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Madeira, the island garden in complete freedom
Self-guided trip
Madeira: the island of adventure, lush nature and unforgettable hiking! This Madeira holiday will take you on a totally free exploration of the island. You'll explore the Laurissilva forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site, discover the natural pools of Porto Moniz, and admire the panoramic views from Pico Ruivo, the highest point on the island. Spectacular scenery, impressive mountains, winding levadas and lush forests - each day you can choose your own itinerary.
The extras of La Vie Sauvage
Discover the island in total freedom,
A wide choice of hikes,
The variety of landscapes.
A wide choice of hikes,
The variety of landscapes.
PORTUGAL
-
Madeira
from 1 140 €
8 days
7 nights
7 activities days
Next departure on 20-05-2024
Activity
Hike
RoamingTrip Semi-itinérant
Physical level
Technical level
Code: MADENL02
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Day by day program
Day 1: Welcome and drive to Ribeira Brava
You will be met by your car hire company at Funchal airport
and collected. Transfer with your vehicle to Ribeira Brava on the
island's south coast. Known for its mild, sunny climate, the south
coast boasts a rich cultural and natural heritage.
Check-in at your hotel in Ribeira Brava for 3 nights.
TRANSFER TIME: 35 min
ACCOMMODATION : in a hotel ****
Check-in at your hotel in Ribeira Brava for 3 nights.
TRANSFER TIME: 35 min
ACCOMMODATION : in a hotel ****
Days 2 to 3: Discovering the south and centre of the island: a choice of hikes
For the next two days, you can choose between several hikes
from Ribeira Brava. The majestic peaks, culminating in Pico Ruivo
in the centre of Madeira, have a significant impact on the island's
landscape. This region is a hiker's paradise with numerous trails
and levadas (irrigation channels) offering panoramic views of deep
valleys, lush forests and waterfalls.
Easy level :
Easy level :
- From Boa Morte to Cabo Girao: following the levada do Norte in the shade of the acacia trees, which runs at the same altitude as Pico Alto at 524m, you reach the glass platform of Cabo Girao. An impressive view from one of Europe's highest cliffs on the seafront. Approx. 3h20 walk - 12.4 km - D+ 80m D-10m.
- Pico Ruivo from Achada do Teixeira: climb to the island's highest peak at 1862m, open to all thanks to a paved path. Panoramic views, choose the day with the best weather. Approx. 2 hours' walk - 5.5 km - D+/- 270m.
Medium level :
- From Boca da Encumeada to Curral das Freiras: the path follows an old royal road, once very busy, to reach a ridge with views over Curral das Freiras (the Valley of the Religious). The scenery is varied, with views of rocky ridges and forest passages. Approx. 4hrs 20mins walk - 12.9km - Gain 450m - Loss 850m.
Difficult level :
- From Pico Ariero to Pico Ruivo: a hike on the roof of Madeira along a prepared path. Pass through a heather forest and the Casa Abrigo refuge to reach Pico Ruivo after a steep climb. The views from here are breathtaking. Approx. 5h30 walk - 11.4 km - D+/- 1250m.
- The summit of Pico Grande: at an altitude of 1654m, the mountain fascinates with its geological formation, like a jagged rock fortress. From a panoramic platform, you'll have a view of Curral das Freiras, then from the summit, a view of the centre of the island. Approx. 4 hrs walk - 9.4 km - D+/- 670m.
ACCOMMODATION: in a hotel ****
Day 4: Off to the north-west of the island
After your hike (see choice of hikes above), you take your
vehicle to the wilder, more unspoilt north-west coast of the
island. You reach Porto Moniz, whose natural pools filled with
tidal water are the ideal place for a swim.
Check into your hotel in Porto Moniz for the next 2 nights.
ACCOMMODATION: in a *** hotel or in a **** hotel, depending on the category chosen.
Check into your hotel in Porto Moniz for the next 2 nights.
ACCOMMODATION: in a *** hotel or in a **** hotel, depending on the category chosen.
Days 5 and 6: Discovering the north-west of the island: a choice of hikes
For the next two days, you have a choice of several hikes from
Porto Moniz.
Easy level :
- Cascato do Risco near Rabaçal: short hike to a large waterfall 100m high. Approx. 2 hours' walk - 6.4 km - D+/- 240m.
Intermediate level:
- Levada de Rabaçal: panoramic hike along the edge of the levada between the Encumeada pass and the Rabaçal tunnel. On a clear day, the view is over the Ribeira Brava valley and the centre of the island. Approx. 2h20 walk - 8 km - D+/- 10m.
- From Rabaçal to the levada of the 25 springs: between heather and laurel, an enchanting walk along a canal to the Calheta power station. Approx. 2h45 walk - 7.8 km - D+/- 350m.
- Levada dos cedros loop: a route along the levada of the cedars, winding through the laurel forest, down to the spring and on to the viewpoint above the Janela valley. Approx. 3 hrs walk - 11.1 km - D+/- 300m.
- From Achadas da Cruz to Porto Moniz: an ideal hike for enjoying the views, descending into the gorges and then making the equally spectacular ascent to the sheer mountains that plunge into the sea. On the way, you can visit Santa. Approx. 3h20 walk - 6.6 km - D+ 400m D- 800m.
