Walking Holidays in Portugal - Madeira - Eastern Highlights - Hotel to Hotel Trek

Trekking

Why not take the opportunity to stay in the countryside in small hotels and experience Madeira to the full?

We have put together an itinerary taking in levadas coastal walks and high mountain trails. The hotels are all family owned and therefore you are assured of a fine welcome and the quality local food will be something to look forward to at the end of a day’s walking.

Your luggage is transferred for you between the hotels and sometimes you will be transferred by car to the finest paths that Madeira has to offer. You have a free day in Funchal at the end of the holiday so you can experience the island’s capital its old town shops and restaurants.

The walking

There is much variety on this trek as you walk along levadas sea cliffs and mountain paths. All are well waymarked. Having a head for heights is an advantage. Most days have gentle ascents but two days have ascents over 300 metres. If a day is too difficult for you it is possible to ‘travel with the baggage’.

Self guided

We provide detailed walking notes and a contoured map of the island showing paths and tracks. You can walk entirely at your own pace; stop to take photographs as you wish of the views or the many wild flowers that will line your route.

Baggage Transfer

Your luggage is transported for you from hotel to hotel so you can then travel with day rucksacks. Some days you are taken to the start of a walk and/or collected at the end. These transfers are included in the price.

Walk Grading

Self Guided- Moderate

For information about walking grades please click here

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Day 1 Arrive in Madeira and transfer (20 minutes) to your hotel in Camacha. Explore this delightful village famous for its church and wicker work.

Day 2 Walk along the Levada dos Tornos which is lined with luxuriant vegetation and has views over the long narrow Sao Lourenco (deserted islands). A short ascent to Santo De Serra finishes the day. 12 miles 5½ hours ascent 180m descent 250m.

Day 3 After a very short transfer to Maroços, walk along the ‘Mimosa’ Levada towards Machico where you spend the night. 8½ miles 5 hours ascent 110m descent 280m.

Day 4 Either:  walk along the majestic steep cliffs of the north coast to your hotel in Porto de Cruz. This walk has vertiginous sections. 9½ miles 5 hours ascent 400m descent 400m  Or: take a less exposed but very pleasant coastal  walk to Ponta de Sao Lourenco, with road transfers before and after. 5 Miles 3 hours Ascent and descent 200m. Both walks offer bathing opportunities.

Day 5 Transfer from Santana to Queimadas National Park. Think green! Think of rain forests of emeralds. This is Queimadas – a mossy paradise even on the warmest day. A bonus to this enchanting walk along one of Madeira’s oldest Levadas is a visit to Ilha without doubt one of Madeira ’s most picturesque villages. Guests transfer from Ilha to Sao Jorge (Cabanas de Sao Jorge). 8 miles 5 hours ascent 170m descent 490m.

Day 6 A road transfer to Encumeada. Walk through the enchanting emerald green Ribeira de Poco valley with its traditional 'palheiros' - thatched cowsheds. Climb to a superb viewpoint at Fenda do Ferreiro (1120m) and cross a steep slope below the Pico Grande to reach the Boca do Cerro pass (1280m) with views into the Curral valley. Walk down to Corticeiras (770m) for your transfer to Funchal. 8.5 miles 6 hours ascent 490m. descent 530m.  

Day 7 Day at leisure in Funchal. Why not visit the beautiful town of Monte high above Funchal and enjoy its splendid panorama? In the evening choose a restaurant for your last Madeiran meal of your holiday. Overnight Funchal.

Day 8 Transfer to the airport for your return flight. Or, stay on for a self guided week and discover areas of Madeira you have not visited, using our self guided walk booklet.

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Available throughout the year

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