Madeira - island of eternal spring - 02.-09.10.2026. - REFERENCE
Madeira - island of eternal spring - 02.-09.10.2026. - REFERENCE
Madeira is a Portuguese island group and autonomous region in the Atlantic Ocean, about 670 km west of the coast of Morocco and 1000 km southwest of Lisbon. It consists of two larger, inhabited islands, Madeira and Porto Santo, and two uninhabited groups of rocky islets, Desertas and Selvagens. Due to its geographical position (near the Tropic of Cancer), the climatic conditions on the islands are similar throughout the year, mostly spring, which is why Madeira was named the ‘island of eternal spring’. The island is rich in greenery and generally lush vegetation, and the unique laurel forest is under UNESCO protection. The island is not large, it is about twice as big as our Cres and/or Krk, it is mostly hilly (the highest peak Pico Ruivo reaches up to 1862m), and it is intersected by many hiking and mountain trails, where the trails that accompany irrigation channels, the so-called levade, stand out. For this reason, the island is very interesting for hikers and other lovers of active life. On the economic side, the island mostly relies on tourism, agriculture and viticulture, so lovers of food and drink will also come to their own.
In August 2024, Madeira was devastated by a fire that destroyed vast amounts of forest. In addition to forests and vegetation in general, some of the infrastructure was damaged, so some of the hiking trails are still closed for rehabilitation. Whoever has visited Madeira in the last year and a half has been deprived of the most attractive hiking trails. But if it is to trust the local self-government (and there is no reason not to trust them), this summer everything should return to normal. Accordingly, we will pass these extremely attractive paths.
On this tour we take you through spectacular landscapes; green levadas, dramatic mountain ridges, foggy laurel forests and gazebos above the Atlantic Ocean. We will also explore hidden paths, authentic villages and untouched nature that classical tourism often bypasses. We will also visit some of the island's most beautiful beaches and natural pools, and at the end of each day we will enjoy the rich gastronomic offer of Madeira - from fresh fish and seafood, traditional dishes such as espetade and bolo to caco bread, to local wines (must try their most famous wine - Madeira) and desserts.
itinerary
Note 1: The calculation was made on the basis of the air ticket price of 450€. In the event of a discrepancy in the price of an air ticket more than 5%, the price of the excursion will be adjusted according to the price of the air ticket.
Note 2: GARANTIRAMO travel in a small group, 7-8 passengers.
- DAY
We depart from Zagreb according to the flight schedule. Since the end of the direct line from Vienna, there have been no ideal flights, so it's not ours either. The transfer is in Amsterdam where we have a large distance between two flights (7 and a half hours). Here we have the opportunity to get out of the airport and spend a few hours on a tour of Amsterdam. After we land in the capital of Madeira, Funchal, we rent a van and head to our accommodation. But by the way, we first go to the lookout from which we have magnificent views of the entire island. Mountains, valleys, coast and sea. After that we come to the accommodation, relaxation, swimming and dinner.
- DAY
Getting up and having breakfast. For the first trip on the island, we go to the magical and mystical forest – Fanal Forest. Specific because of the trees that date back to the time before the discovery of the island, luxurious crowns and unusual shapes. The circular trail takes us through the world of waterfalls, streams and plenty of greenery. Perfect for the first contact with the nature of the island. Then we return to the accommodation and we have enough time for swimming or some other additional activities as agreed. Dinner and sleep.
- DAY
Getting up and having breakfast. Today we walk on one of the unavoidable trails on the island - Levada de 25 Fontes. It is named after a lake with exactly 25 small waterfalls and springs that spring from a rock covered with lush vegetation. For a reason it is one of the most popular trails, but we walk the alternating route to avoid the crowds and visit the hidden attractions, but also the main attraction of course. On this trail we will be greeted by many waterfalls up to 100m high, beautiful viewpoints and swimming for the brave. After nature takes us out of our shoes, we go back to the accommodation. Dinner and sleep.
- DAY
A little later getting up and breakfast because today is the day set for the spectacle. We go to the highest parts of the island and visit the two highest peaks of the island. Pico Areeiro (1818m) and Pico Ruivo (1862m). The trail takes us through a dramatic landscape that leaves us breathless. Steep cliffs, volcanic rocks, the sea, a walk above the clouds…here the photo session will be every 100m 😊. As the highlight of today's adventure, we remain at the highest peak and enjoy the sunset. After we crack all the memory on mobile phones, we descend from the top of the well-maintained path and go for a nice dinner and sleep.
- DAY
Getting up and having breakfast. Today we return to the highest mountains because we didn't have enough of the day before. We continue where we left off yesterday (Pico Ruivo), but this time we walk the transversal on the ridge and enjoy the views of all sides. After descending from the ridge, we return to the accommodation. Dinner and sleep.
- DAY
Getting up and having breakfast. Today we visit the eastern part of the island. Our goal is to visit a 9 km long trail that leads along the coast. The trail offers unforgettable views of the steep cliffs of the island as the waves break into rocks. After walking on the cliffs we drive to the capital Funchal. The rest of the day we will use for a tour of the city, tropical garden, local markets with local products, drinking coffee, cocktails and tasting other island delicacies, and dinner. After that, we return to the accommodation and go to sleep.
- DAY
Getting up and having breakfast. Today we return to the lush greenery in the interior of the island. We have another levada on our schedule - Levada to Caldeirão Verde. A hiking trail that follows the watercourses to one of the highest waterfalls on the island. On the way to the finish line we will also pass through a couple of narrow tunnels that raise the experience of this adventure. We go back the same way to the parking lot from where we started. We drive back to the accommodation, beach, dinner and sleep.
- DAY
Getting up and having breakfast. We prepare things, we go to the airport, we return the van, we check the tickets and at 10:30 we take off, first to Amsterdam, and from there to Zagreb where they should arrive at 22:40.
Locations
Departure
Conditional Difficulty
| K1 - Light | Less than 5 hours walk |
| K2 - Moderately demanding | 5-7 hours walk |
| K3 - Demanding | 7 - 9 hours walk |
| K4 - Very demanding | More than 9 hours walk |
Technical Difficulty
| T1 - Undemanding | Walking without the use of hands and tools |
| T2 - Moderately demanding | Walking and occasional use of hands, easy climbing |
| T3 - Demanding | Occasional climbing with the use of hands and aids (clicks and steel ropes). Winter use of dereza and cepina as needed |
| T4 - Very demanding | Longer and more demanding paths of secured roads, constant climbing. |
List of things that would be good to have with you
- Gojzerice or hiking sneakers
- Jacket, fleece, gloves
- Hat or scarf, sunglasses
- Mountain sticks (who wants)
- Sandwiches (or something else), sweets, dried fruits, energy bars
- Water, 2 - 2.5 L
- Identity card or passport
The price includes
- Return air tickets ZG-FUNCHAL-ZG with checked baggage included (23kg)
- Accommodation in apartments with all taxes included (7 nights)
- All transfers by van to the destination
- Island taxes for the use of hiking trails
- Guide and organization of excursions
- Warranty insurance
- VAT
Price does NOT include
- Personal consumption (coffee, drink, food)
- Possible tickets for museums, attractions, etc.
MOUNTAIN & FOREST TRAVEL d.o.o.
10000 Zagreb
IBAN: HR1724020061101070196
By responding to the excursion, each individual confirms that he/she is familiar with the conditions of the excursion, and that he/she meets the health and physical conditions for safe participation on the excursion.
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