dossier
Mountains of Madeira
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Revised: Dec 06
General Information The beautiful Portuguese Island of Madeira lies well out in the Atlantic where the Gulf Stream affords it a mild and equable year round climate. Volcanic in origin the rugged interior rises abruptly to over 1800 meters/6000 feet. Forests of pine and laurel flank its jagged peaks. A characteristic feature of the island is the elaborate system of levadas or irrigation channels. Over the centuries this network has extended to more than 1000km of channels and more than 40kms of tunnels. They wind their way across gullies and steep slopes bringing water to the coastal settlements and farms. Many of the levadas can be followed on foot and these together with a network of local trails make even the most remote parts of the island accessible. Spring and autumn are the ideal times to visit the island when a myriad of colorful flowers and trees are in bloom; jasmine, begonias, freesias, magnolia and camellias form just a part of the spectacular flora. We have devised an itinerary that exemplifies the best walking that the island has to offer. Our walks follow levadas through a peaceful pastoral countryside; traverse terraced hillsides, or skirt the rugged coastline. More challenging trails climb up to the rugged volcanic peaks of the interior, to Pico Ruivo, at 1860 meters the islands highest peak. Our itinerary ends in the bustling little capital of Funchal. There you will have time to visit a Madeira wine lodge, explore colorful food and flower markets and enjoy superb fish restaurants. Travel Information Season: Any date March to November. Access: Flight to Funchal. The first hotel is in Machico, about 20 minutes drive from the airport. End of Tour: After breakfast on Day 8. The last hotel is in Funchal, about 45 minutes drive from the airport. Level of Difficulty We grade the tour as 'Moderate'. As far as fitness goes the walks should present no difficulties for anyone in reasonable condition and accustomed to walking in hilly areas. On two walking days which are spent in the high mountains (Days 5 and 6) you may encounter mist (low cloud) and it is necessary for those days to be experienced with compass and map. Short sections of some walks may be loose and slippery underfoot and a head for heights is an advantage at a few points. On any day you can if you prefer leave out the walking and travel with the baggage. Day Stages: 12-16 km (7-10mi) per day, with ascents of up to 800 meters, descents of up to 1200 meters. 4 to 7 hours walking per day. Waymarks: Waymarking is a bit patchy but you will be equipped with our detailed walking notes and a contoured map of the island showing paths and tracks. We strongly advise taking a compass and being familiar with its use for simple navigation. Accommodation & Meals Four out of seven nights on a half-board basis (evening meal and breakfast). For the remaining three evenings we thought it is more fun to choose where to eat from the selection of restaurants in the neighborhood (approx. US$30 for a meal for two including wine or beer). It is always wise to carry a bottle of water and some fruit and bread/power bars to eat on the way. Nights 1 and 2: Machico. We stay at one of two small 'residencial' (pensions). All rooms have private facilities, cable TV and phone. Night 1 half board. Night 2 bed and breakfast; the pension has its own restaurant and there is a choice of places to eat nearby. Night 3: Camacha. A typical Madeiran Estalagem, at the center of the pretty village of Camacha. 4 stars. 24 spacious double rooms with verandah mostly overlooking the ocean, heating, satellite TV, telephone. The hotel has its own restaurant specializing in Portuguese and local dishes, but also offering international dishes. A wickerwork workshop is attached to the hotel. Half board. Night 4: Santo de Serra. In an elevated position this delightful small hotel (11 rooms in rustic style, all with en-suite facilities, satellite TV and phone) has its own bar and restaurant. The public rooms have tiled floors while the bedrooms have polished wood floors. The attractive large garden has a pond and some tall pines (but no pool, although there is a pool table indoors…). If you were to spend an extra night here you would be only 15 minutes walk from the golf course. Half board. Night 5: Santana. This village, perched on a shelf high above the north coast, is known for its traditional architecture. Here we stay in the center of the village at a 4* pension. Rooms have hair dryer, cable TV, digital phone, air conditioning, double-glazing and balcony, with views over the fields and countryside. General facilities include an indoor pool, sauna, Jacuzzi, and gymnasium. Bed and breakfast. There is a choice of eating places in Santana. Night 6: Encumeada. Perched on a mountain pass in the center of the island, 1007m/3300 feet above sea level, this excellent pension (***) is a welcoming destination after a long day in the hills. The air is scented with cypress and pine and wild flowers grow in profusion in the surroundings. All rooms have en-suite facilities, balcony with mountain or valley views, satellite and cable TV, and phone. The public lounge has a fireplace. The restaurant and bar are in traditional rustic style. There is an outside drinks terrace. Half board. Night 7: Funchal. We use one of two 4 star hotels which are located approx 15 min walk from the center of Funchal. The hotels have fully equipped rooms, with cable TV. The hotels also have a swimming pool, a small fitness room and Snooker Table. Bed and breakfast is included. For your evening meal there is an enormous range of places to eat out at in Funchal. In our route notes we recommend a good fish restaurant. What's Included (Note: Airfare is not included in the tour package.) <!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--> <!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--> <!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]-->
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