Ramblin'trails

Carefree self-guided walking and geocaching holidays with a personal touch.

What we can offer:

Self-guided walking, trail running or geocaching tours with luggage transfers.

Centre based, self-drive self- guided walking holidays.

Tailor-made walking holidays to meet your individual needs.

Around Madeira - 8 days - 6 walks.

Unique coastal walks and gardens in bloom.

Itinerary.

Day one: Arrival in Porto da Cruz

Today you can relax on the black sandy beach in the small fishing village Porto da Cruz. You can visit one of the last remaining sugar mills where you can try the well-known “Poncha”, which is a local drink made from sugar cane liquor, honey and freshly squeezed orange juice.

Day two: Circular walk along the wild north coast .

After a short transfer to Machico, you will walk along the impressive north coast on one of the old supply routes, which was previously used to cultivate the vineyards. Today one of the nicest footpaths runs along this route to Porto da Cruz. Enjoy the breath-taking views.

Details: approx. 4.5 to 5 hours| 15 km | Asc. 550 m - Desc. 550 m.

Day three: Santana – Sao Jorge – Sao Vicente, the quiet north coast .

In the traditional town, Santana, which is well-known for its typical houses, you will start today’s stage. Accompanied by amazing panoramic views you ascend from the wild coastline, further upwards past small gardens with vines, sugar canes, vegetables and fruit, until you reach a spectacular viewpoint. From there you can see across the entire northern shore stretching from Porto Moniz to Ponta de Sao Lourenco. If the weather is great then you will also be able to see the neighbouring island Porto Santo, which is located north of Madeira. The stunning Kings Levada then leads you through jungle-like vegetation to the waterfall and springs of Ribiero Bonito.

Details: approx. 4.5 to 5 hours| 15 km | Asc. 650 m - Desc. 150 m.

Day four: Sao Vicente – Porto Moniz, high plateau and cloud forest

Transfer to the mountains or more specifically to the Paul da Serra high plateau. Today’s walk brings you closer to Madeira’s green mountains. You will walk along high-altitude paths rich in spectacular views, through shady laurel forests, which are partially an UNESCO world cultural heritage site. An amazing hiking trail takes you through colourful blooming broom bushes to Fanal, a fairytale-like forest and pasture area: crooked trees, green meadows and grazing highland cattle create a very special mystical atmosphere. In the afternoon you reach the coastal village of Porto Moniz with its wonderful views to the blue sea. This charming place is well-known for its natural swimming pools, which were formed by the ocean from black lava rock.

Details: approx. 3.5 to 4 hours | 11 km | Asc. 150 m - Desc. 350 m.

Day five: Porto Moniz – Calheta, Levada Nova

Today you will walk along the south west coastline via green hills, which, after a while drop steeply into the sea. In this part of the island you will discover the original way of life of its habitants, especially Prazeres, which is known as one of the loveliest villages of Madeira island. On your walk through fragrant eucalyptus forests, you will keep seeing Callas, Amarryllis and Agapanthus growing wildly. You will stay overnight in the lively coastal village, Calheta. It has a fine sandy beach and an elegant marina.

Details: approx. 4.5 to 5 hours | 17 km | Asc. 50 m - Desc. 650 m.

Day six: Calheta – Funchal, Levada do Norte

Short transfer along the southern coast before you set off up to Levada do Norte from where you get amazing views. It is also the longest and widest Levada in the south. You will walk through typical farmed terraces and discover a vast variety of fruits. Passing small villages like Quinta Grande and Campanario to the Cabo Girao, which is the highest steep cliff in Europe. From there you will get a fantastic view of the terraced fields below you and of the coastline until the capital, Funchal.

Details: approx. 5 hours | 15 km | Asc. 250 m - Desc. 150 m.

Day 7: Circular walk Monte & botanic gardens

You reach the pilgimage site Monte by cable car, situated high above Funchal. After a visit to the church Nossa Senhora do Monte you can marvel at the dynamic wicker basket sledges before embarking on your final stage. With a marvellous view to the coast of Funchal, the route leads you once again across subtropical island vegetation and back into the capital. We highly recommend you visit the amazing botanical garden giving you an understanding of the exotic flora of the island in an area of 35,000 square metres.

Details: approx. 3 hours | 8 km | Asc. 100 m - Desc. 550 m.

Day 8: Departure from Funchal or optional extension.

General advice and information.

From Funchal airport by bus takes about 30 minutes to arrive at Porto da Cruz or you can take a short taxi ride costing about EUR 30 per journey.

To Funchal airport by bus takes about 1 hour from Funchalor you can take a short taxi ride costing about EUR 30 per journey.

For a stress-free start to your travel, arriving at the start point by early evening on day one is recommended.

The individual return journey takes place on the last day of travel.

The distance travelled is approximate and may differ from the actual distance.

This trip is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.