Current as of: December 21, 2024 - 16:45
Marvels of Madeira Walk Trip Notes
- Ways to Travel: Self-Guided Holidays
- Destination: Portugal
- Programmes: Walking & Trekking
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Activity Level:
3 out of 7 - Moderate
- 8 Days: Land Only
- Ages: 12+
- Trip Code: W07MF
Trip Overview
One of Madeira’s many charms is its infinite variety; each day’s walking is different.
Surging from the Atlantic Ocean, Madeira offers a temperate sub-tropical paradise perfect for year-round walking. One of Madeira’s many charms is its infinite variety; each day’s walking and every levada – the island’s unique network of water channels – is different. Landscapes vary from cultivated vine terraces and verdant slopes dotted with white hamlets to coastal cliffs with balcony views over the azure seas. Also a nature lover’s paradise, there are over 120 endemic species of flora and fauna including the pride of Madeira, the bird-of-paradise, along with jacaranda, tiny bisbis birds, chaffinches and hawks – the list is endless.
On this Self Guided walking holiday in Madeira, hotel-to-hotel holiday, the island’s coastal paths and levadas take you from the sleepy wine village of Santana on the north coast to bustling Funchal in the south. Fringed with a rainbow of colourful flora, the levadas lead you inland to breezy Santo da Serra; a transfer then takes you to the Levada do Norte for spectacular views from the cliff tops.
At a Glance
- Good quality hotels throughout, all with pools on site or nearby
- 6 days varied walking with some steep ascents and descents
- Magnificent mountain scenery; stunning coastal trails and flower-lined levada walks
- Altitude maximum 1200m, average 700m
- Excellent Madeira wine; plenty of tasting opportunities
Highlights
- Stunning coastal trails and flower-lined levada walks
- Friendly, high quality hotels, with swimming pools
- Time to explore bustling Funchal
Is This Trip for You?
Activity Level: 2 (Leisurely/Moderate)
This holiday uses paths by the levadas which are, at times, narrow with drops to the side. You need to be a confident, sure-footed walker, not deterred by heights. There are ascents and descents every day which makes this a slightly more demanding holiday than the distances suggest. A torch is required for the Caldeirao Verde walk (day 3).
As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. There may be others on the same departure date as you, but you will not be organised together. You are provided with route notes for each day, which begin with an overview of the walk and advice on lunch, followed by detailed instructions. The route notes contain a 24 hour emergency assistance telephone number should you need it and in emergencies, the hotels are normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service.
You may find our Fitness Training Guide a useful reference: http://www.exodus.co.uk/assets/pdf/Exodus_WT_Fitness_Training_Guide.pdf
Group
As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. A local representative is on hand to assist you and will meet you at the beginning of the week to go through the route notes and point out particular places of interest. Your luggage is transferred and route notes and maps are provided. The route notes contain an emergency telephone number. In an emergency, the local representative is normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service.
Please note: the walking and luggage transfers included in this tour are subject to a minimum of 2 people (in total) booked on the departure. A supplement (payable in advance) to cover these transfers and sole occupancy of a room will apply if only 1 person travelling on a departure date.
Adult min age: 12
Min group size: 1
Itinerary
Land Only
- Start City: Santana
- End City: Funchal
Flight Inclusive
- Start City: London
- End City: London
Land Only Itinerary
Fly to Madeira
Arrive at your hotel in Santana where our local partner will brief you on the week’s walking.
You stay at the Quinta do Furao (breakfast and evening meal)
Circular Walk to Sao Jorge
Today you take the panoramic coastal path that leads you to the ancient cobbled route linking Santana to Sao Jorge. (If you are staying at the Vila Bela in Porto da Cruz a 15 min transfer will be provided). Agapanthus and cacti line the descent to the seaside ‘resort’ of Calhau. It’s then along the base of the cliffs, where big Atlantic rollers come sweeping in, before you climb to enjoy balcony views. There are fabulous coastal vistas as you ascend to Sao Jorge, with the village’s lighthouse glimmering above the azure waters. The mighty peak of Pico Ruivo frames the horizon as you return to Santana or transfer to Porto da Cruz if you are staying there.
You stay at the Quinta do Furao (breakfast and evening meal)
2 options: Walking time 3.5hr, distance 10km/6.2mi or walking time 4hr, distance 13km/8mi.
