Ultimate Madeira - Self Guided Walking Tour

ULTIMATE MADEIRA - ACROSS THE ISLAND FROM NORTH TO SOUTH

	10 nights in 5 hotels
	Across the island from coast to coast
	A chance to walk in the little known south west
	Sublime coastal and mountain scenery

Walking tours in Portugal, Madeira and Azores

This 10 night holiday begins in the fishing port of Machico in the north-east of the island and you then walk along the coast and levadas of the north before walking along the highest plateua of the island - the Paul da Serra. From the centre of the island you then move south to explore this little known but no less beautiful coastline. All accommodations used are small family run hotels and inns and are rated 3 – 4 star, all have their own restaurants offering typical Madeiran specialties.

ITINERARY

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Day 7

Day 8

Day 9

Day 10

Day 11

Arrival at Funchal airport and transfer to Machico, overnight Machico

You take the local bus to and from the walk along the Sao Lourenco peninsula, famous for its scenery and multicoloured cliffs. Distances maybe short but you can easily spend all day here, 8km / 5 miles. Overnight Machico

Minibus transfer to Ribeira Frio where you walk at almost 875m along the levada Furado first to Portela and then down to your accommodation close to Porta da Cruz, 13km / 8.2miles. Overnight Porta da Cruz

Today you walk from your accommodation the along the Levada do Castelejo. This narrow levada takes you from a cornucopia of tiny cultivated fields to the wilderness of Ribeira Frio with its limpid pools, mimosas and fine leaved laurels, 9km / 5.6miles. Overnight Porto da Cruz

(Minibus transfer to the start) Today you follow the levada do Caldeirao Verde (Green Cauldron) the sides of the levada are swathed in heath trees and laurels creating wonderful plays of light and shade, 18km/11.2miles. Overnight in Santana.

A day to explore the town of Santana and have a gentle ramble around the agricultural landscape with great views to the coast, 9.5km / 5.9miles. Overnight Santana

(Minibus transfer to the high plateau). From here you walk through the mountains with little climbing, an absolutely fantastic walk with magnificent views all round to your resting place at Paul da Serra, 13km / 8miles. Overnight Paul da Serra

From your hotel you walk to Rabacal for the spectacular 25 Fontes (waterfalls) walk - what a treat!, 13km/8.2miles. Overnight in Paul da Serra.

(Minibus transfer to Prazeres). Today you can stroll along the Levada Calheta – Ponta do Pargo as it contours the sun drenched plains above the coast. Gorgeous all year round and in summer it is swathed in hydrangeas and agapanthus, 15km / 9.8miles. Overnight Arco da Calheta.

Either a day just to relax or you can take a taxi to explore the coast, 12.5km/7.8miles. Overnight Arco da Calheta

Transfer back to the airport at Funchal

(It is possible to replace the 2 nights in Arco with 2 nights in Funchal)

Madeira

	INCLUDED
	10 night's accommodation in a twin/double room with en-suite facilities and breakfasts
	9 picnics
	Transfers to and from the airport
	Transfer of luggage between hotels and to the start of the walks on day 3, 5, 7 and 9
	Comprehensive walking notes, including bus timetables and information
	NOT INCLUDED Flights, 10 dinners, travel insurance and bus fares

Closest airport – Funchal, Madeira

Cost per person:

October to March: 760 euro

April to September: 870 euro

Single room supplement: 180 euro

Single transport supplement if only one person walking: 195 euro

(if you prefer you can also pay in GBP or USD at the current exchange rate at the time of booking)