Madeira - Waterways & Flowers

Days 1-2  Santana  
Arrive in Santana and check in to your hotel. Your first day of walking begins on day 2, in the small town of Cruz and guide yourself along the winding Levada do Castelejo to your rural picnic spot in a desolate valley. Alternatively, you may choose the more popular route along the equally spectacular Levada da Caldeirão Verde. Pass through tunnels to a natural pool fed by a thundering waterfall, and perhaps take a dip before following your route back to your hotel.    

Day 3  Santana to Santo da Serra
Head to Ribeiro Frio before setting out on today’s walk through the woodlands on an unforgettable journey. Admire the flowers lining the waterways and the awe-inspiring views from the clearings, en route to Santo da Serra. With all the navigation outlined you are free to marvel at your surroundings and guide yourself with ease.    

Days 4-5  Santo da Serra  
There is choice of three walks around the pristine nature of Santo da Serra over the next two days. You can head to Camacha and take a secluded walk, venture into the unique landscape of Laurisilva forest filled with magnificent wild ferns or take a shorter walk along the São Lourenço Peninsula, boasting  rocks of bewildering shapes.  

Day 6  Santo da Serra to Funchal    
Journey by road to Rochão, from there the Levada da Serra do Faial will lead you through woodlands of pine and eucalyptus to the historic village of Monte. The sea views from the town are a dazzling reward as you look out over the Bay of Funchal, descend into the capital by cable car (pay locally).    

Days 7-8  Funchal  
Today, explore the lively capital as you wish. Some of the must-see sights in Funchal include its vibrant market, the diminutive cathedral, and Blandy’s wine lodge where you can savour a sample or two. You may even choose to return to Monte by cable car to roam amongst the luscious plants of the botanic gardens and ride on the exciting Toboggan Run.  On day 8 your adventure comes to an end with a transfer to the airport.