Home > Portugal > Madeira > Madeira: The Flower Island

Madeira: The Flower Island

8 Days

50 miles | 81 Km

Machico - Funchal

From $1,779

Personalized quotation

Luggage transfer

24h telephone assistance

Hotel accommodations

Discover the Magic of Walking Holidays in Madeira with Orbis Ways Ways, where every step is an adventure and every path tells a story. Our tailor-made walking holidays invite you to:

Wander through Funchal’s historic cobbled streets, soaking in the ambiance and colors of its renowned flower market. It's the perfect starting point for your walking holiday, blending urban charm with nature's beauty.
Experience the thrill of walking to the natural lava pools in Porto da Cruz, where the land meets the sea in a spectacular fashion. These walks offer a unique combination of geological wonders and serene ocean views.
Traverse the renowned network of 'Levadas', Madeira's ingenious irrigation channels. These routes are a walker's dream, offering serene paths through stunning landscapes and an insight into the island's agricultural heritage.
Be captivated by the vibrant display of orchids, birds of paradise, magnolias, and azaleas as you walk through botanical paradises. These paths are not just walks, but a journey through a living rainbow of flora.
Stroll through sleepy wine villages, where each step is rewarded with delightful local cuisine and wine tastings. These walks blend cultural immersion with culinary delights, making every mile memorable.
Madeira, with its contrasting landscapes, offers the perfect backdrop for walking holidays. From the colonial elegance of white-washed towns to the rugged, unspoilt beauty of its coastline, Madeira is a sub-tropical paradise that promises diverse walking experiences. Imagine trekking through lush forests, strolling around picturesque lagoons, wandering on wild beaches, and navigating dramatic cliffs. The explosion of colors from the island's flora and fauna adds a vivid dimension to your walks.

Follow the unique levadas, the lifelines of Madeira, as they guide you through breathtaking scenery and into the heart of its wine country. Each step on these traditional irrigation channels is a step into the heart of Madeira's natural beauty and cultural soul. Embark on your walking holiday with Orbis Ways and experience the true essence of Madeira. Fill out our quotation form to begin crafting your unforgettable walking adventure.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival in Funchal

Welcome to Funchal!

Upon your arrival, we'll provide a short transfer to the charming town of Santa Cruz, nestled on Madeira's picturesque east coast. Santa Cruz, the vibrant heart of the island, is famed for its stunning coastal scenery and the enchanting Praia das Palmeiras, a beautiful pebble beach. Prepare for an overnight stay in this captivating city, where the ocean meets the cultural pulse of Madeira.

Overnight in Santa Cruz

Hotel Residencial Amparo

Residencial Amparo is a small family accommodation with a delicate cosy décor that will make you feel at home. It is located in the heart of Machico, very close to the attractions in this place, such as the sandy beach and museums, but it is also only 2 km from Funchal Airport. The perfect blend of comfort and warmth to enjoy Madeira.

*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.

Day 2 - San Lourenco Peninsula 4,5 miles | 7,5 km

Set out on a captivating walk through the Sao Lourenco Peninsula today, a uniquely dry and sunny part of Madeira that offers a striking contrast to the island's usual lushness. After enjoying your breakfast, a transfer will take you to Ponta de Sao Lourenco car park, where your adventure begins. This walk serves as an exceptional introduction to Madeira, showcasing breathtaking seascapes and panoramic views extending north and south, including a glimpse of the serene Ilhas Desertas (Deserted Islands).

For birdwatching enthusiasts, this area is a treasure trove, as it's a popular route for various migratory bird species. At the end of this exhilarating day, a private transfer will be ready to escort you back to the comfort of your hotel in Santa Cruz, ensuring a relaxing end to a day filled with natural beauty and discovery.

Ascent/Descent: 475m/475m

Overnight in Santa Cruz

Hotel Residencial Amparo

Day 3 - Levada do Canical to Porto da Cruz 7,7 miles | 12,4 km

Begin your day with a delightful breakfast, followed by a transfer to the Levada Canica. Your journey today takes you along a stunning levada path, tracing the wild and rugged northern coast all the way to Porto da Cruz. This laid-back and picturesque village is not only charming but also famed for its exquisite dry red wine, ‘Seco Americano’.

As your walk concludes, a comfortable taxi transfer awaits to whisk you away to the enchanting village of Santana. Known for its unique and quaint thatched triangular houses, known locally as 'palheiros', Santana offers a glimpse into traditional Madeiran architecture and culture. It's the perfect place to relax and reflect on the day's adventures.

