Madeira Island Walking: East to West

On arrival at Funchal airport, a short taxi transfer is included to Machico on the east coast. Machico was the landing point when the island was discovered. This peculiar corner of the island boasts the oldest church, the 'Capela dos Milagres', and two forts still bear witness of the locals’ defence against the many pirate attacks on the village. Accommodation: Stay for two nights at either a hotel by the ocean or a small residencial (guesthouse). All rooms have private facilities. Both the hotels and guesthouses have their own restaurants where you can enjoy your evening meals, and there are also several other good places to eat nearby.

After breakfast you have a choice of two walks. Option 1: This is for walkers with a head for heights and in reasonable weather without high winds. Taxi or walk to the start of the Levada de Canical, which you will soon leave to climb to the Boca de Risco pass (300m). From there a cliff hugging coastal path takes you along the wildest stretch of coastline in Madeira, round the Espigao Amarelo, an exposed path with large drop below and down to Larano (200m). From Larano walk down road to Porto da Cruz and transfer by road (included in tour price) back to Machico. Option 2: A shorter option that can be done in adverse weather. Taxi or walk to the start of the Levada de Canical. You can follow this to its source near Ribeira de Machico/Marocos and transfer (included) back to your hotel in Machico in the afternoon. This levada was built in relatively recent times and is easy to follow. Both walks can be extended by 4.4km, 1.5 hours and over 300 metres of ascent by walking from Machico up to the viewpoint of Pico de Facho (322m) and then down to the start of the levada (irrigation channel) by the Canical Tunnel.

A circular coastal walk around the Sao Lourenco peninsula, on the eastern point of Madeira island. This is different to any other walk during your week in Madeira, taking a trek through the volcanic remains, which are now a nature reserve. There are spectacular cliff views and wonderful flowers. Accommodation: Overnight in Santo da Serra, a village situated on a broad ridge at 650m above sea level. Two nights in a charming hotel, located near the village centre. All rooms have en-suite facilities. The hotel has its own restaurant and an attractive large garden. *Today's walk includes an early morning transfer to the start and a transfer back from the end.

Transfer to Monte (included), at 550m high in the hills above Funchal. You have time to visit the tropical gardens and palace, and even take the wicker sledge ride down the road a couple of km. However, today's walk is one of those Madieran classics, starting at the top station of the cable car that comes up from Funchal. This is at the northeast corner of the Tropical Garden. You will follow the Levada dos Tornos and then climb up the hillside to follow the Levada da Serra. This levada contours at a higher level (about 750m) around the head of the ‘Valley of Paradise’. You reach Camacha (700m), from where you will be transferred back to Santo da Serra.

Today you follow the Levada do Furado up into the wild, forested hills of the Madeira Natural Park. With magnificent views at a number of points, the levada threads its way along the hillsides covered with Laurisilva vegetation and the water is very pure. Today’s levada is a whole lot more dramatic and challenging than anything on the previous walks; with narrower paths and uneven going underfoot. At Ribeiro Frio (Cold Stream, 850m above the sea) you are met and transferred to Santana, a village set, 400m/1300 feet above the north coast (transfer included in tour price). Overnight in Santana. This village, perched on a shelf high above the north coast, is known for its traditional architecture.You will be driven to Santana this afternoon for the next part of your holiday. Accommodation: Stay two nights at a 4* pension. Rooms have hair dryer, cable TV, double-glazing and balcony, with views over the fields and countryside. General facilities include a small indoor pool, sauna etc. The hotel has a popular restaurant and offers traditional island fayre.

Today offers the chance to follow the scenic Levada do Caldeirão Verde trail, a lush route that contours along one of Madeira’s historic irrigation channels at around 880 metres. You'll step into the island’s ancient Laurisilva forest, a remnant of the original subtropical montane rainforest that once covered the island. Remarkably, this unique ecosystem has survived centuries of deforestation and now forms part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Expect an immersive walk under a canopy dominated by laurel trees, interspersed with heathers, ferns and moss-covered trunks. You will reach Caldeirão Verde, a beautiful green lagoon fed by a spectacular waterfall. The cool mist rising from the forest often adds a dreamlike atmosphere. It is the result of prevailing northeast trade winds, which lift moist Atlantic air upwards, cooling and condensing into frequent drizzle or cloud cover. Locals say the forest makes its own rain, and when you walk beneath its sheltering trees, you’ll understand why.

Step straight from our charming base in Santana and into Madeira’s lush, lesser-seen heartland. This rewarding loop explores the tranquil backroads and fertile terraces of the island’s northeast, following the historic Levada da Silveira, an impressive 18th-century irrigation channel that still waters much of the region’s farmland today. As you stroll through this quiet corner of the island, you’ll pass smallholdings where locals tend to fields of sweet potatoes, taro, strawberries, and even kiwi fruit, crops that flourish in the island’s rich volcanic soil. Keep an eye out for traditional palheiros (haylofts) and the occasional thatched Santana house tucked into the hillsides, a nod to Madeira’s rural past. With views stretching from forested ravines to the sparkling Atlantic, this walk offers a gentle immersion into the rhythms of Madeiran country life, far from the tourist trail but deeply rooted in island culture. If you prefer a rest day, the hotel offers plenty of options to relax - or visit Madeira's famous Casas Tipicas (thatched houses), local market, viewpoints, or the Parque Tematica da Madeira, which a 10-minute walk from our usual hotel.

