The Natural Wonders of Madeira

A Levada Walk is a great way to experience and feel the real Madeira!

During this half day tour you will have the opportunity to walk along a Levada, the name given to Madeira’s unique water irrigation system. Surrounded by lovely countryside with spectacular views from the sea to the mountains, this easy, flat 2.5km walk will take you to Big Rock Valley where you´ll feel like you have arrived in paradise with magnificent landscapes, wild flowers and a welcoming local family who will host us for afternoon tea. There will be time to enjoy the garden and visit the herb garden and hear about Madeiran medicinal plants before afternoon tea is served in the families tea house  enabling you to enjoy  fresh local produce including sweet potato homemade bread accompanied by local homemade jam and honey, local cakes and exotic fruit of the season before we return to the hotel bringing an end to this unforgettable local experience.

As we travel around the island you will have the opportunity to see and experience the surprising contrast between the beautiful east and the dramatic west!

During this full day island tour you will see the best of what Madeira has to offer as we travel inland to Ribeiro Frio, a natural park where butterflies can be found amongst the endemic flowers. We will continue to the north coast where we will visit the village of Santana, famous for its typical houses with triangular shaped thatched roofs before driving along the amazing north coast with its breath-taking views, waterfalls, deep valleys and impressive mountains to Porto Moniz located on the north-west corner of the island and home to natural volcanic rock swimming pools. In the afternoon our tour will continue up to the only vast volcanic plateau on the Island – Paúl da Serra before descending to the south west of the island where we will pass through lovely little fishing villages, banana plantations and vineyards as we make our way back to Funchal at the end of an unforgettable day.

Discover the beauty of Madeira’s natural rocky coastline whilst keeping a lookout for dolphins, whales and turtles.

Sailing out to sea from Funchal Bay on board ‘Magic Dolphin’, you will head for one of the tallest sea cliffs in the world, Cabo Girão on the southern coast of the island. Whilst skimming across the waves our on board guide will help us understand the wildlife on Madeira, whilst we try and spot dolphins, whales and turtles which can often be seen jumping and splashing in their natural habitat. Reaching Cabo Girão you will be able to enjoy the stunning view and perhaps a swim before we make our way back along the beautiful southern coast passing places such as Camara de Lobos fishing village and the famous Reid’s Hotel where Winston Churchill used to stay during his visits to Madeira Island.