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Planning an 8-day walking trip (w/Exodus or Explore (UK)) to Madeira in May 2010. Would love to hear from you as to any and all advice you have to offer. Thank you.
Walking in Madeira
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Hi, Theresa,
I've spent a week in Madeira and did four different day hikes. We just did them on our own, driving our rental car to the trailheads,so I can't give you any opinions about going with a company.
My notes say these were the four hikes:
1. Started in Erra do Serrado, great views. Walked down to Curral das Freiras – nice cafes in the square – and back up to Erra do Serrado (about 2 hours walking time).
2. Walk on the Levada do Norte for a couple hours’ walk. Nice level walk (some vertigo possibilities) with great ocean views. The levadas are Madeira's water channels and there are tons of walks that follow their paths, I'm sure the company will take you to some nice ones, but we really liked this particular Levada, which I chose from a book about hiking in madeira.
3. Rabacal – Hiked to 25 Fontes and then Cascata do Risco (a waterfall). About 9 km round trip, some ups and downs. Very nice hike.
4. The absolute best – Hiked from Pico do Arieiro a Pico Ruivo and back. If you like hiking on the strenuous side, this has got to be one of the most beautiful hikes around. If you google it, you'll get pictures that are truly spectacular (I didn't have a digital camera back in 2005, so I can't post anything). It took us about 5 hours round trip, and there was some serious elevation gain. Of course if you have someone driving you, you might be able to do a one way hike with a pick-up at Pico Ruivo where we had to turn around and go back.
I hope you have a wonderful walking trip -- do you know what your destinations will be? Laurie
My daughter and I plan to spend a week in Portugal at the end of May - some in Lisbon, some in Madeira. We'd like to hike in Madeira but is it necessary to rent a car to get to trailheads? Is there local bus service?
The hike suggestions were most helpful; I don't particularly care for heights. Thanks!