dossier

Walks in the Floating Garden

WALKS IN THE FLOATING GARDEN - DAY BY DAY

Quinta da Bela Vista *****, Funchal

The Quinta da Bela Vista is a luxurious 5* hotel, which commands fabulous panoramic views of Funchal from its hillside location on the edge of the city. The elegant bedrooms are tastefully decorated with thick carpets, antique mahogany furnishings and comfortable beds. All Breakaway guests are allocated garden view rooms with satellite television, air-conditioning, hairdryers, direct dial telephones, safety deposit box and marble en-suite bathrooms.

Further details on the hotel website.

Day 1  Arrive at Funchal airport

Your guide meets you and takes you to your hotel (20 mins).

Day 2  Mimosa Walk  10km/6mi/3hr

Today we head south east and walk along the modern Levada dos Marocos lined with mimosas. Starting near the source we follow the irrigation canal above cultivated terraces filled with a diversity of crops and dotted with flowering plants.  As we move along the upper part of the valley we have spectacular views of the emerald green bay of the town Machico, nestling below the sleepy fishing village of Caniçal for lunch, after which there will be time to explore and see the sights before driving back to Funchal.

Day 3  Lamaceiros Natural Park  14km/9mi/5hr

We stop first at Camacha, a major center for the basket industry. Then up a scented woodland path edged with wild flowers including orchids, Pride of Madeira, gladioli and fuchsias through the National Park. An easy path takes us down to Portela, with majestic mountains behind us and the north coast fishing villages spread out below.

Day 4  Independent exploring

A free day today to wander around Funchal, perhaps starting with the bustling market, near the harbour. There’s every kind of fresh fish and exotic fruit. It’s full of atmosphere, and ablaze with local color . A short walk, passing a number of famous old manor houses, gets you to Monte, its church surrounded by beautiful gardens. Then in the afternoon have a cream tea at Reids, or try a spot of vintage Madeira tasting after heading down (perhaps by ‘toboggan’) into the town.

Day 5  Porto Santo  8km/5mi/3hr

An early start to catch the 08:00 ferry to Porto Santo (21/2 hours, fare included). We start off from Camacha village where we follow the path around Pico Castelo, passing through cedars, pines and eucalyptus. After a picnic lunch it's off to the island’s fine sandy beach and a visit to Christopher Columbus’ house (now a museum) before getting the boat back to Funchal.

Day 6  Porto Moniz 7km/4mi/2.5hr

We head north west today, passing spectacular roadside waterfalls, to the famous black laurel of Fanal. We then follow a forest path through ericas and twisted laurels with firecrests soaring overhead, as we approach the pretty Paul da Serra plateau fragrant with wild mint and oregano. We then have a barbeque where we enjoy espetada (beef speared with laurel branches and cooked over an open fire), salad and wine at a forest house.  We then head to the sparkling volcanic rock pools of Porto Moniz, where there’s a chance for a refreshing dip, before making our way back to Funchal.

Day 7  Levadas and Waterfalls  13km/8mi/5hr

A short scenic drive gets us to the start of the walk, along the Levada do Paul edged with laurels, ericas and blueberry trees. The path is loud with the song of the bis-bis birds (like small finches), and fragrant with oregano, mint and fennel from which Funchal got its name. We picnic under a magnificent waterfall, and return by the Levada do Lageado to Casa Florestal do Paul. Time for a swim before dinner .

Day 8   Leave Funchal

We give you a lift to the airport for flights home.

WALKING DETAILS

The walking is quite gentle and is mostly along old trails and levadas (narrow paths following irrigation channels). Our comfy air-conditioned minibus is used to take you to altitude.