Degree of difficulty:
Guide: Prof. Miguel Sequeira (University of Madeira/CEM)

Most of this hike is over flat terrain along the Serra do Faial Levada from the Ribeiro Frio to the place where the levada divides. The remaining 2 km slope gently downhill to Portela, where there are spectacular views of the north coast (and a bar!)

Although the weather will be excellent in July, mist and rain are common at this altitude and the temperature is a few degrees lower than in Funchal. Wear suitable boots and bring a waterproof and an “extra layer” in your daypack. As you enjoy the magnificent but rugged terrain, you will understand the massive effort made by the first settlers who built these winding channels to transport water from the springs in the north to the farmland on the south coast.

All along the levada, surrounded by the dense high humidity Laurissilva Forest flecked with innumerous shades of green, you will see delicate flowers budding on tiny shade loving plants. You will see Madeiran firecrests (Madeira’s smallest bird), blackbirds searching for berries and insects, Madeiran chaffinch and the grey wagtail. A rarer bird is the long-toed pigeon. If you are lucky, you may spot a buzzard, a bird of prey that comes to the forest to catch birds, rabbits and mice and builds its large nests in laurel tree tops.

On a clear day, you can see the countryside beyond the forest such as the patchwork of fields of Faial, São Roque do Faial and Porto Cruz on the North of the island. This walk provides an excellent opportunity to study Madeiran flora and fauna first hand. Nature lovers and photographers will find it a great source of pleasure and inspiration.
[this information is available on www.madeiratourism.org]

Degree of difficulty:
Guide: Dr. Paulo Oliveira (Natural Park of Madeira)

This is a hike on rugged terrain along part of the central mountain chain that runs across the island. The views are truly spectacular. You will have the chance to hike to the top of Madeira’s highest point, Pico Ruivo (1863m asl). Although the path is well used, this is not a walk for vertigo sufferers! Suitable robust footwear and clothing are essential.

The walk starts at Pico do Areeiro. A 15-minute walk brings you to the impressive viewing point at Ninho da Manta (Eagle’s Nest). From this platform, where it is said that birds of prey once built their nests, you can look out over Fajã da Nogueira, the network of streams that feed Ribeira da Metade and Achadas do Pau Bastião and Cedro Gordo in São Roque do Faial.

Further on, you will have your heart in your mouth as you cross the imponent basalt dam that separates the sources of the Fajã da Nogueira and Cidrão rivers.
Soon you will arrive at Pico do Gato (1,780-masl) traversed via a 100-metre long, two-metre high tunnel. Before going into the tunnel, you can see one of the streams that flow down to Curral da Freiras. The Paúl da Serra plateau basks in the sun to the west, beyond Pico Grande. As you leave the tunnel, you will find the source of Ribeira da Fajã da Nogueira and a bit further downstream we come across the valleys and hills of São Roque do Faial.

The second tunnel is 200 metres long and is the longest of the five on this walk. It goes through the centre of Pico das Torres. The other three are shorter but also burrow through this impressive hulk of reddish grey rock. As we go into Pico das Torres, we take our leave of another tributary of Ribeira do Curral. When we come out, Ribeira Seca do Faial is on hand to impress us. You have to be on the lookout though, as you may miss it if you are looking north or south!

As we continue to Pico Ruivo, which is about half an hour from the last Torres tunnel, you will cross an enchanting stand of graceful heather trees. Near the end, before reaching the shelter, the path climbs sharply for the most challenging part of the walk. Now walk along to the shelter, leave your rucksack and climb to the top of the highest peak in Madeira.

After going through heather that has weathered hundred of winters, you will be able to see, on a clear day the fields of Curral das Freiras, the majestic Ribeira Grande de São Jorge valley and the dales of Santana.
You will find the footpath to Achada do Teixeira not far from the Pico Ruivo shelter. The trail is about 3 km long, with a good, smooth surface, and can be done in under an hour.

Regardless of the time of year, it is essential that you wear footwear suitable for slippery terrain. Take a waterproof coat and a torch for the first two tunnels. The path is usually protected by a wire fence along the more precipitous stretches of this walk, however the railings are sometimes swept away by rock falls and are not always immediately repaired.
[this information is available on www.madeiratourism.org]

Degree of difficulty:
Guide: Mrs. Lucinda Andrade (CDCR-CTT)

This guided coach trip will take you to several points of interest on the island and will include lunch in a typical restaurant.

Itinerary: Pico do Areeiro – Pico dos Barcelos – Ribeira Brava – Encumeada – São Vicente – Porto Moniz (lunch) – Encumeada – Cabo Girão – Funchal.

The trip will take in local history, culture and architecture, sightseeing and natural history. The trip will also include an optional short walk (30 – 40 minutes) in indigenous laurissilva forest.

Degree of difficulty:
Guide: Drª Rosa Pires (Natural Park of Madeira)

The Natural Park of Madeira has kindly allowed us use of their boat the “Búteo", for a trip to the Deserta Islands, situated SE of the island of Madeira. This excursion is limited to 11 delegates who will be accepted on a “first come – first serve basis”.

The Desertas Islands (total area of 1.421 hectares) comprise Ilhéu Chão, Deserta Grande and Bugio, situated about 22 miles southeast of Funchal. The islands constitute the last Atlantic refuge of the monk seal (Monachus monachus). The presence of these mammals led the Regional Government of Madeira to create the protected area of Desertas Island in 1990. In 1992 the European Council classified these islands as Bioenergetic Reserve. Please note that there is a total ban of scuba fishing in this reserve.
[this information is available on www.madeiratourism.org]

The boat trip will be subject to local weather and maritime conditions