Madeira - Levada Walking & Hiking
Praia Formosa Walk - 22nd Sept 2011
View our Praia Formosa to Câmara de Lobos Walk guide
If you feel you are not quite up to a Levada walk, or you do not wish to venture far from Funchal and public transport, then try this alternative walk from Praia Formosa to Câmara de Lobos.
This new beach front, purpose built, walkway was only opened in May 2011.
The route hugs the cliff and is just perfect for a hot, summer's day.
Whilst this route does involve a steep slope and a long flight of stairs, it is well worth the effort.
And, when you have reached your destination, you will find plenty of cafés and bars to reward yourself with a cool drink and something to eat more. . .
Possibly Madeira's Best Walking Guide
If you want to explore the island on foot, then you will need an up-to-date Madeira walking guide book.
Illustrated with detailed maps, and written in clear easy to read language, John & Pat Underwood's Sunflower Madeira walking guide book is possibly the best on sale. Certainly, those who have bought the book think so.
The editor personally uses and recommends
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Sunflower Book - Madeira Car Tours And Walks by John & Pat Underwood (2012 edition)
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Winner of the Thomas Cook Best Travel Guide Award
Sunflower publishers acclaimed by Which? Travel Magazine
Recommended Provider for Guidebooks (April 2011)
This pocket-sized guide has a tough durable soft cover and will give you all the information you need to undertake and enjoy all the most popular, and the less well known, walks in Madeira.
Each walk itinerary gives information on:
- How to get there by public transport
- Clear details of the route to follow
- How long the walk is and how long it will take
- A graded difficulty level
- Latest updates available free via the Internet
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The current updated edition now available direct
just £7.99 (RRP £12.99)
plus £1.99 p&p (for shipping to addresses in the UK)
Sunflower Book - Madeira Car Tours And Walks by John & Pat Underwood (2012 edition)
Now in stock and dispatched within 2 working days
plus £3.49 p&p (for shipping to addresses in Europe - excluding UK)
plus £4.99 p&p (for shipping to addresses outside Europe)
More Walks
Levada dos Tornos Walk - 27th May 2010
The Levada dos Tornos is one of the most popular with walkers in Madeira.
The levada follows a route which is easy to reach by public transport from Funchal. It also has a number of points along it's length from which you can either join or leave the levada.
Starting from Monte, high up the mountainside behind Funchal, the levada trail offers some marvellous, panoramic views of Madeira's capital city.
Being a trail that follows the levada, it is also almost entirely on the flat and can be undertaken in either direction.
The cooler air of the higher altitude, along with the fact that much of the route is shaded by the surrounding laurisilva forest means that, on a hot summer's day, it is a favourite destination for the more adventurous and energetic tourist more. . .
Ponta do Garajau Walk - 8th April 2010
You can walk to the tip of the Ponta do Garajau, formerly known as the Brazen Head by many British residents of Madeira.
However, you should be aware that this walk involves a descent, and climbing back up, of over 100 metres in altitude.
The walk has been upgraded in recent years and is now perfectly safe, with wooden fencing along the entire length.
For those happy to negotiate the steep, rough hewn, wooden steps, the views can be breathtaking.
Unknown to many tourists that undertake this walk, the area has a somewhat macabre past. In the eighteenth century, many undertook the same journey in rather less fortunate circumstances more. . .
Monte to Terreiro da Luta - 17th Feb 2010
Most tourist who visit Monte, situated on the mountainside high above Funchal, pass through without even knowing that the tallest monument on the island of Madeira is just a pleasant walk away.
Whilst most people head straight for the wicker toboggans, the excellent Monte Palace Tropical Gardens, the cable car rides and Monte Church itself, the Nossa Senhora da Paz monument at nearby Terreiro da Luta is usually overlooked.
Our guide will direct you along the ancient cobblestone path, long ago used by human mules to transport their wares, that leads up to the Our Lady of the Monte peace monument.
Before embarking on the walk, you should be aware that it is a steep climb and you will undoubtedly need to be carrying a water bottle if you attempt it on a hot day. However, the rewards of reaching your goal are well worth the effort.
Not only will you enjoy spectacular views, but along with its monument to peace, Terreiro da Luta is the location of a small railway museum and the original railway station that was the upper terminus on the Funchal - Monte - Terreiro da Luta line.
And, should you be in need of refreshment, there is a small bar along with a plush restaurant at your final destination more. . .
Cabo Miradouro - 13th Jan 2010
The Cabo Miradouro Tourist Guide
The viewpoint, or as the locals call it the Miradouro, close to the Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Boa Morte in Cabo is one of the least known viewing platforms in Madeira.
Rising from the rugged western coastline, the stark headland which gives the miradouro some unique views is exposed to the elements. So expect a bracing experience.
The panoramic views across the Atlantic and along the coast can be breathtaking.
Since few tourist venture this far westward, and since this miradouro is largely unknown to most, you are almost guaranteed a quiet welcome.
So, if you want to sample the raw beauty of Madeira, and want to escape from the usual tourist attractions, make your way to Cabo more. . .
Balcões Levada Walk - 10th Dec 2009
The Balcões Levada Walk
from Ribeiro Frio
The walk from Ribeiro Frio to the Balcões and back again is one of the most popular levada routes in Madeira - and for good reason.
The Balcões (Balcony) is aptly named because, when you reach the end of the route, you are treated to some spectacular, panoramic views from the belvedere that is situated on a rocky outcrop far above the Metade Valley.
In the distance you can see the north coast at Eagle Rock and the Atlantic Ocean beyond. Whilst, looking inland, clouds permitting, you'll be able to make out the Pico Ruivo, the highest point on Madeira Island.
Having sampled the fantastic views, it will be time to retrace your steps and perhaps enjoy a stop at the Bar Flor da Selva before you return to Ribeiro Frio.
Whilst you are in Ribeiro Frio, there are plenty of other interesting things to do and see more. . .
Lido to Praia Formosa Walk - 29th Oct 2009
One of the easiest and most rewarding walks in Madeira stretches from the Lido in the hotel district of Funchal to the pebble beach at Praia Formosa.
With only a few steep slopes, there are no sheer drops to intimidate you. This coastal walk gives splendid views of the Atlantic Ocean and passes some important landmarks and buildings along the way.
If the day is not too hot you will encounter a group of free range cats.
You will also see some of the industrial and wartime heritage of Madeira.
And, of course, their are plenty of opportunities for refreshments more. . .
Ponta de São Lourenço Hike - 18th July 2009
View our Ponta de São Lourenço walk guide and other information
This hike covers the eastern tip of Madeira which is arid and stark.
The peninsular is devoid of trees and, at first sight, barren and without life. However, do not think that this region has little to offer.
The Ponta de São Lourenço walk offers fantastic panoramic views of the Madeira main island and the distant Ilhas Desertas and Porto Santo.
The hike is perhaps unlike any other in Madeira. This unique walk will enable you to enjoy plenty of points of interest and things to observe. Perhaps you will even catch sight of the rare sea mammal that came to the brink of extinction in the waters surrounding Madeira more. . .
