Easy-to-moderate walking with some ascents / descents, and occasional longer days.
The season for this holiday is:
01 December 2024 - 31 December 2024
01 January 2025 - 31 December 2025
‘The floating garden of the Atlantic’ – Madeira’s abundance and contrasts of subtropical landscapes are a magnetic pull for walkers and nature enthusiasts all year round. It’s an island where nature reigns supreme, and on this single-centre holiday, you can choose from classic and lesser-known routes, including its famed levada walks, an ancient network of waterways carved through misty forests, jungle, and UNESCO-listed laurel forest.
Your base is in or near Funchal, the island’s captivating capital, which exudes the feel of mainland Portugal and where you have a choice of three different, distinctively Madeiran hotels: a traditional quinta, a historic hotel, or a former hunting lodge turned five-star hotel. From here, you’re free to explore its remote, suspended-in-time mountain villages, wild beaches, and waterfall-laden routes as well as to discover the vast array of thriving, exotic flora brought in from across the globe by explorers.
The island’s a mere 35 miles long and 14 miles wide, but packed within is a landscape of startling contrasts, which, thanks to your included hire car, you can discover with walks for all levels. Everything is enhanced by a delightful eternal-spring climate, the chance to dip into traditional wine lodges, and sample a cuisine that reflects the island’s rich heritage.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
| °C | 15 | 15 | 16 | 16 | 18 | 20 | 22 | 23 | 23 | 21 | 18 | 16 |
| mm | 112 | 93 | 75 | 49 | 30 | 18 | 9 | 12 | 38 | 82 | 110 | 108 |
Fanal circuit (grade 1): 4km, 1.5hrs; ascent/descent 150m
Approximately 1,200 metres above sea level, the wild-feeling Paúl da Serra plateau is the rugged heartland of the island, a landscape of moor and heath not found elsewhere on Madeira. Beginning on its northern slopes, this short circular walk leads through an area of ancient laurisilva.
The cliffs of Cabo Girão (grade 1-2): 8km, 3hrs; ascent 75m/descent 80m
From Câmara de Lobos, you walk through traditional villages and small farms to reach Cabo Girão, the second-highest sea cliff in the world. Venture out onto the viewing platform - it has a glass floor - to stare in wonder at the 580-metre vertical drop to the sea below.
Ponto do Pargo circuit (grade 1-2): 13km, 5hrs; ascent/descent 420m
Explore the island's westernmost tip on a circular walk that follows a combination of panoramic country lanes and a levada. Starting at Ponto do Pargo, you pass through copses of date palm and eucalyptus, descending past a solitary white chapel set high above the sea. Nearby, a short stroll will take you to a cliff-top viewpoint for more astonishing views. Shady pine forests and small hamlets of traditional Madeiran houses line the hillsides as you return to your car. Afterwards, we recommend that you drive to nearby Fajã Grande for a short walk (1km each way) to the lighthouse sited at the island's westernmost point, where there is a small exhibition and a wonderful viewpoint. Ask politely, and you may even be allowed to climb the tower to watch the seabirds soaring above the waves.
Risco Falls & 25 Fontes (grade 1-2): 10.5km, 4.5hrs; ascent/descent 770m
The Risco falls are on the Paúl da Serra plateau, the island's rugged heartland, and this is a popular and iconic walk, passing through dense evergreen landscapes to visit a number of waterfalls, including the Risco falls and 25 fontes (springs) that feed a small turquoise lake.
Out-and-back route to Levada Caldeirão Verde: 12km, 4hrs; ascent/descent 170m
For this spectacular route along the Levada da Caldeirão Verde, you should take a torch (important) and swimwear (optional!). This is because you pass through several tunnels before reaching the cauldron itself, a natural pool fed by a 100-metre waterfall. You might wish to add to the sense of adventure by taking a dip here, before retracing your steps to return along the same route.
Santo da Serra to Funchal: 13km, 4hrs; ascent 100m/descent 320m
From Rochão, join the Levada da Serra do Faial where you walk 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).
São Lourenço Peninsula: 7.5km, 3hrs; ascent/descent 450m
This route takes in the breathtaking scenery of the São Lourenço Peninsula, revealing rocks of astonishing shapes and colours, as well as fossilised coral and seashells, as you explore the island's treeless easternmost tip.
