Madeira walking: from Picos to Levadas trails - guest reviews

"Great trip, really useful book and maps. For us the Encumeada pass walk was easier than the pico ruivo to pico do Ariero walk even though it is longer. The Pico Ruivo walk has much more narrow up and down sections with many large groups to pass on very narrow paths. Both enjoyable but I would say the shorter walk is more challenging.
The highlights for us : Stunning scenery on each walk with each walk being different. The leaves walk through the tunnels stood out.
Hotel Linda was in a beautiful spot and had the best breakfast and dinner options. Would highly recommend it !!"

This walking trip in Madeira is a bit like walking through an enchanted forest! You walk through the Primary Forest with its thick vegetation, endemic wildlife and native bird song, past kilometres and kilometres of mesmorizing terraced crops, following levadas, through tunnels and up to the summit of the Pico Ruivo.  Phew! The landscape changes from lush green to an arid and jagged coastline, remote, rustic and quite simply breath taking. You end the trip in Funchal, a lively little city and a gentle 'bring you back down to earth' thud!