Dramatic cliffs, tranquil coves & enchanting mountains

ARRIVAL IN MACHICO

Stroll along the golden sandy beach and enjoy your first evening of vacation on the beautiful island of flowers.

LOOP HIKE AROUND MACHICO, PICO FACHO SUMMIT AND MADEIRA’S EASTERNMOST POINT approx. 5 hours 14 km 600 m/ 600 m

Today you’ll hike to the summit of Pico do Facho and continue along the dramatic cliffside on the impressive Whalers’ Trail down to the harbor of Caniçal. Afterwards, you’ll explore the rugged São Lourenço peninsula, the easternmost tip of the island, or finish your loop along a levada path high above the ocean.

MACHICO – PORTO DA CRUZ, CLIFFSIDE TRAILS ALONG THE COAST approx. 5 hours 15 km 600 m/ 600 m

Along the Levada do Caniçal, you’ll ascend to Boca do Risco, a breathtaking mountain pass perched high above the cliffs that leads onto a narrow coastal trail. This cliffside path stretches dramatically above the sea and finishes in Porto da Cruz, where you can cool off with a swim in the natural saltwater pools and unwind with a walk along the black sand beach.

PORTO DA CRUZ – SANTANA, PICO RUIVO SUMMIT AND THE GREEN BASIN approx. 6 hours 18 km 800m/ 1.250 m

A transfer brings you into the mountains. You’ll pass waterfalls and dense fern thickets before ascending to the high-altitude trail. If you choose, you can stop at the Pico Ruivo hut and summit Madeira’s highest peak, where breathtaking panoramic views of the entire island await. After descending through eucalyptus forests into the valley, you’ll spend the night in the charming inland village of Santana.

SANTANA – SÃO VICENTE, THE KINGS TRAIL & LEVADA DO REI approx. 4 to 6 hours 20 km 850 m/ 700 m

Embark on a fantastic hike along the King’s Trail, a historic mountain path that once linked the island’s interior to its coast. This sun-drenched route winds through lush vegetation, guiding you to a series of stunning viewpoints. The jungle-like Levada do Rei meanders through tunnels, leading to the lush valley’s end, where a cozy bar welcomes you for a well-deserved rest. From there, you’ll transfer to the charming coastal town of São Vicente.

SÃO VICENTE – PORTO MONIZ, HIGH PLATEAU THROUGH ENDLESS LAUREL FORESTS approx. 5 to 6 hours 11 km 950 m/ 50 m

A short transfer brings you to the trailhead in a secluded high valley. From there, you’ll hike through endless laurel forests up to the high plateau and into the mystical Fanal area, where lingering mist and lichen-covered trees create an enchanting atmosphere. A scenic drive down the valley then takes you to Porto Moniz, where the black volcanic pools along the Atlantic coast offer a refreshing place to cool off.

LOOP HIKE FROM PORTO MONIZ, SPECTACULAR MULE TRACKS TO SEA GARDENS approx. 5 to 6 hours 15 km 850 m/ 1.250 m

You’ll ascend to the church of Santo, where adventurous paths lead down to the sea gardens of Achadas da Cruz. The steep cliffs here rise nearly 500 meters (1,640 feet) above the ocean. Expect secluded pebble beaches, terraced fields in dramatic locations, and stunning sea views. As an option, you can take the nearly vertical cable car before embarking on the impressive return hike through the gorge.

DEPARTURE