Madeira Guided Walking Holiday
Follow the famous Levadas to panoramic views on the 'Pearl of the Atlantic'
Code: MALCL
Print pageActivity types:
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Coastal
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High Mountains
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Hills & moorland
Level
Choosing the level of your walks
Our easy grading system shows whether a region offer gentle strolls or more challenging routes to help you choose the right holiday for you. Difficulty is measured on many factors such as distance, ascent/descent, terrain, weather and more. There's no magic formula, but from our experience we grade our walks 1 to 5 (where 1 is easy and 5 hard). Our challenger holidays require a high level of fitness and stamina.
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Holiday overview
In the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, the small island of Madeira is volcanic with rugged mountains draped in lush colourful vegetation and crammed with bright flowers. Just 35 miles long and 13 miles wide, this unique tropical gem offers diverse walking landscapes and much to explore, making this a truly 'must-see' destination. Walk the famous levadas paths to waterfalls and breathtaking views. Explore lush valleys and discover the wild beauty of the coast. Spend a sightseeing day in Funchal and the isolated Curral das Freiras.
Holiday highlights
- Discover this island paradise - emerald green mountains and dramatic coastlines
- Visit bustling Funchal to uncover the city’s fascinating colonial history, gardens and wine trade
- Follow Madeira’s famous levadas to stunning waterfalls and panoramic views
- Visit Cabo Girao and stand on the highest cliff skywalk in Europe, open every day to see spectacular views
- With a fantastic variety of walks, ‘the Pearl of the Atlantic’ cannot fail to delight and surprise, such as the Caminho Real de Encumeada
Price includes
- A full programme of guided walks with 2 options every walking day plus 1 full sightseeing day
- All transport to and from the walks
- The services of experienced HF Holidays’ leaders
- ‘With flight’ holidays include return flights from the UK and hotel transfers
- 7 nights’ accommodation in en-suite rooms
- Half Board – extensive breakfast and evening buffet meal
In pictures...
Accommodation
A short bus ride from Funchal, and Occupying an enviable position on the southeast coast, the clifftop 4-star Hotel 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.
Your room
| 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 which invites you to relax. Satellite TV with English channels is standard, as is the radio channel, rooms also contain a minibar and safe (small charge). The spacious bathrooms/WC are equipped with a large mirror, vanity mirror, hairdryer, bidet and have either a bath tub or a large shower. |
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Facilities
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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 common areas of the hotel. |
Dining
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. Drinks The hotel has a well-stocked bar serving beer, wine and spirits. |
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 buffet style 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. |
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In the evening
Each evening your leaders will tell you about the the next day's activities and answer any questions you may have. During the evening you may like to join in an optional organised activity, such as a quiz, or chat in the bar overlooking the sea.
On the final evening you can enjoy a local meal tasting local dishes and delicacies, a wonderful finale to this unique holiday. Vegetarian options are also available.
There is an opportunity to visit the island's capital, Funchal, one evening and walk along the promenade followed by listening to some live music over a sociable drink.
Holiday itinerary
Madeira Guided Walking & Sightseeing
- Our experienced leaders offer the choice of two different walks each walking day
- Choose the option which best suits your interests and fitness
- We provide flexible holidays. Choose easier walking one day and harder the next or just explore independently or relax around the resort
- Our leaders are friendly and welcoming making your holiday fun and sociable
Madeira is a beautiful and steep island, with dramatic cliffs sweeping down to the sea. Many of our walks follow levada paths, which are great for guests with a head for heights.
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Easier walks: 5 to 9 miles (8-14½km) on good paths, with some rocky sections. Up to 700 feet (210m) of ascent in a day. |
Harder walks: 7 to 11 miles (11-17½m) on good paths with some steep ascents and descents. There are also some rocky sections. Up to 1,300 feet (390m) of ascent in a day. |
Day 1: Arrival Day
For those arriving on the HF Holidays' flights to Funchal, the onward journey to Caniço de Baixo is by coach. Depending on your arrival time you may have the opportunity to see a little of Caniço de Baixo before your evening meal. On the first evening our leaders will explain more about our walks and there will be plenty of time to meet your fellow guests.
