Itinerary
- Day 1
Porto da Cruz
You'll arrive in Porto da Cruz, a small fishing village where you can settle in and get your bearings. Spend time on the black sandy beach to unwind after travel, then head to one of the last operating sugar mills in the area. There you'll try Poncha, the local drink made from sugar cane liquor, honey, and fresh orange juice. It's worth trying at least once to get a feel for local traditions.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Visit one of the last remaining sugar mills
- Try the local drink Poncha (sugar cane liquor, honey, and freshly squeezed orange juice)
Landmarks/POIs Porto da Cruz - Day 2
Machico to Porto da Cruz
After a short transfer to Machico, you'll walk along the northern coast on an old supply route that people once used for vineyard cultivation. This footpath runs between Machico and Porto da Cruz and gives you real views of the coastline. The walk takes you through sections with some nice scenery as the path winds its way back to Porto da Cruz.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Guided walk from Machico along north coast on old supply route to Porto da Cruz
Landmarks/POIs Machico Porto da Cruz - Day 3
Santana
Start in Santana, a traditional village known for its distinctive thatched-roof houses that you can see throughout the town. After walking around the village, you'll head out on the Levada do Rei trail through dense forest vegetation. The path includes a few short tunnels before you reach Ribeiro Bonito waterfall and the natural springs. Once you've seen everything, stop at the bar Quinta do Levada for some refreshments before heading back.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit traditional village of Santana with typical thatched-roof houses
- Guided hike on Levada do Rei through forest to Ribeiro Bonito waterfall and springs
- Refreshments at bar Quinta do Levada
Landmarks/POIs Santana Levada do Rei Ribeiro Bonito 
- Day 4
Paul da Serra to Porto Moniz
You'll transfer up to Paul da Serra, a high plateau in the mountains where conditions are quite different from the coast. Walking here takes you through shady laurel forests (part of a UNESCO protected area) and past colorful blooming broom bushes. Later you'll reach Fanal, a forest with unusually crooked trees, green meadows, and cattle grazing freely. From there it's on to Porto Moniz, a coastal village where you can swim in natural pools formed by black lava rock.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Guided hike through high-altitude paths and laurel forests
- Hike to Fanal wood forest and pasture area
- Visit Porto Moniz with natural swimming pools
Landmarks/POIs Paul da Serra Fanal Porto Moniz 
- Day 5
Southwest Coast to Calheta
You'll walk the southwest coastline where hills rise steeply from the sea. The route passes through Prazeres, a quiet village with a nice setting, and then through eucalyptus forests filled with wild Callas, Amaryllis, and Agapanthus flowers. By evening you'll reach Calheta, a lively coastal town with a sandy beach and marina where you can relax after the day's walk.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Guided walk along southwest coastline through green hills
- Visit Prazeres village
- Hike through eucalyptus forests with wildflowers
Landmarks/POIs Prazeres Calheta 
- Day 6
Calheta to Cabo Girao
After transferring along the southern coast, you'll start hiking the Levada do Norte, the longest and widest levada in this region. You'll pass through terraced farmland growing a variety of fruits and walk through small villages including Quinta Grande and Campanario. The hike finishes at Cabo Girao, Europe's highest sea cliff, where you can see terraced fields below and views extending toward Funchal along the coast.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Guided hike on Levada do Norte through farmed terraces
- Pass through villages Quinta Grande and Campanario
- Visit Cabo Girao with views of terraced fields and coastline
Landmarks/POIs Levada do Norte Quinta Grande Campanario Cabo Girao 
- Day 7
Funchal
You'll take the cable car up to Monte, which sits high above Funchal, and visit the church Nossa Senhora do Monte. While you're there, you can watch the wicker basket sledgers who still operate in the area. From Monte, your final hike begins, descending through subtropical vegetation with views of the coast down to Funchal. Later, check out the botanical garden, which covers a large area and displays the island's exotic plant species across different sections.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Cable car journey to Monte
- Visit church Nossa Senhora do Monte
- Watch wicker basket sledgers at Monte
- Guided hike from Monte to Funchal through subtropical vegetation
- Visit Madeira Botanical Garden
Landmarks/POIs Monte Igreja Nossa Senhora do Monte Madeira Botanical Garden Funchal - Day 8
Departure
You'll depart from Funchal, or if you prefer, you can arrange to stay longer on the island. This is your chance to add extra days or head to your next destination depending on your travel plans.
