Walking in Madeira

Start at our hotel in Machico, which overlooks the beach of Machico Bay and is close to the picturesque historic fishing village. *Comfortable Hotel*

Today we walk the classic route along the Ponta de Sao Lourenco. Although challenging, this path takes us through some fantastic scenery as we admire wallflowers, stalwarts and many other tiny plants that resist this windy environment and manage to grow in soils with high levels of salinity. Rocks, sculptured by nature, have a great diversity of colours ranging from black to red, and are in stark contrast to the blue of the ocean. Madeira's Nature Park rangers watch over the plants and animals that belong to this eastern extremity of the island, around Casa do Sardinha. We return to Machico for the night. Walking time approx 3h30 (Elevation +170m, -270m) Total distance approx 8 km *Comfortable Hotel*

This morning we will walk a scenic route along a cliff trail, up to the north coast. We set off along the little Levada do Caniçal, more modest and quieter than yesterday's, then begin a gradual climb up to the crest of the cliffs at Boca do Risco where we enjoy some amazing views along the north coast and may even be able to see the nearby island of Porto Santo. We then head west along the coastal path, a spectacular route in many places cut right into the cliff. We finally descend to the small town of Porto da Cruz, once a bustling port but now a sleepy little town. Transfer to Santana for the night. Walking time approx 4h30 (Elevation +200m, – 350m) Total distance approx 12 km *Standard Hotel*

From Santana we take a short transfer (stopping to admire the famous thatched roof houses) to Queimadas natural park where we will walk along the Levada do Caldeirao Verde. We finish this walk at the isolated village of Ilha before returning to Santana for the night. Walking time approx 5h (Elevation +90m, – 500m) Total distance approx 12 km *Standard Hotel*

Today we make the most strenuous walk of the trip. Starting with an early departure to see the sunrise at Achada do Teixeira, we ascend the island's highest mountain, Pico Ruivo (1862m). Our descent follows a spectacular ridge via Torrinhas Pass and over the saddle of Pico do Jorge to Encumeada. As we descend bees buzz in 'Lily of the Valley' trees and the smell of wild thyme fills the air. After a long day in the hills we arrive at Encumeada, where we will spend the night, via a long series of stone steps. Walking time approx 7h30(Elevation +650m, – 1.200m) Total distance approx 16 km *Standard Hotel*

We enjoy another fine high-level walk. From Encumeada we walk through woods of chestnut and eucalyptus and then traverse below the rocky escarpment of Pico Grande, enjoying fine views to the south and back to the west. Eventually we come to a superb viewpoint overlooking the spectacularly situated village of Curral das Freiras and then descend to the village of Corticeiras. Bus to Funchal. and there will be time for exploration of the town, a visit to the market or shopping if you wish. Overnight in Funchal. Total walking time 6h (Elevation +400m, – 650m) *Comfortable Hotel*

Our last day is free for you to explore Funchal, the Madeira archipelago's capital. The city is easily explored on foot and the must see sights are the Sé Cathedral, which was built between 1493 and 1514, and the magnificent statue of the man who discovered Madeira, Joao Goncalves Zarco, on the Avenida Arriaga. *Comfortable Hotel*

Trip ends in Funchal. **