Madeira Mountains Drive

 Santo da Serra - Estalagem A Quinta 

Arrival in Madeira and delivery of the rental car with all documents. From the airport it is only 10 km to Santo da Serra. The small town seems completely untouched by tourism on Madeira. Stroll through the cozy village center or through the beautifully landscaped park of "Quinta do Santo" and enjoy the unique views of the surrounding mountains.

There are many hiking opportunities directly from Santo da Serra. Or visit Porto da Cruz with its sugar cane factory or the basket-weaving village of Camacha.

 Eira do Serrado - Residencial Eira do Serrado

During your drive to the next accommodation, you can make a detour to Pico Arieiro, the 3rd highest mountain on the island. This is also where the royal hike starts, which connects the three highest mountains on the island. A must for all mountain hiking enthusiasts. If you prefer to take it easy, head to Ribeiro Frio. One of the most beautiful levada walks on the island begins at the trout farm. But even non-hikers will be delighted by the overwhelming views of the imposing mountains.

Your accommodation today is in Eira do Serrado. From here you look into the nun valley, which is 600m below you. Descend into the valley and try the delicacies made from chestnuts. From here you can also visit the capital, Funchal.

 Encumeada - Residencial Encumeada 

From Eira do Serrado we continue to the west of the island: to the Encumeada Pass. It is worth stopping at the idyllic fishing village of Câmara de Lobos and at Cabo Girão, the second highest cliff in Europe with its glass skywalk. On the old regional roads it goes along the south coast to Ribeira Brava. Shortly after Ribeira Brava the impressive road to the Encumeada Pass begins. This is the narrowest part of the island and you can marvel at the north and south coast of the island from a height of 1,002 m.

Several impressive hikes to Pico Grande, Pico Ruivo or the jungle-like landscape of Folhadal start directly from your accommodation. Or you can go to the Paul da Serra plateau with its grazing cows, to Porto Moniz with its natural lava pools or Calheta with its sandy beach and marina.

 Machico - Residencial Amparo 

On the drive to your last accommodation in Madeira, you will discover the wild and romantic north coast of the island. The steep slopes on your right and the Atlantic on your left. Over and over again, viewpoints offer breathtaking photo opportunities.

On the way you should make a stop in São Vicente. Here are also the grottoes and the volcanic center, which shows the origin of Madeira in an interesting way. Another highlight on the trip is the town of Santana with its typical Madeira houses and the theme park. For hikers, the rainforest-like levada "Caldeirão Verde" or the coastal hike at the eastern tip of "Ponta São Lourenço" are ideal.

In the evening you can enjoy the beautiful old town of Machico or end your vacation with a wonderful sunset on the sandy beach.

Day 8

Departure

You drive to the airport, which is only a few minutes' drive away, and hand in your rental car - or you can start your additional week.