Walking the Island of Madeira

Name: Walking the Island of Madeira
Brand: Exodus
Rating: 4.5 (4 reviews)

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8 Days from

CAD 2,095

incl. Taxes

4.5/5 from

Walking & Trekking

Ways to Travel :

Guided Group, Private Group Adventures

Activity :

Walking & Trekking

Activity Levels :

3 out of 7 - Moderate

Group Size :

5 - 16

Ages :

18+

Trip Code :

TSD2

Explore verdant landscapes on one of the most scenic islands in Portugal

Discover the wild and varied scenery of Madeira, from gentle strolls along flower-lined levadas (centuries-old waterways) and spectacular coastal footpaths, to more demanding forays among the jagged ridges and peaks of the volcanic interior. Relax by the sea in the village of Machico, see waves crashing close to shore in Porto Moniz and discover the historic importance of Funchal, an old trade centre famous for exporting sugar and wine to the Indies and New World.

Highlights

Walk through the botanical paradise of Madeira
Stroll alongside flower-lined levadas with stunning coastal views
Discover spectacular mountain scenery, including Pico Ruivo, the highest peak on the island
Visit Unesco sites include the ancient Fanal Forest
Enjoy a mild year-round climate, perfect for walking

Key Information

Seven nights in three- and four-star hotels
Five days walking; one free day
Group normally 5 to 16, plus leader. Minimum age: 18
Altitude maximum: 6,109ft (1,862m); average: 2,460ft (750m)
Not suitable for vertigo sufferers
Transport by private minivan and public bus

Countries visited: Portugal

What's Included

All breakfasts and 2 dinners
All accommodation
All transport and listed activities
Tour leader throughout
Arrival & departure transfers for everyone
30th December 2023 departure: special New Year's Eve dinner with transport to/from Funchal for spectacular fireworks

What's Not Included

Lunches and dinners not mentioned in Inclusions
Travel insurance
Single accommodation (available on request)
Visas or vaccinations

5 Days of Walking & Trekking

Pace:

Moderate: 3mph-4mph (5kph-6kph)

Terrain:

Low altitude; some rough terrain - good paths with some steep ascents

Day 2

8 km / 5 miles

Day 3

12 km / 7.5 miles

Day 4

12 km / 7.5 miles

Day 5

11 km / 6.8 miles

Day 7

14 km / 8.7 miles

People, Places & Planet

We work hard to create trips that improve life for the people and places we visit, and look after the planet we explore. Find out more about our sustainable travel ethos and practice here, and find out about the work of the Exodus Travels Foundation here.

Some sustainable travel highlights of this trip include:

People: How this trip helps improve life for local communities.

We always use an experienced local guide, bringing income and employment directly to those individuals, and giving our customers the opportunity to speak with knowledgeable local people.
Income and opportunity is provided to locally owned hotels and restaurants in the destination communities. An emphasis is placed on eating locally produced food and supporting local enterprise.
All the hotels we stay in hire local staff, which benefits the community by providing employment opportunities and income where they may otherwise be hard to find, particularly in more rural areas such as Santana.
Several stops at villages and towns on our route are quite rural and the locals there depend heavily on tourism as a means of income, therefore our visit greatly benefits them.

Places: How this trip helps protect and conserve local landscapes and nature.

Read about our commitment to nature protection and restoration here, including our rewilding commitment for every customer who travels.
By travelling in a small group, led by a local guide, we ‘tread lightly’ to minimise our impact on local resources and the environment.
Walking trips like this have very little detrimental impact on the environment and the locals, as it is a quiet, low impact activity requiring comparatively few resources to support.
We work with our partners on the ground to proactively eliminate or reduce waste. On this trip, we recommend drinking tap water, which is safe to drink, thus eliminating the need for plastic water bottles.

Planet: How we seek to keep the carbon footprint of this trip low.

Read about our climate action here, including our carbon reduction and compensation commitments.
We use the public bus rather than private transfers on three days during the itinerary, which removes the need for private vehicles and keeps our carbon footprint low.
Accommodation and restaurants in the itinerary use locally sourced food which has not been transported long distances.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available at most of the accommodations and restaurants.
This trip favours locally owned and run accommodation.

