Itinerary Include flights Leave this field blank Expand allSantana to Funchal Fly to MadeiraArrive at your hotel near Santana where our local partner will brief you on the week's walking. Meals included: Breakfast Dinner Day 1 Start SantanaArrive at your hotel near Santana or Porto da Cruz where our local partner will brief you on the week's walking. Meals included: Breakfast Dinner Day 2 Walk a circular route to Sao Jorge and take in fabulous coastal vistasA panoramic coastal path leads you to the ancient cobbled route linking Santana to Sao Jorge. 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.2 options: Walking time 3.5hr, distance 10km/6.2mi or walking time 4hr, distance 13km/8.1mi. Meals included: Breakfast Dinner Day 3 Walk through Caldeirao Verde Levada into the Vale da LapaA transfer (10 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 local bus (payable locally) back to Santana or a pre-arranged transfer back to Porto da Cruz. Meals included: Breakfast Dinner Day 4 Walk from Ribeiro and descend into Santo da SerraA scenic 30-minute ride takes you to Ribeiro Frio. 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)! Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 5 Walk the Ponta de Sao Lourenco's Nature Reserve's peninsula loopStarting with a transfer (30 mins), today's walk takes 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. Meals included: Breakfast Dinner Day 6 Take the Levada do Norte before arriving in Cabo GiraoA 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 the 5-star Quinta da Bela Vista above Funchal where you will spend your last 2 nights. Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 7 Spend your last day exploring the coastal town of FunchalSpend 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. Meals included: Breakfast Dinner Day 8Trip ends in Funchal Meals included: Breakfast
PortugalNo visa required for British passport holders.For further Brexit travel advice please visit https://www.abta.com/tips-and-advice/brexit-advice-for-travellers
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 upgradeFrom £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.
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Reviewed September 2017 Nik KowalMarvels of Madeira self guided A winning combination of walks in stunning scenery and top quality hotels in which to relax at the end of the day. Being self guided was a great experience, walking notes very clear, and you can go at your own choice of pace and stop whenever you want. Highly recommended.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Finishing each walk!What did you think of your group leader? N/aDo you have any advice for potential travellers? The rating of leisurely/moderate does not take into account some of the ascents and descents, and the narrow footing along some of the levadas so pre trip training and a good head for heights required.Is there anything else you would like to add? Madeira is a beautiful island and this is a good introduction.
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