There are few destinations able to ideally blend outstanding hotels and meeting facilities with exceptional leisure activities and Madeira is one of them.
Year-round sunshine and the warm spring temperatures make Madeira an exceptional retreat from the
harsh Northern Europe winters. Unspoilt countryside, the peace and tranquillity combined with the warmth
of the people, are high on the list of reasons why many visitors return year after year.
This is a fascinating landscape, with its high mountains and deep valleys covered by exotic vegetation and
colourful flowers. Add to these attractions the charm of the small villages and the cosmopolitan rhythm of
the capital, Madeira, and you have plenty of good reasons to set off and explore every corner of the island.
Whatever the option, there is always a common theme to the choices: the art of making you welcome!
We hope you will enjoy this Madeira experience!
Madeira Airport (Google Map)
3 Hours Before Flight Time
Throughout Madeira there is an incredible, man-made irrigation system called levadas. The wide branched canal system extends over 2,000 kilometers and intersects the island. For almost 600 years, the rainwater from the mountains in the north has been brought down to the crops on the steep terraces in the south. In addition to supplying Madeira’s crops with water, the Levadas are also used as hiking trails – in fact, it is almost as if they were built for it! Through nature’s green play of colors and with the hiking boots on, we experience some of Madeira’s green irrigation channels between mountains, wooded valleys and waterfalls that quietly run down the hillsides. Here we enjoy nature among fragrant pine and eucalyptus forests, exotic plants and a true wealth of colorful flowers. The silence and mood sometimes reach meditative heights,
Madeira has no less than 200 official levadastias, which are divided into degrees of difficulty – from easy to challenging and direct throbbing migrations. The easy levada walks take place in flat terrain with wide paths and without steep slopes. The medium levada walk is similar to the easy one, but offers narrower trails. The paths vary in width from ½-1 meter, just as the landscape varies. We have carefully selected three hikes of easy to medium difficulty and a length between about seven and ten kilometers per hike. It is not strenuous hiking, and we join a local nature guide as well as our own Danish tour guide at a leisurely pace with small breaks along the way. The routes are different, so we get a good idea of what the island has to offer. In addition to the levada walks, we have also included a city walk in the main town of Funchal.
We live on the south coast of the elegant city of Funchal. The 4-star hotel enjoys an excellent location with direct views of the Atlantic Ocean, and all rooms have a private balcony with sea views. The hotel is a good starting point for our hikes and a great base for relaxing, enjoying each other’s company and exploring beautiful Madeira.
ARRIVAL at the “floating garden”, flight TBA.
After collecting their luggage from the conveyer belt, the clients will be met by the local team (English
speaking) and conducted by bus to the chosen hotel (luggage in the bus) for check-in procedures.
09h00 – In the centre of Funchal we will take you to a visit of the City’s Cathedral Sé, the beauty of its
architecture derives for a blending of Hispano-Arabic and gothic-Romanesque lines. Built in 1514, it has one of the most beautiful ceilings of Portugal, carved from local wood in the Hispano-Arabic style. There are even some examples of Portugal’s Manueline period in the architectural details.
This half-day trip will not be completed without a visit to the city market – flowers, fruits and vegetables stands are placed around a central patio and, at the bottom of the stairs, you will find the fish marked, where, among other species caught in this part of the Atlantic, you will see the amazing “espada” fish. At the Embroidery Factory you will be able to see the beautiful designs created and transferred to the cloth and then the finishing process.
At last, we will pay a visit to a wine cellar which will allow you to taste the various types of Madeira Wine.Lunch at local restaurant including drinks.
After lunch, our trip will take us to Pico dos Barcelos. When this panoramic viewpoint is reached, we enjoy
the view over the town of Funchal, with the Deserted Islands in the background.
We continue our visit towards Monte, where we have the opportunity of enjoying the shade of its big
sycamores, or walk through the gardens that have flowers all year round, and finally, climb the long stairs to
the Church of Our Lady of the Monte. Emperor Karl I, the last monarch of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, was
exiled in Madeira in 1921, and is buried in the chapel beside this church.
After visiting the church we will have the chance of trying one of the oldest transportations in Madeira the
Carros de Cestos (Toboggans – Not included), which make their way down the sharply winding road curves.
Return to the hotel and free time at leisure.
The valley of Rabaçal is one of natures greatest exultations. Descending from the plateau of Paúl da Serra,
we arrive at the Rabaçal guesthouse from where we walk to the Risco waterfall. We then descend to the
Levada of 25 Fontes and walk along the maintenance path. After a while we reach a small lake at the bottom
of a cliff which towers above us, from the cliff face, 25 natural springs cascade into the small lake. Walking
back to our vehicle we go through a tunnel which takes the water to the south of the island.
Return to Funchal and to the hotel.
Difficulty Grade: Moderate // Walking time: 4 Hours // Distance: 11 Km.
This is perhaps the most well known levada in Madeira.
As we walk along this footpath you will marvel at the display of light and shade filtering through the laurel
and heather trees. The trout swimming in the levada along side the path, dash for cover as they perceive our
approach. As we near Lamaceiros, the view of Porto da Cruz and Eagle Rock far below are out of this world.
A walk that must not be missed.
Difficulty Grade: Moderate // Walking time: 4.5 Hours // Distance: 12 Km.
Starting at the Queimadas guesthouse and walking along the Levada of Caldeirão Verde called Madeira, we make our way westwards through an emerald green paradise. Soon after the start we see the most
spectacular views of the villages far below. A waterfall comes into view and soon after passing it, we go
through some short tunnels and after a while we arrive at Caldeirão Verde majestic waterfall. Following a
short rest, during which we have our picnic, we begin the return journey. An highly recommended walk to
some of the most remote parts of the island.
Difficulty Grade: Moderate // Walking time: ±4,5 Hours // Distance: 13 Km.
09h00 – This is it! This is the walk that will give you a complete perspective of the beauty of the island. Rock formations shoot into the sky like timeless statues. All along this route the views are breath-taking. A profusion of unique plants make this place their natural habitat. In springtime these plants proudly dress themselves in a myriad of colours, displaying their fragile flowers for all to see. Near Pico Ruivo we walk through the oldest heather forest in existence. These ancient trees are many hundreds of years old and were already there when Zarco discovered and landed on the island for the first time. We soon arrive at Pico Ruivo (the highest point on the island) and the views from there are out of this world. Truly and as the saying goes « On a clear day you can see forever ».
Dif. Grade 4: Difficult walk // Walking time: 5 Hours // Distance: 13 Km.
Discover the other face of Madeira. Starting at Ponta de São Lourenço up to Casa do Sardinha, on the very
east point of Madeira allowing you amazing views to both the north and south side of the Island, the
Desertas and Porto Santo (depending on weather).
Ponta de São Lourenço is classified as a natural reserve and part of Natura 2000. Enjoy the amazing rock
formations and the flora, fauna of the peninsula. You can also go for a swim, if you want and return fresher
and lighter.
On our way back to Funchal we make a stop in Machico before returning to the Hotel.
Difficulty: Challenging walk // Walking time: ±3.5 Hours // Distance: 8 Km.
At the convened time, usually 2H30 prior to the flight’s time, we will leave the hotel towards the Cristiano’s
Ronaldo Madeira International Airport (luggage in the bus).
Once arrived at the airport, the clients must collect their own suitcases and proceed to the respective check
in counter(s). Our team will assist the group during the check in procedure.
