Discover relaxed walking holidays in Madeira with us
The magical island of Madeira is a walker’s paradise. Its vastly contrasting landscapes of lush green rolling mountain sides and wild beaches, offer exceptional flora and fauna in abundance with a different adventure around every corner.
A haven for the island’s wildlife, the enchanting forests wind through the mountainous valleys following the ancient Levadas (ancient waterways) where your senses will be heightened as you hear the crashing of the hidden waterfalls, smell the wildflowers lining the paths and take in the awesome panoramic views of the towering valleys against the bright azure seas surrounding the island.
Your base for the duration of your stay is the 4 Star beachfront hotel “The Vila Gale” based in the village of Santa Cruz along the coast, located 15 minutes from the centre of the island’s capital, Funchal. Take the opportunity to visit the lively city with your guide on the included excursion, where you can unearth the historic nooks and capture picture postcard moments.
Make sure to visit the Farmers Market (Mercado dos Lavradores) where you will find local florists wearing their traditional outfits, surrounded by some of the island’s most vibrant flowers and delicate orchids. Feeling adventurous? Venture into the fruit markets where the local vendors will convince you to savour and bring your senses to life, as you taste the many varieties of fresh fruit and local delicacies.
Holiday Highlights
- Seven nights half board at the 4* Hotel Vila Gale Santa Cruz
- Three locally guided walks
- Mountain walk to the famous thatched houses in Santana
- Excursion to Funchal; Madeira’s capital
- Flights included from your local airport
- Transfers & luggage included as standard
Itinerary
Day One – Arrival Day
On arrival at Funchal airport, you will be met at the airport and transferred to the Hotel Vila Gala (2 miles) located in Santa Cruz for seven nights half board accommodation.
Day Two – Walk 1
8 MILES – 485M ASCENT/ 508m DESCENT Caldeirão Verde (walk in the beautiful Laurel Forest) with a stop in Santana to see the famous thatched houses. This 8 mile moderate walk never stops to amaze. A little Pandora box situated over a 900m altitude, filled with adventure, beauty and creativity. The spectacular views change as you make your way to the green caldron. The short narrow tunnels offer you that extra peak of excitement making this trail worthwhile.
Day Three – Free day in resort
Free day in resort
Day Four – Walk 2
7 MILES – 406M ASCENT/ 386M DESCENT Rabaçal walk – 25 fountains with a stop in Calheta beach. This 7 mile moderate levada walk starts at at 1300m at the great Paul da Serra (Plateau of Madeira) and will certainly be unforgettable. Right from the beginning of the pathway birds such as chaffinches and gold crest come and lead you into Madeira’s laurisilva rainforest, covered with unimaginable vegetation. The waterfalls along the way form a melody of sounds. The lake of the 25 Fountains is simply an invitation to satisfaction.
Day Five – Included Excursion to Funchal
Take the included excursion to Funchal, Madeira’s capital with its wealth of history and culture.
Day Six – Free Day in resort
Free Day in resort
Day Seven – Walk Three
7 MILES – 556M ASCENT/595M DESCENT Lakes Tour Situated in the forest of the great plateau (mother to the heather trees). Here you will find trees of this kind of hundreds of years. The levada takes you to the Lakes where the trout occasionally come to greet you and waterfalls can be heard far in the distance. Discover the old paths still today used by farmers and hunters of Madeira.
Day Eight – Departure Day
Free time until your transfer to the airport and your return flight home.
Accommodation
The Vila Galé Santa Cruz hotel in Madeira, offers an incomparable view of the Atlantic Ocean, along with the town’s picturesque atmosphere.
This hotel in Madeira, only five minutes away from the airport, has 262 warm and sophisticated rooms. It also features two restaurants, two bars, an outdoor pool and spa with heated indoor pool, sauna, Turkish bath, gym and massage rooms.
Besides offering free wi-fi access in all areas, the Vila Galé Santa Cruz hotel has a modern and well-equipped convention centre and a multi-purpose space for any leisure or business circumstances.
Hotel Features
Dates & Prices
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