Tips for sustainable travel on this trip

Leave no trace: We do all we can to ensure we leave no rubbish behind in the wild and beautiful places we visit; we ask that you do the same.
Plastic waste reduction: Please bring your own reusable water bottle on this trip; tap water is safe to drink.

Itinerary

We start at our hotel in Machico, which overlooks the beach of Machico Bay. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, in which we can discuss the adventures to come and you can ask any questions you may have.

Today we walk the classic route along the Ponta de São Lourenço. Although challenging in parts, this path takes us through fantastic scenery as we admire wallflowers, stalwarts and many other tiny plants that resist the windy environment and grow in soils with high salinity levels. Rocks, sculptured by nature, have a great diversity of colours ranging from black to red, and are in stark contrast to the blue of the ocean. Park rangers watch over the plants and animals that belong to this eastern extremity of the island, around Casa do Sardinha. We return to our hotel in Machico in the afternoon, and there is free time to explore the village or relax at the beach.

Total ascent: 560ft (170m); total descent: 885ft (270m)

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning, we take the public bus and walk a scenic route along a cliff trail on the north coast. We set off along the little Levada do Caniçal, more modest and quieter than yesterday's path, then begin a gradual climb to the crest of the cliffs at Boca do Risco, where we enjoy amazing views along the north coast. We then head west along the coastal path: a spectacular route, in many places cut right into the cliff. We finally descend to Porto da Cruz, once a bustling port but now a sleepy, picturesque village. Time permitting (and if open), we have a short look around a factory that has been producing Madeira rum for several centuries. Later, we transfer to Santana for the night.

Total ascent: 655ft (200m); total descent: 1,150ft (350m)

Meals Included: Breakfast

After a quick stop to admire the thatched-roof houses of Santana, we take a short transfer inland to Queimadas Natural Park, where we walk along the Levada do Caldeirão Verde. This route has many waterfalls and we may need to pass under some to continue the path. We use our torches/flashlights to walk through tunnels carved into the mountains. We finish the walk with a descent into the village of Ilha before a transfer to the coastal town of Porto Moniz in the west of the island.

Total ascent: 295ft (90m); total descent: 1,640ft (500m)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Our walk today starts on the Paul da Serra plateau and ends at the Unesco World Natural Heritage site of Fanal Forest. We walk via open landscapes with fabulous views over the Ribeira da Janela and Chão da Ribeira valleys, and through the largest surviving area of laurisilva forest on the planet (believed to be 90 percent primary forest).

We end the hike at the fairytale Fanal Forest, a small volcanic crater filled with twisted trees and often shrouded in mist. Many of the ocotea foetens trees here predate the founding of Madeira in 1419, and we take time to absorb the unique energy of the forest before returning to Porto Moniz.

Total ascent: 900ft (275m); total descent: 1,770ft (540m)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

After a morning transfer (approximately one hour) via the mountainous interior, today is free for you to explore Funchal, the island capital and our base for the final two nights of the trip. The city is easily explored on foot and sites of interest include Sé Cathedral, built between 1493 and 1514, and the imposing statue of Madeira founder, João Gonçalves Zarco, on Avenida Arriaga.

Alternatively, take the cable car to Monte Palace and Tropical Gardens to enjoy fascinating installations and magnificent views over the city, learn about the production of Madeira's ever-popular wine at Blandy's Wine Lodge, or join a whale-watching tour to spot some of the 28 whale and dolphin species that grace Madeira's waters throughout the year.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today we embark on the most strenuous walk of the trip. We depart early to reach the third highest mountain on the island, Pico Arieiro (5,965ft/1,818m), in time for sunrise, then continue to Pico Ruivo (6,109ft/1,862m), the highest peak, for more fantastic views. We finish by taking the 1.9mi (3km) path to Achado do Teixeira. The path has lots of ascents and descents along the way, but the memorable scenery is ample reward. At the end of the walk, we transfer back to Funchal.

