Madeira Flowers and Coast

Once you arrive, you have a day to enjoy all the fantastic facilities the hotel has to offer. This hotel is also located right by the sea you can opt for the beach should you want to. In the evening be welcomed by your tour representative.

The day will start off with a transfer to Camacha, where you will have your bikes fitted. This village is well-known for its basket making and of course these can be purchased right from the producers. As you head to the East Coast of the island you will find yourself on a beautiful high road, which of course will give you fantastic views until you get to the little fishing village of Porto da Cruz. To note here is a beach made of volcanic sand and one of the last working sugar cane mills.

The day will start off with a transfer by bus which will take you up a very steep hill, this will take you to Santana where the day’s cycling will start. However, before here we recommend a visit an excellent Madeiran landmark – the traditional, thatched farmhouses which have been resorted with much love and care. Once on your bike, head through small, enchanting villages whilst following the coast. Your route will take you to São Vicente, a beautiful town located on the sea and named after Saint Vincent. One of the highlights here is the 400,000-year-old grottoes.

Firstly, a transfer will take you to the plateau Paúl da Serra, from this point the cycling will begin on a high road passing cows and sheep, from where you will then have a large downhill to the West Coast of the island. Your location for the day will be Porto Moniz, home to a truly breath-taking view. This area is also known for its natural swimming pools, some of which are small, and some are large. These are frequented by both tourists and locals.

It’s time to explore the West Coast and the area’s UNESCO world heritage site. Head through aromatic forests and quaint villages, always being accompanied by incredible views of the sea from high. Each turn in the road uncovers a new view. Your stop for the night will be Calhta, where you can see the beautiful rebuilt harbour. There is also an artificial beach here, the sand for which was brought in from Morocco. This village was once a place of sugar cane production and is now a place for locals to hang out.

For the first section of today you will be cycling along the waterside in the direction of the capital. Once you get past Ribeira Brava, you will start heading uphill inland towards an amazing viewpoint, Cabo Girao. This is a see-through platform that sits at 580m above sea level and the view down over Europe’s highest cliffs is breath taking. From here the only way is down, head back to the coast and into the centre of Funchal. The capital is a truly vibrant and colourful location.

Either the trip ends here, or you can add on more days.