Self-Guided Walking in Madeira

On arrival at Funchal airport (FNC) an included taxi takes you to the fishing village of Machico, the first city founded in Madeira on the arrival of Zarco in 1419.

After checking in to your hotel you can explore the village, home to the oldest church, the 'Capela dos Milagres', and two forts that still bear witness to the locals' defence against the many pirate attacks of years gone by.

The walk today explores the wild Sao Lourenco peninsula at the eastern end of the island, a place where the raging waters of the Atlantic crash up against dark basalt cliffs and screeching gulls wheel overhead in their hundreds There are excellent views towards both the northern and southern sides of the island and, when the weather conditions allow it, across to Porto Santo Island some 60 kilometres away. At the end of the walk a taxi takes you to your hotel for the next two nights in the charming seaside village of Porto da Cruz where you may like to enjoy a swim in the saltwater 'basaltic swimming pool'.

Today's 7km walk is expected to take about 3 to 4 hours.

Today's walk takes you along the Mimosa Levada to Marocos. It gives you an idea of what life on Madeira was like when there were no roads and following the levada irrigation canals was the only way to get around. For nearly five centuries, this levada served to transfer the 'must' used to make wine between Porto da Cruz and Machico From Canical, you start on a level path hiking along the levada, surrounded by the mimosas that bloom throughout the year. You'll see some 'Palheiros' (the distinctive small 'A'-shaped two-sided houses used as agricultural shelters) that lie scattered on the mountain terraces in the small valleys of Ribeira Secca, Ribeira de Noia and Ribeira Grande. Before reaching the village of Marocos, the landscape becomes more populated and both sides of the levada are bordered by a beautiful array of flowers.

Today's 16 km walk is expected to take about 5.5 to 6 hours and you will ascend 240m and descend 400m.

Today's walk is one of the most beautiful in the east of Madeira. You can choose to start from sea level at Porto da Cruz or avoid the first 600 metres of ascent by taking a taxi (at your own expense) to Portela. The route starts out on a good path following the Levada do Furado eastwards, passing through lush gardens spread out on the terraces in the valley of Faial. At first, the path is wide then becomes narrower and follows deep ravines through the laurisilva forest, the native marquis-like vegetation which includes trees of heather, bay, cedar and laurel to name just a few species. The mountains of the island dominate the sky high above you. At Ribeiro Frio, you can enjoy the awesome views from the lookout point at Balcoes, looking out over the valley of the Faja de Nogueiras and the great peaks of the island. At the end of the walk it's a short taxi ride to your hotel in Sao Roque do Faial, facing the distinctive rocky mountain of the Pena de Aguia.

Today's 11km walk is expected to take about 4 hours (40 minutes less if you take a taxi to avoid the first climb).

A taxi will take you to Pico de Ariero (1818m), the starting point of today's hike. The trail undulates along through some very impressive gullies between Ariero and the Pico de Gato that you will cross by a small tunnel. The views to the east side of the island are incredible. A beautiful section of the path follows a 'balcony' passing under the Torres to a point below the summit of Pico Ruivo. The final section of the climb ascends through the heather trees to Pico Ruivo (1862m) the panoramic summit. From here, part of the descent is back on the same route then continues to the road head at Achada de Texeira. Here a taxi will transfer you to Santana, the largest settlement on Madeira's northern coast.

Today's 10 km walk is expected to take about 4 to 4.5 hours and you will ascend 550m and descend 700m.

Today's walk passes through one of the most beautiful landscapes of the island, an open panorama with great views to the north and south. You walk from side to side of the crest path, on a beautiful and untouched trail surrounded by heather with some incredible views of the peaks. The path sometimes ascends and descends on large paved steps. Passing alongside the basaltic cliffs of Ferreiro you will reach the pass at Encumeada, overlooked by the Paul da Serra plateau and some gigantic wind turbines.

There is the option not to walk to day and instead take a taxi (not included) to Encumeada and enjoy a day relaxing.

Today's 16 km walk is expected to take about 6 to 6.5 hours and you will ascend 550m and descend 1100m.

Today's path goes up along the Fenda do Ferreiro and continues under the crest of Pico Grande (1600m) along a large cliff wall of black basalt. The panoramas over the valley of Serra de Agua and Paul da Serra to the pass of Boca do Cerro are wonderful. From here, you see the astonishing valley of Curral das Freiras (valley of nuns) in the centre of the island, dotted with traditional Palheiros, some with characteristic thatched roofs. In the distance, the chain of the Great Peaks stands proudly. The trail ends at the road at Boca de Corrida. From here you have a taxi back to Funchal, the island's lively capital for your last night on Madeira.

Today's 14 km walk is expected to take about 4 to 5 hours and you will ascend 550m and descend 100m.

After breakfast you will have an included taxi to Funchal Airport (FNC).