Waterways, Flowers & Levada Walks of Madeira

Day 1  Santana  
Arrive in Santana and check in to your hotel.  

Day 2  Santana      
This walk begins with a short included transfer to the hamlet of Cruz, from where you follow the winding Levada do Castelejo into a deep and remote valley to reach a delightfully unexpected picnic spot. Returning the way you came, you head back out of the valley to emerge above Porto da Cruz, an attractive coastal hamlet which you reach by a quiet road. Return from here to Santana by taxi (included).  

Day 3  Santana to Santo da Serra    
The day starts with a 30-minute transfer to Ribeiro Frio (‘Cold River’). Before starting out on the walk proper, it’s well worth making your way to a superb viewpoint from where the panorama encompasses a cirque of rugged green mountains and the Atlantic Ocean to the north. You then set off through woodland on a classic and very memorable levada walk, with the Levada do Furado and later the Levada da Serra acting as your guide. The flowers lining the water channels vary according to season, but whatever the time of year you’ll enjoy great views from the frequent clearings. What is even more impressive, however, is the path itself – as it leads you through short tunnels, between clefts in the rock and along ledges carved into the mountainside, you can appreciate the engineering prowess that was required to build Madeira’s network of levadas. You reach Santo da Serra, where you spend three nights at the Porto Bay Serragolf.  

Days 4-5  Santo da Serra  
A first walk leads you to Camacha, a small town famed for its wickerwork. There are two different ways to reach the town: either by following the Levada dos Tornos on what is a wonderful, secluded levada walk; or by taking the popular Levada da Serra do Faial trail – a lovely, oak-lined route with excellent waymarking (add 1km/30mins). Return from Camacha by bus. For a contrast, your second, stunning walk (accessed by taxi or a combination of buses) takes in the breathtaking scenery of the São Lourenço Peninsula, revealing rocks of astonishing shapes and colours, as well as fossilised coral and sea shells, as you explore the island's treeless easternmost tip.

Day 6  Santo da Serra to Funchal          
A transfer from Santo da Serra brings you to Rochão, where you join the Levada da Serra do Faial through woodland of pine and eucalyptus to reach the historic village of Monte. You are rewarded with fine sea views, but the best is saved until last: at the cable car station you can gaze across the Bay of Funchal before descending into the capital (pay locally) to spend your last two nights at the Castanheiro Boutique Hotel.

Day 7  Funchal      
We provide notes for a self-guided walking tour of Funchal, exploring the Old Quarter (Zona Velha) and taking in landmarks such as the Mercado dos Lavradores, Funchal's colourful and lively fruit and vegetable market; the diminutive cathedral of 1485; the Museum of Art; and, of course, Blandy’s wine lodge, where you can learn about the history of the island’s world-famous fortified wine before savouring a sample or two from the leading producer. Please note that most of Funchal's main sights, including Blandy's and the market, are closed on Sundays.  

Day 8  Funchal  
Your adventure comes to an end with a transfer to the airport.