THE MOUNTAINS OF MADEIRA
Walking the Levadas and Trails
 The
beautiful Portuguese island of Madeira lies well out in the Atlantic where
the gulf stream affords it a mild and equable year round climate. Volcanic
in origin the rugged interior rises abruptly to over 1800 metres. Its
jagged peaks are flanked by forests of pine and laurel.
A characteristic
feature of the island is the elaborate system of levadas or irrigation
channels. Over the centuries this network has extended to more than
2000kms. They wind their way across gullies and steep slopes bringing
water to the coastal settlements and farms. Many of the levadas can be
followed on foot and these together with a network of local trails make
even the most remote and mountainous parts of the island accessible to the
average walker.
Spring and Autumn are the times
to visit the island to witness a myriad of colourful flowers and trees in
bloom; jasmine, begonias, freesias, magnolia and camellias form just a
part of the spectacular flora. We have devised walking routes to suit the
island’s seasons and they follow levadas through a peaceful pastoral
countryside, traverse terraced hillsides or skirt the rugged coastline.
More challenging trails climb up to the volcanic peaks of the interior and
to Pico Ruivo which at 1860 metres is the island’s highest peak. The
walking starts with a choice of day routes from Machico: either following
an easy levada up the valley or, for the more adventurous (in good
weather), a traverse of the immense coastal cliffs between Machico and
Porto da Cruz. Next we are transferred by road to Monte, where there is an
opportunity to take the cable car up the hill to the start of the walk.
For the next two days you follow levadas contouring around the east flank
of the mountains at about 750 metres (2500 feet) above the sea. At some
points, a head for heights is an advantage. We then head inland across the
thickly forested mountains to Ribeiro Frio then take a transfer to
Santana, perched high above the north coast. We have fabulous views as we
take the high route over the island's highest peak (Pico Ruivo, 1862m) and
along a spectacular ridge to the pass of Encumeada (1050m). For many
walkers the final day’s walking from Encumeada down to Corticeiras on
the way to Funchal is the most scenic of all. In Funchal we have an
opportunity to visit a Madeira wine lodge, to explore the colourful
markets, and to enjoy one of the superb fish restaurants.
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Accommodation
7
nights/8 days
- Our first two nights are spent in the small seaside town of Machico
at a charming 3* residential that is just a stone’s throw from the
sea. Moving inland we spend a night in the attractive village of Camacha
in a 4* Estalagem and a night at Santo da Serra where the 4*
hotel has an indoor swimming pool. High above the north coast
at the village of Santana we stay at a comfortable 4* hotel
with great views to the mountains and sea. Our penultimate night is high up on the
central ridge of the island, and is spent in a pleasant stone-built
3* guesthouse. Our last night, in the animated capital Funchal,
is at a 4* hotel.
Sherpa
Notes
Waymarking
The island is not comprehensively waymarked but most trails follow a
levada, coastline or ridge and present no real navigational problems
when combined with our comprehensive route notes.
Accommodation
and Meals
4 nights dinner, bed and breakfast, 3 nights b & b, in
comfortable hotels.
Start
and End of Tour
This trip is offered on a land only basis. Nearest airport is Funchal. Short transfer (20 min) to Machico.
After breakfast on day 8, transfer from Funchal to airport (45 min). |
vacations
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