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Voyages authentiques
Madeira, the best of the island
This hiking trip on the island of Madeira offers the chance to discover one of the most stunning destinations in the Atlantic Ocean. This authentic Portuguese archipelago is a true paradise for nature enthusiasts and hikers. Surrounded by unique flora and fauna, you'll be able to explore a variety of trails, from dramatic coastlines to lush green valleys, all while enjoying panoramic views of the island's interior. It's the perfect opportunity to recharge and immerse yourself in nature's beauty!
Highlights
Madeira's must sees,
The majestic Pico Ruivo,
Comfortable accommodation.
The majestic Pico Ruivo,
Comfortable accommodation.
8 days
/ 7 nights
from 670 €
Activity
Hike
Journey TypeTrip Semi-itinérant
Trip TypeLiberté
Hiking Grade : Terrain Difficulty : Possible departures from 5 May to 1 January
Code: MADENL01
Day by day program
Day 1: Arrival at Funchal - Machico airport
Meet your car hire agent at the airport and pick up your hire car.
Transfer with your vehicle to Machico, a magnificent typical town nestling in the bay.
Check into your accommodation in Machico for two nights.
TRANSFER TIME: 10 minutes
ACCOMMODATION : in a hotel***.
Day 2: Crossing from Machico to Porto da Cruz via the Boca Riso
Departing from the lively coastal village of Machico, hike one
of the most beautiful crossings of your stay in Madeira. On this
"wine route", trade between Machico and Porto da Cruz was brisk at
a time when this was the only access route.
From the sea, the first challenging climb (the only one) will take you on a short diversions to Pico Facho, where the view of San Laurenço Point is unique. Then, via the Levada Canical, you'll reach the Boca Riso (risky hole), the start of an extraordinary trail with a balcony overlooking the ocean... You'll then wind your way through a string of hamlets as you descend to Porto da Cruz...
After this fifteen-kilometre crossing, you will need to return by bus (less than €5 per person) or taxi (less than €10 per person).
Return to your accommodation.
HIKING TIME: 5h30
ASCENT: + 450 m
DESCENT: - 450 m
DISTANCE: 14.5 km
TRANSFER TIME: 30 minutes by taxi or 2 hours by bus
ACCOMMODATION: in a 3-star hotel
From the sea, the first challenging climb (the only one) will take you on a short diversions to Pico Facho, where the view of San Laurenço Point is unique. Then, via the Levada Canical, you'll reach the Boca Riso (risky hole), the start of an extraordinary trail with a balcony overlooking the ocean... You'll then wind your way through a string of hamlets as you descend to Porto da Cruz...
After this fifteen-kilometre crossing, you will need to return by bus (less than €5 per person) or taxi (less than €10 per person).
Return to your accommodation.
HIKING TIME: 5h30
ASCENT: + 450 m
DESCENT: - 450 m
DISTANCE: 14.5 km
TRANSFER TIME: 30 minutes by taxi or 2 hours by bus
ACCOMMODATION: in a 3-star hotel
Day 3: Levada do Caldeirao Verde
A surprising hike on one of the island's most popular levadas, in the midst of exuberant vegetation, clinging to the vertical walls of this cirque shaped by omnipresent water.
Tunnels, waterfalls, paths carved out of the rock... the beauty of this thrilling itinerary will lead you to one of Madeira's most impressive waterfalls.
It's possible to extend this adventure to Caldeirao do Inferno (+2h), making this itinerary difficult, safe and exposed at times to vertiginous passages... this extension will allow you to enter a cirque twice as high as Caldeirao Verde, with progress in the midst of fascinating and highly sophisticated levada catchment facilities!
Settle into your accommodation in Santana for 3 nights.
HIKING TIME: 5h30
ASCENT: + 150 m
DESCENT: - 150 m
DISTANCE: 11.5 km
TRANSFER TIME: 40 minutes
ACCOMMODATION: in a **/*** or **** hotel,
depending on the category of accommodation chosen.
