June 2023
05jun(Jun 5)6:3011(Jun 11)23:45
Event details
Event Description
In this proposed activity, we'll be making the 1st Grand Crossing of Madeira Island, in the company of those who know the island best and getting to know some of the less touristy places, curiosities and typical corners that will delight all walkers. During this week we will of course have the opportunity to try the best flavours of the local cuisine and the best and true Madeiran “ponchas”. Come along with us!
PROGRAMME
From 5th to 11th June (Monday to Sunday) - REGISTRATION UNTIL 31 MARCH 2023
We're putting together a new programme for a small group of participants, so don't leave it too late to register.
Departure from Lisbon on 5th June
Departure from Funchal on 11th June
AS SOON AS THE GROUP IS FORMED WE CAN BUY THE PLANE TICKETS
STEPS
- Stage 1 - 23 kms
(Caniçal, Boca do Risco, Funduras, Portela, etc)
- Stage 2 - 19 kms
(Portela, Levado do Furado, Chão das Feteiras, Poiso, Levada do Blandy, Casa do Areeiro, Poço da Neve, Portela, etc.)
- Stage 3 - 22 kms
(Pico do Areeiro, Pico do Coelho, Pico da Manta, Pico Ruivo, Chão das Torrinhas, Chão do Alecrim, Encumeada, etc.)
- Stage 4 - 18 kms
(Encumeada, Levada do Folhado, Pedreira, Fajã Redonda. Levada velha do Rabaçal, Rabaçal, etc.)
- Stage 5 - 18 kms
(Rabaçal, Fonte do Bispo, Emanuel Pombo Trail, Levada Nova and Ponta do Pargo Lighthouse, etc.)
ISLAND TOUR TO THE FOLLOWING PLACES
- Porto Moniz, Porto da Cruz, Paul do Mar, Jardim do Mar, Calheta, Ribeira Brava, Câmara de Lobos, Funchal, Machico, Santana and Curral das Freiras.
VISITS & GASTRONOMY
- Visit to the Calheta Mill
- Madeira Wine Tasting
- Visit to the Farmers' Market, Municipal Garden, Cathedral and the historic centre of Funchal
- Quinta dos Prazeres
- Typical Madeiran lunch
VISITS TO VIEWPOINTS
- Cabo Girão viewpoint (the highest in Europe)
- Christ the King Viewpoint
- Fio Viewpoint
- Eira do Serrado viewpoint
- Among others...
Madeira - a week in the pearl of the Atlantic
Laurissilva Forest
It is in the exuberance of the landscape that one of Madeira's greatest tourist attractions can be found. Its lush vegetation, whose indigenous forest was recognised by UNESCO in 1999 as a World Natural Heritage Site, will certainly fascinate you. This forest dates back to the Earth's Tertiary Period and, during the last glaciations, its existence was reduced to the geographical area of Macaronesia, i.e. the archipelagos of Madeira, the Azores, the Canary Islands and Cape Verde.
The birdlife includes rare species such as the trocaz pigeon, an endemic species exclusive to Madeira Island, the Madeira nun, the kestrel, the chaffinch and the bisbis. Considered a living relic, almost all of its area of occurrence is included in the Madeira Natural Park with the highest status of Integral Reserve.
The levadas
Levadas are irrigation channels that can be found on the island of Madeira and on the island of La Palma in the Canary Islands. Levadas are also called the channels, usually smaller, that carry water to the water mills. On the island of Madeira, the origin of levadas was due to the need to bring large quantities of water from the north-facing slopes, where it is abundant, to the south side of the island. Levadas began to be built in the 16th century, with the most recent dating back to the 1940s, supplying water for hydroelectric power stations and also for irrigation purposes. They are approximately 3,000 kilometres long and can be travelled on foot, giving visitors access to the heart of the island and breathtaking landscapes. From 0 to 1862 metres, excitement is guaranteed! Madeira's "Levadas" are part of a series of protected areas, including the Madeira Natural Park and the Funchal Ecological Park.
Ponta de São Lourenço Nature Reserve
At the eastern end of Madeira Island is the Ponta de S. Lourenço Nature Reserve, created in 1982. This reserve has a peculiar fauna and flora due to the presence of important groups of local endemisms virtually confined to the area. It also has a surveillance post that provides support for Environmental Education.
Bookings until 31 JANUARY 2023
Booking price: 150€ per person
Price per person in double room: 650€
Price per person in single room: 850€
Prices until 31 JANUARY 2023. After that date the prices will be 775€ and 950€ respectively.
Includes:
- Accommodation in a 3-star hotel with breakfast;
- Transfers included to all the places mentioned in the programme;
- Group lunch (typical Madeiran);
- Madeira wine tasting;
- Guided and accompanied walks;
- Personal accident insurance
- Civil liability insurance
Not included:
- All items not mentioned.
Some of the points of interest at the event
- Levadas and Footpaths - Viewpoints - Funchal, Farmers' Market and Cathedral - Laurissilva Forest - Forest Parks - Cabo Girão - Porto Moniz Natural Pools - Madeira Wine Tasting - Caves and Volcanism Centre of S. Vicente - Visit to the Calheta Mill - Natural landscapes of great beauty, with Waterfalls, Lakes, Levadas and Mills -
Location
Meeting Point
Lisbon Airport
Latitude: 38°46'7.81″N
Longitude: 9° 7'46.31″W
TIME: Departure from Lisbon on 8th June 2023
RETURN: Departure from Funchal on 12 June 2023
Route Features and Equipment
Circular
Circuit
Equipment
Footwear and clothing suitable for hiking