Visit the famous gardens, Quinta do Palheiro or more commonly known as the Blandy family gardens. A local guide will take you around these fabulous gardens which were laid out in the 18^th century offering a variety of flora and fauna from all over the world.  From the gardens you then have the opportunity to enjoy an easy, one hour, on the flat Levada walk to the Jasmin Tea House where you can enjoy a cup of tea and slice of cake (not included).  Thursday afternoon leaving at 13.15 from the Residence reception. Price €30 includes entrance fee into the Gardens.   

Good footwear is recommended for this trip.

Many Members will be so pleased to learn that the wonderful local guide, Rita, has finally opened her new tea house and it is well worth the wait!  The location is amazing with stunning views across the valley of Gaula.  The trip includes the lovely flat and very easy Levada (approx. 1 hour walk) where you will experience beautiful wildflowers, valleys and local life, ending at “Rita’s Tea House” for a delicious afternoon tea with homemade, sandwiches, cakes, scones etc. THURSDAY afternoon

14.00/14.15 (pick up) 18.00 (return). Price of €28 pp (afternoon tea included) special dietary needs can be accommodated. 

Early bookings advisable! Minimum of 6 & max of 15 people.

Ribeiro Frio / Portela   Wednesday   Price €33.

One of the most beautiful levadas of Madeira; as we walk along the footpath we will marvel at the display of light and shade filtering through the laurel and heather trees. See the trout swimming in the levada alongside the path. As we are near Lamaceiros, the views over Porto da Cruz and Eagle’s Rock far below are outside of this world. A walk that must not be missed!

Walking time: 4.30h               Difficulty degree: Moderate                     Distance: 10 km

Rabaçal / Risco / 25 Fontes  Tuesday & Thursday   Price €33.

The valley of Rabaçal is one of nature’s greatest exultations. Descending from the plateau of Paúl da Serra, we arrive at the Rabaçal guesthouse from where we walk to the Risco Waterfall. We then descend to the Levada of 25 Fontes and walk along the maintenance path. After a while we reach a small lake at the bottom of a cliff which towers over us, from the cliff face, 25 natural springs cascade into the small lake. Walking back to our vehicles we go through a tunnel which takes the water to the south of the island. 

Walking time: 4.30h    Difficulty degree: Moderate/Good surefootedness Distance: 11 km                

Wind Lagoon – Rosemary Levada   Tuesday & Sunday  Price €33.

This full day walk is unlike any other.  Starting near Rabaçal, deep in the valley you will marvel at the rock pools and waterfalls that have been carved out by the passing water over thousands of years.  In the summer take your swimwear to enjoy a cool crisp swim in the invigorating mountain waters.  The diversity of this walk, from the flatness of the Levadas to the gradients of the mountain tracks you will experience a mixture of terrain which is not suitable people with physical limitations.

Walking time: 4.30h      Difficulty degree: Moderate/experience walkers Distance:  11Km

Queimadas – Caldeirão Verde   Friday  Price €33.

A special walk through one of Madeira’s oldest Levada’s where you can feel the nature surrounded by the Laurisilva vegetation, you can admire the beautiful landscapes, and a visit to the Natural Park of Queimadas which overlooks the historical village of Santana.

Walking time: 5h          Difficulty degree: Moderate   Distance: 12 km 

Fanal / Assobiadores   Friday   Price €33.

A very special foot expedition for regular walkers! Starting at Paúl da Serra and finishing in Fanal, this breathtaking walk is one of the few places in Madeira where you can see the Laurisilva vegetation at its best! Along the way, you can stop to admire the ancient trees, birds and the stunning views over the valleys of Ribeira da Janela and Chão da Ribeira.

Walking time: 4.30h      Difficulty degree: Moderate/Good walkers    Distance: 11.5 km   

Moinhos (Levada Nova) Thursday and Saturday   Price €33.

This is an amazing walk, a real hidden gem with a variety of terrain with a number of steps to climb, the paths themselves are generally flat, although you will need a head for heights in parts.  With waterfalls, rock caves and stunning scenery this is one of my favourite walks. 

Walking time: 4.30h               Difficulty degree: Easy/moderate (flat)     Distance: 11 km          

Pico do Areeiro / Pico Ruivo / Achada do Teixeira Wednesday & Saturday Price €33.

This is the walk that will give you a complete perspective of the beauty of the island. Rock formations shoot into the sky like timeless statues. All along this route the views are breathtaking. A profusion of unique plants makes this place their natural habitat. In springtime, these plants proudly dress themselves in a myriad of colours, displaying their fragile flowers for all to see. Near Pico Ruivo we walk through the oldest heather forest in existence. These ancient trees are many hundreds of years old. On Wednesday the walk starts at Pico Ruivo (the highest point on the island) and ends in Pico do Areeiro so is more challenging than the Saturday walk.

Walking time: 5h Difficulty degree: Difficult/experienced walkers only.  Distance: 13Km

LARANO              Thursday – Price €33            

This walk connects Machico to Porto da Cruz though an old footpath once used by the local people to move from one village to another.  It starts in Pico do Facho going up to the viewpoint, Boco do Risco and offers breath taking views over the north coast and ends in Larano where the contrast between land and ocean makes this an unforgettable experience.  Also, a short version is available on Wednesday morning (see half day walks).

Walking time: 4h Difficulty degree.  Moderate/difficult/vertigo Distance: 11km

Referta / Castelejo Sunday & Thursday – morning – Price €24

This is an easy and charming walk, along the paths made by man on this area many years ago. You will be able to admire some of the villages on the North Coast. On this walk make sure you take the time to notice how hard it is for local farmers to get around their crops and lands – wondering how they do it? ... Just pay attention and look around to admire the natural beauty this island has to offer!

Walking time: 2.30h      Difficulty degree: Easy/moderate (flat) with some vertiginous areas.    Distance: 5.5 km

Paradise Valley            Tuesday & Friday – morning – Price €24

A magnificent walk along the levada of Serra do Faial which is over one hundred years old. Starting in Vale do Paraíso and finishing in Rochão. Along the way you’ll see cultivated terraces, spectacular gardens and beautiful views over the village of Camacha. A wonderful stroll that will make your holiday in Madeira even better.  There is a coffee stop half way on this walk.

Walking time: 2.30h     Difficulty degree: Easy (flat)                    Distance: 5.5 km

Maroços – Ribeira Seca         Wednesday - morning – Price €24

Relaxing levada walk between mountains and valleys on the area of Machico, the contrast of the natural vegetation and the terraces producing different vegetables and fruits, the thousands of different flowers are going to enchant you.

Walking time: 2.30h      Difficulty degree: Easy (flat)           Distance: 6 km

Serra D’ Agua      Monday & Saturday – morning – Price €24      

This wonderful walk in one of the most beautiful places you will ever see.  From this valley we can see the South Coast, Encumeada, Ribeira Brava and Campanário. From this 65 km Levada we have chosen the most beautiful 5 km to walk along. An easy flat walk with a large variety of flora and fauna.

Walking time: 2.30h      Difficulty degree: Easy (flat)           Distance: 5 km

Quinta Grande  Monday & Friday – morning – Price €24     

Walking along one of the most important Levada’s on the Island, “Levada do Norte”, you will encounter magnificent views of the village of Camara de Lobos & the parish of Campanario. Observing the well-maintained agricultural fields and their unique form.  Also, a chance to visit the viewpoint at Cabo Girão

Walking time: 2 to 2.5hrs                Difficulty degree: Easy          Distance: 5km