Walking in Madeira

Tour Itinerary

• Day 1: UK - Santana

  Your tour begins in Santana on Madeira’s north coast. The beautiful village is home to the famous ‘Bordado da Madeira’ embroidery and traditional thatched, A-frame houses known as ‘palheiros’. Your Tour Leader will meet you in the hotel reception at 7pm for a welcome meeting.

• Day 2: Porto da Cruz

  Today you’ll follow a levada (Madeira’s unique irrigation canals), weaving through a rural landscape where fruits and vegetables grow side by side with exotic forests. Continue the path to Boca do Risco, from here, walk along the cliff tops, where you can soak up panoramic views and spot local wildlife. Your walk finishes at Porto da Cruz, and once completed, you’ll drove back to Santana.

• Day 3: Porto Moniz

  Walk through the UNESCO-listed Laurisilva Forest to Faja do Penedo. You’ll walk to a hidden waterfall before entering the lush UNESCO-protected Laurel Forest and follow the Levada dos Tornos, one of the most important levadas in Madeira as it brings water from the island’s north to its southern, drier areas. From Faja do Penedo drive along the scenic north coast to Porto Moniz known for its unusual rock pools.

• Day 4: Porto Moniz

  Follow the Levada do Alecrim, one of the most beautiful levadas in Madeira. You’ll reach the majestic Lagoa do Vento, a river basin formed by the water falling from the top of the cliff, coming from the Ribeira do Lajeado. Then, follow the Levada do Risco to the waterfall that feeds it. It’s a magnificent viewpoint before you continue to the 800-metre/2624-foot Tunel dos Cavaleiros.

• Day 5: Porto Moniz - Funchal

  Starting from Lombada, just inland from Ponta de Sol, follow the Levada Nova around the hillside, with views over the coastline and villages of Ribeira Brava. This gives you a glimpse into local livelihoods and traditions as you pass banana plantations, cultivated fields and colourful flora. Then head to Funchal, with a stop at Miradouro do Tanque en route

• Day 6: Funchal

  Today is at leisure to explore the narrow, cobbled lanes of Funchal.

• Day 7: Funchal

  Today you’ll walk to Pico do Areeiro, Madeira’s third highest point known as the Balcony Walk. This challenging but rewarding walk showcases wonderful views across the island from over 1000 metres above sea level and is the perfect way to end your week’s walking.

• Day 8: Funchal - UK

  After breakfast, make your way to the airport for your flight home to the UK.