Portugal: Madeira Island

Self-Guided Walking Tour, Portugal: Madeira IslandSelf-Guided Walking Tour, Portugal: Madeira Island

Portugal

Madeira Island

overview

Three hundred miles off the African coast lies the island of Madeira, a subtropical Shangri-la known as the “Atlantic’s floating garden,” a perfect destination for year-round walking. With tremendous summit vistas and infinite ocean views, this enchanting nature-lover’s paradise has a vast traffic-free trail network that follows its unique levada water channels. You’ll venture into a lush world of mountain habitats, terraced vineyards, and colorful villages where you experience generous Madeiran hospitality. It’s a moderate tour with some ascents and descents, following trails from the sleepy wine village of Santana in the north to bustling Funchal in the south. Visit the delightful A-frame houses in Santana, and the famous wicker shops of Camacha. Head to Santo da Serra to savor a glass of poncha in its vibrant square, and on your layover day, you may choose to explore the 18th-century fort in 14th-century Machico. Whether it’s a refreshing waterfall, a tranquil cove, lush tropical forests or botanical gardens, busy outdoor markets, local cuisine and distinctive wines, Madeira has all the ingredients for the ideal independent walking adventure.
 

tour includes

  • Continental breakfast and dinner daily and 2 picnic lunches (6 lunches and beverages are not included)
  • All accommodations (with private bathrooms) while on tour
  • Local transfers as noted in the itinerary
  • Luggage transfers between the hotels
  • Detailed route notes and maps
  • Basic travel insurance coverage
  • The exclusive ease of a mobile phone rental with our Cellhire partnership. Receive preferred calling rates, free phone rental, and complimentary shipping of mobile phones
  • 24-hour emergency service
  • The unbeatable and cumulative experience of the CW staff
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From our blog

Madeira: A Floating Garden 300 miles off the Coast of Africa
Madeira: A Floating Garden 300 miles off the Coast of Africa

Details

Self-Guided Walking
Length
8 days, 7 nights
Activity Level
Moderate; 6-12 miles daily
Meet and Depart
Funchal, Madeira (Portugal)
Reading List
Printable Itinerary

gallery

Itinerary and Accommodations

Days
Destination
1
Santana
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2
Santana
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3
Santana
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4
Santo de Serra
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5
Santo de Serra
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6
Funchal
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7
Funchal
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8
Funchal
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Day 1

Santana

Arrival in Madeira. Transfer to Santana

Upon checking into your hotel near Santana, you may sip on a cup of rosemary tea and unwind by the pool, while enjoying the fine sea views.

Hotel Quinta do Furão

Santana, Madeira

This four-star, cliff-top hotel has an exceptional location with ocean views surrounded by vineyards (September guests may join the grape harvest!), vegetable plots, orchards, and rare dragon trees and proteas, and a backdrop of two peaks. Rooms are spacious and tastefully appointed with solid dark wood furniture and earth-toned paints and fabrics. Amenities include a heated indoor/outdoor swimming pool, fitness room and sauna, two bars, a reading room, and private wine cellar with occasional tastings. Separately housed, the restaurant has a sea-view terrace and serves an original three-course menu of locally sourced products such as fish and tropical fruit.

Day 2

Santana

Santana to São Jorge; 9.7km/6mi/3.5hr or 12.6km/8mi/4hr, 1,900-ft elevation gain and loss

While this is the most challenging walk of the week, the views are certainly worth the effort! A panoramic coastal path leads you to the ancient cobbled route linking Santana to the peaceful village of São Jorge. Agapanthus and cacti line the descent on steep switchbacks to the charming cove of Calhau, all the way at sea level, where fisherman cast their nets to the rhythm of Atlantic breakers crashing against the headland. Balcony views along the coastline accompany your ascent to São Jorge, with the village’s lighthouse glimmering above the azure waters. Mighty Pico Ruivo frames the horizon as you return to Santana, climbing the steep path you followed early in the day.

