| | |
| |
take a walk to
Discover Madeira
|
|
 |
| |
Breathtaking views and an unforgettable journey
|
| | |
|
| | |
There is an extensive network of pathways crisscrossing the rocky island of Madeira, with its leafy Laurisilva forests dating back centuries and of an almost unreal shade of green. Of volcanic origin, the highest peak on the island is Pico Ruivo, standing at 1862m, one of the areas we traverse around
halfway through our crossing. We walk the island on mountain trails and along the impressive grid of levada waterways extending over 2,000 km, built both for irrigation and transporting water around this island. This is a demanding but rewarding hike for all attracted to the beauty of such natural
environments.
Grade: C Hard (check the general conditions)
Trip Profile: 10 days, 8 days Hiking in traverse with vehicle support.
Program:
Day 1: Flight and Arrival to Madeira Island.
Transfer to Machico where we spend the night.
Day 2: Machico Porto da Cruz
Crossing start taking the Levada do Caniçal. We climb up the Boca do Risco to the start of a steep coastal trail beginning on a cliff top soaring some 300
meters above sea level (not recommended for those afraid of heights). From this vantage point, there are views out over to the island of Porto Santo
to be enjoyed before continuing our walk as far as the picturesque Vila de Porto da Cruz.
5 hours walk; distance: 14 Km; ascent: 500m
Day 3: Porto da Cruz Santo da Serra
Leaving Porto da Cruz for a long climbing walk through sparsely inhabited areas before heading through a pine forest to reach the town of Vila de Santo da Serra. This represents a day of opportunity to rest and relax and recharge batteries before the long days to come.
4 hours walk; distance: 10 Km; ascent: 800m
Day 4: Santo da Serra Pico das Pedras
Setting out early in the morning for the long stretch that leads right into the heart of this island. The route takes us quickly to Levada do Furado before entering the ancient and original Laurisilva forested habitat of Madeira, complete with spectacular views over its valleys and mountains. Reaching
Ribeiro Frio, we pass through the village of Cruzinhas before making the long climb up through a region of farms and cultivated fields with views out over the tranquil villages of the northern coast, up as far as Pico das Pedras where we stay for two nights.
8 a 9 hours walk; distance: 24 Km; ascent: 1000m
Day 5: Pico das Pedras Caldeirão Verde Pico das Pedras
Rest day with an optional visit to one of the most beautiful spots on this island the Levada do Caldeirão Verde covered in musk and ferns, dotted with numerous small waterfalls and caverns and tunnels. The path up through this valley of unbelievable greenery takes us to the luxurious Caldeirão Verde
waterfall. The Laurisilva forest takes on a particularly unique
splendor in this area.
5 hours walk; distance: 16 Km;
Day 6:Pico das Pedras Encumeada
The Mountains. This is the day for those who experience a special attraction for mountains. Along a single track up through Laurisilva brush, we climb up to Achada do Teixeira from where it is possible to make out the famous Standing Man rock. We then move on towards the main crest of the island from
where the ascent to the very roof of Madeira at Pico Ruivo (1862m) is made. For a number of kilometres we hike along the main, steeply undulating, ridge of the island, looking out over grandiose views alternately to the north and to the south of the island. We reach our destination at Encumeada deep
into the end of the day after a most impressive crossing.
8 a 9 hours walk; distance: 18 Km; ascent: 1600m
Day 7: Encumeada Paul da Serra
We start the day at Levada das Rabaças, walking along the long Levada do Paul pathway with its spectacular views out over the south slope of the island. The arid Paul da Serra plateau is our destination point for the day and where we stay for two nights to provide a chance to take in the surroundings
and recover from the previous long stretches.
6 hours walk; distance: 17,5 Km; ascent: 600m
Day 8: Paul da Serra Rabaçal 25 Fontes Paul da Serra
Resting day with optional walk to Rabaçal, a beautiful levada set in an area of original Laurisilva forest habitat. After visiting Lagoa do Vento and the huge Risco waterfall, we then continue further along another levada that extends as far as 25 Fontes, an odd set of waterfalls with the water issuing
out all over a series of cliff walls.
5 hours walk; distance: 17 Km; ascent: 500m
Day 9: Paul da Serra Ribeira da Janela - Porto Moniz
The pathway starts off along an extremely steep single track which runs along and down to Ribeira da Janela, the biggest watercourse on Madeira whose source lies at the very heart of Paul da Serra. It is then time to take the steep Levada de Ribeira da Janela which, passing by some caves and caverns,
takes us though the long Ribeira da Janela valley with its admirable forested banks. We finish this impressive crossing with a knee-testing descent to down the highly picturesque town of Porto Moniz, where there is the opportunity to freshen up in the natural rock swimming pools.
7 hours walk; distance: 24 Km; ascent: 1250m
Day 10: Porto Moniz Funchal
Transfer from Porto Moniz to Funchal, a free day in Funchal and flight back.
Info: Not recommended for persons with vertigo or claustrophobia. |
| | |
| | | |
|
| | |
Place
|
|
|
Madeira |
Price
|
|
|
On request |
Number of persons
|
|
|
min. 6 max.16 |
Duration
|
|
|
10 days |
Frequency
|
|
|
All year |
Inclusive
|
|
|
- Day meals (picnic) from day 2 to day 9;
- Dinner in typical restaurants day 2 to 9;
- All transfers (airport, Hotels, trek start and final drop-off)
- Escorted 8 day trek accompanied with a spoken English guide;
- Luggage transfers each day
- Insurance. |
Exclusive
|
|
|
- Flight
- Personal daily Expense |
More info
|
|
|
Compulsory equipment:
Torch (for tunnels crossing on trails)
Waterproof garment.
Reservation on the spot are not possible. |
|
|
|
|
Our knowledge of the local culture and of the local resources enables us to bring you to the nicest sites but also to let you have rest in the most beautiful and most typical lodgings. We think it is so important that you can perfectly capture the areas' unique core.
We have selected cosy and comfortable accommodations of the highest local personality.
These lodgings bring to you the best treasures of the regional culture, whether opening the door to a cosy interior or placing you in a breathtaking setting. |
Options
|
|
|
In case you wish to stay longer in the area please contact us in order to provide you accommodation solutions.
Also available for groups. |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
| | |
|
| | |
|
|
 |
|
| | |
