Walking Madeira's Levadas
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Saga Hosted Hotels
Walking
Walking Madeira's levadas is a must-do activity for nature lovers and adventurers alike, and a fantastic way to experience the otherworldly landscapes of the island. These levadas, constructed long ago to transport water across the rugged terrain, now serve as scenic walking routes. We'll stroll along the flat paths that hug the mountainsides, providing awe-inspiring views of valleys, forests and, occasionally, waterfalls. There’ll be time to relax, take photos, and enjoy the fresh air.
Five included guided walks
- Rabaçal – enchanted forest and waterfalls (half day)
- The Eastern Cape – Ponta Såo Lourenço (full day)
- The Green Couldron–Calerão Verde (full day)
- Assobiadores–Fanal (half day)
- One Valley – Two Levadas (half day)
Grade 3: This grade is ideal for those who enjoy a variation in walking levels from easy to moderate. You’ll be walking mainly on good paths at a low altitude, with occasional more demanding ascents and descents. Walking regularly in preparation prior to the tour is recommended due to 5 to 9 miles of walking in the space of 2.5 to 4 hours per day.
If you’re looking for spectacular views, look no further than the welcoming and relaxed Monte Mar Palace on Madeira. Its secluded clifftop setting offers views across the island’s mountainous coastline and UNESCO-protected laurel forests, making it an ideal choice whether you want to relax with a book or get out and explore. Facilities include a spa with Jacuzzi, an unheated swimming pool and a heated indoor pool. Each simply-furnished room features a balcony overlooking the sea, offering the soothing sound of waves to lull you to sleep and front-row seats for every sunrise and sunset.
Included with every Hosted Holiday
- Dedicated welcoming host
- Resort airport transfers
- Travel insurance and meals
Including
Local Saga host
Local expert guide
Welcome drink reception
Five included guided walks
All inclusive: All meals
One meal at specially selected local restaurant once per week
Free bar open 12 hours a day (local drinks)
House wine and water at lunch and dinner
A weekly return shuttle service to nearby Sao Vicente and Funchal (subject to change).
International flights. Prices are based on return flights with British Airways from London Heathrow. Supplements may apply from other airports
Return transfers direct to your hotel
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Holiday details
Food and drink
The Monte Mar Palace Hotel offers both international and Portuguese cuisine, served buffet-style, in its restaurant. The free bar will be open from 11am to 11pm serving local alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Another of the hotels bars offers drinks between May and September. You will also have access to the pool bar.
Entertainment
A weekly return shuttle service to Funchal is included during your stay (subject to change) • Live music five nights a week • Table Tennis • Billiards • Squash (extra charge) • Talk on Madeira culture and traditions • The following Saga Host-led walks are available: Levada walk: Local bus service to levada, walk back to hotel Please note, all walks are subject to availability and the local bus is at own cost.
Accommodation
All 112 air-conditioned bedrooms have a balcony with sea view. Rooms feature a bath with an overhead shower.
Amenities
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Lounge
- Pool bar
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Heated indoor pool
- Tennis
- Squash court
- Golf putting
- Live music
Holiday location
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Local Area
The Monte Mar Palace stands on Madeira’s rugged north coast, which is much less busy and developed than the rest of the island. So if peace, quiet, a secluded location and stunning views are what you’re looking for, this is the hotel for you: looking out across the Atlantic you really feel like you’re on the edge of the world. A short walk uphill brings you into Ponta Delgada, which has a small marina, but for a choice of bars, shops and restaurants take the free courtesy bus to Sao Vicente, about eight kilometres away.
The hotel was excellent in every way. The staff very friendly, efficient and courteous, the accommodation excellent and the restaurant brilliant.
Christine Nicholls, Norfolk
Included excursions
Rabaçal – enchanted forest and waterfalls
This eight-kilometre walk invites you to follow one of Madeira’s old levadas as it passes through a sun-dappled laurel forest and the Rabaçal hiking area. It’s one of the island’s most popular trails with the Risco and 25 Fontes waterfalls serving as impressive natural locations to stop for a rest. After passing through a rock hewn tunnel, you’ll visit a still-in-use sugar mill at Calheta. Although the factory is only in use six weeks out of the year, you can find out more about the production process at the on-site museum. And what better way to complete the day other than with a slice of honey cake and glass of fortified Madeira wine once you’ve returned to your hotel.
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