Walking Madeira's Levadas
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Saga Hosted Hotels
Walking
The levadas of Madeira are dedicated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites and extend in total to some 500 miles. Designed to transport water for several different uses, they had their beginnings in the 15th century when basic water channels were created to supply water needed for crops and mills. Over the ensuing centuries they were expanded by private enterprise until the 19th century when the island saw the introduction of State levadas with some 248 miles of levadas being created between 1947 and 1967! Today they offer an opportunity to view this beautiful island from a unique perspective.
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)
If you’re looking for spectacular views, look no further than 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 large unheated swimming pool and a heated indoor pool, and every guest room has a balcony with sea views. With the sound of the sea lulling you to sleep at night, ringside seats for every sun rise and sun set – no wonder so many guests vow to return.
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
Overview
Ponta Delgada, Madeira
London Heathrow Airport
All Inclusive
From £949 per person
Including optional travel insurance or a price reduction if not required
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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
You can enjoy the following programme of activities and entertainment during your holiday. Activities may change from time to time and some activities may be at an additional cost. 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. A weekly return shuttle service to Funchal is included during your stay (subject to change). The following optional excursions should be available during your holiday, although the content and availability may change from time to time due to weather, local conditions and demand.
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
Optional excursions
How to book excursions:
You can book online excursions through our call centre on 0808 189 8899 or in resort.
Rabaçal – enchanted forest and waterfalls
Distance: Five and a half miles Difficulty: easy to moderate - includes a 20-minute tunnel walk and ascents and descents. Walk through a laurel forest along an old levada, passing the Risco waterfall and the 25 Fontes levada, passing through a tunnel. Visit a sugar cane factory at Calheta which only operates for one six-week period each year, its product being used for molasses, honey cake and brandy.