Headwater Marvels of Madeira Walk

• 7 nights hotel-to-hotel accommodation
• All continental breakfasts, 2 picnics and all evening meals
• Management by your local Headwater-appointed agent
• Route directions and maps
• Standard transfers at the start/end of the trip (if booking inclusive flights)
• Luggage transfers between hotels
• GPX files
• Cable car ticket
• Most walking transfers

Day 1: Arrive in Madeira

Arrive at your hotel in Porto da Cruz where our local partner will brief you on the week’s walking.

Day 2: Circular Walk to Sao Jorge 10KM/6.5MI/3.5HR Or 13KM/8MI/4HR

Today you take the panoramic coastal path that leads you to the ancient cobbled route linking Santana to Sao Jorge. (If you are staying at the Vila Bela in Porto da Cruz a 15 min transfer will be provided). Agapanthus and cacti line the descent to the seaside ‘resort’ of Calhau. It’s then along the base of the cliffs, where big Atlantic rollers come sweeping in, before you climb to enjoy balcony views. There are fabulous coastal vistas as you ascend to Sao Jorge, with the village’s lighthouse glimmering above the azure waters. The mighty peak of Pico Ruivo frames the horizon as you return to Santana or transfer to Porto da Cruz if you are staying there.

Day 3: The Caldeirao Verde Levada 14KM/9MI/5HR

A transfer (10/25 mins) takes you up to the Parque das Queimadas – all the hard climbing is done for you! The walk follows the beautiful (and shady) Caldeirao Verde Levada (the Green Cauldron Levada) into the Vale da Lapa. The scenery is magnificent; the views of the sea, of hilltop villages, and of the lofty central peaks are unforgettable. You head up the valley through a series of impressive levada tunnels to the magnificent waterfall at Caldeirao Verde. Then it’s back down the Lapa Valley to Ilha before taking the bus back to Santana or a transfer to Porto da Cruz.

Day 4: Santana to Ribeiro/Santo Da Serra 14KM/9MI/4HR

A scenic 25 minute ride takes you to Ribeiro Frio. You join the Levada do Furado, a verdant paradise of laurel, heather and pine with waterfalls tumbling into the gushing river. Tiny firecrest and tame finches flit between the trees, which occasionally part to reveal stunning views of white hilltop hamlets. You descend to Santo da Serra’s vibrant square with its lively market; wood smoke fills the air as meats grill al fresco – you must try the traditional espetada (marinated meat skewered on laurel twigs)!

Day 5: Sao Lourenco 8KM/5MI/3HR

Starting with a transfer (30 mins), today’s walk takes you to the most eastern point of Madeira, to Ponta de Sao Lourenco’s Nature Reserve, where you’ll walk the hugely popular peninsula loop, with sweeping views, jagged peaks and masses of flora and fauna.

Day 6: Cabo Girao Walk 11KM/7MI/3.5HR

A 45 minutes transfer takes you to Boa Morte to take the Levada do Norte, through pine and eucalyptus trees, and on paths lined with pink belladonna flowers. High on the poios (terraces) the path wanders through pretty villages, before arriving in Cabo Girao where the majestic expanse of the Atlantic is spread out before us. A transfer will take you on to your hotel in Funchal where you will spend your last two nights.
You stay at the Quinta da Bela Vista (breakfast and evening meal)

Day 7: Funchal

Spend your last day exploring at leisure in Funchal, perhaps starting in the bustling market near the harbour – it’s full of atmosphere and ablaze with colour. Enjoy lunch on the harbour, saving room for an afternoon cream tea at Reid’s, then it’s time to relax by the pool or in the beautiful exotic gardens of your hotel.
You stay at the Quinta da Bela Vista (breakfast and evening meal)

Day 8: Leave Madeira

Quinta Do Furao, Santana

The Quinta do Furao enjoys a stunning location with views stretching over the Atlantic Ocean. The hotel is surrounded by vineyards, vegetable plots and fruit orchards as well as beautifully manicured gardens complete with dragon trees and proteas. The verdant peaks of Picos do Ruivo and Arieiro stand majestically behind the Quinta to complete the picture.

Porto Bay Serra Golf, Santo Da Serra

The Porto Bay Serra Golf was originally built in the 1920s. In the 1940s it became a teahouse and was later used as the golf clubhouse. It has since been renovated into a beautiful hotel. The original part of the building contains the lounge with honesty bar and restaurant as well as the two superior twin rooms and the suite.

Quinta Da Bela Vista, Funchal

The luxury 5 star family-run Quinta da Bela Vista, one of the most exclusive hotels on Madeira, commands fabulous panoramic views of Funchal from its hillside location on the edge of the city.

Hotel Vila Bela, Porto Da Cruz

Just 100m from the nearest beach and close to the promenade and the public open-air swimming pool, the Hotel Vila Bela offers a fabulous location between the sea and the mountain backdrop behind Porto da Cruz.

Hotel Lisboa Plaza, Lisbon

Owned by the same family since 1953, the 4 star Hotel Lisboa Plaza is an imaginatively designed hotel, just off the famous Avenida da Liberdade.

Please note, prices listed are guide prices only and are based on 2 people sharing and don’t include any additional supplements. Holiday prices are fluid and dynamic and may be changed at a moment’s notice, prior to booking, at which point they are confirmed. Please call the team free on 0800 707 6229 for more departure dates available and a quote.