Madeira is an island of fascinating natural beauty and enticing climate. Known as the pearl of the Atlantic, it rises steeply along with its small island neighbour in splendid isolation off the coast of Africa. An island of volcanic origin, it is a haven for those seeking a relaxing holiday in close proximity to nature. Bursting with the exotic colours of subtropical flowers and lush laurisilva forests. Gardens and parks are everywhere planted with all manner of exotic trees, shrubs and blooms.
Its mountains are rugged and inspiring, with jagged peaks and plunging valleys filled with lush vegetation. Here you will find the more challenging walking, where dramatic cliff top walks zig zag along paths with the Atlantic lapping below. There is also plenty of easier walking suitable for even the least experienced walker. A network of Levada's contour the mountain sides their banks planted with wild hydrangeas, lilies and agapanthus. Built to carry water from the abundant springs in the north to the cultivated areas of the south. These irrigation channels provide gentle walks through the wilds, allowing you to explore some of the dramatic mountainscapes at the heart of the island. Stroll alongside the constant stream of bubbling water with ever-changing views of deep valleys and hillsides often with splendid sea views in the background.
The historic and beautiful town of Funchal, set in a natural amphitheatre by the sea in the south of the island, is an ideal location for your walking holiday in Madeira. It has a lively commercial centre with contrasting quiet pedestrianised streets and pretty squares (many painstakingly restored with mosaic-like miniature cobblestones) and an abundance of parks and gardens. The Old Town is atmospheric with its street flower-sellers, narrow streets and period buildings. Its vibrant restaurants specialise in delicious fresh seafood and very many have folk groups and dancing. A cable car will take you quickly up to Monte where you can enjoy magnificent panoramic views over Funchal. A visit to the Monte Palace Tropical Gardens is a must, with the option of returning by wicker basket!
The paths are generally of good quality, with some uneven sections and tunnels. Some walks, particularly those which follow the levadas, do require a head for heights and may not be suitable for vertigo sufferers. The description of each walk will indicate if it has vertiginous sections.
This single-centre holiday is based at the following hotel. If you'd like to extend your stay here, or upgrade your room, just let us know at the time of booking.
To find out more call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or email sales@headwater.com
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
NEARBY:
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
Call now to speak to our specialist team at 0044 1606 720199 or email us at sales@headwater.com for enquiries or to book your trip.
Here at Headwater we thrive on feedback and pride ourselves on our excellent customer service. Below is a small selection of reviews we've received from our satisfied customers.
Very quick reply to a weekend enquiry. Helpful and comprehens8ve service. Friendly.
We both enjoyed our trip to Amalfi. Hotel was great although at first were a bit disappointed staying in the annex. However the food and staff were fantastic, we were really looked after. The walks were varied, were pretty demanding with the long stretches of steps. The walk via the nature reserve was our highlight, off the beaten track, stunning backdrop.
Years ago we took a headwater trip and I know it was a good trip. Once again we are going on a headwater trip. Our contact, Helen Hodson was professional, friendly and very helpful to us. She answered our questions and wrote a wonderful itineraries for us. Best of all, she was very thorough and very prompt with her responses.
You can be confident that our pricing includes all the standard requirements of your holiday and many additional extras. Always ensure that you are comparing like for like when booking your holiday.
This 7 night self-guided walking holiday includes:
Single-centre accommodation in a hotel
All breakfasts
Headwater navigation app for your smartphone
How to book:
To book this holidays speak to our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'book now' or 'check availability' button below.
To book this holiday call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'Book now' or 'check availability' button below.
We do not currently have departure dates and prices available on-line. The season may have ended for this tour, or we are still in the process of adding these details to our website. Please contact us for further details.
Solo travellers
Please call for details and prices
Children
Please contact us for child prices.
Holiday type
Self-guided walking Managed locally by Headwater appointed agent.
Departures
Meals
All breakfasts
This holiday does not include any flights or rail.
To book this holidays speak to our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'book now' button above.
If you need further information before you book simply complete our Holiday Enquiry Form and a member of our sales team will get back to you.
To book this holiday call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'Book now' or 'Check availability' button below.
