Hiking in Madeira: the Flower Island

Easy:

• Boa Morte to Cabo Girão: Follow the Levada do Norte, shaded by the acacia trees, maintaining the same altitude as Pico Alto at 524m, until you reach the Cabo Girão glass platform. From here, enjoy one of Europe’s highest cliffs, offering breathtaking views of the coast. Approx. 3h 20m walk - 12.4 km - D+ 80m, D-10m.

• Pico Ruivo from Achada do Teixeira: Hike to the highest peak on the island at 1,862m, accessible via a paved path. Enjoy sweeping panoramic views-just be sure to pick a day with clear weather. Approx. 2 hours walk - 5.5 km - D+/- 270m.

Medium:

• Boca da Encumeada to Curral das Freiras: This trail follows an old royal road, once heavily traveled, leading to a ridge with views of Curral das Freiras (Valley of the Nuns). The route offers a mix of rocky ridges and forest sections. Approx. 4h 20m walk - 12.9 km - Elevation Gain 450m - Loss 850m.

Challenging:

• Pico Ariero to Pico Ruivo: A challenging hike along the roof of Madeira, following a well-prepared path. Traverse through heather forests and past the Casa Abrigo refuge before ascending to Pico Ruivo. The views from the summit are truly spectacular. Approx. 5h 30m walk - 11.4 km - D+/- 1250m.

• Summit of Pico Grande: Standing at 1,654m, this peak boasts an impressive geological formation resembling a jagged rock fortress. From a panoramic platform, enjoy views of Curral das Freiras, and from the summit, take in views of the island's interior. Approx. 4 hours walk - 9.4 km - D+/- 670m.

Easy:

• Cascata do Risco near Rabaçal: A short hike leading to a stunning 100m-high waterfall. Approx. 2 hours walk - 6.4 km - D+/- 240m.

Intermediate:

• Levada de Rabaçal: A scenic hike along the levada's edge, stretching between the Encumeada pass and the Rabaçal tunnel. On clear days, enjoy views of the Ribeira Brava valley and the island's interior. Approx. 2h 20m walk - 8 km - D+/- 10m.

• From Rabaçal to the Levada of the 25 Springs: Wander through heather and laurel forests along the levada, heading towards the Calheta power station. Approx. 2h 45m walk - 7.8 km - D+/- 350m.

• Levada dos Cedros Loop: A route along the Cedars levada, winding through laurel forests, descending to a spring, and reaching a viewpoint above Janela valley. Approx. 3 hours walk - 11.1 km - D+/- 300m.

• From Achadas da Cruz to Porto Moniz: A great hike for panoramic views, descending into deep gorges before climbing steeply towards rugged mountains that plunge into the sea. Along the way, you can visit Santa. Approx. 3h 20m walk - 6.6 km - D+ 400m, D- 800m.

Difficult:

• Jardim do Mar Loop: A coastal hike with spectacular views of vertical cliffs and steep climbs and descents. The effort is rewarded with breathtaking vistas. Approx. 3h 15m walk - 7.2 km - D+/- 550m.

At the end of day 6, you make your way to Santana, a town known for its traditional thatched-roof houses with triangular facades, known as "palheiros." Santana is also a UNESCO-recognized "Biosphere Reserve."

Check-in at your accommodation in Santana for a two-night stay. 
 
ACCOMMODATION: hotel **/*** or **** hotel, depending on your chosen standard of accommodation.

Easy:

• Sao Lourenço Peninsula: This dramatic and rugged coastline is one of the island's most popular hikes, offering breathtaking views of the eastern tip of Madeira. Approx. 3 hours walk - 7.7 km - D+/- 430m.

• The Royal Coastal Path of São Jorge: A scenic walk along an old paved path, descending to São Jorge, climbing up to Cabeço da Vigia, and continuing along the cliffs. Approx. 1h 50m walk - 4.8 km - D+ 290m, D- 310m.

Medium:

• Caldeirão do Inferno Cirque: Hike from Caldeirão Verde to Caldeirão do Inferno along a levada that winds through a rugged mountain landscape. The trail features waterfalls, tunnels, canyons, and a stunning cirque. Approx. 2 hours walk - 5 km - D+/- 110m.

• Caldeirão Verde: A popular hike through the lush "green" cirque, where years of water seepage have created a rich environment filled with vegetation, dramatic gorges, and a waterfall with a small lake. Approx. 3h 30m walk - 13.3 km - D+/- 40m.

• Levada do Rei: Follow this irrigation canal through thriving laurel forests to the picturesque "Ribeiro Bonito" valley, known as the beautiful river. Approx. 2h 30m walk - 9.7 km - D+/- 40m.

Difficult:

• From Porto da Cruz to Machico: Once a vital communication route, this coastal trail offers unspoiled views of steep landscapes, terraced fields, the Boca do Risco with its dramatic views of the northern coastline, and the Levada do Caniçal, before reaching Machico. Approx. 4h 40m walk - 14.8 km - D+ 410m, D- 420m.

Alternatively, you can take an easy hike from Monte to the Jardim Botânico along the Levada dos Tornos. The botanical garden features an impressive collection of exotic and tropical plants from around the world. Approx. 1h 40m walk - 5.8 km - D+ 160m, D- 430m.

Depending on your flight schedule, return to the airport after dropping off your rental car. 
 
TRANSFER TIME: 25 min