Hotel Quinta do Furão

Santana, Madeira

This four-star, cliff-top hotel has an exceptional location with ocean views surrounded by vineyards (September guests may join the grape harvest!), vegetable plots, orchards, and rare dragon trees and proteas, and a backdrop of two peaks. Rooms are spacious and tastefully appointed with solid dark wood furniture and earth-toned paints and fabrics. Amenities include a heated indoor/outdoor swimming pool, fitness room and sauna, two bars, a reading room, and private wine cellar with occasional tastings. Separately housed, the restaurant has a sea-view terrace and serves an original three-course menu of locally sourced products such as fish and tropical fruit.

Day 3

Santana

The Caldeirão Verde Levada; 13.5km/9mi/5hr, 650-ft elevation gain, 1,650-ft elevation loss

A transfer takes you on the 10-minute ride up to the Parque das Queimadas and the trailhead. The walk follows the beautiful and shady Caldeirão Verde Levada (the Green Caldron Water Channel) into the Vale da Lapa. The views of the sea and of the lofty central peaks are stunning. You head up the lush valley through a series of impressive levada tunnels to the beautiful waterfall at Caldeirão Verde, an ideal picnic spot. Then it’s a steady descent all the way to the lovely hillside village of Ilha, to catch the local bus back to Santana.

Hotel Quinta do Furão

Santana, Madeira

This four-star, cliff-top hotel has an exceptional location with ocean views surrounded by vineyards (September guests may join the grape harvest!), vegetable plots, orchards, and rare dragon trees and proteas, and a backdrop of two peaks. Rooms are spacious and tastefully appointed with solid dark wood furniture and earth-toned paints and fabrics. Amenities include a heated indoor/outdoor swimming pool, fitness room and sauna, two bars, a reading room, and private wine cellar with occasional tastings. Separately housed, the restaurant has a sea-view terrace and serves an original three-course menu of locally sourced products such as fish and tropical fruit.

Day 4

Santo de Serra

Ribeiro Frio to Santo da Serra; 13km/8mi/4hr, 330-ft elevation loss

A scenic 30-minute ride takes you to Ribeiro Frio. You join the Levada do Furado, a verdant paradise of bay laurel, heather, and pine, with waterfalls tumbling into the gushing river. Tiny firecrest and tame finches flit between the trees on this easy trail, which occasionally part to reveal stunning views of the verdant countryside. You gently descend to Santo da Serra’s vibrant square with its lively market; wood smoke fills the air as meats grill al fresco—try the traditional espetada (delicious meat skewered on bay laurel twigs).

Estalagem Serra Golf

Santo da Serra, Madeira

Built in the 1920s, this four-star hotel, formerly a tea house and later a golf clubhouse, has just reopened its doors after a complete refurbishment. Guest rooms are spacious and modern. The property features extensive grounds and gardens, and is located near a 27-hole golf course (preferential rates for guests). A traditional three-course dinner is served in a bright dining room next to an inviting salon for before- or after-dinner drinks. Situated on the edge of a charming village with a main square, bars, shops, a park and zoo, and a market on weekends.

Day 5

Santo de Serra

Layover day at Santo da Serra. Optional 9.6km/6mi/2hr50min

Today is a free day with an option to explore Machico, with its pleasant seafront promenade, 18th-century fort, and surrounding vineyards. Dating back to the 14th century, it is the oldest town on the island and now the second largest, named after its founder Robert Machin. If you’re feeling energetic instead, there’s a lovely walk along the Levada Nova with its sparkling waterfalls and rock pools.

Estalagem Serra Golf

Santo da Serra, Madeira

Built in the 1920s, this four-star hotel, formerly a tea house and later a golf clubhouse, has just reopened its doors after a complete refurbishment. Guest rooms are spacious and modern. The property features extensive grounds and gardens, and is located near a 27-hole golf course (preferential rates for guests). A traditional three-course dinner is served in a bright dining room next to an inviting salon for before- or after-dinner drinks. Situated on the edge of a charming village with a main square, bars, shops, a park and zoo, and a market on weekends.

