Explore the diverse and impressive island in the Atlantic Ocean. There are steep and rugged coastal lines, green hills and small bays great for swimming as well as cloud forests and sun-drenched banana plantations. The flower island, Madeira, offers a versatile scenery and a pleasant climate all year round. The dry east, the cool north, the barren mountains, the moist high plateaus and the sunny south all invite you to come and explore this wonderful island. At all times of the year, there are different flowers and trees blooming at different altitudes. The friendly and tradition-conscious locals invite you to get to know their country and their culture. Discover all sides of Madeira on this round trip!
Today you can relax on the black sandy beach in the small fishing village Porto da Cruz. You can visit one of the last remaining sugar mills where you can try the well-known “Poncha”, which is a local drink made from sugar cane liquor, honey and freshly squeezed orange juice.
After a short transfer to Machico, you will walk along the impressive north coast on one of the old supply routes, which was previously used to cultivate the vineyards. Today one of the nicest footpaths runs along this route to Porto da Cruz. Enjoy the breath-taking views.
In the traditional town, Santana, which is well-known for its typical houses, you will start today’s stage. Accompanied by amazing panoramic views you ascend from the wild coastline, further upwards past small gardens with wine, sugar canes, vegetables and fruit, until you reach a spectacular viewpoint. From there you can see across the entire northern shore stretching from Porto Moniz to Ponta de Sao Lourenco. If the weather is great then you will also be able to see the neighboring island Porto Santo, which is located north of Madeira. The stunning Kings Levada then leads you through jungle-like vegetation to the waterfall and springs of Ribeiro Bonito.
Transfer to the mountains or more specifically to the Paul da Serra high plateau. Today’s walk brings you closer to Madeira’s green mountains. You will walk along high-altitude paths rich in spectacular views, through shady laurel forests, which are partially an UNESCO world cultural heritage site. An amazing hiking trail takes you through colorful blooming broom bushes to Fanal, a fairytale-like wood forest and pasture area: crooked trees, green meadows and grazing highland cattle create a very special mystical atmosphere. In the afternoon you reach the coastal village of Porto Moniz with its wonderful views at the blue sea. This charming place is well-known for its natural swimming pools, which were formed by the ocean from black lava rock.
Today you will walk along the south west coastline via green hills, which steeply drop into the sea after a while. In this part of the island you will discover the original way of life of its habitants, especially Prazeres is known as one of the loveliest villages of Madeira island. On your walk through fragrant eucalyptus forests, you will keep seeing Callas, Amarryllis and Agapanthus growing wildly. You will stay overnight in the lively coastal village, Calheta. It has a fine sandy beach and an elegant marina.
Short transfer along the southern coast before you set off up to Levada do Norte where you get amazing views from. It is also the longest and widest Levada in the south. You will walk through typical farmed terraces and discover a vast variety of fruits. Along small villages like Quinta Grande and Campanario to the Cabo Girao, which is the highest steep cliff in Europe. From there you will get a fantastic view of the terraced fields below you and of the coastline until the capital, Funchal.
You reach the pilgimage site Monte by cable car, situated high above Funchal. After a visit to the church Nossa Senhora do Monte you can marvel at the dynamic wicker basket sledgers before embarking on your final stage. With a marvellous view onto the coast from Funchal the route leads you once again across subtropical island vegetation and back into the capital. We highly recommend you visit the amazing botanical garden giving you an understanding of the exotic flora of the island on an area of 35 000 square metres.
approx. 3 h
approx. 8 km
100 m
550 m
Day
8
Departure or extension
Tour character
Daily routes along well-built and very diverse paths, which can however sometimes be on narrow paths. Lots of paths run along the coastline and also along Levadas (irrigation canals), where a head for heights and sure-footnedness are essential in some sections. You will need a good level of fitness for this waking holiday where the walks may take max. 5 hours.
This family-run hotel awaits in the little coastal village of Porto da Cruz with a spectacular location directly at the black cliff beach.
Costa Linda Porto da Cruz
★★
This family-run hotel awaits in the little coastal village of Porto da Cruz with a spectacular location directly at the black cliff beach. You will stay in a traditional room from where you will enjoy a stunning view of the sparkling sea - listen to the gentle waves! The in-house restaurant offers an excellent breakfast and a large choice of traditional dishes, particularly local specialities only found on Madeira. It is only a short walk to the sea-swimming pool!
This traditional country house is situated amidst the rugged rocks of the Sao Vicente-valley, nestling in a magical garden, where you get to discover lots of local fruit and plants.
Solar da Bica São Vicente
★★★
This traditional country house is situated amidst the rugged rocks of the Sao Vicente-valley, nestling in a magical garden, where you get to discover lots of local fruit and plants. The stunning gardens allow you to feel the calm pulse of Madeira and cater for deep relaxation after your hiking tour. The rooms are furnished in a modern style, with an eye for lovely details. In all seasons you can enjoy the heated saltwater-pool and the sauna. In the morning, a lovely breakfast is served with local dishes from all over the island.
