Madeira
The lush green island of Madeira has many contrasting landscapes that can be visited on our Classic Walking holidays. Enjoy guided walks along the stunning levada paths that snake around the rich terraced hillsides of sugar cane, cherry trees and banana plantations. All around are lush forests, soaring mountains and sparkling streams. We also follow cliff-top paths along Madeira's dramatic northern coastline high above the crashing Atlantic waves.
Our peaceful hotel, located near the small village of Serra de Agua is our base for exploring this fascinating garden island.
- A walker's paradise of constantly changing scenery
- Excellent levada paths that snake along lush hillsides
- An island rich in flamboyant botanical interest
Detailed information
| Classic Walking programme |
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On these holidays there is a choice of two guided walks for varying abilities each day.
ITINERARY
Day 1: arrival day |
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Day 2: enjoy a selection of dramatic mountain and
levada paths above Serra de Agua, with stunning
views down to the coast.
Day 3: follow the Levada dos Tornos as it
meanders around the verdant hillsides.
Day 4: exhilarating high-level walks through the
mountains of the Central Highlands passing below
the summit of Pico Grande.
Day 5: free day - perhaps spend a day exploring
Funchal's shops and museums and visiting the
island's celebrated botanical gardens.
Day 6: follow a high moorland levada with stunning
views down to the coast, with the option of visiting
a huge volcanic caldera.
Day 7: ascend to the Pico do Suna for excellent
views of the coast and high inland peaks, before
descending via peaceful levada paths to Santo da
Serra.
Day 8: departure day |
Local transport to and from walks:
Local transport is not included in the cost of your holiday.
Please allow up to €70 (approx £48) per week for
local transport, excluding your free day.
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| Footpath information |
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Easier Walks: 5½ to 9 miles with up to 700ft of ascent in a day. |
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Harder Walks: 8 to 11 miles with up to 1,950ft of ascent in a day. |
Both walks use narrow, and sometimes exposed, levada paths and cobbled tracks through hilly terrain.
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| Dates and prices |
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| Sat 1, 15 March 2008 |
£675 |
£445 |
| Sat 22, 29 March 2008 |
£699 |
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| Sat 5, 12, 19, 26 April; 3 May 2008 |
£675 |
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| Sat 20, 27 Sept; 4, 11, 18 Oct 2008 |
£675 |
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Single room supplement: £13 per night
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| Climate Information |
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| March |
15°C |
10°C |
6 |
75mm |
| April |
16°C |
10°C |
6 |
48mm |
| May |
17°C |
11°C |
6 |
30mm |
| September |
22°C |
16°C |
7 |
39mm |
| October |
20°C |
14°C |
6 |
82mm |
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| Travel to resort |
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Transfer from airport - If you book this holiday 'with flight' you will arrive on Madeira at Funchal airport. The onward journey to the hotel by coach
takes around 1 hour.
Latest HF Holidays Flight Information - updated 31/05/2007 (provisional)
Air Portugal
Gatwick - Funchal
Out 16:35 - 20:05
Return 11:55 - 15:35
Airport Parking: To book secure airport parking throughout the UK visit Purple Parking or Holiday Extras to book on-line.
Airport Hotels: To book airport hotels throughout the UK visit Holiday Extras to book on-line.
Airport Lounges: To book airport lounges visit Holiday Extras to book on-line.
Making your own travel arrangements
By Air: Madeira's airport, on the island's east coast, is served by a number of scheduled and charter flights.
To reach the hotel:
 Our Airport Hoppa service operates at this resort, offering quick and easy transfers for guests booking their own flights. All prices are per person for single journeys, allowing you to mix and match different transfer options. Transfers must be pre-booked no later than 5 weeks before departure - we will then confirm all the details approximately 3 weeks before your holiday.
From Funchal Airport
- by hoppa transfer £32 single
- by transfer coach* £16 single
*The HF Holidays' coach is timed to connect with the flights time above.
Hoppa Transfers - can be booked to meet any flight and offer a direct transfer to your hotel.
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| What the holiday includes |
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- Return economy class air travel - 'with flight' option.
- Airport transfers - 'with flight' option.
- 7 nights' accommodation in en-suite rooms.
- Half Board - breakfast & evening meals.
- Services of 2 HF Holidays' leaders.
- 5 guided walks..
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| Where you'll stay |
POUSADA DOS VINHATICOS
An exclusive mountain retreat offering excellent accommodation, meals and service, with outstanding views over the terraced hillsides and green valleys.
There are 21 en-suite bedrooms are very well-appointed, situated in either the main house or a modern and attractive garden building. Facilities include a restaurant, bar/lounge and terrace.
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