The Caldeirao Verde Levada
A transfer (10/25 mins) takes you up to the Parque das Queimadas – all the hard climbing is done for you! The walk follows the beautiful (and shady) Caldeirao Verde Levada (the Green Cauldron Levada) into the Vale da Lapa. The scenery is magnificent; the views of the sea, of hilltop villages, and of the lofty central peaks are unforgettable. You head up the valley through a series of impressive levada tunnels to the magnificent waterfall at Caldeirao Verde. Then it’s back down the Lapa Valley to Ilha before taking the bus back to Santana or a transfer to Porto da Cruz.
You stay at the Quinta do Furao (breakfast, and evening meal)
Ribeiro Frio
Before departure, a picnic is provided by your hotel for today and a minibus will collect you at the hotel for a scenic 25/35 minute ride taking you to Ribeiro Frio where you start your walk. You join the Levada do Furado, a verdant paradise of laurel, heather and pine with waterfalls tumbling into the gushing river. Tiny firecrest and tame finches flit between the trees, which occasionally part to reveal stunning views of white hilltop hamlets. You descend to Santo da Serra’s vibrant square with its lively market; wood smoke fills the air as meats grill al fresco – you must try the traditional espetada (marinated meat skewered on laurel twigs)!
You stay at the Porto Bay Serra Golf (breakfast, picnic and evening meal)
Sao Lourenco
There are 2 optional walks provided today. The first starts with a transfer (30 mins), taking you to the most eastern point of Madeira, to Ponta de Sao Lourenco’s Nature Reserve, where you’ll walk the hugely popular peninsula loop, with sweeping views, jagged peaks and masses of flora and fauna.
The second optional walk is on the Levada Nova (9.5km/6mi/3hr). The Levada Nova is a rewarding walk and quite spectacular. It takes you round into the upper reaches of the Ribeiro Santa Cruz, where there are sun-dappled waterfalls and a wide variety of flora. The levada is reached by a short, but steep descent on a quiet country lane.
You stay at the Porto Bay Serra Golf (breakfast and evening meal)
Cabo Girao Walk
A 45 minutes transfer takes you to Boa Morte to take the Levada do Norte, through pine and eucalyptus trees, and on paths lined with pink belladonna flowers. High on the poios (terraces) the path wanders through pretty villages, before arriving in Cabo Girao where the majestic expanse of the Atlantic is spread out before us. A transfer will take you on to your hotel in Funchal where you will spend your last two nights.
You stay at the Quinta da Bela Vista (breakfast, picnic)
At Funchal
Spend your last day exploring at leisure in Funchal, perhaps starting in the bustling market near the harbour – it’s full of atmosphere and ablaze with colour. Enjoy lunch on the harbour, saving room for an afternoon cream tea at Reid’s, then it’s time to relax by the pool or in the beautiful exotic gardens of your hotel.
You stay at the Quinta da Bela Vista (breakfast)
Leave Madeira
Today you will take your transfer back to Funchal airport as agreed.
Ascents, descents and distances: All ascents, descents and distances listed in the daily itinerary have been measured by our local partners or tour leaders, in many cases with satellite-based mapping software. However, different GPS measuring devices can give differing results, particularly on winding paths or in mountainous terrain. Measurements stated throughout these Trips Notes are given to help you understand the types of terrain and distances you will encounter. Timings stated will vary depending on the pace of your group.
Accommodation
Hotels
Our accommodation choices offer as many contrasts as the walks: in Santana your 4-star hotel has stunning Atlantic Ocean views; in Santo da Serra your hotel dates back to the 1920s and has been used as a family home and tea house over the years, and in Funchal, the 5-star Quinta da Bela Vista is one of the most exclusive hotels on the island.
Room upgrade
From £10 per person, per night based on 2 people sharing.
All prices are based on 2 persons sharing, so if there is an odd number of people travelling in your party or you are travelling alone, there will be a compulsory single room supplement payable in advance.
Single supplement from £ 275
Food & Drink
All continental buffet style breakfasts, 2 picnic lunches and 5 evening meals are included.
Madeira is well known for its excellent fresh fish and seafood, tasty soups and mouth-watering fresh fruit. Grilled meats especially chicken (often cooked on a natural wood grill), also make a good choice for your evening meal. A more traditional dish is espetada – skewered beef cooked on an open grill served with lots of salad and boiled potatoes.
