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)
- 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).
- 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. - Viewpoint Guindaste - offers a stunning view of the coastal line of the north coast of Madeira.
- 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. - Machico (the 2nd largest town in Madeira).
- Santa Cruz.
Day 2 (27th of September)
- Câmara de Lobos - little fishermen enchanting village where Winston Churchill used to spend time and paint.
- Cabo Girão (The highest sky-walk on a cliff in Europe).
- Ponta do Sol little town.
- Suggested lunch at A Poita (fresh fish restaurant).
- Praia da Calheta.
- Jardim do Mar (an idyllic and charming fishermen village).
- Paul do Mar - a little fishing village on the southwest coast of Madeira.
- Ponta do Pargo (viewpoint of the highest lighthouse of Portugal, visible from 50 km).
Viewpoint do Fio - Viewpoint da Garganta Funda (impressive waterfall especially in the winter time when the debit is higher).
- Fanal forest and the 600 years laurel trees.
- Seixal (natural black volcanic sand beach).
- Porto Moniz (natural lava pools).
- Sunset at Ponta da Ladeira
Day 3 (28th of September)
- Cristo Rei the 1st statue of Jesus Christ, before Brasil and Lisbon).
- Viewpoint Pico do Facho (overlooking the port of Caniçal and the town of Machico).
- Viewpoint Ponta do Rosto (view of Ponta de São Lorenco).
- Miradouro Rocha do Navio.
- Santana - the traditional thatch-and-lava stone buildings that were once common throughout the north-east of the island.
- São Jorje beach and ruins.
- Cabo Aéreo - traditional espetada (beef skewer) or fresh fish with a view.
- Viewpoint da Vigia.
- Viewpoint Beira da Quinta (facing Arco de São Jorje).
- Viewpoint São Cristovão.
- 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