of Fanal Forest. Walk through open landscapes with amazing views of the Ribeira da Janela and Chão da Ribeira valleys, and through the largest remaining area of laurisilva forest in the world. End the hike at the magical Fanal Forest, a small volcanic crater filled with twisted trees and often covered in mist. Some of the ocotea foetens trees here are older than the discovery of Madeira in 1419, and we take time to feel the unique energy of the forest before going back to Porto Moniz.

Day 6 Morning transfer to Funchal; free day

• You have a morning transfer (about one hour) through the mountainous interior to Funchal where then you have a free day to explore the island capital and your base for the last two nights of the trip. Take a stroll around the city and see interesting sites like Sé Cathedral, built from 1493 to 1514, and the impressive statue of Madeira founder, João Gonçalves Zarco, on Avenida Arriaga. You can also take the cable car to Monte Palace and Tropical Gardens to enjoy beautiful views over the city and fascinating exhibits, learn how Madeira’s popular wine is made at Blandy’s Wine Lodge, or join a whale-watching tour to see some of the 28 whale and dolphin species that live in Madeira’s waters all year round.

Day 7 Early departure for Pico Arieiro; continue the path to Pico Ruivo

• This is the most challenging walk of the trip. There is an early departure to get to the third highest mountain on the island, Pico Arieiro (1,818m), in time to see the sunrise, and on to Pico Ruivo (1,862m), the highest peak, for more amazing views. Finish off by taking the 3km path to Achado do Teixeira. The path goes up and down along the way, but the scenery is worth it. At the end of the walk, we go back to Funchal. Please note: Sometimes, the route to Pico Ruivo may be blocked by mudslides or bad weather. Our guide will always try to find another route to Pico Ruivo, but if this is not possible, we can do a different walk from Ribeiro Frio to Portela. This route goes through native forest and has beautiful views of the coast.

Day 8 End Funchal

• The trip ends in Funchal after breakfast. You can take your free transfer to the airport. Or, if you want to stay longer on the island, you can talk to your sales representative about extending your stay.