Day 4: Levada do Rei
An easier day today, to make the most of your hotel's
facilities.
Suspended on the heights of Sao Jorge, the Levada do Rei offers tranquillity and refreshment, with its comfortable path under a sometimes dense laurel forest offering plenty of shade.
With its source in Ribiero Bonito (a beautiful river), the 10km round trip will allow the most discerning to take a dip in the waterhole at the finish, or a good shower under the waterfalls above the levada.
HIKING TIME: 4h30
ASCENT: + 155 m
DESCENT: - 155 m
DISTANCE: 9.9 km
TRANSFER TIME: 40 minutes
ACCOMMODATION: in a **/*** hotel at **** depending on the category of accommodation chosen.
Suspended on the heights of Sao Jorge, the Levada do Rei offers tranquillity and refreshment, with its comfortable path under a sometimes dense laurel forest offering plenty of shade.
With its source in Ribiero Bonito (a beautiful river), the 10km round trip will allow the most discerning to take a dip in the waterhole at the finish, or a good shower under the waterfalls above the levada.
HIKING TIME: 4h30
ASCENT: + 155 m
DESCENT: - 155 m
DISTANCE: 9.9 km
TRANSFER TIME: 40 minutes
ACCOMMODATION: in a **/*** hotel at **** depending on the category of accommodation chosen.
Day 5: Pico Ruivo
The island's highest peak is easily reached from Achada
Teixiera in 3? hours round trip... aim for the best day of the
week, as the panorama will be breathtaking...
Optional variation: If you wish to make the crossing between Pico Ariero and Pico Ruivo, it will be possible to organise the outward transfer to Pico Ariero, then pick you up in the afternoon below Pico Ruivo to take you back to your starting point. This is Madeira's most exciting crossing on an exceptional path built 50 years ago between these two peaks. (Transfer to be booked on registration or on the spot (if you wish to have a choice of weather conditions). Transfer costs €45 per person, subject to availability).
HIKING TIME: 4h30 (5h30 with the variant)
ASCENT: + 270 m (650 m with the option)
DESCENT: - 155 m (650 m with variant)
DISTANCE: 9.9 km
TRANSFER TIME: 40 minutes
ACCOMMODATION: in a **/*** hotel or in a **** hotel, depending on the category of accommodation chosen.
Optional variation: If you wish to make the crossing between Pico Ariero and Pico Ruivo, it will be possible to organise the outward transfer to Pico Ariero, then pick you up in the afternoon below Pico Ruivo to take you back to your starting point. This is Madeira's most exciting crossing on an exceptional path built 50 years ago between these two peaks. (Transfer to be booked on registration or on the spot (if you wish to have a choice of weather conditions). Transfer costs €45 per person, subject to availability).
HIKING TIME: 4h30 (5h30 with the variant)
ASCENT: + 270 m (650 m with the option)
DESCENT: - 155 m (650 m with variant)
DISTANCE: 9.9 km
TRANSFER TIME: 40 minutes
ACCOMMODATION: in a **/*** hotel or in a **** hotel, depending on the category of accommodation chosen.
Day 6: The Encumeada balconies
Another magnificent day discovering the Encumeada balconies,
where we suggest you climb two levadas on both sides of this
dividing line between the north and south of Madeira. This "Y"
shaped hike will give you two very different panoramas, with
vegetation that adapts to the exposure of this mountain, which you
will cross through impressive tunnels (torch compulsory).
Check into the hotel in Porto Moniz for 2 nights.
HIKING TIME: 5 hours
ASCENT: + 40 m
DESCENT: - 45 m
DISTANCE: 11.5 km
TRANSFER TIME: 1h40
ACCOMMODATION: in a hotel*** or in a hotel**** depending on the category of accommodation chosen.
Check into the hotel in Porto Moniz for 2 nights.
