Walk the Garden Island of Madeira

Walking information

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.

Day 1: Arrive in Madeira

Arrive at your hotel in Funchal, your base for the week. The walks can be done in any order, depending on weather conditions. For all of the walks public transport will be needed to get to the start/from the end (payable locally).
You stay at the Hotel Orqueida or the Quinta de Penha de Franca

Day 2: Sao Lourenco walk 8km/5mi/3hr

This is a half day coastal walk on the most easterly point of the island. It is a walk like no other on the island, in a Nature Reserve (payable locally) where some of the plants are not just endemic to Madeira, but to this part of the island. Along with the flora, you'll enjoy spectacular cliff scenery.

Day 3: Ribeiro Frio to Portela 11km/7mi/3.5hr

This is a classical levada walk, along the Levada do Furado and Levada da Portela. Whilst walking through the thick laurel forest the views are restricted, but from Rocha dos Pingos onwards there are increasing opportunities of views to the sea at Faial and Porto da Cruz. The levada passes through a number of interesting rock arches before arriving at a good viewpoint over the Machico valley.

Day 4: Poiso to Porta da Cruz 12km/7.5mi/4.5hrs

This is an attractive walk covering a small amount of open hillside to start, a steep and secretive descent beside a small swiftly flowing levada, a more level section (but rough underfoot) beside a levada (where you can see trout swimming), and a walk along and down a wooded ridge to finish. Weather permitting, you should obtain good views over the north coast, embracing Faial, Aguia (Eagle Rock) and Porto da Cruz.

Day 5: At Funchal

Enjoy a day exploring Funchal, . You can visit its magnificent gardens, wander along picturesque streets vibrant with jacaranda and squares with Portuguese cobblestone pavements, or perhaps simply stop and relax at one of the pavement cafes and watch the world go by. Funchal's museums and historical buildings are also well worth a visit and there are art galleries with works by national and international artists. Funchal's market happens on a Friday when all the flowers, fruit, vegetables and fish sellers on the island set up shop in the old central market place. The sheer range, colour and smell of the produce are quite amazing, and it is difficult to pass through without buying anything! With stunning views overlooking Funchal, Monte is certainly worth a few hours of your time. Take the cable car up for a wonderful way to appreciate the fabulous views of Funchal and its surrounding valleys.

Day 6: Camacha to Santo da Serra 19km/12mi/5.5hr

This walk starts in the village of Camacha, the centre of Madeira’s willow craft industry and worth an explore before starting the walk. Following the Levada dos Tornos, as the name suggests there will be many twists and turns along the way, along with some tunnels. After the first tunnel you emerge into a luxuriant landscape of eucalyptus, mimosa and sweet chestnut and many flowers. The terraces the levada was built to water can be seen below you.

Day 7: Estreito de Camara de Lobos to Boa Morte 20km/12.5mi/6hr

All year round this is a walk with a sun-blessed aspect, through landscape rich in cultivation. Here in early autumn the grapes are harvested for some of Madeira's best-known wines, and the valleys are thick with cherry trees, full of blossom in spring, and banana farms. It is possible to extend this walk to the viewpoint at Cabo Girão.

Day 8: Leave Madeira