At a Glance
Explore one of Europe’s most breathtaking island regions on this incredible 8-day walking adventure. Unearth Madeira Island on foot as you traverse levadas, forests and coastal vistas for an ultimate hiker’s paradise.
You begin your journey with an overnight in Santana located on the north coast of the island. Your walking adventure is a combination of easy levada walks, forest adventures, coastal routes and steep mountain treks. From lush UNESO listed Laurissilva forests and consistent cloud inversion, you’ll be captivated at every step. During this 8-day voyage you’ll summit the spectacular viewpoint of Boca do Risco, traverse the iconic Caldeiro Verde, hike the two highest volcanic peaks of the island (Pico Ariero and Pico Ruivo) and explore off beaten tracks to the most isolated farming areas at Faja. Along the way ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- 7 nights’ accommodation (4 star) on a twin share basis
- 7 breakfasts, 5 picnic lunches, 6 dinners
- Return airport transfers
- Transfers from Santana to Machico & Porto da Cruz return
- Transfers Santana to Achada de Texeira & Pico Ariero to Porto Moniz
- Transfer Porto Moniz to Achada da Cruz
- Transfer Porto Moniz to Rabaçal & Garagem to Funchal
- A roadbook detailed with vouchers and maps
Itinerary
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You’ll arrive in Funchal Airport where you’ll be welcomed and take a taxi transfer to Santana, located on the north coast of Madeira Island. Known for its traditional bright coloured thatched houses, marvel at your first typical picturesque Madeiran sight. You’ll stay at a quaint hotel set right on the cliff’s edge boasting magnificent views of the coastline on one side and Madeira’s highest mountain on the other. Unwind in your spacious ensuite rooms with garden, vineyards or sea views. Relax in the picturesque outdoor pool or simply savour the serenity at the seaside terrace. |
Quinta do Fura, Santana
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Approx. 13km (8.1 miles), 4 hours walking, Easy grade, Elevation Gain: 250m (820ft) Enjoy a delicious breakfast before transferring to Machico where you’ll begin your journey in Porto da Cruz, a small charming seaside village. Your trail takes on the Vereda do Larano to the stunning vistas of Boca do Risco. Set out on foot on a trail that connect Machico to Porto da Cruz through an old pedestrian path that was once used by the local population to move from one place to another to do commerce. Marvel at one of the most emblematic rock formations in Madeira and savour breathtaking views contrasting the island’s green and blue sea. Continue to climb reaching the spectacular viewpoint of Boca do Risco giving sweeping views of the city of Machico with its houses and buildings that have the vast Atlantic Ocean. Along the way enjoy a delightful picnic lunch amongst serene vistas. Journey along the cliffside path and be further captivated by endless ocean views. Finally, descend to Porto da Cruz where seawater pool awaits, perfect time for a refreshing dip before being transferred back to Santana. |
Quinta do Fura, SantanaBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Approx. 14km (8.7 miles), 4.5 hours walking, Easy grade, Elevation Gain: 90m (295 ft) Today, your hike takes you into a world of evergreen! A short transfer takes you into a true fairy tale in a green paradise of the laurisilva forest of lush vegetation and flowers before reaching a majestic waterfall. The waterfall that plunges into a basin from a height of 100 metres of the iconic green cauldron, Caldeiro Verde. Spend time to relax to the sound of the falling water and crystalline lagoon where you’ll enjoy a picnic lunch along the way. Marvel at the magnificent views over the village of Sao Jorge and surrounding towering mountains with opportunity to walk through tunnels carved by hand out of the rock. For the adventurers, take the challenge of jumping into the basin for a swim before continuing to the small village of Ilha. Be soothed by the constant flow of water present throughout your walk. |
Quinta do Fura, SantanaBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Approx. 9km (5.6 miles), 3 hours 45 minutes walking, Easy grade, Elevation Gain: 840m (2756 ft) Today, embark on a peak-to-peak trail conquering the two highest peaks of the island from Pico Arieiro to Pico Ruivo. Begin with a transfer to Pico Ariero to your trail that takes place in the magnificent mountains of Madeira. Be captivated by a fascinating mineral universe of volcanic peaks between the two highest of the island, the Pico Ruivo at 1,862m and Pico Arierio 1,818m. While it’s a hike along the peaks of Madeira, you’ll traverse a section at Pico do Arierio hiking downwards for the first few kilometres before the elevation towards Pico Ruivo. Along the way, you’ll hike walking on the ledge with railings on the side of the mountain or through man-made tunnels. Be captivated on your trail as you’ll be above the clouds making the experience more so dramatic and unique. Feel on top of the world, reaching the summit and absorb the spectacular panoramic views composed by the formidable rock formations and villages seen in the distance. A transfer takes you to the end of today’s adventure soothing your muscles and unwinding at the famed natural pools of Porto Moniz. Savour the natural swimming pools that are formed by volcanic lava naturally filled with crystal clear sea water. This evening, enjoy a delicious dinner by the ocean terrace bursting a selection of regional fare. |
