Wild Landscapes of Madeira

2027 dates available On Offer

7 nights accommodation

Availability Nov 2026, Jan-Mar 2027

One itinerary available

Half Board

Grades 2 & 3 details

978kg CO2 details

Non-members From

£1,712

pp

Inc flights

Members From

£1,662

pp

Inc flights

For group booking of 10 or more please click here
Measuring only 35 miles long and 14 miles wide, small-but-mighty Madeira wows visitors with gorgeous, flower-filled landscapes, interesting cultural sites, delicious food and wine, plus year-round sunshine. Our holiday on this Portuguese island introduces you to a landscape crisscrossed with levadas (irrigation channels used as walking trails), thundering waterfalls, prehistoric forests, green mountains, and sea cliffs that soar high above the Atlantic Ocean. You’ll also have time to explore Funchal - the charming capital best known for its cathedral, colourful farmers’ market, and seafood restaurants.

Accommodation

A range of handpicked hotels...
A short bus ride from Funchal, and occupying an enviable position on the southeast coast, the clifftop 4-star Hotel Sentido Galosol offers fine views of the Atlantic Ocean, the Ilhas Desertas and the rocky Madeiran shore. The hotel is located within the resort of Caniço de Baixo, a residential area with shops and a few local restaurants. The hotel complex, shared with the sister property on the lower cliff, has an impressive range of facilities including indoor and outdoor swimming pools, gym and wellness centre.

Walking grades and options

This is a level 2 and level 3 graded Activity, Easier walks: 2 to 6 miles (3 to 10 km) on good paths, with some rocky sections. Up to 1,020 feet (310m) of ascent in a day, as we walk to Pico Ruivo. Harder walks: 4.5 to 9.5 miles (7 to 15 km) on good paths with some steep ascents and descents. There are also some rocky sections. Up to 1,150 feet (350m) of ascent in a day. Both walking levels have a notable ascent, up to 1,020 feet (310 m) on the easier level and up to 2,130 feet (650 m) on the harder level, which are on the trip to Pico Ruivo.

Please be aware that some levadas have, exposed sections and may not be suitable if you suffer from vertigo. This is especially the case on the cliff walk at Verado Do Larano, where there are some steep drops. We also advise to bring waterproofs all year, especially for walking at height where we are more likely to get rain. The levada footpaths can become slippery after rain. All the levadas we walk are at some height and with Madeira's micro climate, weather conditions can change frequently. Is is important to dress in layers, have a light waterproof jacket, sun cream hat and good hiking boots / shoes.


What You’ll Love

  • Exploring the island’s rugged landscape
  • Taking on Cabo Girao, the highest glass skywalk in Europe
  • Discovering emerald-green mountains and dramatic coastlines
  • Visiting Funchal, Madeira’s picturesque capital
  • Following the island’s famous levadas to stunning waterfalls
  • Sampling Madeira's famous fortified wine 

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 Canico de Baixo
  • 7 breakfasts & 7 dinners
  • All in-destination transport

Reviews


Gallery

Itinerary

All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take alternative routes or adapt the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.

Itinerary

Welcome to Hotel Sentido Galosol. 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 - 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

Option 2 - 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.

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 longBefore 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: 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. Before returning to the hotel, we'll stop to experience the magnificent Cabo Girao glass skywalk.

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: 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. Before returning to the hotel, we'll stop to take in the scenery at the Cabo Girao viewpoint.

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.

Option 1 - Achado Circular to Pico Ruivo

Distance: 3.5 miles (5.5km)
Ascent: 1020 feet (310m)
Descent: 1020 feet (310m)

Short, but incredibly rewarding, today we’ll complete a circular route from Achado do Teixeira to the summit of majestic Pico Ruivo, where we’ll enjoy spectacular views across the island.

Option 2 - Pico Ruivo and Miradouro di Picaroto

Distance: 5.5 miles (8.5km)
Ascent: 1020 feet (310m)
Descent: 2130 feet (650m)

Starting together from Achado do Teixeira, we’ll follow the same trail as option 1 up to the peak of Pico Ruivo, before descending towards Miradouro do Picaroto, admiring the panoramic landscapes and mountain flora along our way.

 

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. 

Funchal: Take the local bus into Funchal and explore further, including a visit to the Monte Palace Tropical Gardens via cable car from the harbour area. Absorb the colours and scents of the flower markets, do a spot of shopping or visit one of the city’s museums or the Story of Madeira Exhibition.

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.

Option 1 - Canical and Sao Lourenco

Distance: 4.5 miles (7km)

Ascent: 1150 feet (350m)

In summary: This option follows the same route as the first, but after returning to Canical by boat the walk continues along the Levada do Canical for views over the Canical fishing village, terraced farm plots, and the Sao Lourenco peninsula.

Highlight: This is a spectacular stretch of coast with views to match.

Option 2 - Canical and Coast

Distance: 2 miles (3km)

Ascent: 500 feet (150m)

In summary: We start our day in the town of Canical on the most easterly part of the island. From the Sao Lourenco peninsula, our coastal walk provides great views of the dramatic sea cliffs. At the end of the walk, we'll return to Marina Quinta do Lorde near Canical by boat and enjoy free time to explore its cafes and museums.

