Festive Walking in Madeira
Madeira now comes with a festive twist. This special Christmas departure combines scenic walks, mild winter weather, and the vibrant atmosphere of Funchal’s markets and celebrations. Guests stay in a centrally located adults-only hotel, perfectly placed for the city’s festivities. The well-paced holiday is designed for active adults blending iconic landscapes with seasonal charm—an appealing addition to our portfolio at a peak travel time.
What you’ll love
- Buffet-style Christmas Gala Dinner with drinks (24th Dec) – a joyful evening spent together with fellow walkers.
- Free Christmas Day (25th Dec) – time to relax, explore Funchal’s festive spirit, or simply enjoy the mild climate.
- Centrally located adults-only hotel – perfect for easy access to Funchal’s Christmas markets, lights, and seasonal celebrations.
- Explore Madeira’s rugged landscapes – from dramatic coastlines to emerald-green mountains.
- Step onto Cabo Girão – Europe’s highest glass skywalk with breathtaking views.
- Follow the famous levadas – scenic trails leading to stunning waterfalls.
- Sample Madeira’s renowned fortified wine – a taste of the island’s heritage.
What’s included
- Return flights from London Gatwick, including baggage and transfers (flights available from other airports - price may vary)
- A choice of 2 guided walks per day with local leaders (on walking days)
- HF Holidays Tour Manager
- 7 nights' accommodation in Funchal
- 7 breakfasts & 7 dinners with drinks including a buffet-style Christmas Gala Dinner (24th Dec)
- All in-destination transport
Trip Notes
Easy to download as a PDF, our trip notes provide detailed information for every holiday. Please click below to find the trip notes for your departure date.
Welcome to hotel. Unpack and settle in
Today our walks take us to the north of the island on two exciting routes in the Sao Roque Valley to Porto da Cruz. Our day will include a visit to the pretty bay of Porto da Cruz.
Option 1 - Into the North of the Island
Distance: 6 miles (10km)
Total ascent: 260 feet (80m)
Total descent: 0 feet (0m)
In summary: Starting from Cruz we ascend through farmland to join the Levada Castelejo. We follow the Levada upstream to enjoy views of the spectacular gorge before turning and following the Levada Castelejo and the Levada Nova through the quiet countryside to Referta.
Highlight: Exploring one of the greenest and most unspoiled valleys in Madeira followed by a visit to a seaside village.
Option 2 - Lombo Grande
Distance: 7 miles (11km)
Total ascent: 950 feet (290m)
Total descent: 1130 feet (345m)
In summary: Starting in the village of Roque do Faial we ascend through small farms to Lombo Grande then descend through woods to join the Levada Castelejo. The route follows the beautiful Sao Roque valley to Cruz and then on to Referta.
Highlight: Following a levada from its source, along a spectacular valley
Our walks today take us to the western end of the island. We’ll travel past Funchal before entering the Ribeira Brava Gorge. The coach will then take us high onto the western moors. This side of the island differs greatly from the high volcanic peaks in the east. Here rolling moorland offers views over the sea in both directions on a clear day. Torches are useful on this day, when walking through one of the levada tunnels, which is 800m long. Before returning to the hotel we call at the dramatic Cabo Girao skywalk viewpoint.
Option 1 - The Moorland Levada
Distance: 6 miles (10km)
Total ascent: 100 feet (30m)
Total descent: 985 feet (300m)
In summary: We'll stop first to experience the magnificent Cabo Girao glass skywalk, before heading inland. Our walk follows a gentle levada path to a lovely viewpoint over the hills and woods of Rabacal before descending to Levada das 25 Fontes which will lead us via a tunnel through a mountain ridge to meet our coach.
Highlight: Rabacal is considered one of Madeira's most beautiful areas.
Option 2 - Four Levadas in a day
Distance: 7 miles (11.5km)
Ascent: 460 feet (140m)
Descent: 985 feet (300m)
In summary: We'll take in the scenery at the Cabo Girao viewpoint as our first stop, en route to our walking start point. Following the Levada do Alecrim, we have sweeping views down the Rabaçal valley. Our route continues with views of the deep Ribeira da Janela valley, descending through woodland to a rock pool perched between two waterfalls. Our walk ends on the Levada 25 Fontes.
Highlight: Traverse three of the five Levadas in the Rabaçal valley.
We'll journey to the centre of the wonderful island of Madeira and marvel at Pico Ruivo, the island’s highest peak at 1861m.
Each week there is a free day when no guided walks are offered. This is an ideal opportunity to relax around the hotel, walk independently or visit local places of interest.
Christmas Day is a public holiday so some attractions and services may not be available in Funchal and surrounding areas.
Our walks today are at the far eastern end of the island. Walk along the São Lourenço peninsula and take a boat trip to the fishing village of Caniçal.
Today is a public holiday, so some shops and local attractions might be closed; however, our planned itinerary will remain unchanged.
Today's walks take us to the north coast on the eastern side of Madeira.
Option 1 - Ribeira Seca
Distance: 6 miles (10km)
Ascent: 785ft (240m)
In summary: This walk takes us above the Ribeira Seca to the viewpoint at Boca do Risco. After a picnic we'll walk along the coast path that was once used to carry wine and rum from the Porto da Cruz to Machico. Continuing along this path, we'll make our way towards the outskirts of Porto da Cruz where we'll be met by our transfer that will take us back to the hotel.
