Text
provided by the Portuguese Tourist Office (with minimal
corrections)
The beautiful Portuguese Island of Madeira lies well out
in the Atlantic where the gulf stream affords it a mild
and equable year round climate.
Volcanic in origin the rugged interior rises abruptly
to over 1800 metres. Its jagged peaks flanked by forests
of pine and laurel. A characteristic feature of the island
is the elaborate system of levadas or irrigation channels.
Over the centuries this network has extended to more than
2000kms of channels and more than 40kms of tunnels. They
wind their way across gullies and steep slopes bringing
water to the coastal settlements and farms. Many of the
levadas can be followed on foot and these together with
a network of local trails make even the most remote parts
of the island accessible.
Spring and Autumn are the ideal times to visit the island
when a myriad of colourful flowers and trees are in bloom;
jasmine, begonias, freesias, magnolia and camellias form
just a part of the spectacular flora. We have devised
a number of routes to suit the islands seasons, they follow
levadas through a peaceful pastoral countryside; traverse
terraced hillsides, or skirt the rugged coastline. More
challenging trails climb up to the rugged volcanic peaks
of the interior, to Pico Ruivo, at 1860 metres the islands
highest peak. A gentle warm up walk follows the Fonte
Vermalha from Machico to Santo da Serra, from where we
enjoy a circular route to Ribeiro Frio. On our third walk
we cross from Pico da Arieiro via Pico Ruivo to the North
side of the island and Santana. From here we follow the
Levada dos Tornos. Our last night in the hills is at Camacha
from where a gentle 4 hours on the Levada da Serra takes
us to Monte, where you can descend into Funchal by sled
or by bus.
Our itineraries end in the bustling little capital of
Funchal where you can arrive in style propelled from Monte
down the precipitous cobbled streets on one of the famous
wicker sleds. There you will have time to visit a Madeira
wine lodge, explore colourful food and flower markets
and enjoy superb fish restaurants.
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