HIKING TIME: 5 hours
ASCENT: + 40 m
DESCENT: - 45 m
DISTANCE: 11.5 km
TRANSFER TIME: 1h40
ACCOMMODATION: in a hotel*** or in a hotel**** depending on the category of accommodation chosen.
Day 7: The 25 springs loop
The 25 Fontes loop is one of Madeira's most popular
itineraries.
It is one of the levada that supply the Caletha hydroelectric power station. It's a romantic route through heather and laurel that leads to the 25 Fontes waterfall, where the bravest can take a refreshing dip.
The casa Rabaçal provides a well-deserved break before returning to the car park.
HIKING TIME: 4h30
ASCENT: + 350 m
DESCENT: - 350 m
DISTANCE: 9 km
TRANSFER TIME: 40 minutes
ACCOMMODATION: in a hotel*** or in a hotel**** depending on the category of accommodation chosen.
It is one of the levada that supply the Caletha hydroelectric power station. It's a romantic route through heather and laurel that leads to the 25 Fontes waterfall, where the bravest can take a refreshing dip.
The casa Rabaçal provides a well-deserved break before returning to the car park.
HIKING TIME: 4h30
ASCENT: + 350 m
DESCENT: - 350 m
DISTANCE: 9 km
TRANSFER TIME: 40 minutes
ACCOMMODATION: in a hotel*** or in a hotel**** depending on the category of accommodation chosen.
Day 8: Levada Bica Cana or Funchal Tropical Market
Several options for this day:
Levada Bica Cana:
On this final day, you'll discover an intimate levada, which stretches elegantly along rock faces offering incredible views of the south coast.
Far less popular than the other routes, this day will delight you with unique panoramas 1300m above the sea... Its tiny, refreshing waterfall at the finish will welcome privileged hikers who have walked this narrow, unshaded levada.
Funchal market :
Free day in Funchal to discover its lively tropical market, its old town, its Madeira wine tasting cellars, its craft shops, its botanical garden or its cable car overlooking the bay... Enough to keep you busy for those last few moments on the "Flower Island"!
HIKING TIME: 4h
ASCENT: + 145 m
DESCENT: - 145 m
DISTANCE: 9 km
TRANSFER TIME: 1h40
Levada Bica Cana:
On this final day, you'll discover an intimate levada, which stretches elegantly along rock faces offering incredible views of the south coast.
Far less popular than the other routes, this day will delight you with unique panoramas 1300m above the sea... Its tiny, refreshing waterfall at the finish will welcome privileged hikers who have walked this narrow, unshaded levada.
Funchal market :
Free day in Funchal to discover its lively tropical market, its old town, its Madeira wine tasting cellars, its craft shops, its botanical garden or its cable car overlooking the bay... Enough to keep you busy for those last few moments on the "Flower Island"!
HIKING TIME: 4h
ASCENT: + 145 m
DESCENT: - 145 m
DISTANCE: 9 km
TRANSFER TIME: 1h40
Certaines étapes peuvent être modifiées pour des raisons techniques et/ou de météo ainsi que l'ordre des jours pour des raisons de disponibilités dans les hôtels.
Dates and prices
Dates and prices
Departures possible every day of the year
Prices from 01/11 to 30/03
| Comfort version | Top-of-the-range version | |
|
For 1 person 1 double room |
1140€ | 1640€ |
|
2 persons 1 double bedroom |
740€ | 1040€ |
|
3 persons 1 triple room |
670€ | 1100€ |
|
4 persons 2 double bedrooms |
640€ | 970€ |
|
5 persons 1 double bedroom 1 triple bedroom |
620€ | 940€ |
Prices from 01/04 to 31/10
| Comfort version | Top-of-the-range version | |
|
1 person 1 double room |
1200€ | 1700€ |
|
2 persons 1 double bedroom |
810€ | 1120€ |
|
3 persons 1 triple room |
770€ | 1040€ |
|
4 persons 2 double bedrooms |
730€ | 1100€ |
|
5 persons 1 double bedroom 1 triple bedroom |
710€ | 990€ |
Options available:
Comfort accommodation for individuals: €220 for 7 nights.