Day 2: Cabo Girao and the Levada do Norte
Option 1: Cabo Girao & Levada do Norte
Distance: 7½ miles (12km) Ascent: Minimal The walk in a nutshell: Both options start with a visit to Europe's second highest sea cliff, Cabo Girao and its breathtaking glass viewing platform. Our walk begins lower down the slope and takes in the Levada do Norte, a major irrigation channel for the southern slopes of Madeira. We follow the levada to the charming village of Boa Morte where there will be plenty of time for refreshments. Don't miss: Take a deep breath and step out onto the Cabo Girao viewing platform - the views are staggering. |
Option 2: Cabo Girao & Levada do Facho
Distance: 11 miles (18km) Ascent: 130 feet (40m) The walk in a nutshell: We too start our day with a visit to Cabo Girao, descending to the delightful Levada do Facho. This levada winds through agricultural land with views down to Madeira's famous vineyards. Later in the day we'll pick up the Levada do Norte, following the channel to Boa Morte. Don't miss: We'll get great views of the Cabo Girao cliffs from all angles; the viewing platform, from the levadas and even from the inside as we pass through a short tunnel in the cliff. |
Day 3: Sightseeing in Funchal
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Our transport will take us into the capital, Funchal. Our local interest guide will take us on a guided tour of this small, pretty city to include the cathedral, the colourful Mercado dos Lavradores and a visit to the famous Blandy’s Winery, home of Madeira wine, with an opportunity to taste the products. In the afternoon, we travel by coach high into the mountains to a viewpoint overlooking the Central Highlands and the Curral das Freiras (Valley of the Nuns). Then we can walk down the old path which leads to the Curral das Freiras. For many centuries this was the only means of reaching this remote valley. |
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Day 4: Western Moorland and the 25 Fontes
Option 1: The Moorland Levada
Distance: 8 miles (13km) Ascent: 100 feet (30m) The walk in a nutshell: Today's walks explore the western part of Madeira, a moorland area of gentle rolling hills. We walk on the Levada do Paul to Rabacal, before descending through woodland to the Levada das 25 Fontes. The final part of the day includes a walk in the mountainside through one of Madeira's first tunnels. Don't miss: Rabacal is considered one of Madeira's most beautiful areas. |
Option 2: Levada das 25 Fontes
Distance: 9½ miles (15km) Ascent: 260 feet (80m) The walk in a nutshell: Turning the opposite way from the starting point, this walk joins the Levada da Bica da Cana. We walk to a small summit, before turning to complete our first loop. We then join the same route as the other party, passing the Christo Rei statue that marked our start point. Don't miss: Stunning views of the Cascalho Gorge make the small climb to our first viewpoint totally worth it. |
Day 5: Free Day
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. Perhaps enjoy a leisurely lunch in one of Caniço de Baixo restaurants or try an exhilarating outdoor activity from the hotel.
Day 6: Poiso Moors & Boca da Corrida
Option 1: Pico do Suno-Portela
Distance: 7 miles (11km) Ascent: 300 feet (100m) The walk in a nutshell: An exploration of the high moorland of Madeira, with a gentle ridge giving us excellent views across the north and west of the island. After visiting the summit of Pico do Suno-Portela we then return via an exciting section of the Levada do Furado to the village of Portela. Don't miss: Sections of the Levada do Furado are built into the cliff face - a unique walking experience. |
Option 2: Boca do Corrida to Encumeada
Distance: 8 miles (13km) Ascent: 1,300 feet (390m) The walk in a nutshell: We start the walk from a stunning viewpoint near Boca do Corrida, looking towards the island's high point: Pico Grande. Our walk undulates over rolling hills towards Pico da Cruz with excellent views down the Ribeira Brava gorge, finishing the day in Fontes do Santo Paul. Don't miss: Blessed with great views for most of the day, the vista from Eira dos Terreiros is our favourite. |
Day 7: Sao Lourenco peninsula and the cliffs
Option 1: Ponta do Sao Lourenco
Distance: 4 miles (6½km) Ascent: 600 feet (180m) The walk in a nutshell: We start our day in the town of Canical on the most easterly part of the island, the Sao Lourenco peninsula. Our coastal walk gives us great views of the sea cliffs before returning to Canical to explore its cafes and museums. Don't miss: The Whale Museum has fascinating exhibits on these great creatures, and on Madeira's whaling past. |
Option 2: Pico do Facho & Canical
Distance: 7 miles (11km) Ascent: 1,000 feet (300m) The walk in a nutshell: Our walk begins at the entrance to the Canical Tunnel, climbing steadily to the viewpoint on Pico do Facho. Turning onto a splendid coastal path we return to Canical for refreshments before undertaking the Ponta da Sao Lourenco walk in the afternoon. Don't miss: This is a spectacular stretch of coast with views to match. |
Day 8: Departure Day
Please note that the itinerary outlined is provisional and could be subject to change. A finalised itinerary will be available at the resort and every evening your leaders will talk to you about the next day’s walks.
Local area
Over its history, Madeira has been visited by merchants, explorers and had brief periods of occupation including British troops, which has resulted in a diverse population from North Africa and blonde, blue-eyed Europeans. Christopher Columbus married the first Governor’s grand-daughter in the 15th century when the Portuguese settlers arrived on the island. The island has a wealthy history of sugar cane plantations and has bred many romantic stories of pirates. Sugar cane is no longer the main crop; this has been replaced with vines that produce the famous Madeira wine. The amazing beauty of the island rising from the ocean with steep cliffs and high mountains was once believed to be the lost civilisation of Atlantis.
