Hiking & Exploring Madeira this Summer

WHY GO?

• Scenic beauty: Madeira offers a diverse range of landscapes, from lush forests and rugged mountains to picturesque valleys and coastline. Hiking allows visitors to fully immerse themselves in the island's natural beauty and take in the stunning views.
• Variety of trails: Madeira offers a variety of hiking trails that cater to different levels of fitness and experience. From easy coastal walks to challenging mountain treks, there is something for everyone.
• Unique flora and fauna: Madeira is home to a wide variety of unique plant and animal species, many of which can only be found on the island. Hiking allows visitors to see these species in their natural habitat.
• Cultural experiences: Many of the hiking trails in Madeira take visitors through traditional villages and historic sites, allowing them to experience the local culture and history of the island.
• Variety of weather: Madeira offers a different type of weather in different seasons which makes it a year-round destination for hiking.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE HIGHLIGHTS?

• Hike to Pico Ruivo: the trail from Pico do Arieiro (Madeira´s 3rd highest peak) to Poco Ruivo passes through some of the most beautiful and rugged scenery on the island, including lush vegetation, unique rock formations, and stunning waterfalls. The summit of Pico Ruivo is accessible by foot, and there are two challenging hiking trails which climb through the stunning mountainous scenery of Madeira's interior. The summit offers spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the Atlantic Ocean
• Explore Funchal: Funchal is the capital city of the island of Madeira, Portugal and is located on the southern coast of the island of Madeira and is surrounded by hills and mountains. The city was founded in the early 15th century and has a rich history that is reflected in its architecture and culture.
• Whale watching (optional): the waters surrounding Madeira are home to a diverse range of marine life, including several species of whales and dolphins, making it an ideal location for whale watching. Madeira is one of the few places in the world where you can see the rare and endangered Spotted and Striped Dolphins, as well as Sperm Whales and several species of Beaked Whales.
• Discovering Ponta de São Lourenço (PR 8): The unique rock formations of Ponta de São Lourenço (also called dragon tail) are a result of volcanic activity millions of years ago. Ponta de São Lourenço is a beautiful nature reserve located on the eastern tip of the island of Madeira, Portugal. It is known for its rugged cliffs, unique rock formations and diverse plant life. Hikers can also enjoy the stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the neighbouring island of Porto Santo. Additionally, it is considered one of the most beautiful and unspoiled places on the island.
• Visiting Monte Palace Madeira: the Monte Palace Madeira features beautifully landscaped gardens that are home to a diverse collection of plants and trees from around the world. The gardens offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the Atlantic Ocean. The Monte Palace Madeira is home to a collection of African and Indo-Portuguese art and artifacts, as well as a museum that explores the history and culture of Madeira. The palace itself has a rich history that dates back to the 18th century when it was built as a private residence. The palace has been restored and renovated over the years and is now a cultural center that celebrates the history and heritage of Madeira.

TRIP DETAILS

Start & End Date: Thu, 20 June - Tue, 25 June

Meeting location & time: Meet your guide at the airport or directly at the accommodation in Funchal on 20 June. Note: Exact accommodation details will be advised to confirmed participants closer to the trip date.

Finishing location & time: Accommodation in Funchal @ 10:30 AM on Tuesday.

Note: If you are leaving earlier or later, please us know in the sheet that will be shared with you closer to the event date, so that we can accordingly make the relevant drop-off arrangements.

Hiking Details:

• Day 0 (Thursday): Arrive in Funchal.
• Day 1: 9 km - Hike from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo to Achada do Teixeira with total elevation of 733 m (difficult)
• Day 2: 7,5 km - Ponta de São Lourenço (PR 8) with total elevation of 412 m (moderate)
• Day 3: 14 km - Hike from Camacha to Funchal via Monte Palace Madeira with total elevation of around 900 m
• Day 4: <7km - Explore Funchal + Whalewatching (optional)

Difficulty: Intermediate / advanced – hiking at relaxed pace on well-marked paths, moderate elevation, sure-footedness & good fitness required

Price: Starting from 595 euros (before any discounts are applied).

