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
Day 2:
Drive to the entrance of the Levada do Caniçal. For the first hour you walk comfortably along a levada, the water canal typical of Madeira. Then ascent to Boca do Risco. From here the path always leads along the steep coast with fantastic views of the wild and romantic north coast of the island. This path was previously carved into the rock and was the connection between the towns of Machico and Porto da Cruz. You will be picked up in Porto da Cruz and driven back to Machico.
- Length: 12km
- Walking time: 4 hours
- Difference in altitude: approx. 200m ascent and 400m descent
Overnight in Machico: Residencial Amparo
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:
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 6:
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 7:
At your disposal - we have lots of tips! 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.
Overnight in Funchal: Hotel Orquidea. You can find more information about the hotel here.
Day 8:
Transfer to the airport and return or follow-up week.