Funchal
The island’s capital and main harbour, has white houses and distinctive tiled roofs, which flow down to the harbour. Reflecting its wealth and history, this capital boasts large hotels and is a good destination for shopping and sightseeing. There are three key elements: the market, old town and seafront. The old town has narrow, cobbled streets and older fishermen’s houses. The market has two storeys, built in 1937, and is vibrant and colourful. At the seafront, a modern cable car station takes passengers to the hill top town of Monte. This is where the wealthy merchants of Funchal lived to enjoy the cooler air and is well known as the start of the famous wooden toboggan ride down the cobbled streets. There are also some beautiful botanical gardens to visit.
Did you Know?
Funchal flower sellers are obliged to wear traditional Madeiran dress, which comprises a hat with a stalk (carapuca), a red waistcoat and a colourful, striped skirt.
Travel
We recognise that everyone’s travel arrangements are unique, so all our holidays to Europe can be booked ‘with flight’ or ‘without flight’, giving you more flexibility and choice.
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‘With flight’ holidays – the hassle-free optionBook your holiday ‘with flight’ and choose between Gatwick, Manchester and Birmingham flights to Funchal airport. For flight times and prices please see the Dates & Prices tab. If you choose this option we automatically include return transfers between the airport and the hotel. The short coach transfer takes approx 15 minutes to the Hotel Galosol. |
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‘Without flight’ holidays – the flexible travel optionAlternatively, tailor your journey to suit you by booking your holiday ‘without flight’ allowing you the freedom to book your own flights from your local airport. If you choose this option, transfers are not included in the price. However, below are some suggestions to help you reach your destination:
Transfers must be pre-booked. Please call 020 8732 1220 for more details * Please note that HF Holidays is not responsible for your onward travel if you fail to meet the transfer coach |
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Dates & Prices
| Date | Description | Nights | Brochure price | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 Sep 2019 | MALCL - Madeira Guided Walking - Without Flights | 7 | £949.00 | Book Now |
| 30 Sep 2019 |
MALCL - Madeira Guided Walking
(Travel included - Departs from: Manchester International) Flight - OutboundJet 2
Flight - ReturnJet 2
|
7 | £1,229.00 | Book Now |
| 30 Sep 2019 |
MALCL - Madeira Guided Walking
(Travel included - Departs from: London Gatwick) Flight - OutboundBRITISH AIRWAYS
Flight - ReturnBRITISH AIRWAYS
|
7 | £1,149.00 | Book Now |
| 30 Sep 2019 |
MALCL - Madeira Guided Walking
(Travel included - Departs from: Birmingham International) Flight - OutboundJet 2
Flight - ReturnJet 2
|
7 | £1,229.00 | Book Now |
| 30 Sep 2019 | MALCL - Madeira Guided Walking - Without Flights | 7 | £949.00 | Book Now |
| 7 Oct 2019 |
MALCL - Madeira Guided Walking
(Travel included - Departs from: London Gatwick) Flight - OutboundBRITISH AIRWAYS
Flight - ReturnBRITISH AIRWAYS
|
7 | £1,149.00 | Book Now |
| 7 Oct 2019 |
MALCL - Madeira Guided Walking
(Travel included - Departs from: Birmingham International) Flight - OutboundJet 2
Flight - ReturnJet 2
|
7 | £1,229.00 | Book Now |
| 7 Oct 2019 |
MALCL - Madeira Guided Walking
(Travel included - Departs from: Manchester International) Flight - OutboundJet 2
Flight - ReturnJet 2
|
7 | £1,229.00 | Book Now |
| 7 Oct 2019 | MALCL - Madeira Guided Walking - Without Flights | 7 | £949.00 | Book Now |
| 23 Dec 2019 | MALCL - Madeira Guided Walking - Without Flights | 7 | £1,149.00 | Book Now |
| 23 Dec 2019 |
MALCL - Madeira Guided Walking
(Travel included - Departs from: Manchester International) Flight - OutboundJet 2
Flight - ReturnJet 2
|
7 | £1,689.00 | Book Now |
| 23 Dec 2019 |
MALCL - Madeira Guided Walking
(Travel included - Departs from: London Gatwick) Flight - OutboundBRITISH AIRWAYS
Flight - ReturnBRITISH AIRWAYS
|
7 | £1,599.00 | Book Now |
| 30 Dec 2019 |
MALCL - Madeira Guided Walking
(Travel included - Departs from: London Gatwick) Flight - OutboundBRITISH AIRWAYS
Flight - ReturnBRITISH AIRWAYS
|
7 | £1,499.00 | Book Now |
| 30 Dec 2019 | MALCL - Madeira Guided Walking - Without Flights | 7 | £1,149.00 | Book Now |
| 30 Dec 2019 |
MALCL - Madeira Guided Walking
(Travel included - Departs from: Manchester International) Flight - OutboundJet 2
Flight - ReturnJet 2
|
7 | £1,589.00 | Book Now |
Prices are per person
Information
- Double room for sole occupancy: £17 per night (2019)
- Sea view: £15 per room per night
- Allow €10 for sightseeing
- All transport to walks is included in the price of the holiday
- Non-member associate fee: £10 per person
