Madeira Great Walks — Self-Guided Tour

Distance: 10 km.

Elevation Gain: 100 m.

Transfer: 00:20 h.

Today there will be an amazing hidden secret awaiting! 

After gently descending to Rabaçal, you will find a path that will take you to an impressive waterfall along the Levada do Risco. This path reveals many landscapes with wonderful sensations and a wide variety of endemic species. 

After a short while, you will arrive at the Lagoa das 25 Fontes (Lagoon of the 25 Springs). The waters that formed this place came from the top of the Mountain Marsh (Paul da Serra) and permeated through the lagoon walls. It made possible to build the 25 Fontes Levada in 1835 - a diamond in our eyes.

Distance: 10 km.

Elevation Gain: 100 m.

Transfer: 00:45 h.

Walk through a route full of heritage. 

Located on the west side of Madeira Island, this is one of the few routes available for the population to access the coastline. It is an opportunity to walk calmly and absorb the seashore landscape and the land filled with terraced farm plots held in place by stone walls. 

This municipal path is a genuine historical heritage, bearing witness to the isolation of past generations and the ingenious and difficult trails built by the people to overcome it. 

The day will end with a short transfer back, but make sure to explore Paúl do Mar, an old fishing village known for the export of tuna, which has a small and lovely parish on the seashore and stunning views of the cliffs.

Distance: 6 km.

Elevation Gain: 600 m.

Transfer: 00:40 h. 

Today's trail is in the area of the Laurissilva Forest. Classified by UNESCO as a Natural World Heritage site since 1999 and a member of the European network of sites of community importance - Natura 2000. 

Start in Paúl da Serra plateau and follow the trail to visit several viewpoints that reveal a set of beautiful landscapes, which highlight the valley of Ribeira da Janela and Chão da Ribeira. 

Pay attention to the area known as "Fio", where visitors can appreciate what is left of an ingenious apparatus of steel cables that were used to carry wood and shrubs collected in the Fanal forest. 

Later you will arrive at Fanal, a small volcanic crater classified as a resting reserve of the Natural Park of Madeira with the centenary forest of Ocofeafoefens trees.

Distance: 10 km.

Elevation Gain: 200 m.

Transfer: 0:45 h.

Today is going to be an amazing day! 

Find a dense landscape where you can hear the water falling from the rocks, creating a natural and relaxing symphony of sounds. Enjoy the fantastic scenery that arises, full of maritime pine, eucalyptus, and other dense vegetation characteristic of the native forest - Laurissilva. 

You will pass by Canary Willow, large Madeira Laurel, Madeira Mahogany, and the Lily-of-the-valley tree that abound along the Levada. Like looking through a window, you'll find open areas until the end of the hike, passing through small rivers, lakes, and waterfalls. Stone stairs will take you to the entrance doors of the Porto Moniz. 

Your hotel awaits, but if you still have energy, do not forget to visit the natural pools in town.

Distance: 11 km.

Elevation Gain: 200 m.

Transfer: 00:25 h.

After a transfer to Cape Girão, you will have some free time. 

Once there in the belvedere, enjoy one of the most panoramic views of the Island. Including the views of Funchal, where you'll later arrive and have the rest of the day free. 

This is the most famous city of Madeira, and people love to walk the streets of its cosmopolitan center. Look for its historical sites like the cathedral or find the best ocean-view spots. The opportunities are endless. 

You must also find the market of Funchal and enjoy part of your day tasting the best gastronomy from the islands. From meat skewer to banana cake or the traditional poncha drink. You will not be disappointed!

Transfer: 01:10 h.

Your splendid trip has come to the end. We hope the memories and experiences we have created and shared stay with you forever. 

Come back soon to discover some more of Portugal's Nature Trails!

Transfer to Funchal: 00:30 h.