Santo da Serra to Maroços: 16km, 5hrs; ascent 280m/descent 770m
Walk along the Levada da Serra to meet another levada which leads you down to Portela (or you can halve the walk by going directly to Portela). From here, you head into a unique landscape: the island’s oldest expanse of laurisilva (laurel forest), which is made all the more atmospheric by the magnificent wild ferns. You then wind downhill through terraces of tiny gardens and allotments to the hamlet of Maroços.
Funchal
It is well worth spending a day amid the old colonial houses of the capital, Funchal. Here, you have an array of intriguing places to visit, and we provide notes for a walking tour to make sure you get the best out of your visit, including a trip to the Mercado dos Lavradores, the town’s colourful and lively fruit and vegetable market. Other places not to be missed are the Zona Velha (Old Quarter), with its many bustling shops and welcoming cafés; the unassuming cathedral of 1485; the Museum of Art; and, of course, Blandy’s wine lodge (closed Sundays) to learn about the history of the island’s world-famous fortified wine before savouring a sample or two from the leading producer.
Visit Monte and its botanical gardens. The best – and most thrilling – way to return to Funchal is via the famous Monte wicker toboggan run, whose white-flannelled drivers will take you (quite quickly!) down to the outskirts of the town – the perfect way to complete your exploration of this astonishing island.
Seixal Beach & Porto Moniz
Madeira’s black-sand beach is made all the more idyllic with its backdrop of greenery-topped mountains and crystalline waters lapping the shores. Nearby, you’ll find the natural pools at Porto Moniz, formed by volcanic rocks that allow salt water to run in and out.
Driving tour
This tour takes you up the hillside towards Monte, former retreat for the wealthy islanders, and on up to the central mountain region. There’s a short detour to Pico Arieiro, the second highest peak on the island, if you wish, too.
Descend towards the north coast where you head to the far eastern tip, the São Lourenço Peninsula, which is unlike any other part of the island with its multi-coloured cliffs. We include a short walk to a secluded beach here or you can follow the waymarked PR route out onto the peninsula itself.
The tour brings you back via Machico, the first capital of the island, then onto Santo da Serra and finally Camacha, the centre of the wicker industry on the island where the traditional craftsmanship is still very much alive today.
We can only accept payment in GBP, but you can use this converter to find out how much the holiday equates to in your own currency.
Quinta de la Casa Branca, 7 nights: 01 December 2024 - 31 December 2024 & 01 January 2025 - 31 December 2025
Start any day | End by latest date(s) shown above
| Starting | Price | Single room |
|---|---|---|
| 1 - 22 Dec 2024 | £1305 | £740 |
| 23 - 24 Dec 2024 | £1680 | £955 |
| 1 Jan - 31 Mar 2025 | £1425 | £855 |
| 1 - 30 Apr 2025 | £1525 | £875 |
| 1 - 31 May 2025 | £1945 | £1145 |
| 1 Jun - 30 Sep 2025 | £1775 | £935 |
| 1 - 31 Oct 2025 | £1680 | £995 |
| 1 Nov - 21 Dec 2025 | £1340 | £770 |
| 22 - 24 Dec 2025 | £1770 | £1020 |
| 3rd & 4th person discount | -£80 to -£160 | |
| Single traveller supplement | £80 to £160 |
Includes accommodation, meals and services integral to the holiday as described, plus walking notes and maps, but no travel from the UK, nor any connecting travel from the airport unless stated below.
Price includes: 7 days' category C car hire (eg VW Polo or similar with manual transmission and a 1.2L or 1.4L engine, depending on vehicle)
Driving time between airport and hotel: 0h25
Book your flights through us and we'll find the best route and times to suit you. Please contact us to find out more about our flight booking service. We can also book connecting travel - see below.
