Walking the Island of Madeira

Begin your adventure in Santa Cruz, a coastal town on Madeira’s east side known for its long seafaring history and proximity to the island’s volcanic shoreline. Around 6pm, say olá to your tour leader and fellow travellers at the hotel, where we gather as a group for the first time to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead. Want to explore further? Secure pre-tour nights through your sales representative. Your tour leader then ensures a warm Madeiran welcome by arranging a group dinner.

Rise early to walk the classic route along the Ponta de São Lourenço during its most peaceful period. Although challenging in parts, this path takes us through fantastic scenery as we admire wallflowers, stalwarts and many other tiny plants that resist the windy environment and grow in soils with high salinity levels. Rocks, sculptured by nature, have a great diversity of colours ranging from black to red, and are in stark contrast to the blue of the ocean. Park rangers watch over the plants and animals that belong to this eastern extremity of the island, around Casa do Sardinha. We return to our hotel in the afternoon, and there is free time to explore.

This morning, we take a transfer and walk a scenic route along a cliff trail on the north coast. We set off along the little Levada do Caniçal, more modest and quieter than yesterday’s path, then begin a gradual climb to the crest of the cliffs at Boca do Risco, where we enjoy amazing views along the north coast. We then head west along the coastal path: a spectacular route, in many places cut right into the cliff. We finally descend to Porto da Cruz, once a bustling port but now a sleepy, picturesque village. Time permitting (and if open), we have a short look around a factory that has been producing Madeira rum for several centuries. Later, we transfer to Porto Moniz for the night.

Our hike begins in Lamaceiros, an area known for laurel forests and views over the Ribeira da Janela valley. We start by following the Levada da Ribeira da Janela for 2.5mi (4km), a relaxed walk in which we can enjoy the unique flora and fauna of Madeira. When we reach the first tunnel, we return to our start point. Back in Lamaceiros, we follow the Levada do Moinho to Santa do Porto Moniz, taking main paths and rural trails. We end the day at the natural pools on the coast, where you have the opportunity to swim and cool off after a day of scenic hikes.

Our walk today starts on the Paul da Serra plateau and ends at the World Natural Heritage site of Fanal Forest. We walk via open landscapes with fabulous views over the Ribeira da Janela and Chão da Ribeira valleys, and through the largest surviving area of laurisilva forest on the planet (believed to be 90 percent primary forest). We end the hike at the fairytale Fanal Forest, a small volcanic crater filled with twisted trees and often shrouded in mist. Many of the ocotea foetens trees here predate the founding of Madeira in 1419, and we take time to absorb the unique energy of the forest before returning to Porto Moniz.

After a morning transfer (approximately one hour) via the mountainous interior, today is free for you to explore Funchal, the island capital and our base for the final two nights of the trip. The city is easily explored on foot and sites of interest include Sé Cathedral, built between 1493 and 1514, and the imposing statue of Madeira founder, João Gonçalves Zarco, on Avenida Arriaga. Alternatively, take the cable car to Monte Palace and Tropical Gardens to enjoy fascinating installations and magnificent views over the city, learn about the production of Madeira's ever-popular wine at Blandy's Wine Lodge, or join a whale-watching tour to spot some of the 28 whale and dolphin species that grace Madeira's waters throughout the year.

Today we embark on the most strenuous walk of the trip. We depart early to reach the third highest mountain on the island, Pico Arieiro (5,965ft/1,818m), in time for sunrise, then continue to Pico Ruivo (6,109ft/1,862m), the highest peak, for more fantastic views. We finish by taking the 1.9mi (3km) path to Achado do Teixeira. The path has lots of ascents and descents along the way, but the memorable scenery is ample reward. At the end of the walk, we transfer back to Funchal. Please note: On occasion, the route to Pico Ruivo may be closed due to mudslides or inclement weather. Our guide will always try to offer another route up to Pico Ruivo, but if this is not possible, an alternative walk from Ribeiro Frio to Portela will be available. This route traverses native forest and offers wonderful coastal views.

The trip ends in Funchal after breakfast. Hop into your free transfer to the airport. Or, if you’d like a little longer on the island, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.