Madeira:
from mountain peaks to lava pools
2024
October 19 - 26
8 days
Hiking on a tropical island, volcanic pools, access to the ocean
Easy difficulty level
1550 EURO
WHAT WAITS FOR US?
Madeira
In the Atlantic, off the northwestern coast of Africa, there are the islands of the Madeira archipelago, which are called the "islands of eternal spring"; all year round the temperature here does not fall below +18°C and does not rise above +26°C. Volcanic origins have given the islands incredible mountain landscapes and fertile soil. The views from the mountain peaks open out to the sea, island valleys and beautiful towns located below at the foot of the mountains. And gardens with tropical plants and flowers decorate every corner of the island, creating an unsurpassed picture of paradise on earth.
During our trip, we will hike a lot, enjoy the tranquil beauty of the tropical island, inhale the ever-present aroma of the ocean and flowers, and, of course, visit the dolphins.
Trekking along some of the most beautiful routes on the planet
Our adventure will include many walking routes. Be sure to prepare trekking shoes. We will go to the peaks above the clouds, walk along the hills to relict laurel cloud forests, walk by endless waterfalls and landscaped tropical gardens.
Volcanic pools
A place where fire once met water, and this meeting formed several thousand square kilometers of lava pools. Natural pools with ocean water, where it is safe and warm.
Going out to sea in search of dolphins and other cetaceans
One day we will get into boats and go to visit the dolphins. The breeding ground attracts schools of hundreds of individuals. Of course, this is wild nature, and we cannot guarantee anything, but there is a high probability of meeting dolphins here. Also, the sea can surprise us with a passing sea turtle or manta ray, and if we are very, very lucky, we will see a sperm whale emerging from the water!
Canyoning
Today we will try canyoning!
Madeira's narrow canyons, rugged rivers and waterfalls create exciting routes where participants can navigate a variety of obstacles with the help of specialized equipment and experienced instructors.
This type of outdoor activity is suitable for people with different levels of training, as the routes can vary from easier to more difficult - we will choose an easy route, but nevertheless as scenic as possible!
WHAT WAITS FOR US?
Nutrition
We will have breakfast at our villa, but lunch every day will be in different places along our route, so we will try the whole variety of dishes on the island. The cuisine here is similar to standard European cuisine, but with a lot of seafood and the most unreal fruits on the planet. You should also definitely try Madeiran wine; the locals are so proud of it that they organize wine festivals several times a year.
Housing
Throughout our trip we will live in a large villa. After a busy day, we will get together to listen to lectures about whales or simply to have a pleasant evening with wine. Today in this house we will have a welcome dinner, where we will all get to know each other and answer your questions.
Transport
Our trip will be full of walking routes, but we will cover long distances in minivans.
ITINERARY
Day 2 / West of the island
Trekking to volcanic pools. Walk to the forest of Fanal Laurisilva. Today after breakfast we get into our cars and set off to explore the Western part of the island.

Volcanic pools in Porto Moniz
There are several natural pools in Madeira, but these are considered the most beautiful. Waves have worn away volcanic rocks for thousands of years, forming reservoirs into which water from the ocean is poured. You get pools with calm water, and right behind the rocks there is an endless raging ocean.

Fanal Laurisilva Forest
This ancient laurel forest is considered one of the 7 Natural Wonders of Portugal. There are several Laurisilva forests on the island; they grow at high altitudes with high humidity, which is why there is often fog here. When you walk along the paved paths among these branched thickets in the fog, you get the feeling of a fantasy world.

Paul da Serra
This is the largest plateau of the island of Madeira. On the way here we will meet picturesque waterfalls.

Cabo Giran
The highest sea cliff in Europe (589 meters). There is a suspension bridge with a transparent floor, from where you can look at the cliff right under your feet.
Day 4 / Levada
Trekking along the levadas. Walks to laurel forests and waterfalls.
The Levadas are the most important attraction of Madeira, and trekking along them is a must. Levada is part of the island's irrigation system, which brings water from the mountains to the agricultural regions. Narrow paths are laid along the canals. Waterfalls are found everywhere on steep slopes. We cannot guarantee that you will remain dry! Our levada is called "25 fountains" precisely because of the number of waterfalls.
Day 5 / Laurissilva forest, Funchal city
Morning walk through the Laurissilva forest. After lunch, excursion around the capital.
Let's start the day pleasantly with a walking route through the laurel forest. Along the way we will meet picturesque cliffs, green plateaus where cows graze and a sea of greenery and flowers.
In the afternoon we will return to the capital, because we have not yet tried anuna, bananas and granadilla! Intrigued? We'll stroll through the local market and then head to the tropical palaces of the Monte Garden. They are located at the very top of Mount Monte, we get there from the embankment by funicular.
Day 6 / East of the island
Climbing Pico Ruivo. North Mills Distillery.
Piku Ruivu
This is the highest mountain on the island. The route to the top is three and a half hours, but we will of course take breaks to admire the beauty of this trail. We will walk along a narrow ridge, where the path is already paved with stone. There will be rocky cliffs, endless greenery and clouds floating by.
For lunch we will arrive in the city of Santana.
Santana
A charming town in the north-east of Madeira, famous for its unique colorful triangular huts, built of stone but with thatch and reed roofs. The Portuguese lived in them in the 16th century, these small rooms usually contained living space, but the kitchen was built next to it. Now these houses are preserved for tourists; most often they house souvenir shops.
North Mills Distillery
The village of Porto da Cruz has the only mill in Europe still powered by steam. This mill is located in an almost century-old distillery where rum is produced. We will have a fascinating tour of the distillery; we will be able to see all stages of rum production, using equipment from the 1920s.
Day 7 / Canyoning
Today we will try canyoning!
Madeira's narrow canyons, rugged rivers and waterfalls create exciting routes where participants can navigate a variety of obstacles with the help of specialized equipment and experienced instructors.
This type of outdoor activity is suitable for people with different levels of training, as the routes can vary from easier to more difficult - we will choose an easy route, but nevertheless as scenic as possible!
Day 8 / Return home
We say goodbye to the islands and fly home.
PRice AND DATES
Price
1550 EUR
Dates
October 19 - 26, 2024
Included
Accommodation (double occupancy)
Going out into the ocean in search of cetaceans, observation
Trip to Desertas Island
Entries to all parks, excursions, taxes and fees
All transfers according to the program

Not included
Flight to Funchal and back
Nutrition
Medical insurance
Visa fees
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
About country
Ocean water temperature is approximately +20˚C
Air temperature approximately +19-22˚C
To visit the Madeira Islands you will need to apply for a Schengen visa yourself (Portugal)
Currency: Euro (EUR)
What to take with you
Passports, tickets
International passport, printed air tickets
Sunscreen
Headdress
Lightweight trekking boots
Raincoat and waterproof shoes
Book expedition!
Contacts
info@whale-expeditions.com