Marvels of Madeira Walk

Marvels of Madeira Walk

606 Views
8 Days From

$2030

Marvels of Madeira Walk

8 Days Starting in Santana, Portugal and ending in Funchal, Portugal

Visiting: Santana, Madeira, Ponta de Sao Lourenco, Funchal

Tour operator:

Exodus Adventure Travels

Tour code:

W07MF

Group Type:

Independent

Guide Type:

Self Guided

Age range:

12-99

Special diets catered:

Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements

Activities:

Sightseeing

From: $2030

NB: Prices correct on 23-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Embark on the "Marvels of Madeira Walk" and discover the enchanting landscapes of Madeira, Portugal. This self-guided tour offers a blend of stunning coastal trails and flower-lined levada walks, perfect for nature enthusiasts. Stay in charming, high-quality hotels, each with its own unique character, from ocean-view accommodations in Santana to the exclusive Quinta da Bela Vista in Funchal. Enjoy the freedom to explore bustling Funchal at your own pace, with time to savor local delicacies and relax by the pool. The tour includes all breakfasts, select picnic lunches, and evening meals, along with route notes and maps to guide your journey. Experience the breathtaking beauty of Madeira's natural wonders and vibrant culture on this unforgettable walking adventure.

Highlights

  • Stunning coastal trails and flower-lined levada walks

  • Explore bustling Funchal and its vibrant market

  • Panoramic coastal path from Santana to Sao Jorge

  • Visit the magnificent waterfall at Caldeirao Verde

  • Walk the popular peninsula loop at Ponta de Sao Lourenco's Nature Reserve

  • Experience the majestic views from Cabo Girao

  • Discover the verdant paradise of Levada do Furado with its waterfalls and wildlife

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Circular Walk To Sao Jorge

Location: Santana

Accommodation Name: hotel near Santana

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Arrive at your hotel near Santana where our local partner will brief you on the week's walking.

Day 2 : The Caldeirao Verde Levada

Location: Santana

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

A panoramic coastal path leads you to the ancient cobbled route linking Santana to Sao Jorge. Agapanthus and cacti line the descent to the seaside 'resort' of Calhau. It's then along the base of the cliffs, where big Atlantic rollers come sweeping in, before you climb to enjoy balcony views. There are fabulous coastal vistas as you ascend to Sao Jorge, with the village's lighthouse glimmering above the azure waters. The mighty peak of Pico Ruivo frames the horizon as you return to Santana.

2 options: Walking time 3.5hr, distance 10km/6.2mi or walking time 4hr, distance 13km/8.1mi.

Day 3 : Ribeiro Frio

Location: Santana

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

A transfer (10 mins) takes you up to the Parque das Queimadas - all the hard climbing is done for you! The walk follows the beautiful (and shady) Caldeirao Verde Levada (the Green Cauldron Levada) into the Vale da Lapa. The scenery is magnificent; the views of the sea, of hilltop villages, and of the lofty central peaks are unforgettable. You head up the valley through a series of impressive levada tunnels to the magnificent waterfall at Caldeirao Verde. Then it's back down the Lapa Valley to Ilha before taking the local bus (payable locally) back to Santana or a pre-arranged transfer back to Porto da Cruz.

Day 4 : Sao Lourenco

Location: Madeira

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

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

Day 5 : Cabo Girao Walk

Location: Ponta de Sao Lourenco

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Starting with a transfer (30 mins), today's walk takes you to the most eastern point of Madeira, to Ponta de Sao Lourenco's Nature Reserve, where you'll walk the hugely popular peninsula loop, with sweeping views, jagged peaks and masses of flora and fauna.

Day 6 : At Funchal

Location: Funchal

Accommodation Name: 5-star Quinta da Bela Vista

Meals Included: Breakfast

A transfer takes you to Boa Morte to take the Levada do Norte, through pine and eucalyptus trees, and on paths lined with pink belladonna flowers. High on the poios (terraces) the path wanders through pretty villages, before arriving in Cabo Girao where the majestic expanse of the Atlantic is spread out before us. A transfer will take you on to the 5-star Quinta da Bela Vista above Funchal where you will spend your last 2 nights.

Day 7 :

Location: Funchal

Accommodation Name: 5-star Quinta da Bela Vista

Spend your last day exploring at leisure in Funchal, perhaps starting in the bustling market near the harbour - it's full of atmosphere and ablaze with colour. Enjoy lunch on the harbour, saving room for an afternoon cream tea at Reid's, then it's time to relax by the pool or in the beautiful exotic gardens of your hotel.