Time to head up into the high mountains for a spectacular walk along the highest ridge in the centre of the island. The walk starts with a road transfer (included) up to Achado do Teixeira (1592m), from where it is about an hours walk to the Pico Ruivo Shelter House (1700m), near the highest summit in Madeira. There are more ‘downs’ than ‘ups’ and you eventually descend to Queimadas from where you will be transferred to your hotel in Encumeada. Accommodation: for the next two nights you will stay at a simple mountain pension. Although of a more basic standard than your previous nights in Madeira, it is a welcoming destination after a day in the hills. All rooms have en-suite facilities, balcony with mountain or valley views, TV, and phone. The public lounge has a fireplace. The restaurant and bar are in traditional rustic style. There is an outside drinks terrace. The natural setting of the hotel among the forest and peaks is quite outstanding. *Today's route does need reasonable weather conditions and an excellent level of fitness. If the weather outlook is poor, the path is closed, or you feel this is not for you, you can ride with your baggage from Santana to Encumeada for an alternative walk, to Ginjas (13 km/8 miles, 3.5 h bus or taxi back to Encumeada not included). **Please note that since the wildfires of August 2024 the path between Casa Pico Ruivo and Encumeada is unaccessible. Until the paths have been restored and the trail officially has reopened, you can still access the Pico Ruivo Shelter House, after which you descend to Queimadas instead.

The trail today offers a mix of breathtaking views and challenging terrain. After a car transfer, you start from the Bica da Cana viewpoint (one of the island's most popular and most photographed), where the morning sun illuminates the surrounding peaks and valleys, the first part of the hike follows a winding road with stunning views on the ocean through the Laurissilva vegetation. On reaching the Levada do Norte, you follow the traditional irrigation channel, which offers a picturesque and relatively flat route taking you deeper into the lush forest, with its rich biodiversity and vibrant greenery. The trail is relatively gentle, punctuated by numerous impressive waterfalls. This portion of the PR17 trail showcases Madeira's stunning diversity in landscape and atmosphere, making it a truly memorable hiking experience. The path is well maintained but can be narrow and rocky in places, so it's important to be careful where you step. Ascent 270m / descent 1,000m Both walks will take you back to your pension in Encumeada.

Today you will be transferred from Encumeada to Boa Morte and the Levada do Norte as it contours around the mountainside, crossing two tiny farmlng areas (Campanário and Quinta Grande) to finish at the amazing viewpoint of Cabo Girão. You will be picked up for a short transfer to your accommodation in Prazeres. Accommodation: Stay three nights at a villa-style hotel located on a cliff top overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. All rooms have private facilities, a terrace with sea view and a small kitchen. There are an informal restaurant, a bar, indoor & outdoor pool, gym, tennis court, and a sauna.

The longer walk is a circuit from Prazeres via Paul do Mar and Faja da Ovelha and back to Prazeres. We start this magnificent hike between the sea and mountain landscapes. You will be walking on part of the Caminho Real that winds its way along the cliffside to the fishing village of Paul do Mar. Paved with some small steps, the Caminho Real was an important historical trading route. People often travelled with heavy loads on their backs. However, it was the only alternative to the sea connection, which was too expensive for many and unavailable anyway when the sea was rough. After climbing back up to the top of the cliff to the village of Faja da Ovelha, the path winds through valleys and mountains with magnificent views of the Atlantic. In Raposeira, you will meet the Levada Nova which will take you back to Prazeres. The shorter walk is via Raposeira, about two thirds the length of the full circuit. Ascent 380-720m / descent 370-710m. Today brings very pleasant walking, there is a big ascent and descent on both walks, but at least for most of the day walking by the Levada sections is very flat.

This morning you have an included transfer over to Estreito da Calheta. The walking route explores parts of the Levada Nova da Calheta. On the way you’ll find large planted trees such as Pines and Eucalyptus, as well as housing and farm land. Along this route you cross many streams and tributaries such as Ribeiras da Calheta, Marinheiros, Moinhos, Seca, Funda and many more. In the more humid corners of the levada it is possible to find the original island species belonging to the Laurel Forest, like Canary Laurels and the endemic Bay Trees. You pass through farmland where the main regional vegetables grown are potatoes, sweet potatoes and green beans. Fruits also flourish here, such as fig, papaya, lemon and apple trees. Ascent 340m / descent 460m.

The day starts with a 35min drive to Achadas da Cruz in the far northwest of Madeira where the seascapes are wild and there are imposing rugged green hills which define the shade of the landscape. If you want to avoid the initial steep descent, there is an optional cable car down to the small beach and farmlands of the Fajã da Quebrada Nova. The cable way is an essential aid in transporting farmers and their harvests (one of the main reasons why it was created). The hamlet has quite a few abandoned farmsteads, which have just become too uneconomical, too difficult to run and is unique on the island. From the coast the path ascends steeply again inland, cutting off a headland and passing through the village of Santa where you can stop for refreshments. Suddenly you start descending again with fantastic views from points like Miradouro da Pedra Mole. Arrive in Porto Moniz with its famous natural volcanic rock pools. Ascent 630m / descent 1,060m Accommodation: on Madeira's north coast, spend the next two nights in a 4* hotel in Porto Moniz with stunning views over the ocean and the natural pools. If this is not available, you will be transferred to a simple, welcoming hotel in Sao Vicente for the next two nights.

In the morning you will be taken to the start of the Levada da Ribeira da Janela at Lamaceiros. The Ribeira da Janela levada is one of the most famous levadas in the northwest of the island, known for its 7 tunnel. Please bring a headtorch, the tunnels are sometimes a bit low and require some caution. The walk starts along the river bed that feeds into the levada and soon you are immerged in the tropical vegetation with stunning views on the Ribeira da Janela. We recommend walking to the first or second tunnel to allow enough time to return. You come back the same way, poping out above Porto Moniz at the Miradouro da Lagoa Lamaceiros viewpoint before descending back into the town. Ascent 510m / descent 880m

After breakfast, a transfer to the airport is included in your trip price and takes approx. 1h 15min.