Individual accommodation in top-of-the-range accommodation: €350 for 7 nights.
Possibility of adapting the stay with more or fewer days (proposal on request).
For requests for more than 5 people, please contact us.
The price includes
Travel documents,
Rental car from D1 to D8,
Accommodation in a room of 2, depending on the package chosen,
Breakfasts from D2 to D8,
Dinners from D2 to D7,
Registration fees.
The price doesn't include
Insurance, including optional insurance for vehicle hire,
Air travel,
Fuel,
Any parking charges,
Site entrance fees,
Drinks,
Lunches,
Dinner on day 1,
Personal expenses,
Single room option,
Late drop-off supplement for arrivals after midnight.
Personalize your trip
Do you like this trip but would you like to add a few modifications? We can make you a tailor-made proposal.
Trip Notes
Level
Medium level.
Between 4 and 6 hours' walking.
Accommodation
Comfort version :
Days 1 and 2 in Machico
Centrally located 3-star hotel with rooftop terrace and panoramic views. Pebble beach 200 m away on foot. Comfortable, spacious rooms.
Days 3 to 5 in Santana
2/3-star hotel overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, with an outdoor swimming pool surrounded by lush vegetation.
Day 6 and 7 in Porto Moniz
3-star hotel with sea views in a central location, with the natural pools of Porto Moniz less than 10 minutes away on foot.
Top of the range version :
Days 1 and 2 in Machico
Centrally located 3-star hotel with rooftop terrace offering panoramic views. Pebble beach 200m away on foot. Comfortable, spacious rooms.
Days 3 to 5 in Santana
4* hotel perched on the edge of a cliff with an exceptional view of the Atlantic, bordered by vineyards. Comfortable, tastefully decorated rooms. The hotel has an outdoor infinity pool and wellness area.
Days 6 and 7 in Porto Moniz
4-star hotel overlooking the sea and the coast of Porto Moniz. Ideal location for visiting the town and the natural pools. The hotel has an indoor and outdoor swimming pool and a wellness area. Comfortable rooms with sea view.
Internal transfers
By hire car.
For the duration of your stay, you will drive a category B or D rental vehicle, depending on the number of people.
A higher category is available at extra cost. Please contact us for details.
Please note: the driver must be at least 23 years old and have held a driving licence for at least 1 year.
Category B - 1 to 2 people
Type: Citroën C1 or similar
Category D - 3 to 5 people
Type: Hyundai I20 or similar
Included in the rental price :
- 8-day car rental, unlimited mileage.
- Pick-up and drop-off at Funchal airport.
- Third-party liability insurance.
Not included in the price of the car rental and payable locally: excess buy-back, theft, glass breakage and tyre damage, passenger insurance, additional driver insurance.
Supplement charged for arrival after midnight, to be paid on site (even for delayed flights).
Extra charge for infant/child seats, to be paid locally.
IMPORTANT
Before you leave :
Check with your bank to make sure that your international bank card is compatible for vehicle collection.
Check that the international option on your credit card is activated, and that the limit is sufficient to cover the excess.
When collecting your vehicle:
- Show the car hire company your bank card and driving licence in the name of the main driver shown on the booking, as well as the licences of any additional drivers so that they can be insured (according to your quote).
- If you have taken out additional protection or optional services, they must be included in the contract, so make sure you check this (you can ask for a contract drawn up in French).
And conversely, make sure that the options and insurance you have booked do not appear in the supplements you have to pay; don't forget that any contract you sign is binding on you.
- Check the condition of the vehicle before setting off and have any damage recorded on the contract.
In all cases, we recommend that you read the contract carefully on the spot. If you initial and sign the contract with additional insurance, the hire company will debit your credit card accordingly and this amount will not entitle you to any refund from us.