Day 8 :

Location: Funchal

Trip ends in Funchal

What's Included

  • All breakfasts, 2 picnic lunches and 5 evening meals

    All breakfasts, 2 picnic lunches, and 5 evening meals are included in the tour package.

  • All accommodation

    All accommodation is included as part of the tour package.

  • Cable car ticket included (day 7)

    A cable car ticket is included for use on day 7 of the tour.

  • Route notes and maps provided

    Route notes and maps are provided to assist with navigation during the tour.

What's Not Included

  • Travel insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and must be arranged separately.

  • Single accommodation

    Single accommodation is available on request and requires a compulsory supplement.

  • Solo traveller supplement

    A solo traveller supplement applies when only one person is travelling on a departure date.

  • Visas or vaccinations

    Visas or vaccinations are not included and must be arranged separately if required.

Food

All continental buffet style breakfasts, 2 picnic lunches and 5 evening meals are included. Madeira is well known for its excellent fresh fish and seafood, tasty soups and mouth-watering fresh fruit. Grilled meats especially chicken (often cooked on a natural wood grill), also make a good choice for your evening meal. A more traditional dish is espetada - skewered beef cooked on an open grill served with lots of salad and boiled potatoes. Portions are generous, especially in smaller, less touristy restaurants and main dishes come with the traditional salad and potatoes. You will also get a basket of bread on the table, even if you don’t ask for it. Some restaurants also bring you portions of soft cheese and fish paste with the bread and will add these to your bill. Wine Madeira’s wine is probably the island’s most famous export. This strong, fortified wine, which tastes a little like port or sherry, comes in a range of flavours (from dry to very sweet) and is renowned throughout the world. It was used to seal the signing of the American Declaration of Independence and is still used today to toast those offered the Freedom of the City of London.

Accommodation

Our accommodation choices offer as many contrasts as the walks: in Santana your 4-star hotel has stunning Atlantic Ocean views; in Santo da Serra your hotel dates back to the 1920s and has been used as a family home and tea house over the years, and in Funchal, the 5-star Quinta da Bela Vista is one of the most exclusive hotels on the island. Room upgrade From £10 per person, per night based on 2 people sharing. All prices are based on 2 persons sharing, so if there is an odd number of people travelling in your party or you are travelling alone, there will be a compulsory single room supplement payable in advance.

Mode of Transport

Transfers are provided to various starting points for walks, including a 10/25-minute transfer to Parque das Queimadas and a 45-minute transfer to Boa Morte. A bus is available for return trips to Santana, and a cable car ticket is included on day 7.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of meals are included in the tour?

    The tour includes all breakfasts, 2 picnic lunches, and 5 evening meals. Madeira is known for its excellent fresh fish, seafood, and grilled meats, with traditional dishes like espetada being a popular choice.

  • What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?

    The accommodation varies throughout the tour, offering a range of experiences. In Santana, you will stay in a 4-star hotel with stunning Atlantic Ocean views. In Santo da Serra, the hotel dates back to the 1920s and has a rich history. In Funchal, you will stay at the 5-star Quinta da Bela Vista, one of the most exclusive hotels on the island.

  • Are there any optional activities or walks during the tour?

    Yes, on Day 4, there are two optional walks. One is a loop at Ponta de Sao Lourenco's Nature Reserve, and the other is on the Levada Nova, offering a rewarding walk with sun-dappled waterfalls and a variety of flora.

  • Is transportation provided during the tour?

    Yes, transportation is provided for various parts of the tour, including transfers to starting points of walks and between accommodations.

  • What is the highlight of the Cabo Girao Walk?

    The Cabo Girao Walk offers a path through pine and eucalyptus trees, lined with pink belladonna flowers, and leads to Cabo Girao where you can enjoy majestic views of the Atlantic Ocean.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Exodus has been trading since 1974

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

Marvels of Madeira self guided

A winning combination of walks in stunning scenery and top quality hotels in which to relax at the end of the day. Being self guided was a great experience, walking notes very clear, and you can go at your own choice of pace and stop whenever you want. Highly recommended.

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May 27, 2025 - Jun 03, 2025
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May 29, 2025 - Jun 05, 2025
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May 30, 2025 - Jun 06, 2025
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May 31, 2025 - Jun 07, 2025
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Prices last published on 22-Dec-2024

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