Option 1 Ascent/Descent: 225m/420m

Overnight in Santana

Hotel O Colmo

It is a 4-star hotel where you will feel all the comfort in a warm and homely atmosphere. The property has a restaurant offering local produce, a Jacuzzi, Turkish baths and a piano bar.

*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.

Day 4 - Levada do Caldeirao Verde 8.5 miles / 13.7 km

Begin your day with a nourishing breakfast, setting the stage for an extraordinary journey.

A private transfer awaits to take you to the tranquil Pico das Pedras, the starting point of your adventure. Here, you'll embark on an enchanting walk, weaving through the vibrant, emerald green heart of Madeira's lush interior.

As you journey, prepare to be captivated by the stunning sight of the "Green Cauldron" dramatically bisected by a breathtaking waterfall.

Your exploration culminates in Ilha, where a comfortable taxi transfer will be ready to escort you back to your hotel in Santana. There, a relaxing evening beckons, offering the perfect close to a day filled with natural wonders.

Ascent/Descent: 133m/642m

Overnight in Santana

Hotel O Colmo

Day 5 - Paul da Serra Levada do Norte Encumeada 8.4 miles / 13.4 km

Embark on a captivating journey with a private transfer from the charming village of Santana, leaving its picturesque fairytale cottages behind as you head towards the stark yet beautiful desert plateau of Paul da Serra, nestled in the heart of the island.

As you tread along the Levada do Norte, prepare to be mesmerized by the breathtaking vistas over the Sao Vicente Valley, with its patchwork of cultivated terraces enhancing the view.

Remember to carry your head torch for an intriguing part of your adventure, where you'll navigate through numerous tunnels, adding an element of mystery and excitement.

This path leads you to the scenic Encumeada pass. Here, amidst the serene beauty of the Ribeira Brava Valley, lies your destination for the day - the Hotel Encumeada, a cozy retreat perfectly situated to offer stunning views and a tranquil end to your day's exploration.

Ascent/Descent: 155m/900m

Overnight in Ribeira Brava

Hotel Estalagem Encumeada

The unsurpassed views of its balconies will leave you speechless. This property offers a perfect mix between the tranquillity of the mountains, beautiful landscapes and unsurpassed gastronomy with typical dishes of this mountainous area of the island such as lamb and roast suckling pig, which you can enjoy in its excellent restaurant.

*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.

Day 6 - Faja Escura Walk 7.9 miles / 12.7 km

Your day begins at the Residencial Encumeada, where a brief yet invigorating steep climb sets the stage for the first trail of your adventure.

This gently undulating path promises a delightful walk, taking you beneath the majestic Pico Grande and through a secluded valley, a hidden gem that remained untouched by the outside world until the 1950s.

As you continue, the trail presents an exhilarating descent, winding down rapidly in a series of hairpin bends before culminating in the quaint hamlet of Faja Escura. Here, a comfortable taxi transfer awaits, ready to whisk you away to your cozy accommodation in the vibrant city of Funchal, marking the perfect end to an adventurous day.

Ascent/Descent: 700m/900m

Overnight in Funchal

Vila Camacho Guest House

The Vila Camacho Guest House is located a 1.5 km walk from Gorgulho - Gavinas Beach and a 7-minute drive from the centre of Funchal.

It features an outdoor swimming pool, terrace, library, massage room, bar, restaurant and garden. The spacious rooms are equipped with comfortable beds, a flat-screen TV and free internet access.

*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.

Day 7 - Boa Morte to Cabo Girao and Camara do Lobos 9.3 miles / 15 km

Your journey today begins with a convenient transfer to the outskirts of Boa Morte, a quaint village that marks the starting point of your scenic walk along the Levada do Norte. As you follow this meandering path, you'll be enveloped by the fragrant eucalyptus, sweet chestnut, and pine trees, creating a serene canopy above the lush, cultivated fields of the alluvial plain below.

Experience the vibrant tapestry of local life from a unique vantage point, as the sights and sounds of village life from Corugeria, Campanario, and Quinto Grande rise up to greet you.

The route includes a short tunnel, offering an intriguing twist to your walk, though an alternative path is available for those who prefer to bypass it.

Your trail then ascends towards the breathtaking Cabo Girao, known for its spectacular cliffs. Here, pause to take in the awe-inspiring views before deciding whether to continue your descent down the steep valley sides to the charming fishing village of Camara do Lobos. In this picturesque setting, treat yourself to a refreshing beer or a coffee at one of the many harbor-side cafes, a perfect way to relax and reflect on your day's adventures before heading back to Funchal.

Ascent/Descent: 60m/610m

Overnight in Funchal

Hotel Vila Camacho Guest House

The Vila Camacho Guest House is located a 1,5 km walk from Gorgulho - Gavinas Beach and a 7-minute drive from the centre of Funchal.

