Walking the Island of Madeira

Day 1  Machico                  
Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel in Machico.                  

Day 2  Ponta de São Lourenço            
Today, walk the classic route along the Ponta de São Lourenço. Although challenging, this path takes you through some fantastic scenery. Wallflowers, stalwarts and many other tiny plants manage to resist this windy environment and grow in soils with high levels of salinity. Rocks, sculpted by nature, have a great diversity of colours ranging from black to red and are in stark contrast to the blue of the ocean.            

Day 3  Machico to Santana        
This morning, walk the scenic cliff trail up to the north coast. There is a gradual climb up to the crest of the cliffs at Boca do Risco, where you will enjoy some amazing views along the north coast. You may even be able to see the nearby island of Porto Santo. Head west along the coastal path, a spectacular route in many places, cut right into the cliff before descending to the sleepy little town of Porto da Cruz. Transfer to Santana for the night.                  

Day 4  Queimadas Natural Park    
From Santana, take a short transfer to Queimadas Natural Park where you'll walk along the Levada do Caldeirao Verde. Finish this walk at the isolated village of Ilha, before returning to Santana for the night.        

Day 5  Vereda do Fanal to Porto Moniz      
Start today on the Paul da Serra plateau and end at the Unesco World Natural Heritage site of Fanal Forest. Walk via open landscapes with fabulous views over the Ribeira da Janela and Chão da Ribeira valleys. End the hike at the fairytale Fanal Forest, a small volcanic crater filled with twisted trees and often shrouded in mist. Take time to absorb the unique energy of the forest before returning to Porto Moniz.    

Day 6  Encumeada to Funchal      
After a morning transfer via the mountainous interior, today is free for you to explore Funchal, the island capital and your 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.          

Day 7  Funchal                  
Today, embark on the most strenuous walk of the trip. Depart early to reach the third highest mountain on the island, Pico Arieiro in time for sunrise, then continue to Pico Ruivo the highest peak, for more fantastic views. Finish your walk 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 transfer back to Funchal.        

Day 8  Funchal    
Your tour comes to an end after breakfast.