Wonderous Landscapes and Waterways of Madeira

Walking holidays on the island of Madeira offer a respite from the restless pace of modern life, with picturesque routes through traditional villages, rugged coastlines, beaches and woodland. One of the most distinctive features of Madeira’s topography are its levadas; miles upon miles of narrow aqueducts carved out of the landscape which contribute towards keeping this volcanic island so stunningly green. Here, your route occasionally follows the course of these waterways as you step out into the tranquil settings of Madeira’s countryside from the port of Machico to the end of your journey at Santana on the secluded north coast of the island. This is a natural idyll renowned for its profusion of wildflowers and birdlife and exploring the island on foot is the best way to experience Madeira’s natural beauty, as well as the remnants of its history found in ruins scattered across the island. On your way, you’ll discover traditional villages, characterful little bars and restaurants, as well as the captivating culture and gastronomy of the island.

Your holiday is centred on two locations, Machico and Santana. Both centres illustrate different aspects of life on the island, and in either case we have chosen retreats that offer comfort and local character; places to stay that are just as much a part of the experience as the walk itself. In Santana you may choose between an upgraded accommodation (POR-MAD1) or a standard selection (POR-MAD2). You can look forward to a warm welcome and a taste of the island’s celebrated cuisine and local produce after a day out exploring the island with our hand-picked accommodation that provides all the modern amenities (WI-FI etc) that you could expect. Whether it’s beach bays or miles of lush, exotic island scenery – our accommodations in Madeira offer ample breathing space to relax and unwind among the island’s spectacular natural landscapes.