Easy level :
- Cascato do Risco near Rabaçal: short hike to a large waterfall 100m high. Approx. 2 hours' walk - 6.4 km - D+/- 240m.
Intermediate level:
- Levada de Rabaçal: panoramic hike along the edge of the levada between the Encumeada pass and the Rabaçal tunnel. On a clear day, the view is over the Ribeira Brava valley and the centre of the island. Approx. 2h20 walk - 8 km - D+/- 10m.
- From Rabaçal to the levada of the 25 springs: between heather and laurel, an enchanting walk along a canal to the Calheta power station. Approx. 2h45 walk - 7.8 km - D+/- 350m.
- Levada dos cedros loop: a route along the levada of the cedars, winding through the laurel forest, down to the spring and on to the viewpoint above the Janela valley. Approx. 3 hrs walk - 11.1 km - D+/- 300m.
- From Achadas da Cruz to Porto Moniz: an ideal hike for enjoying the views, descending into the gorges and then making the equally spectacular ascent to the sheer mountains that plunge into the sea. On the way, you can visit Santa. Approx. 3h20 walk - 6.6 km - D+ 400m D- 800m.
Difficult level :
- Jardim do mar loop: a hike along the sea with views of the vertical cliffs of the steep coastline, the climbs are steep and the descents are steep but the views reward the difficulty. Approx. 3h15 walk - 7.2 km - D+/- 550m.
At the end of day 6, you take the road to Santana. The town is famous for its traditional houses with thatched roofs and triangular facades: the "palheiros". Santana is also classified as a "biosphere reserve" by UNESCO.
Check-in at your accommodation in Santana for 2 nights.
ACCOMMODATION: in a **/*** hotel or in a **** hotel, depending on the category chosen.
- Jardim do mar loop: a hike along the sea with views of the vertical cliffs of the steep coastline, the climbs are steep and the descents are steep but the views reward the difficulty. Approx. 3h15 walk - 7.2 km - D+/- 550m.
At the end of day 6, you take the road to Santana. The town is famous for its traditional houses with thatched roofs and triangular facades: the "palheiros". Santana is also classified as a "biosphere reserve" by UNESCO.
Check-in at your accommodation in Santana for 2 nights.
ACCOMMODATION: in a **/*** hotel or in a **** hotel, depending on the category chosen.
Day 7: Discovering the north-east of the island: hike of your choice
Madeira's east coast offers a variety of landscapes: from
mountains covered in dense forests to the most arid regions with
the peak of Sao Lourenço, it is packed with impressive geological
formations.
For the next two days, you can choose between several hikes from Santana:
Easy level :
- Sao Lourenço peninsula: this wildly romantic rocky coastline is one of the most popular routes on the island, with spectacular views over this point in the east of Madeira. Approx. 3h walk - 7.7 km - D+/-430m.
- The royal coastal path of Sao Jorge: a panoramic walk on an old paved path that descends to Sao Jorge and climbs up to the Cabeço da Vigia, then continues along the cliff. Approx. 1h50 walk - 4.8 km - D+ 290m D-310m.
For the next two days, you can choose between several hikes from Santana:
Easy level :
- Sao Lourenço peninsula: this wildly romantic rocky coastline is one of the most popular routes on the island, with spectacular views over this point in the east of Madeira. Approx. 3h walk - 7.7 km - D+/-430m.
- The royal coastal path of Sao Jorge: a panoramic walk on an old paved path that descends to Sao Jorge and climbs up to the Cabeço da Vigia, then continues along the cliff. Approx. 1h50 walk - 4.8 km - D+ 290m D-310m.
Medium level :
- Caldeirao do Inferno infernal cirque: hike between caldeirao verde and caldeirao do inferno through a levada fascinating for its location in the difficult-to-access mountain landscape. Waterfalls, tunnels, canyons and a cirque are the highlights of this itinerary. Approx. 2 hrs walk - 5 km - D+/- 110m.
- Caldeirao verde: this hike in the "green" cirque is one of the most popular on the island. The water, which has been seeping in for years, is the source of lush vegetation, imposing gorges and a waterfall with a small lake. Approx. 3h30 walk - 13.3 km - D+/- 40m.
- Levada do rei: hike along the irrigation canal through flourishing laurel to the valley of the "Ribeiro Bonito": the beautiful river. Approx. 2h30 walk - 9.7 km - D+/- 40m.
Difficult level :
- From Porto Da Cruz to Machico: once a favoured communication route, this coastal path above the sea has remained unspoilt and well served. You'll have a view of steep landscapes, terraced fields, the Boca do Risco and its view of the northern coastline, then the Levada do Caniçal before finally reaching Machico. Approx. 4hrs 40mins walk - 14.8km - D+ 410m D- 420m.
- Caldeirao do Inferno infernal cirque: hike between caldeirao verde and caldeirao do inferno through a levada fascinating for its location in the difficult-to-access mountain landscape. Waterfalls, tunnels, canyons and a cirque are the highlights of this itinerary. Approx. 2 hrs walk - 5 km - D+/- 110m.