Please note: On occasion, the route to Pico Ruivo may be closed due to mudslides or inclement weather. Our guide will always try to offer another route up to Pico Ruivo, but if this is not possible, an alternative walk from Ribeiro Frio to Portela will be available. This route traverses native forest and offers wonderful coastal views.

Total ascent: 2,130ft (650m); total descent: 3,940ft (1,200m)

Meals Included: Breakfast

The trip ends in Funchal after breakfast. Hop into your free transfer to the airport. Or, if you’d like a little longer on the island, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Essential Info

Visa

Portugal

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Portugal. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/portugal
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/portugal
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/portugal/entry-requirements
• USA:  www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Portugal.html

Vaccination

Portugal

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus and rabies. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.

Eating and Drinking

Breakfast: All breakfasts are included and usually consist of coffee/tea, fruit juice, rolls or bread, butter and jam, cereal, ham and cheese.

Lunch (not included): The ingredients for lunch are usually bought at a nearby shop or supermarket each morning before taking the transfer/public bus to the start point of the walk. Premade sandwiches and snacks are available, or you may prefer to purchase bread rolls and freshly cut cheese/meat to create your own lunch.

Dinner: Two dinners are included while in Porto Moniz. For dinners not included, we aim to eat in a different restaurant each night. Scabbard fish is a local delicacy, along with espetadas (beef skewers). Typical Madeiran cuisine incorporates a lot of meat and fish with rather plainly cooked vegetables and boiled potatoes. There will generally be at least one vegetarian option on the menu, but vegetarians should be prepared to request an alternative dish if required.

Weather

The climate in Madeira is like that found around the Mediterranean and is renowned for its year-round mildness, however, there is always the possibility of inclement weather. The island has several micro-climates, so expect temperatures and weather to vary from day to day as we visit different areas of the island, from chilly and foggy in the mountains to warm and dry in Funchal.

From April to June, and October to November, temperatures are pleasant and with some rainfall. From July to September, daytime is a little warmer, typically dry with an average of seven to eight hours of sunshine a day, but the odd shower is still possible. Winter is generally wetter, particularly at high levels with rain falling between periods of fine, settled weather (so waterproofs are essential). Please note, we may be forced to amend the itinerary depending on local weather conditions, which can change quickly.

Is this trip for you?

This trip consists of five daywalks and one free day. The walks are fairly easy, medium-duration walks, or more challenging, shorter walks. Reasonable fitness is required. The paths we use are generally flat and well maintained but some routes cross rougher terrain with longer ascents and descents, and some trails involve walking up or down steps. Some of the paths are quite narrow and stony underfoot and require walking in single file.

On several occasions, where the path narrows and has a steep drop to one side, walkers need a head for heights. Handrails sometimes protect these sections, but these are not in place in all parts; therefore, we do not recommend this holiday for vertigo sufferers. A few of the levada paths enter short tunnels through the rock but these are easily navigated with the aid of a torch/flashlight.

Following a review of all our trips we have categorised this trip as generally not suitable for persons of reduced mobility. However if you are a regular traveller on such trips, please contact customer services to discuss the trip and your personal condition.

Jane Henderson

Reviewed March 2023

Trekking in Madeira

Lovely island, great guide and group. Really nice hotels, lucky with the weather! However, the most interesting walks to the Eastern peninsula and the central mountains were very busy. Also, for me, the overall pace was rather slow and the distances covered could have been greater.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take 50 cent coins for toilets.

Tracey Hudson

Reviewed March 2023

Thank you, Andre!

This was a great trip. Madeira is a stunning island, with an abundance of natural beauty. We were very lucky to have sunny clear weather for the Pico Ruivo, and the views were well worth the at times tricky climb. The food and wine were lovely in Madeira!

