Madeira and the Azores Islands

Visitors from all over the world have "dubbed" Madeira the "Island of Eternal Springtime", the "Pearl of the Atlantic" and yes, some even refer to this island of natural beauty and charm as "Lovers Isle". The island was colonized in 1420 byPortuguese squires sponsored by Prince Henry the Navigator. The inhabited islands of Madeira and Porto Santo and the uninhabited Desertas and Selvagens, located 400 miles west of Morocco, make up the Madeira Autonomous Region of Portugal. This volcanic archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean, is mountainous with a subtropical climate, famous for its wine, embroidery, wickerwork, as well as being a popular resort. Madeira offers a lively history enhanced by romantic legends about its discovery, controversy regarding its period of colonization and its "British connection". We trust in the fact that you will agree with the worldwide visitors to Madeira and come away with your own "epithet", one that can be added to those mentioned above.

"Levadas" - Walks in Madeira                    

To explain what Levada Walks are, is to first explain what the Levadas are. "Levada" is a Portuguese word derived from the word "levar" -  which means to carry and roughly translated as "carriageway", but more correctly defined as  mini-canal. The mini-canals are an irrigation system developed to distribute water from the rainfall and wet regions in the north of the island to drier sun parched regions in the south. Water is usually stored in reservoirs or tanks, or captured directly from natural springs to be redirected and channeled across a wide network of winding 
canals. These narrow water carriageways deliver precious water to far destinations for banana groves, vineyards, fruit orchards and vegetable gardens. The Levadas cover a total of 2500 km, and date back to as far as the early 16th century. The Levada "Walks" are walking trails along the   maintenance paths beside the Levadas. Although the Levadas were constructed primarily for agricultural use, they are just as important for tourists and local 
people alike who want to enjoy outdoor adventure activities inaccessible by cars.          
 
Palheiro Ferreiro to Monte (Above Funchal) : this is a very easy walk for everyone who wishes to enjoy outdoors and fresh air. The walk is along an agapanthus-lined levada winding through a mixture of farmlands and eucalyptus forest, with overlooking views of  the villages down below. The view of the bay of Funchal is magnificent. Towards the end we 
will walk down a cobbled path in the valley of Ribeira João Gomes before climbing up  to the village of Monte.  

Difficulty Grade: 1.Walking Time: approx. 2 hours 30  minutes. 
Cost per person:  $55.00

Rabaçal,/ Risco / 25 Fontes : High on the plateau between Seixal on the North of the island and Calheta on the south of the island. The valley of Rabaçal is one of nature's greatest exultations. Descending from the plateau of Paul da Serra, we arrive at the Rabaçal Pousada from where we walk to the waterfall at Risco. We then descend to the levada 
of 25 springs. After walking for a while, we will reach a small lake at the bottorn of a cliff which towers above us. From the cliff  face, 25 natural springs cascade into the small lake.

Difficulty Grade: 2. Walking Time: approx. 3 hours 30 minutes.
Cost per person: $65.00 
 
Ribeiro Frio and Santo da Serra:
Near the center east of the island between Porto da Cruz and Funchal. Walking along the fast flowing levada from Ribeiro Frio, you will marvel vistas at the display of light and shade filtering through the laurel and heath trees. Beyond the  window tunnels lies a precipice where the  narrow levada is carved out of the mountainside. The scenery changes to a  mixture of sunny pastures, eucalyptus, cypress and mimosa forest as we descend to our destination.

Difficulty Grade: 2. Walking Time: approx. 4 hours.
Cost per person:  $65.00 

               
Baìa D'Abra and Ponta de São Lourenço: This is the far eastern extremity of the island, also the driest. On this mountain walk you come face to  face with an arid, but beautiful landscape. The colors of the sea and the rocks are dazzling. Enjoy your picnic by the small dock and swim in the crystal clear waters of the Atlantic before our return trip.  Please bring your sunglasses, suntan lotion and bathing suits.

Difficulty Grade: 3 Walking Time: approx. 3 hours 30  minutes.
Cost per person:    $65.00 
 
Pico Arieiro, Pico Ruivo and Achada do Teixeira:    (Hiking excursion)  
Hike to the picturesque peaks of Madeira, near the heart of the island. This is it!  The cathedral of nature.  This is the walk that will give you the complete perspective of the beauty of the island. These rock formations shoot into the sky like timeless statues. From Pico Arieiro we proceed to Pico Das Torres and then on to Pico Ruivo, the highest  peak on the island  (1862m or6485 ft). The views are breathtaking ! Our land transportation awaits us at  Achada do Teixeira.

Difficulty Grade: 4 , Walking Time: 4 hours.  
Cost per person:   $75.00          
 
Hidden Corners (Herbal and Medicinal) Our special and freshly rejuvenating walk. We discover one of the most secluded parts of the island. We will encounter with nature in its herbal and medicinal plant magnificence. A rewarding, more spiritual and peaceful retreat.  An adventure that will take you to hidden locations unspoilt by man. Experience Madeira's rain forest: an awe-inspiring landscape under ancient Laurissilva within the natural park of Madeira. Forty percent of the water in the valley is derived from dew contact through the trees during the night.      
 
Difficulty Grade: 2,  Walking Time: +/- 4 hours. 
Cost per person: $95.00