Very boldly built right at the wild coast is the location of the Hotel Aqua Natura. The name of the accommodation reflects the very element, which has specially definded this little coastal village from the year one.
Aqua Natura Porto Moniz
★★★★
Very boldly built right at the wild coast is the location of the Hotel Aqua Natura. The name of the accommodation reflects the very element, which has specially defined this little coastal village from the year one: the wild sea’s raging and the surge of waves at the rugged coast. The world-renowned ‚rock-swimming pools‘ are situated directly in front of the hotel, the restaurant offers local specialities and a spectacular terrace located above the sea. From your room you enjoy a breathtaking view over the entire coastline.
The Savoy Saccharum, situated in the little coastal village of Calheta, presents itself in a spectacular fashion! A unique architecture and baffling interior await you.
Savoy Saccharum Calheta
★★★★★
The Savoy Saccharum, situated in the little coastal village of Calheta, presents itself in a spectacular fashion! The unique architecture and baffling interior, following the cultural heritage of sugar cane growing and processing on the island of Madeira, combined with the location directly at the sea create an unforgettable stay there. Numerous pools as well as a premium spa area invite you to relax. The view from the infinity-pool located at the roof of the hotel will definitely stay in your memory long after your departure. Rooms with seaview, various restaurants and the roof-top cocktail bar cater for an all-round perfect stay.
This small, very family-run hotel surprises with a comfortable location directly in the heart of the old part of Funchal.
Arts In Hotel Conde Carvalhal Funchal
★★★★
This small, very family-run hotel surprises with a comfortable location directly in the heart of the old part of Funchal. Both the harbour promenade and the famous market hall are only a few steps away. Individually designed rooms with lots of amenities and generous gardens serve as a calm anchor amidst the ado of the busy capital. From your room you have a view onto the town below you and you get to marvel at the glistening sea and observe the frolic atmosphere of the harbour in a relaxed manner. The crowning glory of a perfect hiking week.
Une grande bouffée d'oxygène dans une luxuriante nature sur des beaux itinéraires. Toute l'organisation "clé en main" a fonctionné tip-top. Les randos sont faciles mais déconseillées à ceux qui ont le vertige.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
4 stars
Miriam Rüthemann |20.10.2022
Eine Reise wert
Wir sind nicht das erstemal mit Eurotrek unterwegs und haben die Wandertour nach dem Tourencharakter (3) ausgewählt. Diese Einstufung ist nach uns zu hoch. Wir würden eine 2 vergeben, da es kaum Steigungen und wenig Abstiege hatte. Die Strecken entlang der Levadas wurden schnell etwas eintönig. Ansonsten gefiel es uns sehr gut: nette Insulaner, die alle bestens Englisch sprechen, warmes und sonniges Wetter, ausgezeichnete Küche und hübsche Hotels. Spannende Landschaften in den vier unterschiedlichen Regionen machten den einwöchigen Aufenthalt zum Erlebnis.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
5 stars
Thomas K. |22.05.2022
Madeira Mai 2022
Sehr gut zusammengestellte und abwechslungsreiche Routen. Man bekommt in kurzer Zeit einen Überblick der verschiedenen Landesteile der Insel.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
5 stars
Cecilia Germann |03.05.2022
Magische Landschaft
Der wenig bewohnte Norden der Insel hat mir am besten gefallen, ich bin bewusst alleine gewandert, um die Landschaft ohne Ablenkung in mich aufzunehmen. Es war einfach fantastisch. Diese kleine Insel ist unglaublich vielfältig und eindrücklich.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
4 stars
Susanne Keller-Winzenried |20.04.2022
Atemberaubende Aussichten
Wir können nicht einzelne Orte aufzählen. Jede Tour war einzigartig. Jede Wanderung hatte etwas besonderes. Die Einführung war nur in Englisch und sehr schnell, die wäre noch ausbaufähig.
RetoZingganswered:
Vielen Dank für Ihre positive Bewertung. Gerne werden wir Ihre Anmerkung zur Reiseeinführung unserem Partner vor Ort mitteilen.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
5 stars
Ute B. |03.04.2022
Abwechslungsreiche Wanderungen auf wunderschöner Insel
Wir waren insgesamt mit der Wanderwoche auf Madeira und der Organisation durch Eurotrek sehr zufrieden. Die Organisation von Ihrem Partner von der Einführung am Vorabend bis zum Abholen am Morgen bei den Hotels und nach der Wanderung war sehr zuverlässig. Die Wegbeschreibungen waren sehr gut. Die Zusammenstellung der Wanderungen sehr abwechslungsreich, man kam in unterschiedliche Regionen und Höhenlagen der Insel. Mit den Hotels waren wir auch sehr zufrieden und vor allem deren Nähe zum Meer hat uns sehr gut gefallen.