Hiking in Madeira, an extraordinary garden

After breakfast, transfer to the tip of São Lourenço for a superb loop hike starting from the car park of the nature reserve.

Located at the easternmost tip of Madeira, this rugged peninsula is one of the island's natural treasures. It offers an immersive experience in spectacular landscapes, unique wildlife, and breathtaking panoramas. The well-maintained path winds along the coast for approximately 8 kilometers, making this walk an ideal half-day excursion.

Throughout the journey, you will discover an incredible diversity of landscapes: vertiginous cliffs overlooking the ocean, unusual rock formations, a sea with crystalline reflections, and a deep blue sky. This protected site is also home to exceptional flora, with many endemic species adapted to this arid environment: cacti, euphorbias, and other succulents thrive here.

Birdwatchers will also have plenty to enjoy: petrels, gulls and cormorants nest in the cliffs and fill the sky with their graceful flights.

At the end of this hike, you will be transferred to the charming village of Porto da Cruz, nestled on the edge of the ocean.

Overnight stay in a hotel in Porto da Cruz.

Today's hike takes place on the Levada do Caniçal. It will cross three valleys, all different from each other: in the Ribeira Secca you will find the abundant vegetation of the previous day, in the Ribeira de Nola you will walk on agricultural terraces, and in the Ribeira Grande you will stroll in more pronounced reliefs.

You will then descend back to Porto Da Cruz via a lovely coastal path.

Today you'll discover a jewel of Madeira, the Levada do Furado. You'll ascend along hidden paths, rarely trodden, until you reach Portela. The colorful Levada do Furado trail peacefully follows the irrigation channel, shaded by the canopy. At times, the foliage thins, revealing the ocean and offering spectacular panoramic views.

In Ribeiro Frio, you will take a tour of Balcoes, an extraordinary balcony overlooking the Faja de Nogueiras.

Alternative when the path is closed: from Lamaceiros, you will follow the Levada da Serra

up to Quatro Estradas. It is possible to extend the hike to Águas Mansas.

Portela-Aguas Mansas: 5h30 to 6h walk, 14.5km, +150m

Starting from Porto da Cruz: +1h30, and an additional 600m of elevation gain

This unmissable hike will take you to Madeira's highest peak, Pico Rivo (1812m), following intimidating (but perfectly safe, don't worry) ravines. A variety of landscapes await you: steep cliffs, rock tunnels, deep valleys, and tree heaths.

You will descend via Archada de Texeira to reach the largest village on the north coast, Santana.

Transfer from your hotel to Encumeada, where you will walk along the Levada do Norte. It's a delight.

than to walk back and forth along this very flowery levada, where hydrangeas and agapanthus compete for the

The walkers will be delighted by the lilies, azaleas, conifers, and laurels. The views of the

The Sao Vicente valleys are magnificent, interspersed with the passage through some fun tunnels.

which lead to 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, etc. Waterfalls cascade from one cirque to another, giving the

The landscape has a very wild dimension. Then the Levada do Norte will lead us to the Encumeada pass.

and the hotel located below

This final hike takes you through Passo de Ares, Pico do Serradinho, and Boca do Cerro, following the ancient royal road of Carmino Real da Encumeada. You'll have another opportunity to see Madeira's typical flora and fauna, but this time, a different facet of it. Upon reaching Relvinha, Pico Grande rises before you, and you can climb it. It's one of the island's ten highest peaks, rewarding you with a panoramic view of the surrounding summits. This section will appeal to hikers seeking a challenge, as it's more technical than the previous stages.

Your hike will end when you descend back into the Vallée des Nones, the central point of the island.

Transfer to the airport (30 minutes), return flight.