Most Inspirational Moment

Taking in the 360 degree view from the Summit of the Pico Ruivo - amazing!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Andre Ponte, our guide, was fantastic fun, a very experienced and knowledgeable trip leader. He showed us his island with enthusiasm and pride, and is very conscious and protective of its environment; he adapted the walks according to the (sometimes very changeable) weather conditions. He knows the nature and plant life on the island very well. A huge thank you again, Andre!

Advice for Potential Travellers

I would very much recommend this trip if you are of moderate fitness, and you don't have bad knees! Pack for varied weather conditions if you are going in March; we were lucky most days, but the wind means that weather changes quite rapidly. Wear shoes with good ankle support if you are susceptible in that area. And take a few 50 cent coins for the public toilets - you need them.

Suggestions

Some of the walks were very busy in March, which I didn't expect; take a good camera, a bit of extra patience, and enjoy those stunning views!

Graham Maddison

Reviewed January 2023

Excellent trip, booking was frustrating.

Andre was an attentive, highly knowledgeable and enthusiastic guide, it was a pleasure to walk with him. The itinerary had been changed before we arrived, and was adjusted during the trip to the weather. It included some stunning scenery, and unfortunately quite a bit of damp weather in the hills. I would say that we got the best of the island for the time of year. Regarding booking, I was a bit awkward in wanting to stay extra nights, which meant booking other flights via Exodus to maintain ATOL. Your process for doing this needs review, as it was unreasonably long winded and error prone. At one point, weeks after my initial calls, I was sent an invoice showing the wrong flights from the wrong airport, for considerably more money than we’d already agreed. I almost gave up at that point. That said, the trip itself was the usual Exodus pleasure, and I’m sure I’ll be joining you again soon.

Most Inspirational Moment

Day 2 along the North East coast was stunning, EXACTLY what we came for.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Like every previous Exodus leader, he was the perfect host. His enthusiasm for the island and its nature shone through.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The most scenic parts of the island are also the dampest, so be prepared for that in winter.

Suggestions

I think most of us will have read the average temperatures and expected warmer weather than we had. As mentioned above, the scenic north coast and mountain tops get a LOT of mist and rain. In my extra days I rented a motorbike and experienced just how much the weather can change from one side of this small island to the other. From sparkling sun, to freezing fog, to rainstorms in a few miles. I think your trip notes should make more of that.

John Davies

Reviewed January 2023

well-organised and relaxing walking trip

This holiday provided straightforward walking in exceptional and sometimes unusual scenery in great company and with an experienced and characterful guide. It was exactly what we were looking for in a short break from the British winter. The accommodation was excellent and the whole trip was well organised, and good value. Everyone involved that we met (eg hotel staff, transfer vehicle drivers etc) were without exception helpful and friendly. We found the holiday relaxing and rewarding.

Most Inspirational Moment

We were part of a group of fourteen, and it was a pleasant surprise to find that all group members were completely co-operative with the leader and arrangements, and that the group gelled perfectly. The friendship, rapport and empathy within our group exceeded our expectation.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader, Andre Pontes, was excellent. He was a great character, and provided much interesting and useful commentary on the walks, covering history, geography, geology, and even extending to some recipe hints. He was very entertaining company, concentrating on our safety and welfare in the walks at high level, and provided much useful information for us to make use of on the rest day. His local knowledge led us to excellent restaurants and cafes for refreshments and meals during the walks and in the evenings. He had a good and expressive use of English.

Advice for Potential Travellers

At this time of year be prepared for a chance of heavy rain at high levels, as well as for more gentle conditions generally. Most shops / cafes etc take bank cards but smaller shops and cafes, particularly in the countryside, may only take cash (Euros). English is widely spoken to a good standard, which we found helpful.

Suggestions

no.

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Covid-19 refund commitment

You will get a refund if you have to cancel your trip due to COVID-19.

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This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and is now fully booked, although we may have people holding spaces without payment. Please contact our Sales team for further information.

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Availability

This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and is now fully booked, although we may have people holding spaces without payment. Please contact our Sales team for further information.

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This departure is guaranteed to go ahead but there are only 2 spaces left. Do not delay your booking!

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This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.

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Availability

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Availability

This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.

View Trip Notes