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You’ll stay at a quaint hotel with the natural sea water pools of Porto Moniz at your doorstep. Unwind in your ocean facing rooms with private terrace and simply soak in the fresh ocean breeze. Relax at the sauna or the sunbathing deck with a large whirlpool tub outside or pamper yourself with a massage (at own expense). |
Aqua Natura Madeira, Porto MonizBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
TWO HIKING OPTIONS: This morning transfer to the Achada da Cruz and set on foot to the off beaten track into the most isolated faring areas of the island. Descend a huge cliff to an incredibly unique spot-on Madeira to the traditional village of Faja. A village made of a small platform resulting from the collapse of the cliffs and was once home to hundreds who tended to their livestock and agriculture. Either go down the cliff by an impressive path or take the equally impressive cable car (ticket at own expense). Today, many of the small traditional homes have been unoccupied for years making it an incredibly unique and unusual place to explore. Marvel at one of the steepest cable cars rides in Europe and magnificent views of where the north and west coasts of Madeira meet. |
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Continue your climb to the small village of Santa before descending back down to Porto Moniz. Spend the rest of the afternoon to a well-deserved relaxation in the splendid natural pools before another delicious dinner at the hotel’s ocean terrace. |
Aqua Natura Madeira, Porto MonizBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Approx. 11km (6.8 miles), 4 hours walking, Easy grade, Elevation Gain: 400m (1312 ft) Today, transfer to Paul da Serra’s plateau where you’ll begin your walk traversing an enchanted forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your walk is at the 25 Fontes (25 fountains) levada, one of the popular in Madeira. Your path reveals an array of landscapes and wonderful sensations from a wide variety of endemic species of the flora and fauna of the region is known for. Be captivated by the number of streams and small waterfall along the route. Marvel at Rabaçal, a magical and unique place filled with cascades, fountains lagoons and more. You’ll end the day with a transfer to Funchal, your home for the next 3 nights |
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You’ll stay at Castanheiro Boutique Hotel for the next two nights, located in the heart of an historic zone, 500 metres from Marina do Funchal. It offers an year around outdoor pool and spa center. Castanheiro Boutique Hotel features a SPA with hydrotherapy pool, sauna, Turkish bath, massage rooms and a relaxing area. It's an ideal place for you to relax after walking. |
Castanheiro Boutique Hotel, FunchalBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Savour a leisurely breakfast before spending the day doing as little or as much as you please. Create your own adventures as you explore Funchal, a charming city built like an amphitheater around the bay. Meander through its paved streets, historical sites, museums, botanical gardens and take a lovely stroll along the coast. Visit the historic Funchal Cathedral or explore the Old Town, a perfect stop for lunch and cafes. Enjoy panoramic views over the city on the Monte Cable Car from Old Town to Monte. Explore the Monte Palace Tropical Garden or embark on a traditional wicker-made toboggan sled used by locals as a quick way of getting to Funchal. For day trips, journey on a whale watching adventure aboard a catamaran or spend the day at Port Santo Island for picturesque beaches. |
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Optional Activities (extra charge applies):
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Castanheiro Boutique Hotel, FunchalBreakfast, Dinner |
Enjoy a relaxing breakfast on the island, a great time to reflect on your inspiring journey before a taxi transfer back to Madeira Airport. NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
NoneBreakfastDates & Prices
Daily departure on request. Please contact us for group bookings. Peak/festival season surcharge applies.
More Info
- The departure and finish point is Funchal
- Major commercial flights provide convenient access to Funchal. The nearest major airport is Madeira Airport which has international and domestic flights and is 18 km from the center of Madeira
The subtropical Mediterranean climate in Funchal and Madeira is predominantly determined by the Atlantic Ocean. As a result, there are not many weather extremes on the island. During the month of March, April, May, June, July, October, November and December you are most likely to experience good weather with pleasant average temperatures that fall between 20 degrees Celsius (68°F) and 26 degrees Celsius (79°F).
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A single supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 90 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 90 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 90 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 90 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The walks take place in very special wilderness settings. The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a walk with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the walk has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any walk up to 60 days prior to departure if a minimum of 4 walkers are unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the walk or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.
