Hanna's itinerary

Hanna's itinerary

Hi Hannah,

Please see the itinerary I have created for you.

Hiking Essentials: Please bring with you the following items for all the days: warm clothing for the early morning chill, comfortable walking shoes with good grip, sunscreen and sunglasses.

**I also suggest we bring some snacks with us. There will not be good lunch options all the time.

Day 1 (23rd of July)

  1. Sunrise Hike at Ponta do Sao Lourenco
    Option: you could hike back or take a boat trip on the way back with Madeira Sea Emotions - requires booking ahead, but it's a very nice experience.
  2. Miradouro da Portela
  3. Miradouro do Guindaste (view over the north coast of Madeira). It’s an amazing place that offers some mesmerizing views of the ocean and the massive cliffs along Madeira’s northeastern coast.
  4. Miradouro do Pico do Facho - overlooking the port of Caniçal, the airport and the runway plus the town of Machico.
  5. Machico - a little medieval town.

Day 2 (24th of July)

  1. Ribeira da Laje, this area is known as the Hawaii of Europe, it is a stunning natural gem with beautiful volcanic beach, clear waters and astonishing cliffs.
  2. Poço das Lesmas - lava pools in Seixal
  3. Ribeira da Janela
  4. Fanal forest - A leisurely walk in among the 600 years laurel trees. UNESCO World Heritage site since 1999.
  5. Ponta do Sol - True to its name (Sun's Point), it is officially Madeira's sunniest spot. Founded in 1425, it takes its name from the way the sunlight reflects off the sea and onto the cliffs - nature's own spotlight show.
  6. Sunset Pico do Ariero - Ninho da Manta viewpoint and Stair of Heaven.

Day 3 (25th of July)

  1. Câmara de Lobos - little fishermen enchanting village where Winston Churchill used to spend time and paint.
  2. Miradouro Pico da Murta - Stunning view of Serra de Água, Paul da Serra and Pico Grande
  3. Miradouro da Terra Grande
  4. Hike from Boca da Corrida - Pico Grande and descend to Fajã Escura (https://maps.app.goo.gl/WgrcGCdBG3Q9n1NAA) - it will take around 4 hours

Day 4 (26th of July)

  1. Vereda do Larano - around 2 hours
  2. Town of Porto da Cruz. We can visit Engenhos do Norte, one of the few surviving rum distilleries of the island and the only one still driven by steam.
  3. Suggested lunch at A Pipa. This restaurant is a delightful spot for those seeking authentic Madeiran cuisine. This family-run restaurant focuses on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Seafood lovers will be delighted with dishes such as lapas (limpets) served sizzling with garlic and butter, and perfectly grilled fish dishes.
  4. Rocha do Navio viewpoint and cable car.
  5. Ruins of St. George - wild pebble beach and ruins of an old sugar cane mill.
  6. Moinho a Água de São Jorge - An old watermill from 17th century.
  7. Miradouro da Beira da Quinta
  8. Miradouro de São Cristovão

The price for all 4 days 500 EUR.

Notes:
Full day services count as 8 hours.
Overtime: 25.00 EUR per hour. VAT included.

*Lunch, snacks and beverages, boat trips, etc...are not included.

⚠️ Don’t forget that there is a mandatory fee of 3 Eur (free for children up to 12 years old  for all classified trails and you can book it choosing the day and pay it online on the Government site https://simplifica.madeira.gov.pt/services/78-82-259, the application process is very easy and straightforward.

Other suggestions:

Cable Car to Monte - 20 Euros/ person.
Visit Monte Palace Tropical garden - 15 Eur/ person
Toboggan ride - 35 Euros / 2 people.
Santa Maria de Colombo - a replica of Christopher Colombo's flagship (they also organize 3 h boat trips and it's a very nice experience.

Recommended levada walks:

Levada do Caldeirão Verde
Levada do Rodrigues
Levada 25 fontes
Levada Nova (Ponta do Sol)

Suggestions for dinner (requires booking a table in advance)

Sabor a fado restaurant At Travessa das Torres nº10, you'll discover a cosy place that you simply can't miss! Sabor a Fado is a restaurant where heart-warming music meets delicious Madeiran cuisine. This family-run fado house combines the soulful music of traditional Portuguese music with the delicious flavours of local gastronomy. From the moment you walk through the doors, you'll be greeted by the warm smiles of the Sousa family, who will be your perfect hosts for the evening. They don't just serve your table, they create an experience, sharing stories through songs and making you feel like part of their extended family.

A Vista - Savor the Flavors and Sights of Funchal. If you're looking for a dining experience that captures both the flavour and beauty of Madeira, A Vista in Funchal is the place to be. This restaurant offers tasty dishes paired with killer views that make every meal unforgettable. Overlooking the sparkling Atlantic and the charming rooftops of Funchal, A Vista is a feast for the eyes and the stomach. The menu is a creative blend of traditional Madeiran flavours with a modern twist.

Akua - Chef Júlio Pereira's Akua restaurant offers a vibrant dining experience that will delight all lovers of seafood and Mediterranean cuisine. At Akua, the culinary magic of the aquatic world takes centre stage, offering a sensory journey from the sea to the table. Each dish is meticulously crafted, showcasing both bold flavours and artistic presentation.

Carvão Grill House is a dining experience you don't want to miss. The service is excellent and the food is absolutely incredible. Even if you don't usually finish your meals, you'll want to savour every bite here! The prices are quite reasonable, making it a must visit during your stay in Madeira. You won't be disappointed! We enjoyed the Wagyu beef which is cooked to perfection and bursting with flavour. Every bite was melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

Abrigo do Pastor - Just 15 kilometres from Funchal, Abrigo do Pastor is a charming spot for food lovers and explorers alike. This cosy, wood-panelled restaurant offers a welcoming retreat where you can enjoy the authentic flavours of the island.  From hearty meat dishes to fresh seafood, the menu showcases the best of Madeiran cuisine using fresh, local ingredients. With the peaceful sounds of nature all around you, dining at Abrigo do Pastor is both an escape and a treat. It's the perfect place to enjoy great food, soak up the forest atmosphere and experience the warm hospitality for which Madeira is renowned.

Adega do Pomar This charming restaurant embodies the spirit of Madeira, offering a dining experience that's both rustic and refreshingly authentic. Start your culinary journey with a plate of grilled lapas (limpets) or indulge in Bolo do Caco, a garlic bread that's as addictive as it is traditional. For the main event, Mendinha takes the central stage. Mendinha is a stew made from veal ribs slowly cooked the oven for at least 4-5 hours until tender, absorbing a rich blend of local ingredients. These include garlic, onions and a bouquet of fragrant herbs such as bay leaves and oregano, which add layers of aromatic complexity to the dish. A splash of Madeira wine adds a touch of sophistication, giving the sauce a unique hint of sweetness. Mendinha is typically served with rustic accompaniments such as crusty bread or boiled potatoes, which help to soak up the inviting sauce. It's a popular choice for festive occasions and family gatherings.

Santo António - Situated in the picturesque hills of the Estreito de Câmara de Lobos, Santo Antonio is a popular culinary destination offering an authentic taste of Madeira. It is particularly famous for its exceptional espetada - many people, both locals and tourists, say it's the best on the island (I also love the espetada at O Polar).