dossier

Marvels of Madeira Walk

Day 1: Arrive in Madeira
We meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel in Santana (30mins) where our rep, Jorge,will brief you on the week’s walking.

Day 2: Circular Walk to Sao Jorge 11km/7mi/5hr
A panoramic coastal path leads you to the ancient cobbled route linking Santana to Sao Jorge.Agapanthus and cacti line the descent to the sleepy port of Calhau, where fisherman cast their netsto the rhythm of Atlantic breakers crashing against the headland. Balcony views along the coastlineas you ascend to Sao Jorge, with the village’s lighthouse glimmering above the azure waters. MightyPico Ruivo frames the horizon as you return to Santana.

Day 3: Ribeiro Frio to Santo da Serra 12km/7.5mi/5hr
A scenic 45 min ride takes you to Ribeiro Frio. You join the Levada do Furado, a verdant paradise oflaurel, heather and pine with waterfalls tumbling into the gushing river. Tiny firecrest and tamefinches flit between the trees, which occasionally part to reveal stunning views of white hilltop ham-lets. You descend to Santo da Serra’s vibrant square with its lively market; wood smoke fills the airas meats grill al fresco- try the traditional espetada(delicious meat skewered on laurel twigs)!

Day 4: At Santo da Serra
A free day to explore nearby Machico, with its pleasant seafront promenade, 18C fort and bustling market, ablaze with local colour. Dating back to the 14C it is the oldest town on the island, named after its founder Robert Machin. If you’re feeling energetic, there’s a lovely 8km walk (notes provided) along the Levada Nova with its sparkling waterfalls and rock pools.

Day 5: Santo da Serra to Camacha 16km/10mi/5hr
Leaving the village at your heels, elegant flower decked quintasline the route to the botanical para-dise of the Levada Nova. Trees ripe with custard apples, lemons and passion fruit provide a fragrantcanopy; glimpses of the sparkling sea become more frequent as you approach Camacha. Our comfortable hotel is right in the heart of this traditional wicker village, perched above the Atlantic.

Day 6: At Camacha
There’s a stunning walk today from the hotel through the lush Porto Novo valley. The path alongside the trickling Levada do Canico is scented with marigolds and bright with frangipani, camellia and Bird of Paradise, whilst azure sea views add to the palette of colour. A panoramic promontory surrounded by sugar cane and scarlet poppies, with views to the distant Desertas Islands, provides a perfect picnic spot.

Day 7: Camacha to Funchal 12km/7.5mi/4.5hr
A relaxing end to the week as you follow the broad, eucalyptus fringed paths of the Levada daSerra. Lilies, rhododendrons and amaryllis burst with color while glimmering sea views open outas you approach Funchal. There’s time to explore historic Monte with its botanical gardens andextravagant 18C church before descending by cable car (included) to bustling Funchal. Here our *****hotel offers fine dining, beautiful gardens, panoramic pool and tennis.

Day 8: Return home
We take you to the airport for your flight home. Or perhaps a few extra nights in Funchal  - inquire for options.

Extra nights: We recommend, Santana or Funchal, rates starting from $140 B&B per person, per night based on 2 people starting a double room.

Room upgrade: Quinta da Bela Vista, Funchal, Twin Garden View with Balcony $8 pppn (Singles $18 pn), Twin Superior Room with Balcony $33 pppn (Singles $71 pn please add std single supp too), Deluxe room with Balcony $89 pppn, Junior Suite $156 pppn.  Quinta do Furao, Santana Junior Suite $31 pppn, Serra Golf Hotel , Santo da Serra Junior Suite (larger room with balcony) $20 pppn.