Program Details:
Day 1:
Arrival and transfer to the hotel in Funchal, the capital of Madeira. Start your vacation in Madeira with a short tour of the city or stroll along the marina and enjoy the view of the sea with a "Bica" (espresso) or a glass of wine.
Overnight in Funchal: Hotel Orquidea. You can find more information about the hotel here.
Day 2 :
Sightseeing of Funchal on your own. But we will give you a variety of tips to help you explore this lively city. Visit, for example, the colorful market hall, the old town with its narrow streets, the city center with magnificent buildings such as the cathedral, go for a wine tasting or take the cable car to Monte and go on the famous wicker sleigh ride. In the late afternoon you will be picked up and taken to your next accommodation in Ribeira Brava.
Overnight in Ribeira Brava: Hotel Do Campo. You can find more information about the hotel here.
Day 3 :
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 4:
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 5 :
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 6 :
You walk along the Levada Nova from Calheta to Prazeres. You have wonderful views of the Paul da Serra plateau, the Ribeira Funda valley and the sea. It goes along lovingly tended fields, through forests with eucalyptus trees and past slopes with huge bracken and heather bushes.
- Length: 14km
- Walking time: 4 hours
- Difference in altitude: insignificant
Overnight in Calheta: Quinta das Vinhas or Quinta Alegre. You can find more information about the hotel here.
Day 7:
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 8:
Transfer to the airport and return or follow-up week.
