Program details:
Day 1:
Arrival and transfer to the hotel in Machico. Machico is the oldest settlement on the island and is now the second largest city. Stroll through the cozy old town or relax on the beautiful sandy beach from your flight.
Overnight in Machico: Residencial Amparo. You can find more information about the hotel here.
Day 2:
Today you hike the eastern tip of Madeira: the Ponta de São Lourenço peninsula. It goes over basalt and tuff rock along the partly steep coast. In the sea there are bizarre rock formations and in the distance you can see the neighboring islands of "Desertas" and Porto Santo. Breathtaking views of Madeira's east coast await you on the hike.
- Length: 8km
- Walking time: 3.5 hours
- Difference in altitude: approx. 400m in ascent and descent
Overnight in Machico: Residencial Amparo. You can find more information about the hotel here.
Day 3 :
Drive to Camacha, the village of the basket weavers, and boarding the Levada da Serra do Faial from Camacha to Santo da Serra. You walk to your next accommodation, Estalagem A Quinta in Santo da Serra. Your luggage will be brought directly to the hotel.
- Length: 13km
- Walking time: 3:45 hours
- Difference in altitude: approx. 140m descent
Overnight in Santo da Serra: Estalagem A Quinta. You can find more information about the hotel here.
Day 4 :
Today you hike from your accommodation to Ribeiro Frio. The first kilometers the path leads along the Levada da Serra do Faial, then along the wild and romantic Levada do Furado. The hike takes you through jungle-like landscapes, through eucalyptus and laurel forests and is lined with tree heather and mayflower trees. On the way you will come across beautiful picnic areas, tunnels, streams, a waterfall and enjoy great views again and again. From Ribeiro Frio drive to Santana, the place with the typical thatched houses.
- Length: 11km
- Walking time: 3.5 hours
- Difference in altitude: approx. 140m ascent
Overnight in Santana: Hotel O Colmo. You can find more information about the hotel here.
Day 5:
The old cobblestone paths always lead along the wild and romantic coast from Santana to São Jorge. On the way, a beautiful pebble beach invites you to swim, the path to the old ship mooring, which was carved into the rock, is spectacular.
- Length: 8km
- Walking time: 3 hours
- Difference in altitude: approx. 500m in ascent and descent
Overnight in Santana: Hotel O Colmo. You can find more information about the hotel here.
Day 6:
Pure nature! Drive to the Queimadas nature reserve and hike along the Levada do Caldeirão Verde (green cauldron). The path leads through rainforest-like vegetation, through rocky gorges and along many small waterfalls. In Caldeirão Verde you will find an impressive cauldron with steep walls from which a waterfall pours into a small lake. It is possible to hike on to the Caldeirão Inferno (+ 5 km / + 2 hours).
- Length: 14km
- Walking time: 3.5 hours
- Difference in altitude: insignificant
Overnight in Santana: Hotel O Colmo. You can find more information about the hotel here.
Day 7:
Today the royal hike awaits you: the ascent to the summit. The hike takes you from Achada do Teixeira to Pico Ruivo (1,862m), Madeira's highest mountain, and on to Pico do Arieiro (1,818m). You can expect breathtaking views of the mountains of Madeira down to the sea. If the weather doesn't cooperate or if you prefer an easier hike, you can hike along the coast from Santana to São Jorge (6km, 2.5 hours, approx. 500m ascent and descent). Drive to Funchal to the hotel.
- Length: 9km
- Walking time: 4.5 hours
- Difference in altitude: 920m in the ascent and 650m in the descent
Overnight in Funchal: Hotel Orquidea. You can find more information about the hotel here.
Day 8:
At your disposal. Explore e.g. the capital Funchal with its market hall, the old town and the centuries-old buildings. Or dare to take a ride on the basket sledge. Or see whales and dolphins in the wild. We have a lot of tips for you!
Overnight in Funchal: Hotel Orquidea. You can find more information about the hotel here.
Day 9:
In the afternoon you will go to your next accommodation in Ribeira Brava. Enjoy the view of the vineyards of Camara de Lobos and the cliffs of Cabo Girão as you drive.
Overnight in Ribeira Brava: Hotel Do Campo. You can find more information about the hotel here.
Day 10:
You start walking straight from your hotel. After a short climb you will reach the Levada Nova. You walk along this water canal, which is typical of Madeira, for about 2 hours and enjoy wonderful views of the green Tabua Valley and the Atlantic Ocean. You return to your hotel via small paths, side streets and a coastal road.
- Length: 11km
- Walking time: 4 hours
- Difference in altitude: approx. 400m in ascent and descent
Overnight in Ribeira Brava: Hotel Do Campo. You can find more information about the hotel here.
Day 11:
At leisure: Discover the cozy coastal town of Ribeira Brava with its promenade and the beach with pool, the beautiful city center with its small shops, visit the São Bento church or the ethnographic museum with great information about life in Madeira or relax at the hotel -Pool.
Overnight in Ribeira Brava: Hotel Do Campo. You can find more information about the hotel here.
Day 12:
Today we go to the nature reserve of Rabacal, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its impressive laurel forest and numerous waterfalls. You walk through a wild and romantic landscape with breathtaking views of the valley along the Levada do Risco to the 100m high Risco waterfall and from there on to the 25 springs. From here you go to your next accommodation.
- Length: 9km
- Walking time: 3-3.5 hours
- Difference in altitude: approx. 150m in ascent and descent
Overnight in Calheta: Quinta das Vinhas or Quinta Alegre. You can find more information about the hotel here.
Day 13:
Relax by the pool of your hotel or on the golden sands of Calheta.
Overnight in Calheta: Quinta das Vinhas or Quinta Alegre. You can find more information about the hotel here.
Day 14:
Today's varied circular hike begins in Ponta do Pargo, a rural village characterized by fruit growing. From here you climb to the Levada Nova, which you follow for about 1.5 hours. The way back is along the steep coast with impressive views of the west coast. After the hike, the driver will take you to the lighthouse of Ponta do Pargo, the westernmost point of the island. The spectacular view of the coast and the foaming sea deep below you will inspire you.
- Length: 14km
- Walking time: 3.5 hours
- Difference in altitude: 450m in ascent and descent
Overnight in Calheta: Quinta das Vinhas or Quinta Alegre. You can find more information about the hotel here.
Day 15 :
Transfer to the airport and return or follow-up week.
