Madeira Circular Hiking Tour

Madeira Circular Hiking Tour Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival in Porto da Cruz

Today you can relax on the black sandy beach in the small fishing village Porto da Cruz. You can visit one of the last remaining sugar mills where you can try the well-known “Poncha”, which is a local drink made from sugar cane liquor, honey and freshly squeezed orange juice.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Porto da Cruz
Distance: None
Meals: None

Day 2 Circular walk along the wild north coast

After a short transfer to Machico, you will walk along the impressive north coast on one of the old supply routes, which was previously used to cultivate the vineyards. Today one of the nicest footpaths runs along this route to Porto da Cruz. Enjoy the breath-taking views.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Machico
Distance: 4-5 hours, 15km, 550m of ascent, 550m of descent
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 Porto da Cruz – Sao Vicente, the quiet North Coast

In the traditional town, Santana, which is well-known for its typical houses, you will start today’s stage. Accompanied by amazing panoramic views you ascend from the wild coastline, further upwards past small gardens with wine, sugar canes, vegetables and fruit, until you reach a spectacular viewpoint. From there you can see across the entire northern shore stretching from Porto Moniz to Ponta de Sao Lourenco. If the weather is great then you will also be able to see the neighboring island Porto Santo, which is located north of Madeira. The stunning Kings Levada then leads you through jungle-like vegetation to the waterfall and springs of Ribeiro Bonito.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Sao Vicente
Distance: 4-5 hours, 15km, 650m of ascent, 150m of descent
Meals: Breakfast

Day 4 Sao Vicente – Porto Moniz, high plateau and cloud forest

Transfer to the mountains or more specifically to the Paul da Serra high plateau. Today’s walk brings you closer to Madeira’s green mountains. You will walk along high-altitude paths rich in spectacular views, through shady laurel forests, which are partially an UNESCO world natural heritage site. An amazing hiking trail takes you through colorful blooming broom bushes to Fanal, a fairytale-like wood forest and pasture area: crooked trees, green meadows and grazing highland cattle create a very special mystical atmosphere. In the afternoon you reach the coastal village of Porto Moniz with its wonderful views at the blue sea. This charming place is well-known for its natural swimming pools, which were formed by the ocean from black lava rock.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Porto Moniz
Distance: 3-4hours, 11km, 150m of ascent, 350m of descent
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 Porto Moniz – Calheta, Levada Nova

Today you will walk along the south west coastline via green hills, which steeply drop into the sea after a while. In this part of the island you will discover the original way of life of its habitants, especially Prazeres is known as one of the loveliest villages of Madeira island. On your walk through fragrant eucalyptus forests, you will keep seeing Callas, Amarryllis and Agapanthus growing wildly. You will stay overnight in the lively coastal village, Calheta. It has a fine sandy beach and an elegant marina.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Calheta
Distance: 4-5 hours, 17km, 50m of ascent, 650m of descent
Meals: Breakfast, dinner

Day 6 Calheta – Funchal, Levada do Norte

Short transfer along the southern coast before you set off up to Levada do Norte where you get amazing views from. It is also the longest and widest Levada in the south. You will walk through typical farmed terraces and discover a vast variety of fruits. Along small villages like Quinta Grande and Campanario to the Cabo Girao, which is the highest steep cliff in Europe. From there you will get a fantastic view of the terraced fields below you and of the coastline until the capital, Funchal.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Funchal
Distance: 5 hours, 15km, 250m of ascent, 150m of descent
Meals: Breakfast

Day 7 Circular walk Monte & botanic gardens

You reach the pilgimage site Monte by cable car, situated high above Funchal. After a visit to the church Nossa Senhora do Monte you can marvel at the dynamic wicker basket sledgers before embarking on your final stage. With a marvellous view onto the coast from Funchal the route leads you once again across subtropical island vegetation and back into the capital. We highly recommend you visit the amazing botanical garden giving you an understanding of the exotic flora of the island on an area of 35.000 square metres.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Funchal
Distance: 3 hours, 8km, 100m of ascent, 550m of descent
Meals: Breakfast

Day 8 Departure or extra days

Depart Funchal today!
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast