Walking the Levada Trails of Madeira
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Luggage transfer
24h telephone assistance
Hotel accommodations
The island of Madeira is globally famous for its immense quantity and variety of flowers, as well as for the contrast of colours offered by its green mountains and the blue of the Atlantic Ocean. You will enjoy routes through its traditional 'Levadas', the irrigation channels that are characteristic of the island which form an extensive path that surrounds it.
You will travel through the centre of the island, crossing through small colonial villages, with their native flora and fauna and with their wide valleys surrounded by flowers of all kinds that will make your trip very special.
- You will discover the spectacular Cabo Girao cliff.
- You will enjoy spring and summer temperatures almost all year round.
- You will tour fishing villages such as Canical, Machico and Camara de Lobo.
- You can visit the famous Mercado dos Lavradores in Funchal, in the island's capital.
- You will walk along the San Loureno Peninsula, an area of special natural beauty and different from the rest of the island.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival in Funchal
Upon arrival we will pick you up and take you to Santa Cruz, a small but charming coastal city in the south of the island.
In ancient times its main economic activity was sugar cane cultivation, nowadays tourism is the main driving force of the town. Its architecture, beautiful beaches, historical and cultural richness and the great variety of hotels make this a most attractive place.
In addition, as the local community is boosted by fishing and agriculture, and there is a wide gastronomic range of excellent quality with fresh and delicious products that are worth tasting.
In ancient times its main economic activity was sugar cane cultivation, nowadays tourism is the main driving force of the town. Its architecture, beautiful beaches, historical and cultural richness and the great variety of hotels make this a most attractive place.
In addition, as the local community is boosted by fishing and agriculture, and there is a wide gastronomic range of excellent quality with fresh and delicious products that are worth tasting.
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.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 2 - Enjoy your day in Sao Lourenco 3,8 miles | 6,1 km
You will start this day with a transfer to the Ponta Sao Lourenco car park. Today's walk along the PR 8 - Vereda da Ponta de Sao Lourenco trail will show you a different view of Madeira: the impressive Sao Lourenco Peninsula. It 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 region during their migratory route. You will end your tour at the Ponta Sao Lourenco car park, from where you will be taken back to your hotel in Santa Cruz.
For bird lovers, this place is spectacular for the sighting of various species that pass through this region during their migratory route. You will end your tour at the Ponta Sao Lourenco car park, from where you will be taken back to your hotel in Santa Cruz.
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.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 3 - Santa Cruz to Santana 7,8 miles | 12,6 km
After enjoying breakfast, you will be transferred to Levada do Canical. There you will start a walk along the wild north coast to the charming village of Porto da Cruz where you can relax and enjoy its famous American "vinho seco".
Finally, we will take you to Santana, an adorable village full of triangle-shaped houses and "palheiros" (thatched roofs).
Finally, we will take you to Santana, an adorable village full of triangle-shaped houses and "palheiros" (thatched roofs).
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.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 4 - Pico das Pedras to Ilha 7,9 miles | 12,8 km
After enjoying a delicious breakfast, you will have an inclusive transfer to the Pico das Pedras car park, from where you will start a wonderful walk.
You will follow "Um Caminho para Todos", a trail with a special natural charm, and the trail PR 9 - Levada do Caldeirão Verde until you reach Parque Florestal das Queimadas.
From there you will head towards Caldeirao Verde, where you will find one of the most outstanding natural attractions on the island, the impressive 100-metre high waterfall surrounded by rock walls. For this route, it is important to bring a torch, as you will pass through some tunnels on your 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 range, and in the Laurisilva forest, an important source of water production.
From Ilha, you will be transferred back to Santana, where you will spend the night.
You will follow "Um Caminho para Todos", a trail with a special natural charm, and the trail PR 9 - Levada do Caldeirão Verde until you reach Parque Florestal das Queimadas.
From there you will head towards Caldeirao Verde, where you will find one of the most outstanding natural attractions on the island, the impressive 100-metre high waterfall surrounded by rock walls. For this route, it is important to bring a torch, as you will pass through some tunnels on your 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 range, and in the Laurisilva forest, an important source of water production.
From Ilha, you will be transferred back to Santana, where you will spend the night.
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.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 5 - Santana to Ribeira Brava 1,8 miles | 2,9 km
It will be difficult to leave Santana behind, but don't worry, because what comes later on will surprise you too. You will start your day with a transfer to Chao dos Louros, more specifically to the start of the PR 22 trail.
The PR 22 - Vereda do Chao dos Louros trail will take you through the thick vegetation of the region as you head towards the Chao dos Louros Forest Park. Leaving it behind, you will take the PR 21 - Caminho do Norte trail for a few metres.