What is Included?

• Community leader & guide for the entire duration
• 5 x nights twin-share apartment accommodation (4 participants in a 2 bdrm apartment) in Funchal. Note: Additional accommodation upgrade options are available.
• Transportation for the entire trip starting from the meeting location to the finishing location.
• Entry to Monte Palace Madeira.
• Guided hikes.
• Organizing lunch & dinner places. Note: Participants need to pay themselves.

How to get to Madeira?

• Flying is the fastest way to reach Madeira (Funchal Madeira Aeroporto) with direct flights from most European cities.

Other Things of Note:

• Weather tends to change quickly in Madeira, so you need to be prepared (raincoat, beanie etc.).
• We will walk through caves and tunnels please bring a torchlight.

Optional Add-on

• Whale watching will be provided as an optional add-on closer to the trip date.

WHAT IS THE PLAN ?

Day 0 - Welcome all to Madeira and here we go! We like to if possible start getting the group together on the first night. We will all be arriving at different times during the day and evening but for the ones who have arrived in good time there is the option to meet up over an evening meal or drinks to start getting to know each other and take in the delightful atmosphere of Funchal. For the late arrivals who are probably a bit flight wiery, take it easy as we will have plenty of time to connect on our first day of hiking so get some rest.

Note: We will be required to buy food for a picnic on our first hike. Either on the first day/evening after arrival or early the next morning as soon as the shops/supermarkets are open.

Day 1 - Hike from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo to Achada do Teixeira

After a harty breakfast and a quick shop for our picknick we will be driven to our first destination, Pico do Arieiro,1818 meters. We will have the opportunity to take a look at the visitors centre where we can learn about the geology, flora and fauna of the area, not to mention a Cafe if a coffee and toilet break is needed. Then I hope you are all ready for a hike to remember! This first trek will be challenging but we are here to hike so hike we will, the reward will be well worth the effort. Our destination is Achada do Teixeira but we will first hike to Pico Ruivo, the highest peak on Madeira at 1862 meters. People call this hike the "Stairway to Heaven"! Anybody who feels like breaking into song then feel free;) Time for our picnic before we head out

We will let the trail, views and unique plant life speak for itself. A hikers dream trail!

Please note that the weather can be unpredictable so please bring something warm and something waterproof

Now we head to Achada Do Teixeira, a high mountain plateau and our destination. Here we can enjoy a well deserved coffee break before we meet our driver who will take us directly back to Funchal and our hotel. A reservation in a local, well chosen restaurant will be waiting for those who wish to join for a recap on the days activity and a chance to enjoy the local cuisine and beverages.

Day 2 - Afternoon Hike to Ponta de São Lourenço

After our first day hiking to the highest peak on the island we thought we would start the second day a little bit easier. So after a nice breakfast we will take some time to explore the city of Funchal for a few hours. There will be the option to go on a morning 3 hour Whale watching boat trip at around the cost of 55 - 75 euros. Depending on availability. I am sure the whales are available but we are not sure on the boats;)

We will need to stock up on picknick items before our hike to Ponta de São Lourenço. Ponta de São Lourenço also known as the dragons tail. The extreme eastern tip of the island consists of a long, extensive peninsula like a tail stretching out of the land. It is a nature reserve. The reserve is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including rare and endangered species. Hikers can also enjoy the stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the neighbouring island of Porto Santo. Additionally, it is considered one of the most beautiful and unspoiled places on the island.

We will be arriving back in Funchal at around 9 pm so this spot will be the perfect place to have our picnic together. After arriving back at the hotel we will no doubt disperse and get an early night before day 3 and our final day of hiking.

