Madeira: "Levada" Hiking Trails (Self-guided Tour)
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an unforgettable 8-day journey through the enchanting landscapes of Madeira. This multi-day tour offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and thrilling adventures. From the charming seaside resort of Machico to the breathtaking heights of Pico Ruivo, you'll explore the island's diverse landscapes, rich flora and fauna, and historical sites. You'll hike through primeval forests, walk along scenic coastal paths, and discover the island's unique semi-arid landscapes. The tour also includes a free day in Funchal, Madeira's captivating capital, where you can explore the city's vibrant streets, beautiful gardens, and stunning coastal walkways at your own pace. Whether you're a nature lover, a history buff, or an adventure seeker, this tour promises a memorable experience filled with awe-inspiring views, exciting activities, and fascinating insights into Madeira's history and culture.
Included
Luggage and people transfers as per itinerary; Detailed route description and maps, incl. GPS tracks; Emergency support phone line;
* N.B.: Special note for the nights in Funchal: during Christmas, New Year and during the Flower Festival (affecting the end of April and the first 3 weeks of May) many hotels in Funchal request a minimum stay of 4 to 7 nights. In this case guests will be accommodated outside of the town centre with a possible price and itinerary modification.
Breakfast
Luggage and people transfers as per itinerary;
1-Transfer Airport / Machico
2-Transfers Machico / Sao Lourenço +Sao Lourenço / Machico
3-Transfers Machico / Portela + Ribeiro Frio / Machico
4-Machico / Caniçal tunnel + luggage to Porto da Cruz
5-Transfers Porto da Cruz / Queimadas + Ilha / Porto da Cruz
6-Transfers Porto da Cruz / Achada de Texeira + Pico Arieiro / Funchal + luggage
7-No transfer
8-Transfer hotel in Funchal / Airport
7 nights in en-suite rooms throughout in a combination of 3* hotels (5x nights) and 2* hotels (2x nights); 7x breakfasts included
Destinations
Funchal
Santa CruzMap
Attractions
Parque Ribeira Primeira
Monte Palace Madeira
Pico Ruivo
Levada do Paul
Associação dos Carreiros do Monte
Palheiro Gardens
Palácio de São LourençoDaily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in Machico
- Maroços - Arrival day
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Welcome to Madeira! Upon your arrival at the airport, a taxi will take you to Machico, the island's first town and former capital. Now a tranquil seaside resort, Machico is the perfect place to start your adventure. Depending on your arrival time, you can explore the village and enjoy a leisurely stroll along the beachside promenade.
Day 2 – Day 2: Exploring the Peninsula of Sao Lourenço
- Maroços
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- Palácio de São Lourenço
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Today, you'll explore the Peninsula of Sao Lourenço, located to the east of Madeira. This nature reserve boasts a unique landscape shaped by its semi-arid climate and basalt cliffs carved by wind and waves. It's a fantastic place to observe Madeira's unique flora and fauna. After a day of exploration, you'll return to Machico.
Day 3 – Day 3: Hiking in Ribeiro Frio
- Maroços
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- Parque Ribeira Primeira
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Get ready for a magical hike in Ribeiro Frio, one of Madeira's most famous walking trails. The trail follows a levada (irrigation channel) and takes you through lush vegetation and century-old trees of the primeval forest. The Levada do Furao is particularly impressive, as it's dug into the cliff wall and features arches carved into the rock. Don't miss the chance to take a detour and enjoy the stunning view from the 'vereda dos balcoes'. After a day of hiking, you'll return to Machico.
Day 4 – Day 4: Hiking from Machico to Porto da Cruz
- Maroços
- Santa Cruz
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Today's hike takes you from Machico to Porto da Cruz, a charming fishermen's village. The trail starts 300 metres above the ocean and takes you through the terraced pastures of the Ribeira Seca valley. The highlight of the hike is the Boca do Risco coastal path, which offers stunning views of the ocean and the creaks below. After a big descent towards the ocean, you'll reach Porto da Cruz, where you'll stay for two nights.
Day 5 – Day 5: Levada Hike and Visit to Caldeira Verde
- Santa Cruz
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- Levada do Paul
- Palheiro Gardens
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Today, you'll embark on one of Madeira's most spectacular Levada hikes. The trail takes you through the famous Laurisilva, a humid and subtropical laurel forest. After passing through several tunnels and cliffside passageways, you'll reach the 'Green Cauldron' or Caldeira Verde. From there, you'll hike down towards the isolated village of Ilha, enjoying incredible views of the ocean along the way. After a day of hiking, you'll return to Porto da Cruz.
Day 6 – Day 6: Hiking to Pico Ruivo and Transfer to Funchal
- Santa Cruz
- Funchal
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- Pico Ruivo
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Today, you'll hike to Pico Ruivo, the highest point on Madeira. Standing at 1862m above sea level, the summit offers spectacular views over the entire island. The hike takes you along the central ridge of Madeira, through a fascinating landscape of volcanic peaks. After a day of hiking, you'll transfer to Funchal, Madeira's capital, where you'll stay for two nights in a city centre hotel.
Day 7 – Day 7: Free Day in Funchal
- Funchal
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- Monte Palace Madeira
- Associação dos Carreiros do Monte
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Enjoy a free day of sightseeing in Funchal, a charming city built around a bay. The city's name comes from the word 'fennel' (Foncho in Portuguese), which grew in the bay when the Portuguese first landed here. You can wander through the paved streets, explore the colourful gardens, and walk along the coast. Optional activities include a cable car ride to the Monte palace tropical gardens, a traditional sledge ride down from Monte to Funchal city centre on a 'Carreiro do Monte', a whale-watching trip, or a day trip to Porto Santo Island.
Day 8 – Day 8: Departure
- Funchal - Departure day
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Your unforgettable journey through Madeira comes to an end today. You'll be transferred to Funchal Airport for your departure. Safe travels!
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