Portions are generous, especially in smaller, less touristy restaurants and main dishes come with the traditional salad and potatoes. You will also get a basket of bread on the table, even if you don’t ask for it. Some restaurants also bring you portions of soft cheese and fish paste with the bread and will add these to your bill.
Wine
Madeira’s wine is probably the island’s most famous export. This strong, fortified wine, which tastes a little like port or sherry, comes in a range of flavours (from dry to very sweet) and is renowned throughout the world. It was used to seal the signing of the American Declaration of Independence and is still used today to toast those offered the Freedom of the City of London.
Transport
Your luggage will be transported between the hotels by taxi or minibus. The local representative is often able to dispatch a taxi should you need it in an emergency, but may wish to charge you for this service. Transfers to walking start points on days three, four, five and six are included. A one way cable car ticket is included for use on Day 7.
Weather & Seasonality
The climate in Madeira is similar to that found around the Mediterranean and is renowned for its year round mildness however there is always the possibility of inclement weather. In May, April, June, October and November, temperatures are pleasant and some rainfall is to be expected. From July to September, daytime is a little warmer and it is typically dry with an average of seven to eight hours of sunshine a day, but the odd shower is still possible. Winter months are generally wetter, particularly at high levels with rain falling between periods of fine, settled weather (so waterproofs are essential).
Weather Charts
Joining Instructions
The tour itself normally begins at the start hotel in Santana on the evening of Day 1 of the itinerary. For flight inclusive bookings arrival and departure transfers are included*. Please ask your Sales Consultant for times. If the hotel in Santana is not available an alternative in Porto da Cruz is used.
Arrival/departure transfers at non-standard times can also be arranged for you, often free of charge (subject to prior arrangement).
*Please note: the above free airport transfers are subject to prior arrangement and at least 2 people (in total) booked on the departure. A supplement (payable in advance) may apply if only 1 person travelling on a departure date.
Flights:
We can also book flights for you if you wish. The standard flights we usually use are with TAP Portugal from London Heathrow to Funchal via Lisbon, departing 06:00, arriving 12:00. Return: Funchal to Heathrow via Lisbon departing 12:45, arriving 18:40. Please note that the standard flights may occasionally change throughout the season so please enquire for up-to-date details.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Santana
Location end: Funchal
Transfer Details
Transfers can be arranged at a supplement from Funchal airport to your hotel and back to Funchal airport at the end of your holiday.
What To Take
Essential Equipment
Walking boots
Water bottle
Daypack
Sun hat, sun cream and sunglasses
Warm jumper
Torch
Optional Equipment
Walking poles
Swimwear
Practical Information
Visa
Portugal
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Portugal. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/portugal
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/portugal
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/portugal/entry-requirements
• USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Portugal.html
Vaccinations and Health
Portugal
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus and rabies. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.
Local Time
Portugal's time zone: Europe/Lisbon (UTC +00:00)
Electricity
Portugal's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins, European standard) and F (two round pins) – 230V, 50Hz
Money
Portugal's currency: Euros (EUR)
ATM Availability
ATMs are available, but we recommend taking some Euros cash with you in case you can’t get to a bank at the start of the trip.
Extra Expenses & Spending Money
Allow €10-15 for lunch or dinner (taken in a restaurants), excluding alcoholic beverages. You will also need some extra cash for drinks or ice creams in cafés or bars during the day walks or in the hotel bar in the evening. Typically a beer or coffee will cost around €1.5 and a reasonable bottle of wine at dinner about €8.
At the end of day 3 you will need to get a Local bus, approximately €5 payable locally.
Sustainability and Impact
At Exodus, we thrive on travel, and we firmly believe our adventures should help destinations thrive too.
As a certified B Corp, we aim to take a ‘nature positive’ approach across our adventures, including carbon and waste reduction, animal welfare and support for rewilding and conservation. We also seek to contribute to local communities, providing economic opportunity and empowerment.
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Learn more about our Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan, including our commitment to rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller
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Read about the work of the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation.
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Find out how you can travel more sustainably here.
Important Information
Your safe participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
Seatbelts
All vehicles used by Exodus should be equipped with working seatbelts, except where approved by Exodus based on the vehicle type or journey. Wherever seatbelts are available, we require our customers to use them for their own safety, even where it may not be a legal requirement.
How to Book
- Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
- Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
- Complete your booking and payment
When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.
After booking
You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.
Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.
Trip Note validity
These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
Licensing
Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.