There two Walks starting from our

Porto da Cruz Villas

CRUZ - PENHA D`ÀGUIA

Start at Madeira Magic 1 along the levada, just as the levava curves right you will see some steps carved into the earth on your left.

Climb to your left, taking the footpath, bear right along the ridge, continue to climb the steep path that goes up the hillside of Penha D´Aguia (Eagle Rock.)

Keep climbing until you reach the geodetic concrete landmark at the top. From here you can enjoy the magnificent views before returning the way you came

This walk is somewhat difficult due to the climb but not too dangerous. Do not recommend this walk be attempted during wet weather as would be a bit slippery.

 

Allow Approx 2 hours for this walk.

  

CRUZ - LEVADA DO CASTELEJO

Start your walk at the Cafe taking the road opposite, you will see the Sign clearly making the start of the Levada do Castelejo on the corner. Walk up the hill past the local shop taking the left hand side when the road forks.

Follow the Levada walk, initially passing behind local houses for approx 30 minutes. The levada then enters much more open territory with fantastic views over the valley to Sanroque.

The path is quite narrow with sheer drops in places, but the more dangerous part snow have fences so does not feel too treacherous now.

You will eventually reach a large rock that seems to have fallen on the pathway, blocking it, but upon examination you see that there is a channel for the water carved underneath it, so I think it must have been there many years.

At this point you will need to scramble across some rocky ground to reach a lovely little rock pool at the bottom of a small waterfall.

You may wish to enjoy a swim before heading back again"

 

Allow approx 3 hours for this walk.

Porto

Da Cruz

Guided Walks picking up from our Villas (Book through Madeira Magic)

Tuesday

1 – Rabaçal / Risco / 25 Fontes

The valley of Rabaçal is one of natures 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 above 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.

Dif.Grade 2 – Moderate walk.

Walking time: ±4 Hours.

Distance: 11 Km.

2 – Prazeres – Lombo dos Marinheiros

The perfect stroll to start your holiday!

While passing through cultivated terraces learn about our agriculture and traditions!

Spectacular views over the Atlantic Ocean.

Dif.Grade 2 – Easy flat walk.

Walking time: ±3 Hours.

Distance: 7 Km.

Wednesday

1 - Ribeiro Frio / Lamaceiros / Portela

This is perhaps the most well known levada in Madeira. As we walk along this footpath you will marvel at the display of light and shade filtering through the laurel and heather trees. The trout swimming in the levada along side the path, dash for cover as they perceive our approach. As we near Lamaceiros, the view of Porto da Cruz and Eagle Rock far below are out of this world. A walk that must not be missed.

Dif. Grade 3 – Moderate walk

Walking time: !4,5 Hours.

Distance: 12 Km.

2 – Pico do Areeiro / Pico Ruivo

/ Achada do Teixeira

(See the details of the walk on Saturday’s programme).

3 – Maroços – Mimosa Valley (Half Day) Morning

Deep down in Machico's Valley, well known as the Mimosa Valley you will walk along the maintenance path of Levada dos Maroços. Six Kilometres of natural beauty!.

Dif. Grade 2 – Easy flat walk.

Walking time: ±2,5 Hours.

Distance: 6 Km.

Thursday

1 – The lakes of Madeira

This is a walk unlike any other. Many of our guest tell us it is the walk they have enjoyed the most. Deep in the valley of western plateau, you will marvel at the rock pools, that over millions of years have been carved out by the waters as they rush towards the sea, forming magnificient waterfalls and cascades. In summertime bring your costume and enjoy a cool crisp swim in these crystal clear and invigorating mountain waters.

You will experience a diversity of walking terrain from the flatness of the levadas to the gradients of the mountains tracks, as we make our way up the valley. From forest trekking, along unmarked roots, to scrambling up to the oldest levada in the west of the island. An unforgettable experience.

Dif.Grade 3 – Moderate walk.

Walking time: ±4,5 Hours.

Distance: 10 Km.

2 – Rabaçal / Risco / 25 Fontes

(See details of the walk on Tuesday’s programme).

3 – Cabo Girão – Quinta Grande (Half Day) Morning

Walking along this Levada you will have the opportunity of seeing the peculiar way of cultivating our terraces.

A wonderful stroll that will make worth your holiday on this Island!

Magnificent views over the south coast.

Dif.Grade 2 – Easy Flat Walk.

Walking time: ±2 Hours.

Distance: 4 Km.

Friday

1 – Queimadas / Caldeirão Verde / Santana

Starting at the Queimadas guesthouse and walking along the Levada of Caldeirão Verde, we make our way westwards through an emerald green paradise. Soon after the start we see the most spectacular views of the villages far below. A waterfall comes into view and soon after passing it, we go through some short tunnels and after a while we arrive at Caldeirão Verde majestic waterfall. Following a short rest, during which we have our picnic, we begin the return journey. An highly recommended walk to some of the most remote parts of the island.

Dif.Grade 3 – Moderate walk.

Walking time: ±4,5 Hours.

Distance: 13 Km.

2 – Hidden Corners

(Herbal and Medicinal Plants)

This walk situated in the beautifull valleys of São Jorge will take you into the lushest places to be found on the island. Walk through Madeira’s rain forest and experience the profusion of herbs and medicinal plants that abound in these valleys and at the same time learn about the healing properties of these ancient remedies. Walk through or behind a waterfall and arrive at a true paradise on earth. The sheer beauty of this place where the silence reign supreme, will take your breath away. A place that you will want to come back to again and again. Not to be missed.

Dif. Grade 2 –Easy walk.

Walking time: ±4,5 Hours.

Distance: 11 Km.

Saturday

1 – Pico do Areeiro / Pico Ruivo / Achada do Teixeira

This is it! 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 make 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 and were already there when Zarco discovered and landed on the island for the first time. We soon arrive at Pico Ruivo (the highest point on the island) and the views from there are out of this world. Truly and as the saying goes "On a clear day you can see forever".

• Dif. Grade 4 – Difficult walk. • Walking time: 5 Hours. • Distance: 13 Km.

2 – Baía D’Abra / Ponta de São Lourenço

This is truly a wilderness walk where we come face to face with an arid but beautiful landscape. Unique plants, such as the ice plant, and many other such unusual plants, exist only in this part of the island. The colours of the sea and the rocks are dazzling. Enjoy your picnic by a small dock and swim in the crystal clear waters of Atlantic before the return trip.

Please bring your sunglasses, suntan lotion, hat, bathing suit and extra water.

• Dif. Grade 3 – Moderate walk. • Walking time: 4 Hours. • Distance: 8 Km.

3 – Boca da Corrida – Encumeada

This is a walk no serious walker should miss. If we had to choose one mountain walk this would be it! Magnificient views and very little climbing.

Spectacular viewpoint overlooking Curral das Freiras (Nuns Valley) and the enchanting green valley of Serra D’Água. On many days a fascinating display of clouds arriving from the north and curling their way down the southern slopes can be seen over the Encumeada pass. A real beauty!

• Dif.Grade 4 – Difficult walk. • Walking time: 5.5 Hours. • Distance: 14Km.

Sunday

Referta – Castelejo – Half Day (morning)

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.

Dif. Grade 2 – Easy walk

Walking time: 2 Hours.

Distance: 5,5 Km.

For your safety,the operators may change, postpone or cancel walks at short notice due to adverse weather conditions, landslides, etc.

As some of the walks are slippery at times, good footwear is essential.