Madeira: The floating garden between ocean, lush forests and levadas

After breakfast, transfer to the Sao Lourenço peninsula for a loop hike starting from the

reserve parking lot.

This rugged peninsula, located at the eastern tip of the island, is one of the island's natural gems.

Madeira, with its spectacular landscapes, unique wildlife and breathtaking panoramic views

The breath. The walk takes you along a well-maintained path that winds along the coast,

offering a variety of stunning coastal scenery. The trail is approximately 8 kilometers long, which

In fact, it's an ideal half-day excursion. During your hike, you'll discover

panoramic views of the crystal-clear sea, strange rock formations, and spectacular cliffs that

stand against the azure sky. Botany enthusiasts are not left out, La "Punta de Sao

Lourenço is a preserved ecosystem where you can admire a wide variety of species.

endemic plants, including cacti, euphorbias and succulents, which have adapted

their growth in the arid conditions of the region. Amateur ornithologists will be delighted to observe

seabirds such as petrels, gulls and cormorants nest on the cliffs.

After breakfast, transfer to the starting point of the hike on the Levada do Caniçal. This trail stretches

between the Caniçal tunnel and the village of Maroços and crosses 3 valleys, each with its own particularities:

Ribeira Secca and its lush vegetation, Ribeira de Noia and its agricultural terraces, and Ribeira Grande which

presents more varied terrain. After walking the first 8 kilometers almost on flat ground, you

Leave the levada to reach Boca do Risco, which offers a spectacular view of the ocean from the

cliff. You then reach Porto Da Cruz via the coastal path, absolutely magnificent and safe.

by a handrail.

After breakfast, you set off for a pleasant walk to discover one of the treasures

Hidden gems of Madeira: the "Levada do Furado". You first reach the starting point of

levada, via small roads that climb into the mountains and through dwellings, leaving

the ocean behind you. This first stage to Portela, 4km long, including 2km uphill, takes you

approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. This is an opportunity to experience the island's atmosphere and discover another

The atmosphere only becomes apparent once you're deep in the forest. However, if you wish to avoid this section (and its 670m climb), you can take a taxi to Portela (transfer not included, approximately €16).

(Pay on site). Once in Portela, head to the start of the Levada do Furado. Once at the starting point of

The levada, you enjoy one last time the magnificent 360-degree view before you

penetrate deep into the lush forest. The peaceful path runs alongside the irrigation canal, almost flat and

You'll be walking under a dense forest canopy. Birdwatchers and botany enthusiasts will be delighted by the endemic species! At certain points, the trail opens up to panoramic views of the north coast.

of Madeira, offering a striking contrast between the lush forest and the blue ocean. At Ribeiro Frio, you

Take a trip to Balcoes, an extraordinary viewpoint overlooking the Faja de Nogueiras and the great peaks of

the island.

Transfer after breakfast for a spectacular and unmissable hike on the island of Madeira. Starting from Pico de Ariero (1818m), you will ascend to Madeira's highest peak, Pico Ruivo (1862m), following impressive but well-protected ravines. The hike is not long (only 6km) but the route alternates between ascents and descents. The trail takes you through varied landscapes, from steep ridges to narrow paths and tunnels carved into the rock. Along the way, you will see deep valleys and vertiginous ravines. These geological formations are typical of Madeira and add to the island's natural beauty. After a pleasant climb shaded by tree heather to the Ruivo refuge, you might enjoy a drink upon returning from the easy and panoramic ascent of Ruivo.

Then we descend to Achada de Texeira and transfer to Santana, the largest village on the north coast, with its fairytale cottages.

Transfer to Rancho Maderense, an equestrian center, leading to the lush green Queimadas Park. Two beautiful, typical pousadas with thatched roofs await you. Then, a wide path, bordered by a few spruce trees (rather unexpected on the island), and an old levada (irrigation channel) wind along the northern slopes of the high peaks. The path narrows as you follow the levada, offering magnificent views of one of the wildest valleys on the island, until you reach Caldeirão Verde, which you'll reach by passing through a few short tunnels (4). A waterfall of about 100 meters plunges into the characteristic "green cauldron." On the return, descend to São Jorge via the Lapa Valley, which offers splendid views of the villages along the north coast from São Jorge to Santana. Transfer back to your accommodation.

