Explore the island of Madeira, a true hiker's paradise, with its volcanic landscapes, lush forests, and breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. This trip will introduce you to the island's natural treasures, from verdant levadas to rugged peaks and picturesque villages.
The program includes varied hikes suitable for all walking levels, from easy strolls along the levadas to more challenging routes reaching the island's highest peaks. You will also visit the charming city of Funchal, with its colorful market, exotic gardens, and historic monuments. Local meals and French-speaking guides will ensure an immersive and enriching experience. Whether you are a nature lover or a culture enthusiast, Madeira will offer you an unforgettable adventure.
SUD EVASION ADVANTAGES
- ● Guided tour of Funchal, its market, and botanical gardens
● Tasting of artisanal Rum
● Hotel located in Funchal Bay with wellness center and swimming pool
Day 1 - DEPARTURE TO FUNCHAL
Meet at the airport. Check-in, boarding formalities, and flight to Funchal on a low-cost airline. Then, transfer by local coach to your 3/4-star hotel in the Funchal region. Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 2 - HIKE TO RABACAL LEVADA
After breakfast, depart for a day hike in the west of the island, at an altitude of 1,000 m on the Paúl da Serra plateau. In the heart of the Laurisilva (endemic laurel forest), a first levada leads to a beautiful viewpoint overlooking the Risco waterfall, one of the island's most stunning. Then continue through the woods along a second levada towards a small lagoon where 25 springs cascade. Free time to take some photos and refresh yourselves in clear water. The landscapes on this hike will remind you of tropical island postcards. Packed lunch. Return to the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 3 - HIKE TO CALDEIRAO VERDE LEVADA, PICO DO AREIRO, PICO RUIVO AND ACHADA DO TEXEIRA
Easy level: After breakfast, depart for the north of the island to the 'das Queimadas' natural park. The hike begins at the refuge at an altitude of 980 m and follows a levada overlooking beautiful green landscapes with lush forests. The arrival at the Green Cauldron is superb. Free time to take some photos and dip your feet in a small lagoon with icy waters, fed by a beautiful waterfall.
Moderate / difficult level: Breakfast and departure for one of the island's most beautiful hikes, but also one of its most challenging. Depart towards Pico do Arieiro (Madeira's 3rd highest peak) before heading north to Pico Ruivo, the island's highest point at 1871 meters. The route consists of ridges, cliffs, and numerous tunnels.
Packed lunch. Return to the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 4 - HIKE TO PONTA DE SAO LOURENCO, JARDIM DO MAR AND PAUL DO MAR
Easy level: After breakfast, depart for a beautiful hike on the eastern tip of the island. Breathtaking landscapes of volcanic rock and almost desert-like vegetation undeniably contrast with the rest of the island. The ocean water there is crystal clear, and the ascent of the last hill is a real highlight! Thanks to its geology, flora, and fauna with numerous endemic species, this 9 km peninsula has been a protected natural reserve since 1982. In addition to its vegetation, it also hosts many bird species, and even monk seals that can occasionally be spotted in summer.
Moderate / difficult level: Breakfast and departure for a beautiful hike located in the southwestern part of the island. Beautiful views and landscapes await you there and will complement the other walks of your stay.
Packed lunch. Return to the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 5 - HIKE IN FUNCHAL
After breakfast, depart from your hotel for a city tour. The day begins with a visit to Santa Catarina Park, offering breathtaking views of Funchal Bay, followed by the municipal garden, covering 8,300 m2, with numerous endemic plants, flowers, and trees. There is also an opportunity to observe many other exotic species from around the world. Then, after a stop at the Sé Cathedral, the visit continues to Funchal's historic district, better known as Zona Velha. Visit the Workers' Market (Mercado dos Lavradores) with its colorful displays of fruits, vegetables, and spices. An annex is also dedicated to the sale of local fish, Espada (scabbardfish), tuna, sea bream… Finally, a stroll will be taken along Rua Santa Maria, known for its many doors repainted by artists and students from the fine arts school. Lunch at a restaurant in the old town (drinks included). In the afternoon, visit the Botanical Garden and Christo Rei. Return to the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 6 - HIKE TO LARANO, PORTELA, BOCA DO RISCO AND CANICAL
Easy level: Breakfast and departure for a walk connecting Machico to Porto da Cruz via an old path once used by the local population for trade between places. The first part of the route begins at the Levada dos Maroços, bordered by agricultural fields and mimosas. Enjoy a beautiful view of the island's former capital, Machico, before taking an inclined path towards Boca do Risco. This spot is considered one of the most beautiful viewpoints on the east of the island. You will continue your walk towards Porto da Cruz along a coastal path with breathtaking views of the ocean and the cliffs of Madeira's north coast.
Moderate / difficult level: Breakfast and departure. The starting point of this walk is near what is known as the House of the Levadeiros, bypassed by the hydrological resource of the Levada dos Maroços, which will lead to numerous terraced agricultural fields of fruits and vegetables before taking an inclined path towards Boca do Risco. This spot is considered one of the most beautiful viewpoints on the east of the island. Then, the walk towards Portela continues along a coastal path with breathtaking views of the ocean and the cliffs of Madeira's north coast.
Packed lunch. Return to the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 7 - HIKE TO VEREDA DO FANAL, VEREDA DO FANAL AND CHAO DA RIBEIRA
Easy level: After breakfast, depart for a beautiful hike on the Paul da Serra plateau. This route takes place in a primary forest cover area of the Madeira archipelago, the Laurisilva. This laurel forest, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999, is part of the European network of sites of community importance 'Natura 2000 Network'. The landscapes are spectacular, and the centuries-old trees give this place an enigmatic feel.
Moderate / difficult level: After breakfast, depart for La Vereda do Fanal, which will allow you to traverse the indigenous Laurissilva forest. This forest area, native to Madeira and listed as a UNESCO natural world heritage site, is found here in a perfect state of conservation and development. It is a landscape of great natural exuberance, which accompanies and defines the entire hike on the Vereda do Fanal.
Packed lunch. Return to the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 8 - RETURN
Breakfast and coach transfer to Madeira airport. Check-in, boarding formalities, and flight to France.
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