Madeira Guided Walking Holiday

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.