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Madeira
Centred Holidays
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Portugal |
We also have a hotel to hotel trek in Madeira
The walking
We offer guided and self guided
walking holidays in Madeira based in Funchal details on this page. We also offer hotel to
hotel treks in Madeira on a
separate page.
Walking in Madeira is
traditionally the most common outdoor activity . A number of
walks f ollow levadas gently down hill and are one way in nature. The
paths are generally of good quality with some uneven sections and also
tunnels. They are a joy to walk along with the constant stream of water
bubbling on one side and on the other, ever changing views of deep
valleys and hillsides often with the sea in the background. Madeira is
more than just levadas, offering dramatic cliff top walks along zig zag
paths above the bubbling sea below and more challenging treks in the
central mountain ranges. There is, however, plenty of easy terrain
suitable for even the least experienced walker. Some walks, especially
those which follow the levadas, do require a head for heights. Many less
confident walkers often choose to take a week’s guided walking before
embarking on a second self guided week. If you only have a week we can
arrange a couple of guided walks to get you started.
The
Island
Madeira is an
island of fascinating natural beauty and enticing climate. It rises
steeply from the Atlantic Ocean standing, with its small island
neighbours, in splend d isolation off the coast of Europe and Africa.
An island of
volcanic origin, it is a haven for those seeking a relaxing holiday in
close proximity to nature. A network of levadas, built to carry water
from the springs in the north to irrigate the cultivated areas of the
south contour along the mountain sides, their banks planted with wild
hydrangeas, lilies and agapanthus. Its mountains are rugged and
inspiring often with splendid sea views. Gardens and parks are
everywhere planted with all manner of exotic trees, shrubs and blooms
Madeira has had
close links with the UK. since the birth of its wine trade in the17th
Century. Madeirans are friendly and welcoming people and English is
widely spoken.
The centre
The historic and beautiful town of Funchal,
set in a natural amphitheatre by the sea in the south of the island, is
an ideal location for your stay.
It
has a lively commercial centre with contrasting quiet, pedestrianised
streets and squares (many painstakingly restored with mosaic like
miniature cobblestones) and an abundance of parks and gardens. The Old
Town is atmospheric with its street flower-sellers, narrow streets and
period buildings. Its vibrant restaurants specialise in delicious fresh
fish, kebabs and marinated pork and very many have folk groups and
dancing. A cable car will take you quickly up to Monte with the option
of returning by wicker basket!
Guided walking
We believe using
local guides is the best option for guided walking in Madeira. Our
guides, who speak fluent English believe in the New Experience
philosophy that walking is to be enjoyed not endured. During a 7 night
holiday there will be 4 guided walking days along levadas, with an
option of additional days (at extra cost payable locally). Each day’s
walking is between 6 to 11 miles and is easy to moderate, mostly on good
paths following contours. However, there are vertiginous sections on
most of the walks. A minibus, included in the price, will take you to
the beginning of each walk and pick you up at the end, avoiding out and
back walks.
Guided—Independent holidays
Available all year
round at all of our hotels.
Guided—Group holidays
Dates for group
departures based at the Quinta de Penha de Franca our shown in the Price
and Information supplement. You may, of course, choose your own
departure airport.
Self guided
Available all the
year around. Our walking booklet has contrasting island walks with a
 selection of routes of all grades using levadas, coastal paths and
mountain trails. The choice is sufficient for two weeks of walking.
Madeira has an excellent public transport system that allows you to
undertake both circular and one way walks. The description of each
walk will indicate if it has vertiginous sections.
The hotels We feature three hotels in Madeira, the 4* Hotel Quinta
de Penha Franca the 3* Hotel Orquidea and the 3*
residencia Lusitania
How to get there Madeira is well served by flights from the
UK. There are non-stop scheduled flights from London and connecting
services from many other airports. Madeira also has non-stop charter
flights from most UK airports. Details of current services are
shown in the Price and Information supplement. We provide transfers
between the airport and your hotel.
When to go Madeira
has a pleasant climate well suited to year round walking, summer
temperatures averaging 22C (70F). Winter temperatures average 16c (60F),
making it a particular attraction for those wishing to seek respite from
cold or dismal days at home. The south, the location of the majority of
our walks, rarely sees rain in the summer and usually has only moderate
rainfall in other seasons. The north side, which is more exposed to the
prevailing wind, has more rain.
Getting about
On guided walks you will be collected from and
returned to your hotel. Self guided walkers use the inexpensive
and extensive public transport system to reach the start of walks most
of which finish at a different location from where you can return to Funchal by bus. A representative of our local
partner (a specialist walking company) can deliver you to and collect
you from any point on the island by previous arrangement at a small
extra charge.
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