Day 3 - Hike from Camacha to Funchal via Monte Palace Madeira

In the morning after a hearty breakfast we will take a short bus ride to our first destination of the day Camacha. Camacha is a beautiful small village a few kilometres in the hills east of Funchal. The village is famous for its Willow craft industry. They make furniture, hats, ornaments, kitchen utensils, wine holders and of course... baskets of all sizes and shapes. So get ready;) Camacha is also Madeiras capital of culture famous for its folk dancers and musicians accompanied by chords from a braguinha (a type of four-string guitar)

After investigating the village we will eat at a wonderful Portugese restaurant called Pátio das Babosas which offers a lovely ocean view. Now we are ready for the Monte Palace Madeira which occupies an area of 70.000 square meters (incl. an Oriental garden) and houses a huge collection of exotic plants, together with swans and peacocks, that walk free in the main areas of the property. The Oriental garden is especially wondrous, big, multi-level garden with exotic trees & flowers, ponds, African sculptures & a mineral museum. The sheer size and wonders of the Palace will keep us happily busy for a good few hours.

As this will be our final evening together we recommend that we eat together in a local restaurant and enjoy talking about the highlights of the trip. We hope there will be many and we hope that you travel with us again on one of our many european adventures!

Day 4 - Discover Funschal + Whae watching (optional)

Funchal is the capital city of Portugal's Madeira archipelago. It's backed by hills, and known for its harbor, gardens and Madeira wine cellars. The centuries-old Funchal Cathedral, which mixes Gothic and Romanesque styles, is notable for its carved wooden ceiling. Fronting the harbor is the São Tiago Fortress, built in the 1600s. It now houses the Contemporary Art Museum, with a large collection of Portuguese works.

Day 5 - Heading home

We say goodbye but if you have time to enjoy a few more hours in Funchal then there is plenty to still see and explore. Get as much sightseeing in as you can:)

Please note that we may, due to the unpredictable Atlantic island weather changes alter which days we do what. We will try not to climb a mountain and only see mist and clouds

WHAT ARE YOUR REVIEW'S LIKE FROM PREVIOUS TRIPS?

To go through our amazing reviews by participants, please click on the links below:

• Google Reviews
• Facebook reviews
• Trustpilot reviews.

WHAT IS NEXT ?

• WhatsApp Group: In the ticket confirmation page, you will find a link to a whatsapp group dedicated to this event. This group is where you can connect with trip mates, coordinate arrival options & stay in touch.
• Trip Briefing: You will find a link in the whatsapp group description to a detailed trip briefing document providing details on what to expect, how to prepare etc.
• Google Photos Album: You will find a link in the whatsapp group description to the shared google photos album where you can upload & view all shared photos & videos from the trip.

HOW DO I CONTACT YOU FOR ANY QUERIES / CONCERNS?

• WHATSAPP (fastest): Reach out to us directly by clicking here.
• EMAIL: Reach out to us by clicking on "Contact the event organizer" option below.
• FACEBOOK: Message our facebook page @urbanaturetravel
• INSTAGRAM: Message our Instagram page @urbanaturetravel

WHO IS THE COMMUNITY GUIDE FOR THIS TRIP?

Tom here and I will be leading & driving you on this amazing roadtrip. A bit about me, I am originally from the UK but have been living in Berlin for over 15 years now. I grew up in a family that loved to go on hikes in the Scottish countryside so from early on I started to appreciate the countryside and all it’s wonderful surprises. I love to be in nature and hiking for me is a way of reconnecting with life and myself. I am very much looking forward to getting out there and guiding in some of the most beautiful places Europe and the world has to offer!

OTHER CONDITIONS:

• Please note that the program, as well as the venue is subject to change due to extreme weather conditions, as well as to the characteristics and size of the group.
• UNT reserves the right to cancel the trip, modify the route, change the accommodation or re-schedule hikes and without prior notice.
• UNT is not responsible for any loss, theft, damage or personal injury that occurs during the trip.