7 nights staying at Casa Velha do Palheiro: 01 December 2024 - 31 December 2024 & 01 January 2025 - 31 December 2025
Start any day | End by latest date(s) shown above
| Starting | Price | Single room |
|---|---|---|
| 1 - 20 Dec 2024 | £1330 | £615 |
| 21 - 24 Dec 2024 | £1970 | £975 |
| 1 - 31 Jan 2025 | £1405 | £670 |
| 1 - 28 Feb 2025 | £1310 | £615 |
| 1 Mar - 31 Jul 2025 | £1540 | £580 |
| 1 Aug - 30 Sep 2025 | £1490 | £555 |
| 1 Oct - 22 Dec 2025 | £1410 | £625 |
| 23 - 24 Dec 2025 | £1985 | £1050 |
| 3rd & 4th person discount | -£80 to -£160 | |
| Single traveller supplement | £80 to £160 |
Includes accommodation, meals and services integral to the holiday as described, plus walking notes and maps, but no travel from the UK, nor any connecting travel from the airport unless stated below.
Price includes: 7 days' category C car hire (eg VW Polo or similar with manual transmission and a 1.2L or 1.4L engine, depending on vehicle)
Driving time between airport and hotel: 0h25
Book your flights through us and we'll find the best route and times to suit you. Please contact us to find out more about our flight booking service. We can also book connecting travel - see below.
7 nights staying at Pestana Churchill Bay: 01 December 2024 - 31 December 2024 & 01 January 2025 - 31 December 2025
Start any day | End by latest date(s) shown above
| Starting | Price | Single room |
|---|---|---|
| 1 - 20 Dec 2024 | £760 | £345 |
| 21 - 24 Dec 2024 | £1165 | £590 |
| 1 Jan - 28 Feb 2025 | £770 | £360 |
| 1 - 31 Mar 2025 | £985 | £525 |
| 1 Apr - 28 Jun 2025 | £1185 | £610 |
| 29 Jun - 15 Aug 2025 | £1415 | £660 |
| 16 Aug - 27 Sep 2025 | £1305 | £670 |
| 28 Sep - 31 Oct 2025 | £1020 | £525 |
| 1 Nov - 18 Dec 2025 | £825 | £400 |
| 19 - 24 Dec 2025 | £1235 | £630 |
| 3rd & 4th person discount | -£80 to -£190 | |
| Single traveller supplement | £80 to £190 |
Includes accommodation, meals and services integral to the holiday as described, plus walking notes and maps, but no travel from the UK, nor any connecting travel from the airport unless stated below.
Price includes: 7 days' category C car hire (eg VW Polo or similar with manual transmission and a 1.2L or 1.4L engine, depending on vehicle)
Driving time between airport and hotel: 0h25
Book your flights through us and we'll find the best route and times to suit you. Please contact us to find out more about our flight booking service. We can also book connecting travel - see below.
Room upgrades (£ per person per night)
| Quinta da Casa Branca , Funchal | ||
|---|---|---|
| Premium: 01 Dec - 31 Dec 2024 | £25 | |
| Premium: 01 Jan - 31 Dec 2025 | £25 | |
| Suite: 01 Dec - 31 Dec 2024 | £125 | |
| Suite: 01 Jan - 31 Dec 2025 | £125 |
Extra nights (£ per person per night) in a double or single room
| Quinta da Casa Branca , Funchal (B&B) | Double room | Single room |
|---|---|---|
| 01 Dec - 21 Dec 2024 | £123 | £246 |
| 22 Dec - 25 Dec 2024 | £146 | £292 |
| 26 Dec - 31 Dec 2024 | £171 | £342 |
| 01 Jan - 28 Feb 2025 | £138 | £276 |
| 01 Mar - 30 Apr 2025 | £146 | £292 |
| 01 May - 31 May 2025 | £192 | £384 |
| 01 Jun - 31 Jul 2025 | £146 | £292 |
| 01 Aug - 31 Oct 2025 | £166 | £332 |
| 01 Nov - 21 Dec 2025 | £128 | £256 |
| 22 Dec - 25 Dec 2025 | £152 | £304 |
| 26 Dec - 31 Dec 2025 | £177 | £354 |
Room upgrades (£ per person per night)
| Casa Velha do Palheiro , Funchal | ||
|---|---|---|
| Deluxe: 01 Dec - 31 Dec 2024 | £35 | |
| Deluxe: 01 Jan - 31 Dec 2025 | £35 | |
| Superior: 01 Dec - 31 Dec 2024 | £40 | |
