Wild Landscapes of Madeira

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.

Distance: 9 miles (15km)

Total ascent: 700 feet (210m)

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

Distance: 8.5 miles (13.7km)

Total ascent: 100 feet (30m)

Total descent: 1,000 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.

Distance: 9 miles (14½km)

Ascent: 200 feet (60m)

Descent: 900 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 Paul, we have sweeping views down to the south coast. 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 Ribeira da Janela valley.

Distance: 3.5 miles (6km)
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.

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.

Distance: 2.5 miles (4km)

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 Canical by boat and enjoy free time to explore its cafes and museums.

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

Distance: 5 miles (8km)

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.

Distance: 6 miles (10km) 

Ascent: 660ft (200m)

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.

Distance: 7.5 miles (12km)

Ascent: 660 feet (200m)

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