Wanderwoche West

Get to know Madeira with 5 guided hikes.
Accommodation is provided in one of the following hotels (please book this separately): Calheta Beach (FNC012), Enotel Sunset Bay (FNC011), Saccharum (FNC154) and Quinta Alegre (FNC135), Jardim Atlantico (FNC051/951), Atrio (FNC149), Quinta das Vinhas (FNC175)

The Hiking Week West is available for arrivals from 01.11.2026.
Depending on the day of arrival, there is a set sequence for the full-day hikes. For stays longer than one week, our local agency will attempt to schedule the hikes so that they do not take place on consecutive days.
Please note that some hikes involve up to 4:30 hours of pure walking time with ascents of up to 600 meters in altitude. A reasonable level of fitness, sure-footedness, and a head for heights are required. You do not need special equipment, but good hiking boots, sun and rain protection, sufficient provisions, and a flashlight are necessary.
Subject to changes to the execution days and routes!
The detailed description of the individual hikes can be found below:
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Arrival Monday
Tuesday - Pico Arieiro-Pico Ruivo (Hike 2)
Wednesday – Ponta de São Lourenco (Eastern tip) (Hike 3)
Friday – Queimadas – Caldeirão Verde (Hike 4)
Saturday – Assobiadores-Fanal (Hike 5)
Sunday – Levada Moinho-Levada Nova (Hike 6)
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Arrival Tuesday
Wednesday – Ponta de São Lourenco (Eastern tip) (Hike 3)
Friday – Queimadas – Caldeirão Verde (Hike 4)
Saturday – Assobiadores-Fanal (Hike 5)
Sunday – Levada Moinho-Levada Nova (Hike 6)
Monday - Rabaçal: Risco Waterfall and 25 Fountains (Hike 1)
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Arrival Wednesday
Friday – Queimadas – Caldeirão Verde (Hike 4)
Saturday – Assobiadores-Fanal (Hike 5)
Sunday – Levada Moinho-Levada Nova (Hike 6)
Monday - Rabaçal: Risco Waterfall and 25 Fountains (Hike 1)
Tuesday - Pico Arieiro-Pico Ruivo (Hike 2)
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Arrival Thursday
Friday – Queimadas – Caldeirão Verde (Hike 4)
Saturday – Assobiadores-Fanal (Hike 5)
Sunday – Levada Moinho-Levada Nova (Hike 6)
Monday - Rabaçal: Risco Waterfall and 25 Fountains (Hike 1)
Tuesday - Pico Arieiro-Pico Ruivo (Hike 2)
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Arrival Friday
Saturday – Assobiadores-Fanal (Hike 5)
Sunday – Levada Moinho-Levada Nova (Hike 6)
Monday - Rabaçal: Risco Waterfall and 25 Fountains (Hike 1)
Tuesday - Pico Arieiro-Pico Ruivo (Hike 2)
Wednesday – Ponta de São Lourenco (Eastern tip) (Hike 3)
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Arrival Saturday
Sunday – Levada Moinho-Levada Nova (Hike 6)
Monday - Rabaçal: Risco Waterfall and 25 Fountains (Hike 1)
Tuesday - Pico Arieiro-Pico Ruivo (Hike 2)
Wednesday – Ponta de São Lourenco (Eastern tip) (Hike 3)
Friday – Queimadas – Caldeirão Verde (Hike 4)
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Arrival Sunday
Monday - Rabaçal: Risco Waterfall and 25 Fountains (Hike 1)
Tuesday - Pico Arieiro-Pico Ruivo (Hike 2)
Wednesday – Ponta de São Lourenco (Eastern tip) (Hike 3)
Friday – Queimadas – Caldeirão Verde (Hike 4)
Saturday – Assobiadores-Fanal (Hike 5)
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Description of the individual hikes:
Hike 1: Rabaçal: Risco Waterfall and 25 Fountains (Monday)
One of the most famous hikes on Madeira takes you into the laurel forests of Rabaçal. Here you will hike along levadas (water channels) to the 100m high Risco waterfall and the 25 fountains. Surrounded by green forests and rushing waterfalls, you can enjoy dreamlike views of the Rabaçal valley.
Duration: approx. 3.15 hours (plus transfer time), length: approx. 9 km, type: Levada hike, difficulty: easy-medium
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Hike 2: Pico Arieiro-Pico Ruivo (Tuesday)
This mountain hike connects the three highest peaks of Madeira: Pico Arieiro (1,818m), Pico dos Torres (1,853m), and Pico Ruivo (1,861m). Along the way, you will have breathtaking views of the entire island massif and the Valley of the Nuns lying deep below you. The premier tour on Madeira.
Duration: approx. 4.5 hours (plus transfer time), length: approx. 8 km, type: Peak hike, difficulty: medium/difficult, difficult.
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Hike 3: Ponta de São Lourenco (Eastern tip) – (Wednesday)
The hike across Ponta de São Lourenco is one of the classic hiking tours on Madeira. Surrounded by the blue Atlantic, the path leads in sections over rocky cliffs and through sparse vegetation, always accompanied by a magnificent play of colors from bizarre rock formations. On a clear day, the view extends to the island of Porto Santo in the north, and in the south across Canical, the old whaling town, to Santa Cruz and the Desertas.
Duration: approx. 3.5-4 hours (plus transfer time), length: approx. 8 km, type: Coastal hike, difficulty: Medium-difficult, altitude difference; ↑ 200 m/↓ 200 m.
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Hike 4: Queimadas – Caldeirão Verde (Friday)
The jungle-like vegetation along the Levada do Caldeirão Verde is some of the most beautiful on the island. The views along the way are gigantic: the high peaks above, the green gorges of the Ribeira Grande, and the valleys of the Santana region below. At the end of the hike, the "green cauldron" awaits with vertically rising walls and a 50m high waterfall.
Duration: approx. 5 hours (plus transfer time), length: approx. 13 km, type: Levada hike, difficulty: easy/medium
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Hike 5: Assobiadores-Fanal (Saturday)
Through man-high tree heather and gorse, you will hike above the green forests of Rabaçal and enjoy dreamlike panoramic views over the Paul da Serra plateau. At the edge of the gorge, you will hike through laurel forests, cross small streams, and climb leisurely. The highlight is the "Fairytale Forest" Fanal, home to the oldest and most impressive laurel trees on the island.
Duration: approx. 4 hours (plus transfer time), length: approx. 13 km, type: Panorama hike, difficulty: easy/medium
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Hike 6: Levada Moinho-Levada Nova (Sunday)
Along the Levada do Moinho, you will hike leisurely with spectacular views of the sea into the Ribeira Ponta do Sol valley. Passing fertile fields and rampant blackberry bushes. The return path follows the wilder Levada Nova, which is partly hewn into the rock. This leads you through a waterfall and a 200m long tunnel back out of the valley.
Duration: approx. 3-3.5 hours (plus transfer time), length: approx. 10 km, type: Levada hike, difficulty: easy