Highlight: Exploring the colourful and vibrant fishing village of Canical.

Today's walks take us to the north coast on the eastern side of Madeira.

Option 1 - Ribeira Seca and Porto da Cruz

Distance: 7.5 miles (10km)

Ascent: 690 feet (210m)

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

Option 2 - Ribeira Seca

Distance: 5 miles (8km) 

Ascent: 690ft (210m)

Descent: 1150 feet (350m)

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.

We hope to see you again soon.

Daily Walk Options

Grade 2

Easier Walks

Good paths but walks are a bit longer. Some walks, particularly in mountain areas, may have sections over rough or steeper terrain.

Grade 3

Medium Walks

Walks follow well-defined paths, though often in hilly or upland areas, or along rugged coastal footpaths. These may be rough or steep in sections and will require reasonable fitness.

Accommodation

Hotel Sentido Galosol

A short bus ride from Funchal, and occupying an enviable position on the southeast coast, the clifftop 4-star Hotel Sentido Galosol offers fine views of the Atlantic Ocean, the Ilhas Desertas and the rocky Madeiran shore. The hotel is located within the resort of Caniço de Baixo, a residential area with shops and a few local restaurants. The hotel complex, shared with the sister property on the lower cliff, has an impressive range of facilities including indoor and outdoor swimming pools, gym and wellness centre.

Guests have free use of Onda Revital Club, offering fitness classes, weekly morning jogging and yoga. The Wellness Centre has an indoor pool, saunas and Jacuzzi. There are outdoor and indoor pools.

There is a weekly entertainment programme including some live music. The bar and coffee shop overlook the sea. As well as the main restaurant there are several bars on site.

Wi-Fi is free throughout the public areas of the hotel.

Our holidays in Madeira are on a half-board basis and include breakfast and evening meal.

Breakfast

The buffet breakfast, served from 7.30am until 10am includes a variety of breads, jams, spreads, yogurt, cheese, fresh vegetables, muesli-bar, cereals, soft-boiled eggs, freshly cooked scrambled or fried eggs, omelettes and fresh fruit salad. There may also be some seasonal fruit such as bananas, passion fruit, papaya, melon and orange.

Lunch (payable locally)

You may be able to purchase a picnic lunch from the hotel. Alternatively it is possible to buy ingredients from local shops or on some days to eat at one of the local cafés; your leaders will advise you of the options.

Evening meal

This meal is a buffet and available from 6.30pm until 9pm. The hotel prides itself on serving fresh, locally sourced produce and offers daily meat, fish and vegetarian selections, plus plenty of salads. For dessert there are fruit pastries, delicious cakes and other fresh cream desserts. Tea and coffee is served after the meal.

Drinks

The hotel has a well-stocked bar serving beer, wine and spirits.

The hotel has 123 spacious en-suite bedrooms.

These air conditioned rooms are bright and offer modern, comfortable beds. The warm Mediterranean colours and decoration create a cosy atmosphere. The balcony comes with table and chairs - a great place to sit and gaze at the view. 

Satellite TV with English channels is standard, as is the radio channel. Rooms also contain a minibar, kettle with tea and coffee, safe and swimming towels. The spacious bathrooms/WC are equipped with a large mirror, vanity mirror, hairdryer and have either a bath tub or a large shower.

Getting here

Address

Hotel Galosol
9125-031 Caniço de Baixo
Rua Francisco Santana
Madeira

Tel: 00351 291 930 930

More Information

Vaccinations & health information EU NEW 2026

Before booking, you should check with your doctor to see whether any health precautions are needed for your trip. Health advice and requirements can change, so we recommend doing this in good time before travel.

As a general rule, travellers should ensure they are up to date with routine UK vaccinations and boosters, including, for example, MMR and diphtheria, tetanus and polio. Some countries may require you to have specific vaccinations such as Malaria, Rabies and Yellow Fever. Please check with your GP if you are unsure.

Please note that the use or possession of some common prescription or over-the-counter medicines is restricted or banned in certain countries. If you will be carrying medication, you should check with the relevant embassy or consulate before travelling. As an extra precaution, we recommend keeping medication in its original packaging, carrying a copy of your prescription, and, where possible, asking your pharmacist to provide the medication name in the language of the country you are visiting.

For further country-specific health advice, visit www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk or www.traveldoctor.co.uk. If you are travelling from outside the UK, please consult your own doctor and check local entry requirements.

 

Passport & Visa information - SHARED FOR ALL EU NEW 2026

This information is for those travelling with a full ‘British Citizen’ passport; for all other nationalities or passport holders, please check with your local consulate for advice.

Passport Requirements

This information applies to travellers holding a full British Citizen passport. Entry requirements vary by destination and can change at short notice. For most EU and worldwide destinations, passports must be valid for the entire duration of your stay. Some countries also require a minimum period of validity remaining on your passport (often up to 6 months beyond your return date), even if you are not staying that long.
We strongly recommend ensuring your passport has at least six months’ validity remaining at the time of travel to avoid any issues.

