The best of Madeira in 12 days

Short transfer of approximately 10 minutes to Abra Bay and hike to São Lourenço Point at the eastern end of the island.

We follow a narrow, rocky path and progress through a unique, entirely mineral world, with multicolored ledges. The ochre and red of the basalt rocks contrast with the deep blue of the ocean, between the peaceful bay of Abra to the south and the ever-turbulent coast to the north. On a clear day, we can see Porto Santo, the deserted islands, and the central mountain range where the highest peaks are located.

Return to Santa Cruz in the afternoon.

We set off in the morning for a coastal hike linking Machico to Porto da Cruz.

We climb to the summit of Pico do Facho, which offers a beautiful panorama of the Machico Valley, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean. We then join the Canical levada, a 4-kilometer irrigation channel that winds through houses and terraced fields in a valley of eucalyptus and mimosa trees. Throughout our hike, we admire the island of Porto Santo in the distance. We take a path along the cliffside that leads to Malate and Porto da Cruz in 1.5 hours.

Upon arrival, we can swim at a small black sand beach before visiting a unique rum distillery, the only one in Europe where the machinery is still steam-powered. We can also take the opportunity to taste Madeira Poncha. Afterwards, we return to São Roque where we spend the night.

We set off on foot from São Roque do Faial, from where we head up towards the first levada of the day: Lombo Grande. After reaching the road, we take a path that goes up and down until we arrive at the Levada de Castelejo.

After taking some photos, we will cross the river and follow the levada which crosses Terra Baptista and ends at Referta.

Once in Referta, we will simply follow the path that leads to the hotel in São Roque do Faial.

We are heading towards the Picos (1810m) for a high-altitude hike, certainly the most spectacular of your stay.

On foot, we reach Pico Ruivo, Madeira's highest point at 1861m. This summit takes its name from the color of its pyroclastic rock, which comes from the scoria and lapilli ejected by volcanic eruptions. From Pico Ruivo, we admire the entire island: the wild, green valleys of the north coast, the Caldeirão Verde valley with São Jorge and Santana, Porto da Cruz and Punta del Aigle, as well as Punta de São Lourenço winding its way through the sea.

At the end of the hike, we head to our accommodation in Sao Vicente* for 2 nights.

*For departures on 18/04/26 and 02/05/26, the accommodation will be located in Santana

Today you will discover the northeast coast dominated by its sharp ridges, whose foothills are covered with an exceptional endemic forest.

The first part of the trail will take you through a forest composed of endemic and introduced species before leading you deeper into the forest.

in a more natural forest, rich in biodiversity.

Take the same path back; at the end of the trail, be sure to visit the Moinho DeÁgua de São Jorge, which is fed by a spring.

by the waters of the Levada do Rei, with almost three centuries of history, it is a good example of conservation.

Today, we set off to discover a "forgotten Madeira".

We immerse ourselves in the heart of the Boaventura Valley, with its verdant terraced fields and rugged terrain. Throughout our walk, we hike between sea and mountains, discovering secluded villages, lush vegetation, endemic plants, and stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean…

In the afternoon, we visit Ponta Delgada, a small, peaceful village on the north coast of Madeira, offering its visitors a magnificent landscape between sea and mountains.

In the late afternoon, transfer to Porto Moniz where you will stay for two nights to enjoy the natural seawater pools of volcanic origin. These natural pools fill up with each new tide!

Today you are setting off on a lovely loop hike in the Fanal forest.

It's a must-see spot on the island: the flora is remarkable, and you can see some of the most beautiful laurel trees there.

endemic to Madeira. Around the forest house you can picnic and access a lovely viewpoint.

Transfer to the Paul da Serra plateau at 1290m altitude.

We are at the mouth of the longest valley, the Ribeira da Janela, stretching 16 km. Here, two colors predominate: the lush green of the ancient Laurisilva forest that blankets the mountains, and the blue of the sky and ocean. At this altitude, heather, which can reach heights of 6 meters, dominates the surrounding landscape. The trees form a dark, humid undergrowth that encourages the growth of ferns, mosses, fungi, and the endemic Madeira blueberry. This is a prime spot for observing the Madeira goldcrest and the Trocaz pigeon, both endemic species.

We reach the Rabaçal forest house and then continue to Risco where we admire the 100-meter-high waterfall. We proceed to 25 Fontes where springs gush forth through the rocks, giving this levada its name. On the return journey, we pass through an 800-meter-long tunnel, emerging onto the southern slope and its eucalyptus forest.

In the afternoon, we leave for Jardim do Mar where we spend the night.

We reach the village of Prazéres via a paved path.

We then descend to Paul do Mar via a beautiful paved path carved into the multicolored rock. We are now on the old communication route connecting the village to the rest of the island. We notice this sculpted landscape, a reminder of the hard work of the Madeirans in building the "poios," the famous terraced fields several dozen meters high. A waterfall accompanies us throughout the descent, which ends at the port of Paul do Mar. Today, the locals live mainly from fishing and the few banana plantations.

We return to Jardim do Mar at the end of the day with a short transfer.

15-minute transfer to Madalena do Mar where we visit a banana plantation and enjoy the small, very fragrant fruit.

We are going to Cabo Girão, known for being the second highest sea cliff in the world at 589m above sea level. From the glass-structured promontory, we can see, at the foot of the cliff, a plot of cultivated land (fajã) accessible only by boat, and by funicular since 2003.

Arrival in Funchal mid-morning. Visit of Funchal, its market and free afternoon.

At the end of the day, a transfer will take you to your hotel in Santa Cruz.*

For the departure on 18/04/26, accommodation will be in Funchal.

Here are some optional activities that we can offer you on site (to be booked and paid for directly on site):

* Whale watching excursion

* canyoning

* Mountain biking etc.…

End of stay after breakfast and transfer* at your leisure depending on your flight schedule.

*Airport-hotel transfer included if you booked your flights with us.