Walking in Madeira

Walking in Madeira Lagoa do Vento Curral das Freiras Rabacal Valley Walking in Madeira Walking in Madeira

Walking in Madeira

Madeira

Walking in Madeira is a truly unique experience as the stunning views, exotic flora and clear mountain air are all enjoyed whilst following the 2,500 kilometres of levadas, the 15th century irrigation channels carved from the hillsides which have given Madeira the landscape she has today. It is only on foot in the company of a knowledgeable guide that you can witness and appreciate the true wonder and diversity of the island.

Our walking programme includes levada, mountain and ridge walks, designed to appeal to both beginners and experienced walkers and to introduce you to the stunning landscapes of Madeira at a relatively leisurely pace.

Participants can choose to stay at any of our accommodation in Funchal or Caniço, from where they will be collected between 0830 and 0900 each day, and returned at the end of the walk.

This year we are offering two different itineraries, with Itinerary 2 being rather more strenuous than Itinerary 1. Each itinerary includes four walking days with two days kept free for you to enjoy at your leisure. Guests on a two-week holiday may elect to take some walks in the first week of their stay and others in the second but we must be advised of your exact requirements at the time of booking. Single day walks or any additional days may be booked locally but are subject to availability.

What to expect and what to bring?

The itineraries are detailed below and the grading (1-4 in ascending order of difficulty), distance and approximate duration of each walk is shown. The maximum group size is 15 and each is accompanied by an experienced English-speaking leader. From time to time local conditions may make it necessary to vary the itineraries slightly. Please note that due to the island's mountainous terrain, some of the walks may not be suitable for vertigo-sufferers.

We suggest that you bring comfortable walking shoes or boots with good ankle support and a firm grip, a high factor sun lotion, a sunhat, a warm sweater, waterproof jacket, waterbottle and a day-pack.

What is included in the price?

Itinerary 1

Tuesday - Rabacal - Risco - 25 fontes

Grade 2 - moderate walk - approximately 4 hours - 11 kilometres
The valley of Rabacal is one of nature's gems. You descend from the plateau of Paul da Serra and walk to the Risco waterfall. A further descent takes you to the Levada of 25 Fontes where you walk along the path to a small lake that is fed by 25 natural springs cascading down the cliffside. The journey back to your vehicle passes through the tunnel that carries the water to the south of the island.

Wednesday - Exploring the West

Grade 3 - moderate walk - approximately 4 hours - 10 kilometres
Starting at Estanquinhos you make your way via ancient paths and trails to the centre of the island. On the way to Lombo do Mouro you will experience a diversity of terrain and many interesting plants and trees in the native Laurisilva forest.

Saturday - Hidden Corners

Grade 2 - easy walk - approximately 4 and a half hours - 11 kilometres
You will walk along the beautiful valleys of Sao Jorge, which are some of the lushest areas on the island and learn to spot the healing and medicinal plants that abound in this area. The walk takes you behind a waterfall to a truly stunning and peaceful little piece of paradise.

Sunday - The Lakes of Madeira

Grade 3 - moderate walk - approximately 4 and a half hours - 10 kilometres
This is the favourite walk of regular visitors. You will experience a diversity of terrain from the flatness of the levadas to the gradients of the mountain tracks. In the summer you can enjoy a swim in the crystal clear and invigorating mountain waters that form the magnificent waterfalls and ancient rock pools.

Itinerary 2

Wednesday - Pico do Areeiro - Pico Ruiva - Achada do Teixeira

Grade 4 - difficult walk - approximately 5 hours - 13 kilometres
A challenging walk that will take you to the highest point on the island, Pico Ruivo, from which the views are quite breathtaking. On the way you will walk through the oldest heather forest in existence, marvel at the rock formations and see a profusion of unique plant species.

Thursday - The Lakes of Madeira

Grade 3 - moderate walk - approximately 4 and a half hours - 10 kilometres
This is the favourite walk of regular visitors. You will experience a diversity of terrain from the flatness of the levadas to the gradients of the mountain tracks. In the summer you can enjoy a swim in the crystal clear and invigorating mountain waters that form the magnificent waterfalls and ancient rock pools.

Friday - Queimadas - Caldeiro Verde - Santana

Grade 3 - moderate walk - approximately 4 and a half hours - 13 kilometres
You will walk westwards along the Levada of Caldeiro Verde to some of the most remote parts of the island. The route passed through an emerald landscape with view of the villages far below and through some short tunnels to a truly majestic waterfall.

Saturday - Boca da Corrida - Encumeada

Grade 4 - difficult walk - approximately 5 and a half hours - 14 kilometres
This is a mountain walk no serious walker should miss. There are some magnificent views over the Nuns Valley and the valley of Serra D'Agua although there is very little climbing involved. If you are lucky you will see a fascinating display of clouds curling their way down from the north.