Discovery Walk of Madeira 'The Flower Island' 8D7N, Self-Guided

You’ll arrive in Funchal Airport where you’ll be welcomed and take a taxi transfer to Santana, located on the north coast of Madeira Island. Known for its traditional bright coloured thatched houses, marvel at your first typical picturesque Madeiran sight.

You’ll stay at a quaint hotel set right on the cliff’s edge boasting magnificent views of the coastline on one side and Madeira’s highest mountain on the other. Unwind in your spacious ensuite rooms with garden, vineyards or sea views. Relax in the picturesque outdoor pool or simply savour the serenity at the seaside terrace.

Approx. 13km (8.1 miles), 4 hours walking, Easy grade, Elevation Gain: 250m (820ft)

Enjoy a delicious breakfast before transferring to Machico where you’ll begin your journey in Porto da Cruz, a small charming seaside village. Your trail takes on the Vereda do Larano to the stunning vistas of Boca do Risco.

Set out on foot on a trail that connect Machico to Porto da Cruz through an old pedestrian path that was once used by the local population to move from one place to another to do commerce. Marvel at one of the most emblematic rock formations in Madeira and savour breathtaking views contrasting the island’s green and blue sea. Continue to climb reaching the spectacular viewpoint of Boca do Risco giving sweeping views of the city of Machico with its houses and buildings that have the vast Atlantic Ocean. Along the way enjoy a delightful picnic lunch amongst serene vistas. Journey along the cliffside path and be further captivated by endless ocean views. Finally, descend to Porto da Cruz where seawater pool awaits, perfect time for a refreshing dip before being transferred back to Santana.

Approx. 14km (8.7 miles), 4.5 hours walking, Easy grade, Elevation Gain: 90m (295 ft)

Today, your hike takes you into a world of evergreen!

A short transfer takes you into a true fairy tale in a green paradise of the laurisilva forest of lush vegetation and flowers before reaching a majestic waterfall. The waterfall that plunges into a basin from a height of 100 metres of the iconic green cauldron, Caldeiro Verde. Spend time to relax to the sound of the falling water and crystalline lagoon where you’ll enjoy a picnic lunch along the way. Marvel at the magnificent views over the village of Sao Jorge and surrounding towering mountains with opportunity to walk through tunnels carved by hand out of the rock. For the adventurers, take the challenge of jumping into the basin for a swim before continuing to the small village of Ilha. Be soothed by the constant flow of water present throughout your walk.

Approx. 9km (5.6 miles), 3 hours 45 minutes walking, Easy grade, Elevation Gain: 840m (2756 ft)

Today, embark on a peak-to-peak trail conquering the two highest peaks of the island from Pico Arieiro to Pico Ruivo.

Begin with a transfer to Pico Ariero to your trail that takes place in the magnificent mountains of Madeira. Be captivated by a fascinating mineral universe of volcanic peaks between the two highest of the island, the Pico Ruivo at 1,862m and Pico Arierio 1,818m. While it’s a hike along the peaks of Madeira, you’ll traverse a section at Pico do Arierio hiking downwards for the first few kilometres before the elevation towards Pico Ruivo. Along the way, you’ll hike walking on the ledge with railings on the side of the mountain or through man-made tunnels. Be captivated on your trail as you’ll be above the clouds making the experience more so dramatic and unique. Feel on top of the world, reaching the summit and absorb the spectacular panoramic views composed by the formidable rock formations and villages seen in the distance.

A transfer takes you to the end of today’s adventure soothing your muscles and unwinding at the famed natural pools of Porto Moniz. Savour the natural swimming pools that are formed by volcanic lava naturally filled with crystal clear sea water. This evening, enjoy a delicious dinner by the ocean terrace bursting a selection of regional fare.

You’ll stay at a quaint hotel with the natural sea water pools of Porto Moniz at your doorstep. Unwind in your ocean facing rooms with private terrace and simply soak in the fresh ocean breeze. Relax at the sauna or the sunbathing deck with a large whirlpool tub outside or pamper yourself with a massage (at own expense).

TWO HIKING OPTIONS:
Without Cable Car: Approx. 12km (7.5 miles), 4 hours 20 minutes walking, Easy grade, Elevation Gain: 450m (1476 ft)
With Cable Car: 3 hours 45 minutes walking, Easy grade, Elevation Gain: 450m (1476 ft)

This morning transfer to the Achada da Cruz and set on foot to the off beaten track into the most isolated faring areas of the island. Descend a huge cliff to an incredibly unique spot-on Madeira to the traditional village of Faja. A village made of a small platform resulting from the collapse of the cliffs and was once home to hundreds who tended to their livestock and agriculture. Either go down the cliff by an impressive path or take the equally impressive cable car (ticket at own expense). Today, many of the small traditional homes have been unoccupied for years making it an incredibly unique and unusual place to explore. Marvel at one of the steepest cable cars rides in Europe and magnificent views of where the north and west coasts of Madeira meet.

Continue your climb to the small village of Santa before descending back down to Porto Moniz. Spend the rest of the afternoon to a well-deserved relaxation in the splendid natural pools before another delicious dinner at the hotel’s ocean terrace.

Approx. 11km (6.8 miles), 4 hours walking, Easy grade, Elevation Gain: 400m (1312 ft)

Today, transfer to Paul da Serra’s plateau where you’ll begin your walk traversing an enchanted forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Your walk is at the 25 Fontes (25 fountains) levada, one of the popular in Madeira. Your path reveals an array of landscapes and wonderful sensations from a wide variety of endemic species of the flora and fauna of the region is known for. Be captivated by the number of streams and small waterfall along the route. Marvel at Rabaçal, a magical and unique place filled with cascades, fountains lagoons and more. You’ll end the day with a transfer to Funchal, your home for the next 3 nights

You’ll stay at a graceful country house hotel nestled in the old Palheiro Gardens. Relax by the outdoor pool, take a lovely stroll in the serene gardens or unwind in the indoor pool as well as sauna. For the golf lovers, enjoy a game at the superb 18-hole golf course overlooking the ocean.

Savour a leisurely breakfast before spending the day doing as little or as much as you please.

Create your own adventures as you explore Funchal, a charming city built like an amphitheater around the bay. Meander through its paved streets, historical sites, museums, botanical gardens and take a lovely stroll along the coast. Visit the historic Funchal Cathedral or explore the Old Town, a perfect stop for lunch and cafes.

Activities are at own expense: Enjoy panoramic views over the city on the Monte Cable Car from Old Town to Monte. Explore the Monte Palace Tropical Garden or embark on a traditional wicker-made toboggan sled used by locals as a quick way of getting to Funchal. For day trips, journey on a whale watching adventure aboard a catamaran or spend the day at Port Santo Island for picturesque beaches.

Enjoy a relaxing breakfast on the island, a great time to reflect on your inspiring journey before a taxi transfer back to Madeira Airport.

NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation.