The island of Madeira – winter warmth

SUMMARY

Date: Friday January 23rd to Friday January 30th 

Guide: Local Guide with WalkingWomen Support with you throughout your trip

Walking Grade: Goat Level 2 – you will be walking 4-5 hours a day with stops for picnics and cultural experiences. Expect to be starting each day at 8.45 from your hotel and returning approximately 17.00.

Terrain: Good paths and varied walks to give you a full taste of Madeira. There is one cliff walk along the coast.

Max distance: 11km or 6.8miles

Highlights:

• Staying at a traditional Pousada hotel by the sea at Churchill Bay
• Walking the Kings Levada
• Visiting waterfalls and fountains
• An old forest walk
• Tasting the local Madeira food and drinks

Base: The Pestana Churchill Bay just outside Funchal 

You can find out more here Churchill Bay Hotel

Arrivals: Pick up will be from Funchal Airport approx 17.00 – your hotel is abut 15 minutes away.

If you arrive earlier or later we can arrange additional taxi’s at approx 15 euros per person.

Departures: Group Transfer will leave the hotel approx 10.30am so book flights after 13.00.

Price: £2550 per person for a fully inclusive holiday. If you bring a female partner,friend or family member and share a room the price is £2100 per person. We will adjust your invoice on booking. 

• Welcome at airport and group transfer to your hotel
• 7 nights bed and breakfast in an en-suite sea view room ( if sharing rooms are larger)
• Picnic Lunches on 5 walking days
• Evening Meals on 7 nights – hotel and in local restaurants
• Guided Walks and excursions on 5 days – includes local transport
• WalkingWomen support throughout
• Return group transfer to the airport

Not included:

• Extra drinks
• 1 lunch on your free day

DETAILS

We are collaborating with Madeira Free Spirit Walks – a local father and daughter run business. Just like us they have been operating for over 25 years and are passionate about their island of Madeira. We have put together a programme that will give you the best experience of Madeira.

Madeira has stunning natural scenery which includes a great variety – dramatic mountains, lush forests,volcanos, beaches and the unique hiking trails that include the Levada walks.

We choose Madeira for its great hiking as well as history, culture , charm and year-round warm climate.

ITINERARY

You will be guided by Ana Sofia your local guide who is passionate to show you the best of Madeira. As always we say Trust Your Guide as they may need to change the programme due to weather or other reasons. You can rest assured you will get a full hiking and cultural programme.

Friday – ARRIVAL DAY.

Pick up around 17.00 to be at the hotel by 17.30 to settle in and have a welcome briefing about your week . Dinner will be together at the hotel .

Saturday / 1st Walk – Walk Kings Levada  4 hours walking.

Departure from Hotel approx. 08:45.

Stop at Faial / Guindaste viewpoint at the end of the walk

Return to Hotel 17:00 approx.

Sunday / 2nd Walk – Rabaçal – 25 Fontes. 4.5 hours walking.

Departure from Hotel approx. 08:45

After the walk we will stop at Calheta village for refreshments and a wander around

Return to Hotel 17:00

Monday / 3rd Walk – Ponta de São Lourenço & return boat shuttle trip 2.5 hours walking with possibilities to extend the walk and walk back to the hotel 

Departure from Hotel approx. 08:45

We will have a stop at Caniçal village for refreshments and a wander round

Return to Hotel approx 16:00

Tuesday – Free Day to relax, go to the beach , visit Funchal or there will be options given for additional activities. You will be able to choose what you prefer to do on this day.

Wednesday / 4th Walk – Walk of Fanal for a forest walk . 4 hours walking.

Departure from Hotel approx. 08:45

At the end of the walk we will drive to the North of the island  to see the North coast

We will stop at São Vicente village for refreshments and a wander  round

Return to Hotel approx 17:00

THURSDAY / 5th  Walk – Achadas do Teixeira – Pico Ruivo – Pico das Pedras to Queimadas.

Walking time: 4 hours with a climb of approx 30o metres. Minimum altitude: 1600 metres. Maximum elevation: 1862 metres.

The first part of the walk includes mountains and the highest point on the island, and the second part includes laurel forest. The original route has been closed until April 2026 and we will take an alternative route to see the highest part of the island.

Departure from Hotel approx. 08:30

Return to Hotel approx  17:00

Friday – Departure DAY

Group Airport Transfer approx 10.30am