Day 6

Funchal

Camacha to Funchal; 13.4km/8mi/4hr, 330-ft elevation gain, 980-ft elevation loss

It’s a 15-minute transfer to Camacha, where you have time to visit the wicker factory and shop before heading off on the broad, eucalyptus-fringed paths of the Levada da Serra. Lilies, rhododendrons, and amaryllis burst with color while glimmering sea views open up as you approach Funchal on a gently descending trail. There’s time to explore historic Monte with its Tropical Garden and extravagant 18th-century church, before descending by cable car (included in your tour cost) to bustling Funchal.

Quinta da Bela Vista

Funchal, Madeira

This five-star family-run resort commands fabulous panoramic views of Funchal from a hillside location on the city’s edge. In a compound of buildings and established gardens constructed around an original quinta manor house, guest rooms are tastefully furnished with thick carpets and mahogany antiques; with an arboretum, heated outdoor swimming pool, sauna, Jacuzzi, and tennis court. Two formal restaurants with a multi-course dinner menu and two bars are on site. Weekdays, free daytime shuttle bus to the center of Funchal (check at reception for times).

Day 7

Funchal

Layover day in Funchal

You spend your last day exploring at leisure in Funchal; the city itself is nestled in a great natural amphitheater, facing the ocean with a back drop of dramatic mountains. Perhaps start in the bustling market, then take a cable car to the stunning Botanical Garden. Enjoy lunch overlooking the marina or in the narrow streets of the historic center—although save room for an afternoon cream tea at Reids! Visit the famed Botanical Garden or relax by the pool or in the beautiful exotic gardens of your hotel.

Quinta da Bela Vista

Funchal, Madeira

This five-star family-run resort commands fabulous panoramic views of Funchal from a hillside location on the city’s edge. In a compound of buildings and established gardens constructed around an original quinta manor house, guest rooms are tastefully furnished with thick carpets and mahogany antiques; with an arboretum, heated outdoor swimming pool, sauna, Jacuzzi, and tennis court. Two formal restaurants with a multi-course dinner menu and two bars are on site. Weekdays, free daytime shuttle bus to the center of Funchal (check at reception for times).

Day 8

Funchal

Departure from Funchal

You are transferred to the Funchal Airport for your flight home or onward travels.

Itinerary Disclaimer

Bear in mind that this is a typical itinerary, and the actual activities, sites, and accommodations may vary due to season, special events, weather, or transportation schedules. We reserve the right to alter the itinerary since tour arrangements are made up to a year in advance, and unforeseen circumstances that mandate change may arise. Itinerary changes are made to improve the tour and your experience. If you are currently booked on a CW adventure, an itinerary has been sent to you for your exact departure date. Please call CW at 800.464.9255 if you have any questions about the exact itinerary or hotels selected for any of our tours.

Guest Comments

R. Sharkey, Minnesota, April 2012

Pickups were on time and the drivers were very friendly. We had left our walking sticks in one of our hotel rooms and remembered about 5 minutes after we left with our driver. He was very gracious and willing to return to the hotel for us to get our walking sticks. The hotels were lovely and the food was spectacular. I cannot say enough about the awesome array of food options for breakfast.The directions to each of the trail heads were very detailed and easy to follow. Hope to try CW again in the future.

T. Palmieri, California, March 2012

A truly unique experience. Where else could you see palm trees, pine trees, an ocean, and a mountain all in the same photo?

R. Sharkey, Minnesota, April 2012

The verbiage for the self-guided walks was very detailed and easy to follow. Hiking trail selections gave us a wonderful flavor of the island. The staff in all of the hotels made us feel very welcome. Buffet breakfasts provided a wide selection of fruits, cheeses, breads, and other native foods. Accommodations were excellent Bruno's orientation gave us all the necessary information and assured us that we could call him at any time if we had a problem. Walking amid the actual farming fields, the varieties of flowers, and the vistas made this a memorable trip for us.