Home > Portugal > Madeira > Walk Madeira’s East Coast

Walk Madeira’s East Coast

8 Days
36 miles | 57 Km
Santana - Funchal
From
8 Days
36 miles | 57 Km
Santana - Funchal
From
Previous Slide
Next Slide

Walk Madeira’s East Coast

8 Days
36 miles | 57 Km
Santana - Funchal
Personalised Quotation
Luggage Transfers
24/7 Travel Assistance
Selected Accommodations
Madeira is a tropical paradise, offering all kinds of landscapes full of magical colours that are transmitted from a unique energy. You have an unlimited number of paths to go on and each one of them is different and special, there is as much blue and green as you can imagine. In addition, it has more than 120 endemic species of flora and fauna, including the majestic bird of paradise. Madeira offers you a complete experience: tranquillity in the spectacular village of Santa and a busy, vibrant atmosphere in Funchal.
  • Stunning mountain views and coastal trails.
  • Madeira wine of the best quality and tasting opportunities.
  • Infinite variety of flora and fauna that you won't want to miss.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival in Madeira
The journey begins in Santana, a picturesque corner nestled in the lush nature of northern Madeira.

Known for its traditional triangular thatched houses and surrounded by green landscapes that look like something out of a fairy tale, Santana combines rural tranquillity with the warmth of island hospitality.

A peaceful first encounter with the essence of the island before you begin your explorations of this natural paradise.

Overnight in Santana

Quinta do Furao Hotel

With an excellent and luxurious location, this hotel offers you an unforgettable view where you can admire the grandeur of the Atlantic Ocean, beautiful vineyards, spectacular gardens, and in the background the Ruivo and Arieiro peaks.

In addition, you can swim in its spectacular indoor pool with glass that allow you to see the vineyards around it.

*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 2 - Enjoy your day in Sao Jorge 8,9 miles | 14,4 km
You will start your day by walking the coastal path, which will take you along the magnificent old cobbled road linking Santana to Sao Jorge. 

You leave Santana behind and head towards Calhau. On the way you will see the picturesque agapanthus flowers and cacti.

As you ascend towards Sao Jorge you will have one of the best coastal views with the town's lighthouse shining over the beautiful blue waters.

On your return to Santana you will see the spectacular Pico Ruivo framing the horizon.

Ascent: 1092m (3,582ft) / Descent: 1092m (3,582ft)

Overnight in Santana

Quinta do Furao Hotel

With an excellent and luxurious location, this hotel offers you an unforgettable view where you can admire the grandeur of the Atlantic Ocean, beautiful vineyards, spectacular gardens, and in the background the Ruivo and Arieiro peaks.

In addition, you can swim in its spectacular indoor pool with glass that allow you to see the vineyards around it.

*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 3 - Enjoy your day in the Levada do Caldeirao Verde 9 miles | 11,9 km
You will start the day with an included transfer from Santana to the Parque Forestal das Queimadas, where you will start a wonderful hike. 

From there, you will head towards Caldeirao Verde, where you will find one of the island's most outstanding natural attractions, the impressive 100-metre high waterfall surrounded by rock walls. For this tour it is important to bring a torch, as you will pass through some tunnels on the way to the waterfall. 

Further on, on your way to Ilha, you will follow the PR 1.1 - Vereda da Ilha trail. On the route you will have the privilege of immersing yourself in two types of ecosystems: in the Natura 2000, which corresponds to the central mountain massif, and in the Laurisilva forest, an important water producer. 

At the end of the day, you will be transferred by bus from Ilha to Santana, where you will spend the night.

Ascent: 395m (3,582ft) / Descent: 1066m (3,497ft)

Overnight in Santana

Quinta do Furao Hotel

With an excellent and luxurious location, this hotel offers you an unforgettable view where you can admire the grandeur of the Atlantic Ocean, beautiful vineyards, spectacular gardens, and in the background the Ruivo and Arieiro peaks.

In addition, you can swim in its spectacular indoor pool with glass that allow you to see the vineyards around it.

*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 4 - Santana to Santo da Serra 8,5 miles | 13,8 km
You will start the day with an included transfer from Santana to Ribeiro Frio

Upon arrival, you will join the PR 10 - Levada do Furado route, which will take you through a landscape full of laurel trees, pine trees and waterfalls cascading into the river. You will also see finches flying and trees splitting apart and revealing a breathtaking view of the hilltop.

Further on, you will turn off the PR 10 route and head towards Santo da Serra, where you can enjoy its vibrant square and the typical food of the region. 

Ascent: 749m (2,457ft) / Descent: 944m (3,097ft)

Overnight in Santo da Serra

Hotel Porto Bay Serra Golf

Set in a house surrounded by gardens, this magnificent hotel dates back to 1920. It offers you direct access to the Santo da Serra golf course and also has a spectacular indoor heated pool, sauna, massage room, games room, reading room, gym and much more. You will enjoy your stay at this 4-star hotel to the fullest.

