Marvels of Madeira Walk

Experience Overview

Surging from the Atlantic Ocean, Madeira offers a temperate sub-tropical paradise perfect for year-round walking. One of Madeira's many charms is its infinite variety; each day's walking and every levada - the island's unique network of water channels - is different. Landscapes vary from cultivated vine terraces and verdant slopes dotted with white hamlets to coastal cliffs with balcony views over the azure seas. Also a nature lover's paradise, there are over 120 endemic species of flora and fauna including the pride of Madeira, the bird-of-paradise, along with jacaranda, tiny bisbis birds, chaffinches and hawks - the list is endless. On this Self Guided walking holiday in Madeira, hotel-to-hotel holiday, the island's coastal paths and levadas take you from the sleepy wine village of Santana on the north coast to bustling Funchal in the south. Fringed with a rainbow of colourful flora, the levadas lead you inland to breezy Santo da Serra; a transfer then takes you to the Levada do Norte for spectacular views from the cliff tops.
Profile
— Good quality hotels throughout, all with pools on site or nearby — 6 days varied walking with some steep ascents and descents — Magnificent mountain scenery; stunning coastal trails and flower-lined levada walks — Altitude maximum 1200m, average 700m — Excellent Madeira wine; plenty of tasting opportunities
At a Glance
— Good quality hotels throughout, all with pools on site or nearby — 6 days varied walking with some steep ascents and descents — Magnificent mountain scenery; stunning coastal trails and flower-lined levada walks — Altitude maximum 1200m, average 700m — Excellent Madeira wine; plenty of tasting opportunities
Trip For You
Activity Level: 2 (Leisurely/Moderate)This holiday uses paths by the levadas which are, at times, narrow with drops to the side. You need to be a confident, sure-footed walker, not deterred by heights. There are ascents and descents every day which makes this a slightly more demanding holiday than the distances suggest. A torch is required for the Caldeirao Verde walk (day 3). As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. There may be others on the same departure date as you, but you will not be organised together. You are provided with route notes for each day, which begin with an overview of the walk and advice on lunch, followed by detailed instructions. The route notes contain a 24 hour emergency assistance telephone number should you need it and in emergencies, the hotels are normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service. You may find our Fitness Training Guide a useful reference: http://www.exodus.co.uk/assets/pdf/Exodus_WT_Fitness_Training_Guide.pdf
Group Description
As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. A local representative is on hand to assist you and will meet you at the beginning of the week to go through the route notes and point out particular places of interest. Your luggage is transferred and route notes and maps are provided. The route notes contain an emergency telephone number. In an emergency, the local representative is normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service. Please note: the walking and luggage transfers included in this tour are subject to a minimum of 2 people (in total) booked on the departure. A supplement (payable in advance) to cover these transfers and sole occupancy of a room will apply if only 1 person travelling on a departure date.
Eating Drinking
All continental buffet style breakfasts, 2 picnic lunches and 5 evening meals are included. Madeira is well known for its excellent fresh fish and seafood, tasty soups and mouth-watering fresh fruit. Grilled meats especially chicken (often cooked on a natural wood grill), also make a good choice for your evening meal. A more traditional dish is espetada - skewered beef cooked on an open grill served with lots of salad and boiled potatoes. Portions are generous, especially in smaller, less touristy restaurants and main dishes come with the traditional salad and potatoes. You will also get a basket of bread on the table, even if you don’t ask for it. Some restaurants also bring you portions of soft cheese and fish paste with the bread and will add these to your bill. Wine Madeira’s wine is probably the island’s most famous export. This strong, fortified wine, which tastes a little like port or sherry, comes in a range of flavours (from dry to very sweet) and is renowned throughout the world. It was used to seal the signing of the American Declaration of Independence and is still used today to toast those offered the Freedom of the City of London.
Transportation
Your luggage will be transported between the hotels by taxi or minibus. The local representative is often able to dispatch a taxi should you need it in an emergency, but may wish to charge you for this service. Transfers to walking start points on days three, four, five and six are included. A one way cable car ticket is included for use on Day 7.
Joining Instructions
The tour itself normally begins at the start hotel in Santana on the evening of Day 1 of the itinerary. For flight inclusive bookings arrival and departure transfers are included*. Please ask your Sales Consultant for times. If the hotel in Santana is not available an alternative in Porto da Cruz is used. Arrival/departure transfers at non-standard times can also be arranged for you, often free of charge (subject to prior arrangement). *Please note: the above free airport transfers are subject to prior arrangement and at least 2 people (in total) booked on the departure. A supplement (payable in advance) may apply if only 1 person travelling on a departure date. Flights:We can also book flights for you if you wish. The standard flights we usually use are with TAP Portugal from London Heathrow to Funchal via Lisbon, departing 06:00, arriving 12:00. Return: Funchal to Heathrow via Lisbon departing 12:45, arriving 18:40. Please note that the standard flights may occasionally change throughout the season so please enquire for up-to-date details.
Transfer Details
Transfers can be arranged at a supplement from Funchal airport to your hotel and back to Funchal airport at the end of your holiday.
Weather Information
The climate in Madeira is similar to that found around the Mediterranean and is renowned for its year round mildness however there is always the possibility of inclement weather. In May, April, June, October and November, temperatures are pleasant and some rainfall is to be expected. From July to September, daytime is a little warmer and it is typically dry with an average of seven to eight hours of sunshine a day, but the odd shower is still possible. Winter months are generally wetter, particularly at high levels with rain falling between periods of fine, settled weather (so waterproofs are essential).
Spending Money
— Allow €10-15 for lunch or dinner (taken in a restaurants), excluding alcoholic beverages. You will also need some extra cash for drinks or ice creams in cafés or bars during the day walks or in the hotel bar in the evening. Typically a beer or coffee will cost around €1.5 and a reasonable bottle of wine at dinner about €8. — At the end of day 3 you will need to get a Local bus, approximately €5 payable locally.

Highlights