Around Madeira with Charm

In the small fishing village of Porto da Cruz you can relax on the black sand beach. You can also visit one of the last sugar cane mills, where you can taste the well-known “poncha”, a local drink made from sugar cane brandy, honey and freshly squeezed orange juice.

After a short transfer to Machico, you will hike along the impressive north coast over the Boca do Risco saddle on an old supply route that was once used to cultivate the vineyards. Today, one of the most beautiful hiking trails along this route leads to Porto da Cruz, where the spectacularly landscaped agricultural terraces still inspire. Enjoy the breathtaking views.

The day's stage begins in the traditional town of Santana, known for its typical houses. You climb from the rocky sea shore, past small gardens with wine, sugar cane, vegetables and fruit up to a vantage point, full of panoramic views. Here you can see the entire north coast from Porto Moniz to the Ponta de Sao Lourenco and when the weather is nice, the neighbouring island of Porto Santo to the north. The wonderful royal levada then leads you through jungle-like vegetation to the waterfall and the springs of the Ribeiro Bonito.

Transfer to the mountains to the Paul da Serra plateau. Today's hike brings you closer to the green mountains of Madeira. You hike over the mountain ranges on promising paths and walk through shady laurel forests, which are part of the UNESCO World Natural Heritage. A great hiking trail takes you through colourful blooming gorse bushes to Fanal, a fairytale forest and pasture area: skewed trees, lichen-covered trees, green plains and grazing highland cattle create a particularly mystical atmosphere. In the afternoon you will reach the coastal town of Porto Moniz with a beautiful view of the azure blue sea. The lovely place is known for its natural swimming pools, which the ocean has carved out of black lava rock.

Today you hike along the southwest coast over the green hills, which then drop steeply into the sea. In this part of the island, you can experience the original life of the islanders, especially Prazeres is considered one of the most beautiful villages in Madeira. On your hiking route through the fragrant eucalyptus forest, you will see wild callas, amaryllis and agapanthus again and again. You will stay overnight in the lively coastal town of Calheta with its fine sandy beach and elegant marina.

Short transfer along the south coast before heading up to the scenic Levada do Norte, the longest and widest levada in the south. You walk through typical cultivated terrace areas and discover a wide variety of fruits in the gardens. Passing above small towns like Quinta Grande and Campanario, it goes to Cabo Girao, the highest cliff in Europe. From there you have a fantastic view of the terraced fields below you and the coast up to the capital Funchal.

The cable car takes you to the pilgrimage site of Monte, high above Funchal. After a visit to the church of Nossa Senhora do Monte, you can watch the fast-paced basket sled drivers before you start your eventful final stage. With a wonderful view of the Funchal coast, your route will take you once more through the subtropical island vegetation and back to the capital. You should definitely visit the magnificent botanical garden, which will bring you closer to the island's exotic flora on 35,0000 m2.