Madeira hiking week - cliffs and levadas on subtropical Madeira

Splendid hikes from hotels
With this trip you will discover the wild interior of subtropical Madeira. From steep terraced slopes to bizarre volcanic plateaus and rugged peaks. The challenging routes in the green mountain country take you past Madeira's famous levadas, coastlines and views. In addition to hiking, we will have one free day where you could spend a morning spotting dolphins (optional), do a canyoning tour (optional) or just relax.

This trip in short:
Day 1: Arrival in Madeira
Day 2: Spooky lava plateau (18 km)
Day 3: Mountain ridges and deep valleys (15 km)
Day 4: free day / explore Funchal etc.
Day 5: To the highest peak of Madeira (11.5 km)
Day 6: Spectacular coastal path over the Atlantic Ocean (16 km)
Day 7: Volcanic cliffs and palm oases (7-9 km)
Day 8: Back home

Day 1 Arrival in Madeira
We fly to Madeira. With a transfer we are driven from the airport into the mountains to the Encumeada Pass. This is already a beautiful road with beautiful views! In the afternoon we take a short walk along a levada to stretch our legs and we can have lunch at a 'local snack bar', where you can expect delicious fresh locally caught fish.
Overnight stay: Encumeada

Day 2 Spooky lava plateau
In the morning our driver is ready to take us to the Paul da Serra lava plateau at an altitude of 1,500 meters. From this spooky lava plateau we descend to eventually arrive back at our hotel at the Encumeada Pass. It will be a beautiful trip along levadas. These are very beautiful irrigation canals of which there are many on the island. We pass waterfalls and walk through impressive tunnels, up to a kilometer long. They are pitch black, so bring a flashlight. In the afternoon, when we are almost back at the hotel, we drink a 'Poncha', the local drink, in the sun on the terrace.
Distance: 18 km, 110m ascent and 500m descent
Walking time: 6.5 hours
Overnight stay: Encumeada

Day 3 Mountain ridges and deep valleys
Today, if the weather is good, a beautiful mountain tour is on the program. From the Encumeada pass we walk via a spectacular route over a ridge to the Pico do Jorge (1691 m). From there we take a narrow path along the mountain flank and descend towards the Curral das Freiras far below. After the walks we are picked up and taken to Funchal.
Distance: 15 km, little height difference
Walking time: 4-5 hours
Overnight stay: Funchal

Day 4 Free day to do whatever you want: Spot dolphins, canyoning, diving and/or explore Funchal. Plan your own program for this morning.
Stroll through the pleasant streets in the afternoon of the city or book a tasting at a Madeira winery.
Overnight stay: Funchal

Day 5 To the highest peak of Madeira
We hike via a spectacular route over a path in perpendicular rock walls to the highest mountain peak in Madeira: Pico Ruivo, at an altitude of 1857 meters. Perhaps the most photographed path on the island. In clear weather you have fantastic views over the peninsula and the smaller island of Madeira. On the way back we can reward ourselves with a delicious cake and good coffee at a very cozy place!
Distance: 11.5 km, 500m ascent and 850m descent
Walking time: 5 hours
Overnight stay: Santana

Day 6 Spectacular coastal path above the Atlantic Ocean.
Today's walk starts with a stretch along a levada. We walk past backyards from where people sell their own bananas. During the day the walk becomes really impressive. We hike along a spectacular coastal path above the Atlantic Ocean to Porto da Cruz. Here you will find a sea
swimming pool, nice terraces and a rum museum. Here you can try the local drink 'poncha'.
Distance: 19 km, 650m ascent and 650m descent
Walking time: 6 hours
Overnight stay: Santana

Day 7 Jagged volcanic cliffs and a blue ocean
Today's destination: Ponta São Lourenço, the Madeira Peninsula. Here we take a walk across the rugged peninsula of about 8 kilometers. The landscape here is completely different, it looks like a kind of moon landscape. We cover all the peaks, which means we ascend approximately 800 meters. The landscape and the views are really impressive, this walk should not be missed if you are in Madeira!
A blue ocean, volcanic cliffs, red and black rocks and a palm oasis. You will encounter them all during this last hike of the week.
Distance: 7-9 km, 200m ascent and 300m descent
Walking time: 3-4 hours
Overnight stay: Santana

Day 8 Back home / staying longer on your own
After an adventurous week we fly back home or you can stay longer on your own if you want.

Cost: 995 CHF

What is included in the trip?
Group transport airport - Ecumeada and Santana - airport
Other transfers
Luggage transport
All overnight stays in hotels
Daily breakfast
Dinners (except 2 evenings in Funchal)
Tour guide (Otto)

What is not included in the trip?
Flight
Lunch (there is an opportunity to do lunch shopping every day)
2 dinners in Funchal B&B
Insurances
Other entrances
Own expenses

How is transport arranged?
All transfers within the standard travel program are included.