IT note: The hiking week can be selected as an optional additional service or you can book the excursion package separately with the code FNC998, in addition to at least a 1-week hotel stay in one of the hotels mentioned under Location.
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Please note: As of 01.10.24, the municipality of Funchal charges a tourist tax of €2 per person (maximum 7 nights; children up to 12 years are free). Payment is made locally at the hotel.
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Included in the price:
• Transfer from the hotel to the hiking excursion and back.
• German-speaking excursion guide
• Guaranteed execution of the hike (no minimum number of participants)
Not included in the price:
• Fee for hiking trails: €4.50 per person/hiking trail or €10.50 per person (for the Vereda do Areeiro), viewable at Pagamento de Taxas para acesso aos Percursos Pedestres Classificados-SIMplifica), payable to the tour guide, who will forward the fee to the regional authority IFCN, which is responsible for the management of the hiking trails on the island. Valid from 01.01.2026, changes possible.)
• Drinks and meals
• Overnight stays in your chosen hotel
• Personal expenses
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An extension stay can optionally take place either in the already booked hotel or in another hotel on Madeira. The intermediate transfer from your hotel to the extension hotel must generally be arranged by yourself.
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The sequence of the hikes can be found under the "Facilities" section. No minimum number of participants, guaranteed execution (weather-dependent). Excursions subject to change. For stays longer than one week, our local agency will attempt to schedule the hikes so that they do not take place on consecutive days.
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Pick-up takes place at the hotel or at a collection point near the hotel.
Please note that longer transfer times may occur depending on the location, as guests are also picked up at stops along the way.
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A hotel must be booked for the hikes (see Location)