Nancy's Trip in Madeira

Nancy's Trip in Madeira

12-19 October.

Hi Nancy,

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

Day 1 East Coast

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

Day 2 West Coast

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

Day 3 Mixed day

  1. 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 indigenous and endemic species of Madeira.
  2. Viewpoint Guindaste - offers a stunning view of the coastal line of the north coast of Madeira.
  3. Porto da Cruz town ((we could have lunch at A , 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.
  4. Machico (the 2nd largest town in Madeira).
  5. Santa Cruz
  6. Cristo Rei the 1st statue of Jesus Christ, before Brasil and Lisbon).

Day 4 Central of the island

  1. Hiking trail from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo peaks (right now the trail is closed after the fires, they have opened just a portion of it - 1.2 km until  Miradouro do Ninho da Manta and back, but according to the information I have, the entire trail should re-open before October, I will keep you posted😄.
  2. I can take you to Pico Ariero can pick you up from Achada do Teixeira (the other end of Pico Ruivo).
  3. Curral das Freiras (Nun's Valley) - a village surrounded by the mountain peaks; one of the few places on the island that it is not visible from the sea.
    Miradouro Eira do Serrado - overlooking the Nun's Valley.

The price for all 4 full days is 480 Euros, but in case of other bookings, it is possible to share the price for those days (150 Euros).

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 3h boat trips and it's a very nice experience.Calhau de lapa - boat trip at sunset

Recommended Trails:

Ponta do São Lourenço trail.
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.