Kristin's Trip in Madeira

Kristin's Trip in Madeira

Hi Kristin,

Please see below the plan I've created based on your inputs plus my suggestions.
Let me know you thoughts.

Day 1 (26th September)

  1. Sunrise at Pico de Ariero (right now the entire trail is closed due to the fires, they have opened just a portion of it - 1.2 km until the Viewpoint of Ninho da Manta and back, I will keep you posted on the developments).
  2. Ribeiro Frio.
    Levada dos Balcões - Although it's a very short trail (1.5 km and return), you will have the opportunity to see the endemic species of Madeira.
  3. Viewpoint Guindaste - offers a stunning view of the coastal line of the north coast of Madeira.
  4. Porto da Cruz town (we could have lunch at A Pipa , a locals restaurant).
    Visit Engenhos do Norte - one of the few surviving rum distilleries of the island and the only one still driven by steam.
  5. Machico (the 2nd largest town in Madeira).
  6. Santa Cruz.

Day 2 (27th of September)

  1. Câmara de Lobos - little fishermen enchanting village where Winston Churchill used to spend time and paint.
  2. Cabo Girão (The highest sky-walk on a cliff in Europe).
  3. Ponta do Sol little town.
  4. Suggested lunch at A Poita (fresh fish restaurant).
  5. Praia da Calheta.
  6. Jardim do Mar (an idyllic and charming fishermen village).
  7. Paul do Mar - a little fishing village on the southwest coast of Madeira.
  8. Ponta do Pargo (viewpoint of the highest lighthouse of Portugal, visible from 50 km).
    Viewpoint do Fio
  9. Viewpoint da Garganta Funda (impressive waterfall especially in the winter time when the debit is higher).
  10. Fanal forest and the 600 years laurel trees.
  11. Seixal (natural black volcanic sand beach).
  12. Porto Moniz (natural lava pools).
  13. Sunset at Ponta da Ladeira

Day 3 (28th of September)

  1. Cristo Rei the 1st statue of Jesus Christ, before Brasil and Lisbon).
  2. Viewpoint Pico do Facho (overlooking the port of Caniçal and the town of Machico).
  3. Viewpoint Ponta do Rosto (view of Ponta de São Lorenco).
  4. Miradouro Rocha do Navio.
  5. Santana - the traditional thatch-and-lava stone buildings that were once common throughout the north-east of the island.
  6. São Jorje beach and ruins.
  7. Cabo Aéreo - traditional espetada (beef skewer) or fresh fish with a view.
  8. Viewpoint da Vigia.
  9. Viewpoint Beira da Quinta (facing Arco de São Jorje).
  10. Viewpoint São Cristovão.
  11. Town of São Vicente.

The price for all 3 full days is 390 Euros. And as a bonus I can offer you a drop off and pick up for PR 8 - Ponta do São Lourenço trail.

As for dolphin watching I don't necessary have a recommendation, but I'll ask around.

Other suggestions:

Cable Car to Monte - 12,5 Euros/ person.
Visit Monte Palace Tropical garden
Toboggan ride - 35 Euros / 2 people.
Calhau de lapa - boat trip at sunset
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 Trails:
Fanal laurisilva forest trail options.
a. PR 13 Levada do Fanal - ~22 km, 7 h.
b. PR 14 Levada dos Cedros - ~10 km, 4 h.

Levadas less crowded with tourists:

Levada do Rei.
Levada do Larano.
Levada do Pedregal.

Thank you for trusting me 😄,
Ana-Maria