Known as the Pearl of the Atlantic, Madeira is a mountainous island in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean with exceptional endemic vegetation. This is a destination that offers so many contrasts in one day. In just a few hours of walking you go from impressive mountains to a subtropical ocean coast. You start your Madeira trip with gentle coastal walks before crossing the ridges or along the levadas that go deep into the primary forest to the natural pools of Porto Moniz and the sunny south coast.
This complete trek takes you on a great crossing of Madeira from east to west, on the most beautiful trails, exploring the wild landscape of the island.
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k up from Funchal airport and transfer by taxi to Santana, a rural village with a strong agricultural tradition located on the northeast coast. Santana is especially known for its beautiful examples of traditional houses with triangular thatched roofs.
Meals included : none
Night : Santana
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Today you discover a magnificent example of the famous levadas through the Laurisilva (primitive laurel and tree heather forest). These small irrigation channels built into the mountainside are typical of the island and are punctuated with waterfalls and glimpses of the valleys. The Levada do Furado is spectacular in its first part, cut into the walls with protective barriers. Once you arrive at Ribeiro Frio, a belvedere allows you to have a magnificent view of the highest peaks of the island: Pico Ruivo and Pico Ariero! Transfer back to Santana.
This morning you reach the Paul da Serra plateau (1600m) which marks the starting point of your great descent on the north side of Madeira. After crossing the plateau you arrive at the ancient crater of Fanal. This enchanting site, home to centuries-old laurel specimens, is classified as a haven of rest and silence. Discover an ingenious cable system used to transport wood and ferns to the Seixal valley, then begin your descent into the Chao de Ribeira valley, dotted with basalt stone huts and cultivated terraces. Arrive in Seixal, a small agricultural and pastoral village that conceals wild volcanic coves and boasts one of the largest black sand beaches in Madeira. Well-deserved swim in one of the coves or off the black sand beach. Transfer to Porto Moniz and check in for two nights.
This path passes through one of the most remote cultivated areas of Madeira, located on a strip of land created by erosion. The people of Madeira still cultivate these isolated places. Then, you will climb up towards the village of Santa before descending to Porto Moniz, overlooking the sea. There are many breathtaking view points throughout the day. The walk ends in the small seaside town of Porto Moniz with magnificent natural seawater pools.
Transfer to the Paul plateau. On the Paul da Serra plateau, at an altitude of 1200 metres, the deep valley of Ribeira de Janela is born. On the Rabaçal site, as you follow the numerous levadas that fetch water from the heart of the mountain, you will discover numerous waterfalls, a forest of remarkable tree heathers, the famous giant dandelion and the Madeira daisy. You go through a tunnel towards the end of the walk. Transfer to the south coast where you spend the next two nights. 
Transfer to Eira do Serrado viewpoint, at 1095 meters of altitude. It is one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Madeira, offering a breathtaking landscape of the mountains and the Curral das Freiras valley. Following a royal path built in the 19th century, you arrive at the picturesque village of Curral das Freiras, named so because it served as a hiding place for the nuns of the Santa Clara convent during the pirate attack in 1566. From there, you continue towards Fajã Escura, always accompanied by the beauty of the mountains and the shade of chestnut tree.
Free time to explore Funchal, a charming city built like an amphitheatre around the bay. Its name comes from fennel (Foncho in Portuguese) which grew in the bay when the Portuguese arrived. It is a pleasure to stroll through the maze of cobbled streets, colourful gardens and oceanfront promenade.
End of your trip in Madeira ! 02h30 before your flight departure, private transfer to the airport.