After passing the main ER228 road, you will head towards the Levada da Serra d'Agua trail on your way to Estalagem Encumeada (Ribeira Brava), where you will spend the night.
Bica da Cana: The PR 17 - Caminho do Pinaculo e Folhadal route is temporarily closed. Therefore, the proposed itinerary is an alternative until the trail is reopened in the future.
The PR 22 - Vereda do Chao dos Louros trail will take you through the thick vegetation of the region as you head towards the Chao dos Louros Forest Park. Leaving it behind, you will take the PR 21 - Caminho do Norte trail for a few metres.
After passing the main ER228 road, you will head towards the Levada da Serra d'Agua trail on your way to Estalagem Encumeada (Ribeira Brava), where you will spend the night.
Bica da Cana: The PR 17 - Caminho do Pinaculo e Folhadal route is temporarily closed. Therefore, the proposed itinerary is an alternative until the trail is reopened in the future.
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.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 6 - Ribeira Brava to Funchal 4,1 miles | 6,6 km
Start the day with a transfer to Boca da Corrida, a viewpoint that offers fascinating views. From there you will have the chance to embark on an unforgettable hike that will allow you to contemplate the incredible and beautiful scenery.
Halfway along the way, you will come across Pico Grande, an imposing mountain.
Afterwards, you will continue your way down to Faja Escura and once there, we will take you to your accommodation in Funchal.
Camino Real da Encumeada: The PR 12 - Camino Real da Encumeada route is temporarily closed due to works at the Serra de Água hydroelectric power station. Therefore, the proposed itinerary is an alternative until the trail is reopened in the future.
Halfway along the way, you will come across Pico Grande, an imposing mountain.
Afterwards, you will continue your way down to Faja Escura and once there, we will take you to your accommodation in Funchal.
Camino Real da Encumeada: The PR 12 - Camino Real da Encumeada route is temporarily closed due to works at the Serra de Água hydroelectric power station. Therefore, the proposed itinerary is an alternative until the trail is reopened in the future.
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.
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 - Enjoy your day in the area around Funchal 10,4 miles | 16,7 km
In an inclusive transfer, you will arrive at the entrance of Boa Morte, a village where you will once again enter Levada do Norte on a walk through eucalyptus, chestnut, and pine trees. You will pass over the small villages of Corugeria, Campanario and Quinto Grande. At the end, after crossing a small tunnel, you will continue to Cabo Girao with its impressive cliffs and views.
Then, you will have the option to follow the steep edges of the valley to the unmissable fishing port of Camara de Lobos, where you can pause and have a coffee or a beer in the harbour before returning to Funchal you can take a taxi or a bus on your own.
For today's walk, don't forget your torch, as you will pass through several tunnels on your way to Camara de Lobos, one of the oldest villages on the island.
Then, you will have the option to follow the steep edges of the valley to the unmissable fishing port of Camara de Lobos, where you can pause and have a coffee or a beer in the harbour before returning to Funchal you can take a taxi or a bus on your own.
For today's walk, don't forget your torch, as you will pass through several tunnels on your way to Camara de Lobos, one of the oldest villages on the island.
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.
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.
End of our services.
Itinerary map
Services
Included
- Accommodation in en suite rooms in charming hotels
- Daily Breakfasts
- Evening meals on days 3, 4 and 5
- Luggage transfers between accommodations
- Transfers as specified in the itinerary
- Transfers 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
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.
It is possible to book this journey in single, double or triple rooms.
All rooms have private bathrooms.
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 Santa Cruz.
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 should my physical preparation be?
This route is graded as of medium-low difficulty, so it is suitable for people of all ages. There is no need for regular physical activity to travel on this route.
How far in advance should I book my trip?
Since on certain dates the occupancy of accommodation in Madeira is very high, especially in high season and on special dates such as the Flower Festival, one of the most popular on the island.
We suggest you make the reservation as soon as possible, as soon as you have decided your travel dates. This will allow us to offer you the best accommodation options. In any case, if we have to locate you in alternative accommodation, they will always be of the same category or higher.
What walking equipment should I bring?
We suggest you wear light and quick-drying clothes, a pair of shoes suitable for walking (if it is the winter season, it would be better with a pair of boots), a jacket and waterproof trousers.
Depending on the season that you choose, these items may vary.
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 (maximum 1 pack of up to 20 kg per person).
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?
You will be able to start this walking trail in Madeira during any month of the year, thanks to the area's tropical climate, which will offer you spring and summer temperatures almost all year round. If you go in winter season, although it will not be cold, we do recommend that you bring the necessary equipment: a pair of boots and an anorak.
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