Highlight: The views across the coastline from Boca do Risco.
Option 2 - Ribeira Seca and Porto da Cruz
Distance: 9.5 miles (15km)
Ascent: 590 feet (180m)
Descent: 1150 feet (350m)
In summary: Our longer walk follows the same route as option 1 but lengthens things by continuing along the coast path all the way into Porto da Cruz.
Highlight: The views of the coastline from Boca do Risco
We hope to see you again soon.
Hotel The Views Baía 4* - Adults Only
We are staying at Twin Land View Rooms, sea view room available at a supplement.
Set on the hills overlooking Funchal Bay, The Views Baía Hotel offers a peaceful adult‑only escape with a cosmopolitan atmosphere and some of the best views on the island. Guests can enjoy the region’s gastronomy, with traditional Portuguese flavours given a tropical twist, fresh fish, and carefully selected local produce.
Rooms
The hotel has 238 en-suite bedrooms spread over nine floors.
Traditional in style, with small balconies, fridge, kettle, tea/coffee facilities, and safe.
Sea View Rooms: Same facilities as Land View, but with stunning city and ocean vistas.
About your stay
This adults-only hotel is designed for a more elevated stay, combining stylish design and serene surroundings.
Heated outdoor pool with pool bar (open daily 10am–6pm).
Woogie Boogie cocktail Bar open from 6 pm to midnight.
Spa open until 8pm.
Wi-Fi is free throughout the public areas of the hotel.
The hotel provides a courtesy shuttle bus five times a day (excluding weekends and public holidays).
The hotel is home to Desarma Restaurant, a Michelin one‑star rooftop venue offering a fine dining experience with panoramic views over Funchal. The restaurant is open Tuesday to Saturday, with evening seatings available between 7:00 pm and 9:00 pm. Please note that dining here is not included in the holiday cost and must be pre‑booked in advance directly with the restaurant.
Food & drink
Our holidays in Madeira are offered on a half‑board basis, including buffet breakfast served at BayView Restaurant from 7:30am to 10:00am and buffet dinner from 6:30pm to 9:00pm. Half board also includes a choice of alcoholic or soft drink during along with coffee or tea after the meal. On 24 December 2026, during the Gala Dinner, drinks are included as usual, but coffee and tea are not served.
Lunch (payable locally)
Guests have several convenient options for lunch during their stay. The hotel offers the possibility to pre‑order packed or picnic lunches (from €7–15 for a generous picnic), while nearby shops and cafés provide alternative choices. The Plaza Madeira Shopping Centre, located just a 10‑minute downhill walk from the hotel, is perfect for picking up supplies. For a lighter option, sandwiches can be purchased at local supermarkets for around €3–4.
Your evenings
On the return from your daily excursion, our local leaders will tell you about the next day's activities and answer any questions you may have. During the evening why not relax with our tour manager and companions in the beautiful bar overlooking the sea.
Essential information
It's best to be prepared for all weather conditions. To make it easier, here is a list of items you should consider packing.
Essentials
- Walking boots
- Waterproof jacket
- Waterproof trousers
- Insulated jacket/top
- Walking clothing
- Walking socks (plus spares)
- Sunhat
- Gloves/mitts and warm hat
- Water bottle (minimum 2 litre capacity)
- Headtorch
- High-factor sunscreen (minimum SPF 30)
- Sunglasses with a dark lens
- Rucksack (15-30 litres)
- Mobile phone
- Personal first aid kit (containing your medication, blister plasters, etc.)
- Passport
- Visa (if applicable)
- Copy of your travel insurance policy
- UK Global Health Insurance Card (formerly known as EHIC)
Recommended
- Collapsible walking poles
- Swimwear and travel towel
- Snacks
- Dry bags
- Rubbish bags
- Insect repellent
Optional extras
- Camera
- Sit mat
- Flask for hot drinks
- Durable lunch box
- Gaiters
- GPS device (excluding Bhutan, Georgia and India)
Guest reviews
All holidays are subject to availability. Supplements may apply.
Extra Savings for Members
HF Members save £30pp in the UK, £50pp in Europe & £80pp on worldwide holidays. Call us to join, add membership when booking online, or find out more here.If you choose land only, you will be responsible for making your own travel arrangements, including your flights and airport transfers at your destination. Any flights booked independently will also not be covered by our ATOL license.
| Date (Start - End) | Itinerary | Double / Twin Room | Single Room | Notes / Offers | Trip Notes | Book | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | ||||||||
|
21 Dec - 28 Dec 2026 7 nights |
Christmas Itinerary Flight from London Gatwick Airport Single from £2,429 Double from £2,149 pp |
from £2,149 pp |
from £2,429 |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
| Date (Start - End) | Itinerary | Double / Twin Room | Single Room | Notes / Offers | Trip Notes | Book | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | ||||||||
|
21 Dec - 28 Dec 2026 7 nights |
Christmas Itinerary Single from £2,079 Double from £1,799 pp |
from £1,799 pp |
from £2,079 |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
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