All the Best in One Day

Madeira has more incredible places than you could see in a month, so on this day I show you the ones I find the most striking. First we head north on one of the island’s most beautiful roads, up to the Encumeada mountain pass and down into the green São Vicente valley. Then we follow the north coast to Seixal for a swim in the natural lava pools, right next to the black volcanic sand beach. From there we go on to the Boaventura valley, São Jorge and the lush, deep green Ribeiro Frio, with its trout farm and the spot where the levadas begin. Then we go up to Pico do Arieiro, the island’s famous spot 1,800 m above the sea, to watch the sun go down above the clouds. On the way down we pass Poiso, where you can stop for a bite at a mountain restaurant if you like. Then we head back to where we started: down through Garajau and along the road by the sea, with evening views over Funchal and a stop at a viewpoint.

On the way we stop at plenty of other beautiful and unexpected places. Around lunchtime we stop for a snack or, if you like, at a local restaurant (food isn’t included in the price). There’s almost no walking, just short strolls. Kids and dogs are welcome.

What to bring: swimwear and a towel for the lava pools, and a warm layer. It can be hot on the beach and chilly in the mountains at sunset.

The times are approximate. Sunset time changes through the year (the schedule above is for a sunset around 18:30), so I can move the start time to make sure we catch the sunset up in the mountains. It’s an incredible sight.

Got a place you really want to see? Write it in your booking request and I’ll fit it in.