Wandern in Madeira

This was a very different walking holiday to that I undertook in the Douro a view years ago. The walks were a lot more challenging so you need to be fit! The scenery of Madeira is lovely and a lot of the walks took place along the edge of cliffs, occasionally on both sides! On the longest walk across the mountain tops we did meet a lot of people coming the other way so you needed to take care going round bends. The hotels were of a good standard, especially in Santana and the transport arrangements worked out well, using local buses was a good idea and was good fun at times. Our group got on well and had a good time and we enjoyed the humour of Andre, our tour guide. It also helped that we had really good weather.

On the interior of the island I sometimes I felt that I as walking through a set for a prehistoric film with towering spires of solidified lava, lush vegetation, and some plants that are pot plants in the UK growing wild to giant proportions. On the coastal walks it is mesmerising to watch and hear the waves battering against the base of the cliffs. Following the levadas along vertiginous rock faces and through caves, I marvelled at how they were created using only hand tools. The Madeirans are very friendly and the service in the hotels and restaurants is second to none. The drivers were always on time and I never felt rushed to be anywhere. The weather was exceptionally sunny for the time of year and we were able to swim in the sea very comfortably. The Christmas illuminations in Funchal were amazing. I have never seen so many anywhere else. For such a short flight from the UK I would definitely recommend this trip to anyone just to see this varied and stunning island.

This is a great weeks walking with a lot of variety in the walks covered. The hotels are generally of a good standard and the food was good and varied, with plenty of fresh fish and salads.

A week of varied walking and a chance to get away from the crowd. We were impressed by the stunning scenery in challenging terrain and weather conditions.