Vito's & Friends itinerary on Madeira Island

Vito's & Friends itinerary on Madeira Island

Hi Vito,

Please see the itinerary I have created for you.

All details below are suggestions only, we can discuss tomorrow and choose whatever suits you best.

28th of September - North West of Madeira

  1. PR 6 Levada do Alecrim (a leisurely walk in a forest - around 8 km both ways)
  2. Ribeira da Janela viewpoint.
  3. 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.
  4. Poço das Lesmas - natural lava pools in Seixal, an alternative to the famous lava pools in Porto Moniz.
  5. Chao da Ribeira - a charming mountain village on the north west coast and my new favourite places on Madeira island.
  6. Veu da Noiva viewpoint of a waterfall.

Other suggestions for the next days:

Central of Madeira and Sunset hike at Stair of Heaven

  1. Pico dos Barcelos - offers a 360° view of the beautiful city of Funchal.
  2. 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.
  3. Caminho Florestal das Serras de Setor Antônio - a road in the central of the island renowned for its unique and diverse flora and vegetation, offering a rich experience of the wild and scenic heart of Madeira.
  4. Miradouro do Paredão - overlooking breathtaking views towards Pico Grande, the 6th highest peak of Madeira and Nun's Valley, only this one is less touristy and, in my opinion, even more beautiful.
  5. Sunset at Pico do Arieiro- this is one o the hottest points of the island and the 3rd peak of Madeira. My suggestion for my clients is to choose sunset here over sunrise when the most number of tourists arrive there. We'll be hiking about 3 km both ways ( around 50 floors difference in altitude) and we'll see Ninho da Manta viewpoint (usually above the clouds) and the famous Stairs of Heaven. We'll get the same epic views as at the famous sunrise, but with a fraction of the people. The light is warmer, the atmosphere is calmer, and you can actually hear the silence.

North East of Madeira

  1. São Cristovão viewpoint (my favorite😄)
  2. Beira da Quinta viewpoint
  3. PR 18 Levada do Rei - a leisurely walk through a lush jungle paradise.
  4. Moinho a Água - An old watermill from 17th century that still functions and grains wheat and corn.
  5. São Jorje wild pebble beach and ruins of an old sugar cane watermill.
  6. Rocha do Navio viewpoint.
  7. Suggested restaurant: Quinta do Furão is a charming 5 hectares estate, with 3 hectares dedicated to organic vines, vegetables and herbs. The vineyard itself covers 2 hectares and boasts a wide range of grape varieties. With a range of dishes made from organic and locally sourced ingredients, many of which are grown on the estate's extensive estate. The vegetarian options are also delicious and my favorite is the Hamburger with Portobello mushrooms.

East coast and a beautiful coastal hike

  1. Hiking Vereda do Larano (11 km and 44 floors difference in altitude). This stunning coastal hike is, without a doubt, one of my favorite hikes in Madeira.
  2. Town of Porto da Cruz. 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.
  3. Viewpoint 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. Viewpoint Portela.
  5. Swimming in the best spot with clear and turquoise waters.

Fanal ancient forest and West Coast

  1. Achada da Cruz - where one of the steepest cable cars in the world will transport us to o a world where time stands still...This cable car transports both local farmers and visitors from 450 m above sea level down a 98% incline to an uninhabited farming village. The experience itself is an exhilarating journey from the rugged coastal cliffs to the picturesque village below.
    We'll have to arrive here early in the morning to avoid big crowds or standing in line for the cable car.
  2. PR 14 Levada dos Cedros (around 7 km both ways with 300 m difference in altitude) in Fanal forest which has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1999.
  3. Calheta - Inside this town you'll find a marina, lined with restaurants serving the catch of the day, and a modern art centre that will surprise you. The beach is actually two sheltered coves of golden sand, perfect for when you've had enough of Madeira's typical rocky coastline.
  4. Miradouro da Raposeira viewpoint.
  5. Jardim do Mar (an idyllic and charming fishermen village).

The price is 350 eur per day.
Notes:
Full day services count as 8 hours.
Overtime: 50.00 EUR per hour.
*Lunch, snacks and beverages are not included.

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

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