Special Interest Packages

Walking for Individuals

Levada walking is a popular activity on Madeira. Levadas are water channels hollowed out of the ground or carved into rock which go under mountains and along valleys. This network was begun by the first Portuguese settlers who found it an ideal way of getting abundant water from the central mountains to cultivated land in the south. This water flow is controlled by sluices, operated by levadeiros, who ensure that farmers get equal supplies of water. They are also responsible for keeping the levadas clean. This unique irrigation system extends over 1335 miles and is therefore an excellent way of exploring Madeira’s interior.

(8 days / 7 night walking itinerary.)

Day 1 Arrival and transfer to Camacha. Overnight in Camacha / Estalagem Relógio, which has own restaurant and bar, apart from this there are some restaurants in the village nearby the old church. Camacha is known for its wicker-work handicraft articles and has approx. 10.000 inhabitants and is situated 700m. above sea level.
Day 2 Walk: CAMACHA / QUATRO ESTRADAS / SANTO DA SERRA. Two options: Camacha – Quatro Estradas approx. 9,5 km / Camacha – Santo da Serra approx. 14 km This is an easy walk on a wide path with no vertiginous places. You pass by forests, fruit plantations and agricultural areas. Overnight in Camacha / Estalagem Relógio.
Day 3 Walk: CAMACHA / CHOUPANA / MONTE Three options: Camacha – Choupana approx. 6 km / Camacha – Curral dos Romeiros approx. 8 km / Camacha – Monte approx. 10 km Option 1 has a wide walking path – partly forest and inhabited area with views over Funchal and the Bay of Funcha. Option 2 has a few short vertiginous sections. Option 3 is a path not along a levada but down in a valley and up again to reach Monte. Monte is a famous suburb of Funchal, well known for its church and parks and from here you can reach Funchal by cable car or the famous “toboggan” sledges. Local bus from Funchal to Machico, Madeiras second biggest town on the eastern part of the south coast. Overnight in Machico / Residencial Amparo, which has its own restaurant.
Day 4 Walk: MAROÇOS / CANIÇAL TUNNEL This levada is also called the “Mimosa levada” due to its many mimosa /acacia trees. It passes through the three valleys of Machico partly through forest as well passing by agricultural terraces. Again there is a wide walking path with no vertiginous parts and the distance is approx. 11,5 km. There is a very short tunnel on this day's walk. Local bus to and from the walk. Overnight in Machico / Residencial Amparo.
Day 5 Walk: CRUZ / LEVADA CASTELEJO / REFERTA / PORTO DA CRUZ There are several possibilities – but here are the 3 main options: Option 1: Cruz – Castelejo – Referta (approx. 10,5 km) - vertiginous parts with no protection but fantastic views over the valley to Sanroque. Option 2: Cruz – Referta (approx. 7,5 km) - easy, very changeable with light forest and views over Porto da Cruz and the impressive Eagle cliff. Option 3: Cruz – Referta – Porto da Cruz (10,5 km) - last part from Referta to Porto da Cruz is an old path used by Madeirans before there were roads – walking down and up for approx. an hour. Overnight in the charming village, Porto da Cruz, which has natural sea water pools, and one of the three existing sugar cane factories. The town has 3,500 inhabitants and has a reasonable selection of restaurants. Overnight at Albergaria do Penedo, which has its own restaurant.
Day 6 Walk: PICO DAS PEDRAS / QUEIMADAS / CALDERÃO VERDE / PICO DAS PEDRAS / QUEIMDADAS / LEVADA COVA DA RODA Two options: Option 1 (approx. 14 kms) is definitely one of the highlights, there are 4 tunnels (a torch is necessary) and there are some very vertiginous places with protection but also breathtaking views. The path leads through primeval forest and ends by a waterfall and a small green lake – like a big kettle (Calderão Verde means – big green kettle). Option 2 (approx. 6.5 kms) is easy and mainly through forest and kiwi plantations. Overnight at the Residencial O Curtado, which is a little outside Santana. O Curtado has its own restaurant. Santana has approx. 5.000 inhabitants and is situated 400 m. above sea level.
Day 7 Walk: SÃO ROQUE / LEVADA DAS FURNAS / LOMBO GRANDE / SÃO ROQUE Walking distance approx. 6 km. The first part of the walk is along a fairly easy levada, then the route ascends via steps and a normal path ... and down a small levada with fantastic views to both sides, more or less through the gardens of country houses. Afterwards there is a possibility to take a taxi from São Roque do Faial up to one of Madeiras highest peaks – Pico do Arieiro. Overnight in the tiny village of São Roque do Faial at the Residencial Rural Sanroque, which has its own restaurant and bar.
Day 8 Transfer departure to the airport.

_________________________________________________________________________

LINKS FOR TOURS & HOTELS: Hotels in Funchal   Hotels on Coast   Hotels Inland     Self-catering villas & apartments     Hotels on Porto Santo   Special Interest Packages   Car Hire   Essential information       FLY-DRIVES   (options a & b below)   a. Madeira's Peaks - Off the Beaten Track b. Madeira - Coast and History	Short Breaks   Back to Madeira Home Page Tel: + 44 (0) 1989 730 552 (UK) OR EMAIL US BY CLICKING HERE: