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cs / en
MADEIRA
Portugal – Madeira

MADEIRA

  • 6 days
  • singles, couples, w/ kids
  • spring, summer, fall, winter

Madeira will captivate you. Beautiful nature, warm weather all year round, ideal place for hiking. In winter, it's likely to rain more often. In these six days, you will discover some truly wonderful treks. Including the beautiful trek to Pico Ruivo. You'll have the opportunity to drive through the whole island and spend a lot of time in nature. This holiday is a great opportunity for some active relaxation. And what’s more, the Madeira wine is delicious. You don't have to worry about the difficulty of the hiking trips, there are many trekking options, everyone can choose according to their physical abilities.

5 / 5
3
Day

To the highest point of the island

In the morning an easy short climb Vereda dos Balcões (PR11), then a beautiful trek Vereda do Pico Ruivo (PR1.2). In the afternoon or evening Casas típicas de Santana .

In the morning after breakfast, you will have a roughly one-hour long crossing to the first short and easy levada (route). The levada is called Vereda dos Balcões (PR11). It's not a circular trail, so you go back the same way. It's short, less than 3 km in total, and the elevation gain is virtually zero. But the levada is very nice and I really recommend it! There are restaurants at the beginning, so have a glass of wine before the start.

After that, it's a roughly 50 minute crossing on a fairly challenging road (route). There are plenty of viewpoints along the way that are signposted as Miradouro and are not to be missed! You will spend some time at each of those as most of them have really beautiful views. One of the nicest is Miradouro do Pico Redondo, you can find it here. Your destination is the parking lot of the Hotel Abrigo da Heidi, where you can have some lunch. But be warned, there's a climb afterwards, so maybe have something light.

From the car park, start the Vereda do Pico Ruivo trek (PR1.2). Again, it's not a circular trai, so you return the same way. The trail is not difficult, except for it being steep. The views are fantastic! Be sure to bring plenty of water and some extra clothes – after all, Pico Ruivo is the highest peak of Madeira. There is a small refreshment area just below the summit itself – it is a little pricier, which makes sense as someone had to bring all those things up to the shop. The whole hike won't take you more than 2.5 hours. The route is just under 6 km. There is also one significantly more difficult trek to Pico Ruivo, which you can find here. Beware that the elevation gain is really high!

The next crossing is to the town of Santana, where you will see the classic local buildings, Casas típicas de Santana. Then continue along the north side of the island to the São Cristóvão restaurant (route). There are a few viewpoints along the way that shouldn't be missed, the views are really great. There are plenty of viewpoints – choose one on the map or follow the info signs.

Then it's just a transfer to the hotel (route). It will take you about an hour.

TIP – Book a massage for the evening. The hotel is offering a 50-minute full body massage for just 20 EUR! You deserve it after the day you’ve had.

Alternatives: There is a very nice walk: TRIP – Ribeiro Frio – Chão das Feiteiras. Or you may try the challenging but great: TRIP – Vereda do Areeiro – Pico Ruivo (PR1).

What will you visit?

Customise your route
Morning

TRIP – Vereda dos Balcões (PR11)

A very easy walk along a levada with a total length of 2.7 km. There and back, you follow the same path. However, the view at the end is worth the short trip. There are two restaurants at the beginning, and there was something of a kiosk along the way – coffee + drinks.

1-1,2 hours

Miradouro do Pico Redondo

One of many viewpoints, but this one is really nice. There’s a nice path from the parking lot to here. It’s worth a quick stop.

0,5-0,6 hours
Afternoon

Abrigo da Heidi

A restaurant at the beginning of the trek to Pico Ruivo. We only had a coffee and a dessert here – both were fine. The food menu didn’t charm us much, so we didn’t try it. The restaurant has a great view! And the beer after the trek tasted great here.

0,75-1,2 hours

TRIP – Vereda do Pico Ruivo (PR1.2)

An easy road to reach the top of Pico Ruivo. Total length is less than 6 km, elevation gain is just over 300 metres. It is a comfortable path. The views are breath-taking. Even small children can manage the journey.

This trail is an easy alternative to the Vereda do Areeiro – Pico Ruivo (PR1) trail, which is about 10 km long and has an elevation gain of 1,200 meters.

2,5-3,5 hours

Casas típicas de Santana

If you’re driving by or are nearby, ok, but coming here just for this, is probably not worth it. There’s a couple of the original local houses. It’s a 15-minute stop. There’s a big parking lot across the road. Everything’s free.

0,2-0,4 hours
Evening

São Cristóvão

Restaurant in a very nice location with a beautiful view from the terrace. The food was fine, the service pleasant. It’s a nice place for a break.

1-2 hours
  • Sítio de São Cristóvão, 9240-044 Boaventura, Portugalsko
    32.8269075N, 16.9733358W
  • limited
  • +351291862066
  • W
  • yes
  • P
    yes

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