Discover the west coast of Madeira
Personalized quotation
Luggage transfer
24h telephone assistance
Hotel accommodations
Fall in love on this walk with Madeira's West Coast, a place that will enchant you with its natural beautyand is always illuminated by the sun's rays. You can move from the rugged coast to the lush interior, where you will meet the hamlets and villages of the so-called "Flor" island.
- Madeira's levadas, a network of traditional irrigation channels, will chart your way to the most incredible viewpoints.
- You will have easy and moderate walks that will allow you to get to know the southwest of Madeira.
- You can relax at the end of the day with a glass of local wine.
- You will discover Funchal, the capital of Madeira and Ponta do Pargo, the westernmost point on the island.
- You will finish this wonderful adventure in the coastal village of Estreito da Calheta.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival in Funchal
After your arrival at Funchal Airport, we will transfer you to your hotel, located 20 minutes away. You can take advantage of walking through the narrow alleys and try some of the typical dishes such as Espetada, a grilled meat seasoned with herbs and spices and served on a bay leaf or on a wooden skewer.
Overnight in Funchal
Hotel Orquidea
This is a nice, welcoming hotel, strategically located for exploring Funchal. You can also sunbathe or enjoy a drink on the terrace.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 2 - Enjoy your day in Funchal
Enjoy a tour of Funchal, where there are two activities you can't miss: a ride to Monte by cable car and a tour of the Mercado dos Lavradores, a colourful place selling fruits and fish.
As a curious fact, in the past, the inhabitants of Monte only had one option to get to Funchal: they had to ride in a basket and be pushed downhill to descend 2 km in about 10 minutes.
At the end of the afternoon, we will pick you up and take you to your next destination.
As a curious fact, in the past, the inhabitants of Monte only had one option to get to Funchal: they had to ride in a basket and be pushed downhill to descend 2 km in about 10 minutes.
At the end of the afternoon, we will pick you up and take you to your next destination.
Overnight in Ribeira Brava
Hotel do Campo
Located on top of a hill, it is a quiet hotel, ideal to enjoy the view and relax by the pool after a day of walking.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 3 - Route through the surroundings of Ribeira Brava 7,5 miles | 12 km
Today's walk is a taste of what the tour of Madeira will be like. You will have the privilege of getting to know the charming Tabua Valley, then head to Levada Nova, a place from which you will have a wonderful view of the coastal cities, the sea and the valley.
One of the routes of the road will be through a 75-metre-long tunnel, so we recommend that you carry a torch. In addition, you will have to cross a few small rivers.
One of the routes of the road will be through a 75-metre-long tunnel, so we recommend that you carry a torch. In addition, you will have to cross a few small rivers.
Overnight in Ribeira Brava
Hotel do Campo
Located on top of a hill, it is a quiet hotel, ideal to enjoy the view and relax by the pool after a day of walking.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 4 - Enjoy your day in Ribeira Brava
This will be a free day to relax at the hotel or, if you prefer, to explore the Ribeira Brava and its Church Of Sao Bento.
Overnight in Ribeira Brava
Hotel do Campo
Located on top of a hill, it is a quiet hotel, ideal to enjoy the view and relax by the pool after a day of walking.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 5 - Enjoy your day in Madeira Natural Park 7,5 miles | 12 km
After an hour-long tour in private transport, you will arrive in Rabaçal to start the walk through the Madeira Natural Park, declared, in 1999, a World Natural Heritage Site by UNESCO.
There you can delight in the wonderful tropical forests, the towering waterfalls and the fantastic 25 natural springs in Rabaçal. Later, you will be able to see the Risco Waterfall, the highest on the island.
At the end of the route, we will transfer you to Estreito da Calheta.
There you can delight in the wonderful tropical forests, the towering waterfalls and the fantastic 25 natural springs in Rabaçal. Later, you will be able to see the Risco Waterfall, the highest on the island.
At the end of the route, we will transfer you to Estreito da Calheta.
Overnight in Estreito da Calheta
Hotel Jardim do Mar
This small hotel belonging to a family, is located just a few metres from the beach, and in the village centre. It has 27 rooms, all with a balcony.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 6 - Estreito da Calheta to Prazeres 8,5 miles | 14 km
You will arrive by private transport to Levada Calheta-Prazeres. From there, you will start a simple walk to the charming village of Prazeres.