Baggage carrying
With your hire car.
Group
From one person.
Management
There is no guide on this trip.
Before you leave, we'll give you a road book specially designed for this tour, with precise instructions so that you can explore and hike in complete freedom. To fully enjoy and appreciate your hiking trip, you must be able to ensure your autonomy in the field with the documents provided.
Hiking folder
Travel documents will be sent to you after receipt of the balance (within one month of the departure date).
They include :
- A technical description of the itinerary and hikes,
- A map of Madeira,
- A route map showing the accommodation booked for your stay.
Welcome
At Funchal airport.
How to get there :
By plane
Scheduled flights :
- With TAP Air Portugal, flights via Lisbon from Paris Orly, Lyon and Marseille (daily connections).
- With Transavia, direct flights from Paris Orly (daily service).
Seasonal flights :
- With Ryanair direct flights from Paris Beauvais (on Mondays and Fridays), from Marseille (on Wednesdays and Sundays).
- With Easyjet, direct flights from Paris CDG (Wednesdays and Sundays until March and in July and August, then Saturdays from April to June), from Lyon (Tuesdays and Saturdays), from Geneva (Tuesdays and Saturdays).
Dispersion
At Funchal airport.
Formalities
Valid national identity card (maximum stay 2 months) or passport (maximum stay 3 months) for French, Belgian or Swiss nationals. For other nationalities, we will be happy to help you with the formalities.
Individual equipment
Luggage
You must pack all your belongings in 2 bags: 1 rucksack and 1 large soft travel bag.
1 - The rucksack :
A hiking rucksack with a capacity of around 35 litres, it will be useful for carrying your personal belongings during the day.
It can also be used as hand luggage when travelling for all your fragile items (cameras, etc.), valuables (if your accommodation does not have a safe) and any medicines you may need.
It will be in the cabin when travelling by air. Generally, cabin baggage is limited to 10 kg per person.
2 - The large flexible travel bag:
This should contain the rest of your belongings. You'll find it every evening. It will be transported by your hire car.
Before your departure, you will receive Terres d'Aventure labels, which will enable you to identify your luggage with your name and address, and will facilitate the grouping of bags on arrival at the airport.
It will be in the hold during air transport. The weight of hold baggage will be indicated on your ticket.
Clothing
- 1 sun hat or cap
- 1 scarf
- T-shirts. Avoid cotton, which takes a long time to dry; prefer short-sleeved T-shirts made from breathable material
- 1 undershirt or long-sleeved shirt
- 1 fleece jacket
- 1 pair of shorts
- 1 pair of trekking trousers
- 1 pair of comfortable evening trousers
- 1 light, simple Gore-tex jacket
- 1 rain cape
- 1 pair of waterproof overtrousers (optional)
- 1 swimming costume
- Underwear
- Walking socks. Avoid tennis socks (cotton), which take a long time to dry and carry a high risk of blisters.
- 1 pair of hiking boots with good ankle support (Vibram-type soles)
- 1 pair of sandals or casual shoes for the evening.
The clothing list should be adapted to suit the season.
Equipment
- 1 pair of high quality sunglasses
- 1 pair of telescopic poles (optional): make ascents and descents easier, and are very useful on uneven or slippery terrain.
- 1 water bottle (minimum 1.5 litres)
- 1 headlamp (essential for tunnels)
- 1 pocket knife (to be packed in checked baggage)
- 1 small pouch (preferably waterproof) for your money
- Toiletries: preferably biodegradable products
- 1 quick-drying towel
- Sun cream and lip balm
- An airtight plastic box to carry your picnic, a cup and cutlery
Personal pharmacy
- Your usual medicines
- Pain medication: preferably paracetamol
- Elastic adhesive tape (Elastoplast type, 6 cm wide)
- Sets of adhesive dressings + disinfectant pads
- Double skin (for blisters, available from sports shops, chemists, drugstores, etc.)
- Mosquito repellent (optional)
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