- Caldeirao verde: this hike in the "green" cirque is one of the most popular on the island. The water, which has been seeping in for years, is the source of lush vegetation, imposing gorges and a waterfall with a small lake. Approx. 3h30 walk - 13.3 km - D+/- 40m.
- Levada do rei: hike along the irrigation canal through flourishing laurel to the valley of the "Ribeiro Bonito": the beautiful river. Approx. 2h30 walk - 9.7 km - D+/- 40m.
Difficult level :
- From Porto Da Cruz to Machico: once a favoured communication route, this coastal path above the sea has remained unspoilt and well served. You'll have a view of steep landscapes, terraced fields, the Boca do Risco and its view of the northern coastline, then the Levada do Caniçal before finally reaching Machico. Approx. 4hrs 40mins walk - 14.8km - D+ 410m D- 420m.
ACCOMMODATION: in a **/*** or **** hotel,
depending on the category chosen
Day 8: Santana - Funchal
Choice of hike (see choice of hikes above) or day at leisure
in Funchal.
Discover the island's capital with its lively tropical market, old town, Madeira wine tasting cellars, craft shops, botanical garden and cable car overlooking the bay...
You can also take an easy hike from Monte to the Jardim botanico along the Levada dos Tornos. The botanical garden is home to exotic and tropical plants from all over the world. Approx. 1h40 walk - 5.8 km - D+ 160m D-430m.
Depending on your flight schedule, return to the airport after returning your hire car.
TRANSFER TIME: 25 min
Discover the island's capital with its lively tropical market, old town, Madeira wine tasting cellars, craft shops, botanical garden and cable car overlooking the bay...
You can also take an easy hike from Monte to the Jardim botanico along the Levada dos Tornos. The botanical garden is home to exotic and tropical plants from all over the world. Approx. 1h40 walk - 5.8 km - D+ 160m D-430m.
Depending on your flight schedule, return to the airport after returning your hire car.
TRANSFER TIME: 25 min
Dates and prices
Dates and prices
Departures possible every day of the year
Prices from 01/11 to 30/03
| Version confort | Version haut de gamme | |
|
1 person 1 double room |
1140€ | 1500€ |
|
2 persons 1 double bedroom |
725€ | 940€ |
|
3 persons 1 triple room |
685€ | 900€ |
|
4 persons 2 double rooms |
640€ | 870€ |
|
5 persons 1 double bedroom 1 triple bedroom |
630€ | 840€ |
Prices from 01/04 to 31/10
| Comfort version | Top-of-the-range version | |
|
1 person 1 double room |
1200€ | 1540€ |
|
2 persons 1 double bedroom |
750€ | 970€ |
|
3 persons 1 triple room |
720€ | 940€ |
|
4 persons 2 double rooms |
680€ | 900€ |
|
5 persons 1 double bedroom 1 triple bedroom |
660€ | 880€ |
Options available:
Comfort accommodation for individuals: €220 for 7 nights
Individual accommodation in top-of-the-range accommodation: €300 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 for a quote.
The price includes
Travel documents,
Rental car from D1 to D8,
Accommodation in a room of 2,
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.
Technical sheet
Level
Each day you choose the level of your walk, depending on what you want to do and how fit you are. Most of the walks are on well-marked paths and tracks, although you should be aware that there are not as many signs as in other countries. Some routes require good physical condition and a good sense of direction. As the island is very steep, there may be a risk of vertigo, but this will be detailed in each walk.
To help you make your choice, there are several degrees of difficulty for the walks:
- Easy: fairly wide, moderately steep paths. Can be done in any weather.
- Medium: paths and steep slopes that are often narrow and slightly exposed in places, to be avoided if you are afraid of heights.
- Difficult: paths and mule tracks, often narrow and steep. They may be covered in scree in places, and you may need to use your hands to climb. For these hikes, you must not be afraid of heights.
Accommodation
Comfort version :
Days 1 to 3: Ribeira Brava
4-star hotel nestling on the heights of the town, with views of the ocean and surrounding mountains. Spacious, comfortable rooms. Indoor and outdoor pools and wellness area with fitness room.
Day 4 and 5: Porto Moniz
3-star hotel offering sea views and a central location, with the natural pools of Porto Moniz less than 10 minutes away on foot.
Day 6 and 7: Santana
2/3* hotel overlooking the Atlantic Ocean with an outdoor swimming pool surrounded by lush vegetation.
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.
Group
From 1 participant.
Management
No guide on this trip.
Before your departure, we'll give you a topo guide with precise indications that will enable you to 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 upon receipt of the balance (within one month of the departure date).
They include :
- Topo guide with a wide choice of itineraries and hikes with technical descriptions,
- A map of Madeira,
- A roadmap showing the accommodation booked for your stay.
Welcome
At Funchal airport.
How to get there :
By plane
Regular flights
With TAP Air Portugal, flights via Lisbon from Paris Orly, Lyon and Marseille (daily connections).
- With Transavia, direct flights from Paris Orly (daily flights).
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
The last day 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 necessary 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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