dossier
Marvels of Madeira Walk
MARVELS OF MADEIRA WALK | WHERE YOU STAY
Quinta do Furao ***** Santana, Days 1+2
The Quinta do Furão enjoys a stunning location with views stretching over the Atlantic Ocean. The hotel is surrounded by vineyards, vegetable plots and fruit orchards as well as beautifully manicured gardens complete with dragon trees and proteas. The verdant peaks of Picos do Ruivo and Arieiro stand majestically behind the Quinta to complete the picture. There are 43 spacious rooms (all with twin beds), decorated with pine furniture and colourful furnishings. Each has satellite television, direct dial telephone and hairdryer.
Further details on the hotel website.
Day 1 Arrive in Madeira
We meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel near Santana (30mins) where our rep will brief you on the week’s walking.
Day 2 Circular Walk to Sao Jorge 9km/6mi/3.5hr or 12km/8mi/4hr
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. Then along the base of the cliffs, where big Atlantic rollers come sweeping in before climbing and enjoying spectacular views. Balcony views along the coastline as you ascend to Sao Jorge, with the village’s lighthouse glimmering above the azure waters. Mighty Pico Ruivo frames the horizon as you return to Santana.
Day 3 The Caldeirao Verde Levada 13km/9mi/5hr
A transfer takes you on the 10-minute ride up to the Parque das Queimadas - all the hard climbing is done for you! The walk follows the beautiful (and shady) Levada Caldeirao Verde (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 can be quite stunning. 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 for a drink in the local bar before taking the local bus back to Santana.
Serra Golf **** Santo de Serra, Days 3+4
The Estalagem Serra Golf has been in the same family since it was originally built in the 1920s. In the 1940s it became a teahouse and was later used as the golf clubhouse. It has since been renovated into a beautiful hotel. The original part of the building contains the lounge with honesty bar and restaurant as well as the 2 junior suites and the 2-bedroom apartment. The 18 standard rooms are situated in the new part of the building. All rooms are equipped with satellite television, hairdryer, telephone and safe. None of these rooms have balconies. Other facilities include honesty bar, fitness room and library. There is also a 27- hole golf course beside the hotel and the hotel has preferential rates for green fees as well as equipment hire.
Further details on the hotel website.
Day 4 Ribeiro Frio to Santo da Serra 13km/8mi/4hr
A scenic 30 min 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 while hilltop hamlets. You descent to Santo da Serra's vibrant square with its lively market; wood smoke fills the air as meats grill al fresco - try the traditional espetada (delicious meat skewered on laurel twigs)!
Day 5 At Santo da Serra
A free day to explore nearby Machico, with its pleasant seafront promenade, 18C fort and bustling market, ablaze with local color . 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 6mi/10km walk (notes provided) along the Levada Nova with its sparkling waterfalls and rock pools.
Estalagem Relogio ***
Camacha, Day 5
Located right in the heart of Camacha, the Estalagem Relogio is a simple and friendly establishment. The hotel is located within a distinctive white building on the edge of the achada (town square). The hotel has 24 rooms which are equipped with satellite television and direct dial telephones. Most of the spacious rooms have fabulous views across to the sea and all are furnished in a simple but comfortable style.
Day 6 Camacha to Funchal 13km/8mi/4hr
It's a 15 min transfer to Camacha where you will have time to visit the wickerwork factory and shop before heading off on the broad, eucalyptus-fringed paths of the Levada da Serra. Lilies, rhododendrons and amaryllis burst with color while glimmering sea views open out as you approach Funchal. There’s time to explore historic Monte with its botanical gardens and extravagant 18C church before descending by cable car (included) to bustling Funchal where you’ll spend your final two nights. Here our ***** hotel offers fine dining, beautiful gardens, panoramic pool and tennis.
Quinta da Bela Vista *****
Funchal, Days 6+7
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 Headwater 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 7 In Funchal
Spend your last day exploring at leisure in Funchal, perhaps starting in the bustling market near the harbor . It’s full of atmosphere and ablaze with color. Lunch on the harbour - saving room for afternoon cream tea at Reids! - then time to relax by the pool or in the beautiful exotic gardens of your hotel.
Day 8 Return home
WALKING DETAILS
This holiday uses paths by the levadas which are, at times, narrow with drops to the side, so you need to be a confident, sure-footed walker . It is not a suitable choice for vertigo sufferers. There are ascents and descents every day which make this a slightly more demanding holiday than the distances suggest. A flashlihgt is required for the Caldeirao Verde walk (Day 3).
For extra nights we recommend Funchal, Santana or Santo de Serra.