MARVELS OF MADEIRA WALKING

Surging from the Atlantic Ocean, Madeira offers a temperate sub-tropical paradise perfect for year round walking. On this independent hotel-to-hotel holiday, the island’s unique network of water channels, known as levadas, guide you from the sleepy wine village of Santana on the north coast to bustling Funchal in the south. Fringed with a rainbow of colourful flora, the levadaslead you inland to breezy Santo da Serra before returning to the coast at Camacha, renowned for its traditional wicker production.

One of Madeira’s many charms is its infinite variety; each day’s walking and every levada are different. Landscapes vary from cultivated vine terraces and verdant slopes dotted with white hamlets to coastal cliffs with balcony views over the azure seas.

A nature lover’s paradise, there are over 120 endemic species of flora and fauna including the Pride of Madeira, Bird of Paradise, jacaranda as well as tiny bisbis birds, chaffinches and hawks – the list is endless.

The places we stay in offer as many contrasts as the walks: in Santana our hotel is surrounded by vineyards (join in with the harvest if you’re there in September!) and has its own wine cellar; in Camacha, sweeping ocean views make dining here an experience you’ll treasure long after your return home and, in Funchal, the ***** Quinta da Bela Vista is one of the most exclusive hotels on the island.

For more infomation about this holiday, including hotel descriptions, travel options and full holiday itinerary, please see our new 'further details' section.