Transfer to the start of the hike. Undoubtedly one of the most striking landscapes on the island: a constantly open landscape, with alternating views to the north and the south coast. We traverse the ridgeline on a beautiful, wild path, bordered by tree heather, offering sublime views of the island's highest peaks. This exceptional route occasionally includes large paved steps, both uphill and downhill. At the Torrinhas pass, you will leave the descending trails—south to Curral da Freiras, north to Boaventura—to continue our undulating ascent towards Pico da Jorge. A beautiful section along the basalt wall of Ferreiro, amidst ferns and tree heather, will lead you down to the Encumeada pass, overlooked by the Paul da Serra plateau and its gigantic wind turbines.

It's a delight to hike this flower-filled levada back and forth, where hydrangeas and agapanthus compete with lilies, azaleas, conifers, and laurels, much to the hikers' enjoyment. The views over the São Vicente valley are magnificent, interspersed with the passage through a few fun tunnels that open onto extraordinary sites like Folhadal, a veritable basalt cirque submerged in vegetation, with endemic species such as the lily-of-the-valley tree, and the Laurisilva, a true forest of wild laurels, giant ferns, and more. Waterfalls cascade from one cirque to the next, giving the landscape a truly wild dimension. Then the Levada do Norte will lead us to the Encumeada pass and the hotel located below.

You'll depart from Boca da Corrida, passing through Passo de Ares, Pico do Serradinho, and Boca do Cerro along the historic Camino Real da Encumeada. Once a paved royal road that allowed landowners to travel between villages, it's now a picturesque hiking trail offering splendid panoramic views of the valley, the surrounding villages (Curral das Freiras, Funchal, Paul Serra), and the nearby peaks, including Pico Grande. Besides the scenery, you can also admire numerous endemic Madeiran flora, such as the bay tree and Madeira mahogany (Persea indica), and fauna, such as the Madeira goldcrest (Regulus madeirensis), the Madeira chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs madeirensis), and the Canary Island kestrel (Falco tinnunculus canariensis). Upon arriving in Relvinha, Pico Grande rises before you, and it's possible to climb it. It's one of the ten highest peaks on the island, rewarding you with a view of the surrounding summits. This section is particularly interesting if you're looking for a more technically challenging ascent. Otherwise, the route continues towards Largo do Colmeal via a long, zigzagging descent. This leads to the Curral das Freiras valley (the Valley of the Nuns) in the center of the island, the end point of our hike.

Transfer to the Levada de Nova, from where an easy walk along the levada will take you to the heights of Prazères, then to the village, one of the flattest on the island, in a magnificent setting (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Descend to the fishing village of Paul do Mar via an extraordinary trail, which, after a daring descent, leads into a large volcanic fissure. The descent begins near the Hotel Jardim do Atlantico, with its breathtaking views of the Atlantic. The steep, multicolored volcanic rock faces, dotted with ancient terraces overlooking the sea, waterfalls, and cacti, create a spectacular scene, giving this descent an exceptional dimension.

A day of travel as you travel by taxi to the north coast, arriving in Porto da Moniz, the northwestern tip of the island. Check into your hotel. The afternoon will be dedicated to relaxation; visit the extraordinary natural pool at Porto Moniz, the most beautiful place to swim on the island. One of Madeira's most charming villages.

You'll take a taxi to the Paul da Serra plateau. The hike begins at Fonte de Bispo, where a wide path will lead you into the wildest valley on the island: Ribeira de Janela, which you'll reach after a two-hour descent. Here you are on one of Madeira's most beautiful levadas. A short detour to the source of this levada will take you along the horizontal path that runs alongside it. A few easy tunnels add to the enjoyment of the walk. Well-protected, this levada is one of the most peaceful and scenic. You'll continue your walk to the valley nestled beneath the giant ferns of Ribeira da Cova Negra, then follow the levada lined with agapanthus and wild hydrangeas, apple and fig trees, offering splendid views of the western slope of the valley and its cultivated terraces. Then return on foot through the upper part of the village and very narrow alleyways, with very beautiful views of the ocean!

Morning transfer from Porto Moniz to Rabaçal. Today, we invite you on a walk through the heart of the Emerald Mountains. Three levadas originate in this natural area, undoubtedly one of the most beautiful on the island. We'll explore them, starting with the easy Levada do Risco, a wide path lined with ancient trees. You'll reach Risco, where waterfalls plunge 100 meters into a magnificent landscape. A little further on, you'll return to descend to the Levada do 25 Fontes (25 Springs). From there, you'll descend again to the third levada and its mossy waterfalls.

Transfer to the airport and return flight