If you hold a different type of British passport or a passport issued by another country, you must check the requirements with the relevant embassy, consulate, or official government website.

Visa Requirements

Visa rules depend on your nationality, destination, length of stay, and purpose of travel, and they can change frequently. It is your responsibility to check whether you require a visa before travelling.
British passport holders should check the latest entry, passport validity and visa requirements for their destination on the UK government’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) website:
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

 

 

Packing list - Overseas Guided Walking

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)

With flights EU & WW

Book your holiday ‘with flights’ and you can choose to depart from a range of UK airports* to your destination. For latest flight times and prices please call us on 0203-974-8865 or email reservations@hfholidays.co.uk  

If you choose to book your flights with us, we automatically include return transfers between the destination airport and hotel.  

Without flights EU

Alternatively, tailor your journey to suit you by booking your holiday ‘without flights’ and you’ll have the freedom to book your own flights from your local airport.   

*Subject to availability 

Carbon Footprint - 978kg CO2

We see it as our responsibility to minimise our emissions, not just for this year but every year to come. Our work with sustainability experts, ecollective, has enabled us to measure our carbon footprint and create a strategy to reduce the carbon intensity of our product by 5% each year. Our ambition is to be net zero by 2040 – earlier if we can.

Learn more

Reviews

Code: MAD07-LCL09

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Dates & availability

Wild Landscapes of Madeira

Members save an additional £50 on this booking and get a range of other exclusive benefits. You can join during booking process. Read more about membership

2026

16 Nov - 23 Nov 2026

7 nights. Trip notes

Call to Enquire

Save £100 Per Person

30 Nov - 7 Dec 2026

7 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£1,812 £1,712

£1,612 £1,512

pp

Members

£1,762 £1,662

£1,562 £1,462

pp
Single rooms

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

2027

18 Jan - 25 Jan 2027

7 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£1,819

£1,599

pp

Members

£1,769

£1,549

pp
Single rooms

£2,232

pp

£2,182

pp

£2,012

pp

£1,962

pp

25 Jan - 1 Feb 2027

7 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£1,819

£1,599

pp

Members

£1,769

£1,549

pp
Single rooms

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

1 Feb - 8 Feb 2027

7 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£1,849

£1,629

pp

Members

£1,799

£1,579

pp
Single rooms

£2,262

pp

£2,212

pp

£2,042

pp

£1,992

pp

8 Feb - 15 Feb 2027

7 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£1,959

£1,739

pp

Members

£1,909

£1,689

pp
Single rooms

£2,512

pp

£2,462

pp

£2,292

pp

£2,242

pp

15 Feb - 22 Feb 2027

7 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£2,099

£1,849

pp

Members

£2,049

£1,799

pp
Single rooms

£2,652

pp

£2,602

pp

£2,402

pp

£2,352

pp

22 Feb - 1 Mar 2027

7 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£2,039

£1,819

pp

Members

£1,989

£1,769

pp
Single rooms

£2,522

pp

£2,472

pp

£2,302

pp

£2,252

pp

1 Mar - 8 Mar 2027

7 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£1,999

£1,779

pp

Members

£1,949

£1,729

pp
Single rooms

£2,552

pp

£2,502

pp

£2,332

pp

£2,282

pp

8 Mar - 15 Mar 2027

7 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£2,069

£1,849

pp

Members

£2,019

£1,799

pp
Single rooms

£2,552

pp

£2,502

pp

£2,332

pp

£2,282

pp

15 Mar - 22 Mar 2027

7 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£2,069

£1,849

pp

Members

£2,019

£1,799

pp
Single rooms

£2,636

pp

£2,586

pp

£2,416

pp

£2,366

pp
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Trusted British co-operative

We are proud to be Britain’s only walking holiday co-operative. Led by almost 40,000 members, offering hundreds of holidays across the UK and overseas, with all surplus being reinvested back into our Society.

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Flexible choice of guided walks

Experienced volunteer HF Leaders guide every walk at our UK country houses, offering up to three daily options. Making it easy to find a holiday to suit your ability, and with the flexibility to switch grades each walking day.

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Book early with confidence

Become an HF Member to benefit from our Price Pledge. Secure your first choice of holiday early, and if the cost drops after you book, we will automatically refund the difference (exc. travel agent & group bookings).

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Book with confidence

If the flights we have organised are cancelled or changed, we’ll do everything we can to find alternative transport, with minimal disruption to your holiday

If we cancel your holiday, we honour all refund requests 

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Travel with confidence

We know that peace of mind is priceless, so we’ll always go above and beyond to meet – and exceed – expectations

If the flights we have organised are cancelled or changed, we’ll do everything we can to find alternative transport, with minimal disruption to your holiday

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HF Holidays

A British heritage brand with 111 years of experience

Offering a choice of over 260 itineraries in nearly 40 countries

Run as a co-operative with 40,000-plus members

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