*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 5 - Enjoy your day in Sao Lourenco 3,9 miles | 6,3 km
To start the tour, you will have an included transfer to the car park of Ponta de Sao Lourenco. Today's hike, along the PR 8 - Vereda da Ponta de Sao Lourenco, will show you a different view of Madeira: the impressive peninsula of Sao Lourenco. This is an area that offers a dry and sunny climate, which contrasts with the rest of the island and also allows you to enjoy the magnificent sea views to the north and south, including the famous Ilhas Desertas

For bird lovers, this place is spectacular for the sighting of various species that pass through this area during their migratory route. 

You will end the hike at the car park of Ponta de Sao Lourenco. From here, you will have an included transfer back to Santo da Serra.

Ascent: 455m (1,492ft) / Descent: 455m (1,492ft)

Overnight in Santo da Serra

Hotel Porto Bay Serra Golf

Set in a house surrounded by gardens, this magnificent hotel dates back to 1920. It offers you direct access to the Santo da Serra golf course and also has a spectacular indoor heated pool, sauna, massage room, games room, reading room, gym and much more. You will enjoy your stay at this 4-star hotel to the fullest.

*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 6 - Santo da Serra to Funchal 7 miles | 11 km
You will start the day with an included transfer from Santo da Serra to Boa Morte, a village where, on a walk among eucalyptus, chestnut and pine trees, you will once again enter the Levada do Norte.

At the end, after passing through a small tunnel, you will continue to the Cabo Girao viewpoint with its impressive cliffs and views. Here, from the terraces, also known as poios, you can look out over the beautiful surrounding villages and the stunning Atlantic Ocean

To end the day, you will have an included transfer from Cabo Girao to Funchal

Ascent: 790m (2,591ft) / Descent: 756m (2,480ft)

Overnight in Funchal

Hotel Quinta da Bela Vista

This spectacular 4-star hotel, one of the most exclusive hotels in Madeira, gives you one of the best views of Funchal, from its excellent location on the outskirts of the city.

This hotel has three luxurious buildings, with paintings and antiques, and adorned with typical Madeira gardens perfect for relaxing and walking away in an oasis away from the city. Enjoy also the sauna, jacuzzi and its swimming pool on the terrace.

*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 7 - Enjoy your day in Funchal
On this day, immerse yourself in local life by exploring the market near the port, full of vibrant colours and a magical atmosphere. After enjoying lunch, try the famous cream tea at Reid's and arrive at the hotel to end the day by the pool and admiring the beautiful and unique view this has to offer.

Overnight in Funchal

Hotel Quinta da Bela Vista

This spectacular 4-star hotel, one of the most exclusive hotels in Madeira, gives you one of the best views of Funchal, from its excellent location on the outskirts of the city.

This hotel has three luxurious buildings, with paintings and antiques, and adorned with typical Madeira gardens perfect for relaxing and walking away in an oasis away from the city. Enjoy also the sauna, jacuzzi and its swimming pool on the terrace.

*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 8 - Funchal
Enjoy every corner of your Hotel Quinta da Bela Vista, before your transfer to Funchal Airport so that from there you can take your next flight to return home or follow your trip.

End of our services.

Itinerary Map

Request a Quotation

Request a Quotation

    Services

    Included

    • Accommodation in en suite rooms in charming hotels
    • Daily Breakfasts
    • Evening meals on days 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
    • Picnic on days 4 and 6
    • Luggage transfers between accommodations
    • Transfers as specified in the itinerary
    • 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 fly into Lisbon Airport (Portela Airport), the capital of Portugal.
    From the airport to the town of Santana you can take bus 103 or 108 operated by "Transportes Funchal" or a taxi.
    At the end of your hiking trip, you will have a transfer included that will 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.
    Will I have a different route every day?
    On this holiday, we will give you maps and suggestions for routes each day. It's up to you how much you want to walk and how much you want to explore, so that the holiday fits your needs and expectations.
    How many hotels will I stay in?
    This is a route with stays in several hotels, each giving you a different experience, from views of the Atlantic Ocean and vineyards, to botanical gardens. However, depending on your preference, additional days can be scheduled at the hotels you want.
    What walking equipment should I bring for my trip?
    For the degree of difficulty on this route, we suggest you wear some good boots, (which you will have already used), another pair of shoes to rest, water, sunscreen and for day 3 of the walk in Caldeirao Verde, a torch is required.
    What is the level of difficulty on this trip?
    This trip is of a medium-low level, that is, it suits people who have an average level of physical endurance and who enjoy walks of 4 to 6 hours per day. Only some sections of the road may require climbing.

    Thousands of travelers trust us

    Why Choose Orbis Ways?

    Find Your Ideal Trip

    Explore over 200 carefully designed routes tailored just for you.

    Tailor-Made Budget

    We adapt to your needs to provide you with the best possible experience.

    Get the Most Out of Your Trip

    Join the Orbis Ways community and embark on an unforgettable adventure.