Hotel Aqua Natura Madeira

Local excursions

The centre of the island — cable car ride over the rooftops of the city of Funchal to the Monthe hill. Visiting: the sanctuary of Our Lady on Monte hill, tropical garden with Madeira's relic endemic vegetation. The picturesque mountain road leads to the heart of the island, where from panoramic terraces of Eira do Serrado you can admire the breathtaking view of the mountain precipices. A drive to a secluded village, the Valley of the Nuns, tasting the local specialty - liqueurs with chestnut, chocolate and passion fruit flavors. The route leads to the other side of the mountain range, to Câmara de Lobos - a typical fishing village with a charming port, Winston Churchill's favourite place. Optionally: a crazy downhill ride on wicker sleighs from Monte Hill (additionally payable: 15 EUR/person). Day trip. Price - from approx. 83 EUR (includes: lunch with drinks, entrance to visited structures, tasting liqueurs, Polish guide care); from hotels from the east of the island - approx. 85 EUR, from the west and the north - approx. 92 EUR.

The west of the island — a unique opportunity to enjoy the spectacular views, e.g. the highest cliff in Europe, Cabo Girão. The route of the tour takes you through a typical fishing village Ribeira Brava to Encumenada pass, from where in favourable weather conditions you can watch the panoramic view of the north and south coasts. A drive through the ancient laurel forest (under the patronage of UNESCO) to the picturesque village of Sao Vincente. A visit to the Multimedia Volcanic Centre in São Vicente. A drive along the north coast to the popular resort of Porto Moniz and admiring the natural lava pools. Passage through the remarkable "Madeiran Tundra", the Paul da Serra plateau. A drive to Madalena do Mar - the legendary estate of King Władysław of Varna. Day trip. Price - from approx. 61 EUR (includes: lunch with drinks, entrance to visited structures, Polish guide care); from hotels from the east of the island - approx. 67 EUR, from the west and the north - approx. 71 EUR.

The east of the island — visit to the Botanical Garden with 2,000 species of flowering plants, a small aviary and panoramic views of the entire city. A drive to Pico de Arieiro - the third largest peak of Madeira (1818 m), from which, in good weather, you can see the crown of the island and the spectacular mountain landscapes. A drive through the world's largest valleys, covered with ancient Laurisilva laurel trees, to Ribeiro Frio village with a state-owned trout farm. A visit to the heritage park of traditional houses with thatched roofs in the village of Santana, admiring the cliff landscape of the peninsula of St Lawrence, vantage points with a panorama of Eagle Rock, the islands of Porto Santo, Desertas and the runway of the airport supported on 180 columns. Day trip. Price - from approx. 60 EUR (includes: lunch with drinks, entrance to visited structures, Polish language guide care); from hotels from the east of the island - approx. 65 EUR, from the west and the north - approx. 76 EUR.

Evening with fado and Madeiran folklore — dinner in a traditional restaurant comprised of specialties of the cuisine: espetada (grilled meat) with polenta (fried cornmeal), soup, salad, boiled vegetables, dessert. The dinner is accompanied by the performance of a folk band (singing and dancing, traditional instruments) and then a concert of Portuguese fado songs performed by one of the best female singers on the island. Price - from approx. 37 EUR (includes: lunch with drinks); from hotels from the east of the island - approx. 42 EUR, from the west and the north - approx. 60 EUR.

Levada — Madeira is famous for its canals, which provide every corner of the island with water from the mountains. They were built here already in the days of the first Portuguese colonizers. Along the canals many trekking routes of varying difficulty were created. Please bring: sports shoes, clothing suited to changing weather, drinks and lunch. The prices include transport and the care of an English-speaking mountain guide.

Levada Rabacal — level: average, approx. 13 km, trekking time: approx. 4 h, on the route: the high waterfall Risco and cascade "25 springs" consisting of many waterfalls, the UNESCO-protected laurel forest Laurissilva. Price - approx. 33 EUR; from hotels from the east of the island - approx. 37 EUR, from the west and the north - approx. 37 EUR.

Funchal — a visit to the city market where the inhabitants of Madeira meet. Located in the heart of the center of Funchal, the market offers the best fruits, vegetables and flowers on the island and local gastronomy and crafts. A walk through the historic city center: the port area, the 15th-century Manueline style cathedral, the Madeira parliament building, the citadel of St. Lawrence and the statue of Józef Piłsudski. Visiting the famous "Old Blandy Wine Lodge" winery, getting to know the production process of the exceptional Madeira wine, which has its unique taste due to its aging in oak barrels. Tasting. A drive to the Pico dos Barcelos (355 m) lookout point, which offers a panoramic view of the entire city. Half-day trip. Price - approx. 34 EUR (includes: entrance tickets, wine tasting, Polish language guide care); from hotels from the east of the island - approx. 40 EUR, from the west and the north - approx. 60 EUR.

Levada to Furado — trekking on the levadas, unique irrigation channels. Level: medium, approx. 11 km, trekking time: approx. 5 hours. Route starts at Ribeiro Frio in the commune of Santana. Along the way there are wonderful views of the valleys and the peaks of the island. Stop and lunch at the old Herdade do Lombo das Faias farm. Continuation of trekking along the levada to Furado, an opportunity to admire the endemic flora and fauna of the laurel forest (so-called Laurissilva). Trekking ends with a descent to the Portela village. One should take suitable clothing and trekking footwear. Price - from approx. 43 EUR (includes: transport, supervision of a Polish-speaking guide, lunch at the farm).

Local excursions are organized by local travel agencies under the conditions fixed by them. It's possible to disorganize trips due to low number of applicants.