Hiking in Madeira
6 days, Santana to Funchal
Itinerary
Day 1Santana
Arrive at any time. Tonight, meet your CEO and fellow travellers at the welcome meeting, then opt to head out for dinner with the group.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Optional Activities - Day 1 HideShow
A-frame House Visit
Learn about the region's traditional houses and visit a beautifully preserved, typical A-framed house in Santana, located a short walk from the hotel.
Day 2Santana
The Levada do Caldeirão Verde is one of the island's greenest, lushest trails - a beautiful walk any time of the year. Set out for a half-day hike over varied terrain, with panoramic views over São Jorge village and the mountains that surround the valley. Enjoy a picnic by the waterfalls.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Hike the Levada do Caldeirão Verde
Observe the island's natural flora as you meander along this popular hiking trail, which gets its name from the lush carpet of green that surrounds travellers on the Levada do Caldeirão Verde. Hike over dirt trails and stone paths, which can get a little slippery - walking sticks can be provided if needed. Stop for a picnic lunch by the waterfalls and lagoon.
Highest altitude: 915m
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 3Santana/Funchal
Summit one of the island's tallest peaks, the Pico do Arieiro. At an altitude of 1,818m, it's the third highest in Madeira. The hike requires some scrambling with steep ascents, but stunning views of the island above the cloud line make every step worth it.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Hike the Pico do Arieiro
Today's challenging hike up to Pico do Arieiro takes us through uneven, rocky terrain, a man-made tunnel and some steep ascents that may require scrambling over rocks. Reach the summit at 1,500m above sea level. If the conditions are right, find yourself above the clouds, looking down over Madeira.
Highest altitude: 1,859m
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 4Funchal
Hike to the Cabo Girão viewpoint, one of Europe's highest and rightfully a popular destination on the island. Traverse the skywalk, a glass walkway that extends over the edge of the cliffs, looking down straight into the sea. Enjoy stunning views of the southern coast. Later, opt to try Madeira's famous poncha - a drink made with aguardente de cana (distilled sugarcane liqour) that's often sweetened with fruit.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Cabo Girão Cliffs and Skywalk
Walk along the winding Cabo Girão trails and take in beautiful panoramic views of the sea. At the trail's end, find the skywalk, jutting out of the cliffs at over 580m above sea level.
The hike is 6km total and takes about 5.5 hours.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 5Funchal
Enjoy a full free day. Opt to take a scenic jeep tour, explore the town, or take a cable car up to nearby Monte and take an exhilarating toboggan ride back down to Funchal.
Free Time
There's lots to see and do. Get out and explore!
Optional Activities - Day 5 HideShow
Full-Day Jeep Tour
Hop in a jeep and take a full-day tour of Madeira's northwest coast.
Funchal Visit
Wander around the island's capital to get a glimpse of local life. Opt to visit the Cathedral of Funchal (Sé) and the colourful Rua da Santa Maria with over 200 painted doorways. Or opt to take a funicular up to the suburb of Monte, and see its beautiful tropical palace garden. If you're up for the thrill, take a toboggan ride back down to the city centre.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 6Funchal
Depart at any time.