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This hike begins in the beautiful village of Porto da Cruz, located on northeast side of the island of Madeira. The trail is called “Larano” footpath and it follows an old coastline trail, which for most part is around 350m (1148ft) high from sea level, offering breathtaking landscapes, abrupt and dramatic cliffs.

Along the way, on a clear day it’s possible to view Porto Santo Island in the background at roughly 50Km (31mi) away. We end this hike with an enchanting view over Ponta de São Lourenço and the fishing village of Caniçal.

Meet the Waterfalls of the north!

It is in the majestic Chão da Ribeira’s plateau, Seixal on the north west of the island that this hike takes place. The Feitas trail crosses a large and well preserved part of Laurissilva forest.

It follows a circular path, begining on the left side of Ribeira do Seixal, going uphill to the “levada” (waterway) of Seixal, where we can observe many waterfalls really up close, just before the descent through a rough and steep footpath called Lombo Barbinhas.

We begin our excursion Owith a visit to the Pico dos Barcelos belvedere (panoramic view over the bay and the city of Funchal). We then head for Eira do Serrado, where the viewpoint at an altitude of 1094 metres offers a breathtaking view over the parish of Curral das Freiras. Then we descend to the small village, situated at the bottom of the valley. Here you can visit the parish church and in the local restaurants you can taste some of the delicacies made with the typical products of the region: sour cherry and chestnut.

We set off in the direction of Câmara de Lobos, known as the most picturesque fishing village of our island, with a stop. Next we head to the viewpoint of Cabo Girão (589 m), recently classified as a natural monument. We then continue our journey to Ribeira Brava. Here we can visit the small market and the “promenade”.  We continue along the south coast, passing the town of Ponta de Sol and then climbing up to the Paúl da Serra plateau (1400 m).

We cross the plateau towards Porto Moniz, at the extreme north west of the island, where the famous natural swimming pools are located. Stop for lunch (optional). We then return along the north coast, passing through Seixal, where we stop to contemplate the “Véu da Noiva” waterfall. We continue towards São Vicente, a green municipality. On the return to the south coast, we cross areas of native forest until we reach the Viewpoint (Miradouro) da Boca da Encumeada, with beautiful views over the valleys of the north and south coasts of the island. Return to Funchal.

Our tour starts with a visit to the parish of Camacha, where football was played for the first time in Portugal. Then we go up to Pico do Areeiro, the 3rd highest peak of the island, (1818 m) with a splendid view over the central mountainous massif. We then descend towards the Ribeiro Frio Forest Park, where we can visit the trout nurseries and observe some of the endemic species of the Laurissilva forest, such as the laurel tree (Laurus novocanariensis).

We continue our journey to Santana, in the north of the island, passing through the parish of Faial. In Santana, the only town in the north of the island, the highlight is its famous “thatched houses”. On the return trip, we go down towards the parish of Porto da Cruz, situated by the sea and where we may visit a sugar cane rum factory. We continue to the Miradouro da Ponta do Rosto in Ponta de São Lourenço, at the eastern end of the island, with sweeping views of the cliffs of the north coast. We return to Funchal, passing before the Pico do Facho viewpoint, with views over the Machico valley.

The Rabaçal Forestry Station in the region of Paul da Serra is the starting point for our walk which gives access to Levada do Risco with a length of about 11 km. First, we follow the Levada do Risco up to the waterfall with the same name and then we descend to continue our walk along the Levada Nova do Rabaçal, which takes us to the 25 Fontes lake, which gets its name due to the various waterfalls there.

The path goes through the indigenous and endemic flora of Madeira island, especially the high altitude vegetation and we can observe indescribable views over the valley. The return to the south coast of the island is done through the Cavaleiro tunnel (about 800 metres long).

Tour Logistics

This tour begins with a small peregrination and you will feel blessed with the views you’ll have; take a deep breath and admire the terraces where the vines produce the fruit responsible for the nectar that throughout centuries have delighted admirers.

Our guides will transport you back in time along the rural northeast coast, where almost nothing changed in the past 50 years. It’s indescribable what you will feel on the off-road tracks that wind through the dense Laurissilva forest all along the way; the scents, the sounds and the views will leave you dazzled.

Visit the typical and genuine Madeira houses and other relics from the past which today still work, like the water saw mill or the steam-powered rum factory. This is a trip that surely you will want to repeat.

Pickup from Funchal | Caniço | Câmara de Lobos is free of charge (check the extra fees below)

Explore southwest Madeira in a 4×4 with a panoramic open roof. Visit the banana and sugar cane fields, the largest plateau on the island, and some small scenic villages along the coast.

Enjoy a beautiful and pleasant tour alongside Madeira’s North West Coast, deep in to the forest, through forgotten and enchanted old roads. Travel along narrow and forgotten stone plastered roads, off-road and soak up the scenery. Get a glimpse into the true lifeblood which drives us through life. Enjoy 15 minutes at a “levada”, our water aqueducts that start building at the 15th century and stills using today, learn about our native forest & flora and the natural reserve of UNESCO.
When the weather allows it, you can swim at the volcanic lava pools in Porto Moniz or at Seixal.

Starting in Serra D’Água, the abrupt valley dividing the massif from the only plateau this island has, this tour takes you to the lush northwest, where waterfalls melt into the ocean and lava has been shaped into cerulean pools. Feel the adrenalin-adventure of exploring primitive back-roads surrounded by native forest. Add to these a walk alongside the famous man-made channels -called Levadas-with ravishing landscapes and for sure, you will have unforgettable moments.

Pickup from Funchal | Caniço | Câmara de Lobos is free of charge (check the extra fees below)

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