It features an outdoor swimming pool, terrace, library, massage room, bar, restaurant and garden. The spacious rooms are equipped with comfortable beds, a flat-screen TV and free internet access.

*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.

Day 8 - Funchal

Transfer to Funchal Airport is included, so from there you can take your next flight to return home or continue your trip.

End of our services.

Itinerary map

Services

Included

Accommodation in en suite rooms in charming hotels
Daily Breakfasts
Dinners on days 2, 3, 4 and 5
Luggage transfers between accommodations
Transfers to and from Funchal Airport
Transfers as specified in the itinerary
Information dossier with maps and routes
24-hour phone support
Sustainable travel, we compensate the CO₂ emissions of your trip
Taxes

Extras

Travel insurance
Cancellation insurance
Additional nights

Accomodation

At Orbis Ways, we go above and beyond to ensure your walking adventure is enveloped in comfort and serenity. Each hotel and country cottage we partner with is not only equipped with private bathrooms but also all the essential amenities to elevate your stay to the peak of comfort.

Our dedication to your experience is unparalleled. We personally verify the quality of every accommodation to ensure they meet our high standards, promising you an experience that's not just memorable, but truly unforgettable.

Choosing accommodations is more than just about finding a place to rest; it's about enhancing your journey with tranquility, comfort, and a dash of luxury. Our commitment is to you – to ensure your journey is as comfortable, peaceful, and enjoyable as possible.

We curate our selection from premium hotels and charming country cottages, each with their unique allure and limited availability to maintain exclusivity and peace. To secure your spot in these coveted havens, we encourage you to confirm your reservation at your earliest convenience.

Details of your accommodations, carefully chosen to complement your adventure, will be shared with you a few weeks before your journey begins, adding an element of anticipation and excitement to your adventure planning.

Choose Orbis Ways for an unparalleled walking holiday where every detail is crafted with you in mind, ensuring your adventure is as seamless and enjoyable as the breathtaking landscapes you'll explore.

Room types

It is possible to book this journey in single, double or triple rooms.

All rooms have private bathrooms.

Travel & transfers

To get to the starting point of this Madeira hiking route the best option is to take a flight to Madeira International Airport (Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport).

This airport receives direct flights from many European capital cities.You can also get there via Lisbon Airport (Portela Airport), the capital of Portugal.

From the airport you will have an included transfer to your first accommodation in Funchal.

When you finish your trekking trip, you will have another transfer included to take you back to the airport for your flight to your home city.

FAQs

Is luggage transfer included? What are the luggage requirements?

Absolutely! Each traveller has included 1 piece of luggage that we will transfer between your accommodations. It's important that this piece of luggage meets the following criterias:

Maximum weight of 45 lbs (20 kg).
Must be only 1 piece of luggage without any attachments or accessories.
Should not contain valuables, fragile items, food or medications.
Must be correctly identified (booking reference of your trip and the full name of the trip holder).

The approximate luggage delivery time will be at 4:00 PM.

How fit do I need to be for this trip?

This walking journey is categorized as moderately challenging. Expect substantial elevation changes on most days, with elevation gains reaching up to 700 meters and losses up to 900 meters. However, not every day will be this intense - for specific details, refer to your route notes. To fully enjoy and comfortably complete this tour, we strongly recommend that you engage in preparatory walking activities, including varied inclines, for several weeks prior to your departure.

How far in advance should I book my trip?

Book your trip now to secure your spot in this highly sought-after destination! Check our website for availability, and we'll do our best to accommodate your plans. During peak seasons, like the flower festival, we might arrange stays in alternative, yet equally luxurious, hotels or guesthouses. Reserve your journey today for an unforgettable experience!

What walking equipment should I bring?

Essential items for your journey include sturdy walking shoes or boots, comfortable attire for walking, a waterproof jacket and pants, a daypack, and accessories like hats and gloves. Remember that with Orbis Ways you will have the baggage transfer service between stages already included, so we will take your backpack from one accommodation to another so that you only worry about walking. For this reason, we suggest you take a second backpack that you can load up daily, much smaller, to carry water, sunscreen, cap, sunglasses, documents, along with some food and cash.

What is the best time of year to travel this route?

Experience the magic of Spring and Autumn in Madeira, the prime seasons to witness the spectacular sight of migratory birds, often in remarkable abundance. The ideal months for this natural spectacle are from April to June and late September to December. While summer brings warmer temperatures, it's a different kind of beauty. Be aware that occasional wet weather may alter paths, but our team will ensure you're well-informed and can make the most of your island adventure, regardless of the season. Join us for an unforgettable experience, where every moment is a celebration of nature's wonders.