On the way, you will come across two valleys, pine forests and a wide variety of vegetation.
There we will pick you up and take you back to your hotel in Estreito da Calheta.
On the way, you will come across two valleys, pine forests and a wide variety of vegetation.
There we will pick you up and take you back to your hotel in Estreito da Calheta.
Overnight in Estreito da Calheta
Hotel Jardim do Mar
This small hotel belonging to a family, is located just a few metres from the beach, and in the village centre. It has 27 rooms, all with a balcony.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 7 - Enjoy your day in Ponta do Pargo 8,5 miles | 14 km
Today will be a day to contemplate Madeira from a different perspective. Private transport will take you to Ponta do Pargo, the westernmost point of the island.
There you will find a surprising arid landscape that contrasts with the incredible vegetation that you have discovered throughout the trip.
This will be a quiet walk through a rural and relatively untravelled region. You will also have a privileged view of the wild Atlantic coast, perfect to say goodbye to this trip, and then we will transfer you back to your hotel in Estreito da Calheta.
There you will find a surprising arid landscape that contrasts with the incredible vegetation that you have discovered throughout the trip.
This will be a quiet walk through a rural and relatively untravelled region. You will also have a privileged view of the wild Atlantic coast, perfect to say goodbye to this trip, and then we will transfer you back to your hotel in Estreito da Calheta.
Overnight in Estreito da Calheta
Hotel Jardim do Mar
This small hotel belonging to a family, is located just a few metres from the beach, and in the village centre. It has 27 rooms, all with a balcony.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 8 - Estreito da Calheta
Private transport will take you to Funchal Airport for the return trip to your home city.
End of our services.
End of our services.
Itinerary map
Services
Included
- Accommodation in en suite rooms in charming hotels
- Daily Breakfasts
- Luggage transfers between accommodations
- Transfers as specified in the itinerary
- Transfer to and from Funchal Airport
- Information dossier with maps and routes
- 24-hour telephone support
- Sustainable travel, we compensate the CO2 emissions of your trip
- Taxes
Extras
- Travel insurance
- Cancellation insurance
- Additional nights
Accomodation
General information
The accommodations with which we collaborate have a private bathroom and all the necessary services to ensure the best comfort available.
Our team checks in situ the quality of all the accommodations offered, so that you have an unforgettable experience during your trip.
The accommodation that we will book for your trip will be selected taking into account our commitment to you: guaranteeing comfort, calm and enjoyment throughout your trip.
We work with quality hotels and country cottages with limited capacity, so we invite you to confirm your reservation as soon as possible.
The name of each accommodation will be provided to you a few weeks before your trip begins.
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).
What is the best time of year to do this trip?
Spring and autumn are usually the best times of the year, as this is when migratory birds can be spotted.In particular, between April and June, and the end of September to December are good times to travel. In summer, the climate is warmer than at other times of the year.
The island is characterized by its humid climate and can often affect the roads, so it will be necessary to make changes to the walking itineraries.
We will be constantly updating you so that you make the most of your time on the island, so it is important that you have a flexible attitude and that you are always willing to have your plans vary.
The weather during the winter months is very pleasant and is perfect for walking.
What should my physical preparation be?
This route is classified from easy to moderate, with journeys between 14 and 15 km (8.6 to 9.3 miles) and with ascents and descents of approximately 400 metres per day. Some of the days will be a little more difficult.
Since the routes are undulating, we recommend practicing a few days before the trip, making ascents and descents, so that you feel much more comfortable during your walks.
This trip is not suitable for people who are afraid of heights.
How far in advance should I book?
We suggest you book once you have decided on your plans, as this is a very popular region.
We will always be updating availability on our website and we will try to adapt to your plans, so please, do not hesitate to ask.
In seasons when numbers are high, such as the Flower Festival, we may have you stay in hotels and alternate country houses but they will be of the same or higher standard of those on the itinerary.
What kind of equipment do I need?
You will need good walking shoes or boots, comfortable clothes, waterproof jacket and pants, a backpack, gloves/hats, etc.
There will be tunnel paths along the levada routes, so make sure you have a torch. We also recommend that you bring a walking stick.
Do I need medical insurance cover?
Yes, this is a requirement when booking with us. It's important that this insurance covers your activities, emergency evacuation, and hospital care.
Is there a minimum age for this walking trip?
As a guide, we recommend that the minimum age of the traveller be no less than 12 years old.
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