Cycling in Madeira, does that work? Of course, you have concerns about this too, seeing that the island is of course a well-known walking paradise! We can however assure you that it works very well! On wonderful panoramic roads, you will cycle around pretty much all of the island. In the places where it is too mountainous, our transfers will help you out. You can enjoy a summer-like climate here all year around as well as the exotic flora and fauna. On your way, you will find wonderful parks and gardens, still bays and spectacular cliffs. But you don’t miss out on culture on this tour either! This Portuguese Island was already settled in the 15th Century in the centre of the Atlantic and left behind magnificent quintas and monumental fortresses. Spend a wonderful week on this flowery island! World Cultural Heritage site landscape, old sailor culture and above all the hospitable Madeirans will delight you!
The island of Madeira, known as the "Island of Eternal Spring," captivates even when explored by bicycle, offering breathtaking vistas and exotic flora. Gorgeous panoramic roads wind alongside dramatic cliffs and lead to charming overnight havens.
Enjoy all of your hotels facilities today already. It is located right by the beach, so the sea is calling you too! In the evening welcome briefing by your tour representative.
In the morning there is the transfer to Camacha, where your rental bikes will be fitted. This village is famous for its basket making. This practical souvenir is of course offered directly from the producers. You will cycle on a lovely high road right towards the East Coast. Enjoy the beautiful views on the way to the little fishing village, Porto da Cruz. Relax here on the beach made out of volcano sand or visit one of the last working sugar cane mills.
A long, steep ascent will be bridged by bus this morning. In Santana you will start your cycle tour. Beforehand you should however visit the true Madeiran landmark. The traditional, thatched farmhouses have been lovingly restored here. The cycle route goes along a beautiful road through small, charming villages whilst always running along the length of the East Coast until you get to São Vicente. The village, named after Saint Vincent, is located right by the sea. It is however well-known for its 400,000-year-old grottoes.
To begin with, you go in the mountains today! A transfer will take you to the high plateau Paúl da Serra. From here, you get on your bike and follow the high road past grazing cows and sheep. A long descent will then lead you to the West Coast of the island. Before you get to Porto Moniz, a spectacular view will leave you breathless. Where you are staying tonight is well-known for its natural swimming pools. The sea formed small and large pools, which are popular places to swim by both locals and tourists.
Today’s stage takes you along the West Coast and right through the UNESCO world heritage site in Madeira. You will cycle through fragrant forests and through small villages and you will always be accompanied by spectacular views of the below lying sea. After every curve you get a new great photo shot. In the lively village Calheta, it was not only the yacht harbour that was rebuilt. For the artificial beach, sand was especially imported from Morocco. The former sugar cane village has become a popular place for locals to meetarea.
For the first third of today‘s stage, you will cycle directly along the waterside towards the capital. From Ribeira Brava the route takes you up hill away from the coast and then you will reach the very spectacular viewpoint on the island. At Cabo Girao, a transparent platform was built 580m above the sea. The view down over the highest cliffs in Europe is dizzying. A long descent will then bring you back to the coast and then into the centre of Funchal. Colourful and lively are two strong impressions you will get from the capital of this island.
The cable car will take you on your bike free day to the popular destination of Monte. Previously a noble health resort with grand quintas, this area offers many possibilities nowadays for an interesting day. You can visit the pilgrimage church Nossa Senhora do Monte do Monte and the tropical garden Jardim Tropical Monte Palace. You could also go for a lovely walk along the famous waterway, the “Levadas”. The rapid ride to the valley is nevertheless spectacular wits one of the fantastic wicker sledges. You will see that Madeira also isn’t boring without a bike…
Day
8
Departure or extension
Tour character
Very quiet roads will lead you around this island. You will only cycle on busier roads for very short sections. The steepest and longest ascents will be bridged with transfers. Nevertheless, there are several longer ascents to deal with each day. Due to the topography and also the longer and sometimes steep hills we recommend that you should have good fitness and good confidence on a bike.
Detailed travel documents 1x per room (German, English, French)
Bus transfers Canico – Camacha, Porto da Cruz – Santana and Sao Vicente – Rocha Negra incl. your bike
1 Cable car return journey Funchal – Monte
App for Navigation and GPS-data
Service hotline
Optional:
Bike rental, including rental bike insurance
Information
Arrival / Parking / Departure:
Funchal airport
Things to note:
Tourist tax, if due, is not included in the price!