| Superior: 01 Jan - 31 Dec 2025 | £40 |
Extra nights (£ per person per night) in a double or single room
| Casa Velha do Palheiro , Funchal (B&B) | Double room | Single room |
|---|---|---|
| 01 Dec - 20 Dec 2024 | £131 | £224 |
| 21 Dec - 31 Dec 2024 | £219 | £395 |
| 01 Jan - 04 Jan 2025 | £212 | £381 |
| 05 Jan - 28 Feb 2025 | £127 | £230 |
| 01 Mar - 30 Apr 2025 | £151 | £254 |
| 01 May - 30 Jun 2025 | £131 | £224 |
| 01 Jul - 31 Aug 2025 | £120 | £213 |
| 01 Sep - 20 Dec 2025 | £131 | £224 |
| 21 Dec - 31 Dec 2025 | £219 | £395 |
Extra nights (£ per person per night) in a double or single room
| Pestana Churchill Bay, Câmara do Lobos (B&B) | Double room | Single room |
|---|---|---|
| 01 Dec - 19 Dec 2024 | £66 | £132 |
| 20 Dec - 27 Dec 2024 | £113 | £226 |
| 28 Dec - 31 Dec 2024 | £157 | £314 |
| 01 Jan - 02 Jan 2025 | £136 | £272 |
| 03 Jan - 28 Feb 2025 | £57 | £114 |
| 01 Mar - 04 Apr 2025 | £87 | £174 |
| 05 Apr - 19 Apr 2025 | £112 | £224 |
| 20 Apr - 30 Apr 2025 | £98 | £196 |
| 01 May - 12 May 2025 | £112 | £224 |
| 13 May - 03 Jul 2025 | £98 | £196 |
| 04 Jul - 27 Sep 2025 | £112 | £224 |
| 28 Sep - 31 Oct 2025 | £87 | £174 |
| 01 Nov - 19 Dec 2025 | £66 | £132 |
| 20 Dec - 27 Dec 2025 | £113 | £226 |
| 28 Dec - 31 Dec 2025 | £157 | £314 |
Funchal
Travelling from the UK
| Outward route | Airline |
|---|---|
| Belfast Intl. - Funchal | jet2 |
| Outward route | Airline |
|---|---|
| Birmingham - Funchal | jet2, TUI |
| Outward route | Airline |
|---|---|
| Bristol - Funchal | easyJet, jet2 |
| Outward route | Airline |
|---|---|
| Nottingham East Midlands - Funchal | jet2, TUI |
| Outward route | Airline |
|---|---|
| Edinburgh - Funchal | easyJet, jet2 |
| Outward route | Airline |
|---|---|
| Glasgow - Funchal | jet2, TUI |
| Outward route | Airline |
|---|---|
| Leeds Bradford - Funchal | jet2 |
| Outward route | Airline |
|---|---|
| Liverpool - Funchal | jet2 |
| Outward route | Airline |
|---|---|
| Gatwick - Funchal | British Airways, easyJet, TUI |
| Gatwick - Funchal (via Lisbon) | TAP Air Portugal |
| Outward route | Airline |
|---|---|
| Heathrow - Funchal | British Airways |
| Heathrow - Funchal (via Lisbon) | TAP Air Portugal |
| Outward route | Airline |
|---|---|
| Luton - Funchal | Wizz Air |
| Outward route | Airline |
|---|---|
| Stansted - Funchal | jet2, Ryanair |
| Outward route | Airline |
|---|---|
| Manchester - Funchal | easyJet, jet2, Ryanair, TUI |
| Manchester - Funchal (via Lisbon) | TAP Air Portugal |
| Outward route | Airline |
|---|---|
| Newcastle - Funchal | jet2, TUI |
This list of flight options should be used as a guide only, and you should check each airline’s website for current routes, frequency and schedules. Not all flights operate daily, and may not run for the entire season. You should also heed the latest flight arrival time and earliest flight departure time stated in the connecting travel section, as it may not be possible to arrange connecting travel outside these times. Please do not book your flights until we have confirmed your accommodation to you. Alternatively, our expert reservations team will be happy to offer advice and to make flight bookings for you for any of the options listed above. We charge £35 per person for our flight booking service. Your flights are then covered by our package-booking conditions, which give you greater protection in the event of delay or cancellation, as well as providing ATOL cover.
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