Accommodation
Four View Oásis Caniço
★★★★
Located directly by the Reis Magos beach, this 4**** Hotel, with a fantastic view of the ocean, is your base for all outdoor activities. You will be picked up from your hotel every day for your outdoor activities and at the end you will be brought back to the hotel.
Four View Oásis Caniço
★★★★
Located directly by the Reis Magos beach, this 4**** Hotel, with a fantastic view of the ocean, is your base for all outdoor activities. You will be picked up from your hotel every day for your outdoor activities and at the end you will be brought back to the hotel. A hotel bus that operates six days a week will take you to Funchal for free, which is 12km away. The hotel has a lot to offer you on your holiday on top of all of your Euroaktiv itinerary. After your adventures you can continue to enjoy your holiday using the outdoor or indoor pool, jacuzzi, fitness studio and more. There is direct access to the beach. The rooms are decorated in warm colours and have either a lateral sea view or a sea view mainly come with a balcony or a terrace as well as a bath, toilet, air-conditioning, TV, minibar and hairdryer. In the evening, there is live music every day and the hotel’s restaurant and bars are waiting for you with their tasty meals for all the family.
This family-run hotel awaits in the little coastal village of Porto da Cruz with a spectacular location directly at the black cliff beach.
Costa Linda Porto da Cruz
★★
This family-run hotel awaits in the little coastal village of Porto da Cruz with a spectacular location directly at the black cliff beach. You will stay in a traditional room from where you will enjoy a stunning view of the sparkling sea - listen to the gentle waves! The in-house restaurant offers an excellent breakfast and a large choice of traditional dishes, particularly local specialities only found on Madeira. It is only a short walk to the sea-swimming pool!
This traditional country house is situated amidst the rugged rocks of the Sao Vicente-valley, nestling in a magical garden, where you get to discover lots of local fruit and plants.
Solar da Bica São Vicente
★★★
This traditional country house is situated amidst the rugged rocks of the Sao Vicente-valley, nestling in a magical garden, where you get to discover lots of local fruit and plants. The stunning gardens allow you to feel the calm pulse of Madeira and cater for deep relaxation after your hiking tour. The rooms are furnished in a modern style, with an eye for lovely details. In all seasons you can enjoy the heated saltwater-pool and the sauna. In the morning, a lovely breakfast is served with local dishes from all over the island.
Very boldly built right at the wild coast is the location of the Hotel Aqua Natura. The name of the accommodation reflects the very element, which has specially definded this little coastal village from the year one.
Aqua Natura Porto Moniz
★★★★
Very boldly built right at the wild coast is the location of the Hotel Aqua Natura. The name of the accommodation reflects the very element, which has specially defined this little coastal village from the year one: the wild sea’s raging and the surge of waves at the rugged coast. The world-renowned ‚rock-swimming pools‘ are situated directly in front of the hotel, the restaurant offers local specialities and a spectacular terrace located above the sea. From your room you enjoy a breathtaking view over the entire coastline.
The Saccharum, situated in the little coastal village of Calheta, presents itself in a spectacular fashion! A unique architecture and baffling interior await you.
Saccharum Calheta
★★★★★
The Saccharum, situated in the little coastal village of Calheta, presents itself in a spectacular fashion! The unique architecture and baffling interior, following the cultural heritage of sugar cane growing and processing on the island of Madeira, combined with the location directly at the sea create an unforgettable stay there. Numerous pools as well as a premium spa area invite you to relax. The view from the infinity-pool located at the roof of the hotel will definitely stay in your memory long after your departure. Rooms with seaview, various restaurants and the roof-top cocktail bar cater for an all-round perfect stay.
This small, very family-run hotel surprises with a comfortable location directly in the heart of the old part of Funchal.
Arts In Hotel Conde Carvalhal Funchal
★★★★
This small, very family-run hotel surprises with a comfortable location directly in the heart of the old part of Funchal. Both the harbour promenade and the famous market hall are only a few steps away. Individually designed rooms with lots of amenities and generous gardens serve as a calm anchor amidst the ado of the busy capital. From your room you have a view onto the town below you and you get to marvel at the glistening sea and observe the frolic atmosphere of the harbour in a relaxed manner. The crowning glory of a perfect hiking week.