Au Petit Madère
Welcome to our home
Discover our haven of peace on the flower island, in the heart of the village of Prazeres
The flower island
Madeira
Madeira is a small Portuguese archipelago in the middle of the Atlantic, off the coast of Morocco (600 km from Essaouira), consisting of a main island — the 'Flower Island' — and a few islets.
737km² (58 km long by 23 km wide) of legendary mild climate, a paradise for nature lovers. This volcanic citadel invites you to follow the 'Levadas', ingenious irrigation canals built over decades to carry water down from the mountains, for superb hiking across the island.
Settled in the south of Prazeres (Pleasures) in the Calheta region — known for its sunshine — we will be delighted to welcome you in our completely refurbished cottages.
3 200 m² — Our 3,200 m² grounds — enjoying exceptional tranquility, with no road or neighbour between you and the ocean panorama — will suit you perfectly.
417 m — Located at 417 m altitude, our cul-de-sac offers a view overlooking Jardim Do Mar just steps away.
Prazeres is distinguished by its vast panoramic viewpoint offering a two-sided view, between indigo (sky and ocean) and lush vegetation.
It is one of the most picturesque municipalities on 'the Sunshine Coast'. The preservation of the far western Madeiran landscape stems from its late development. The first road reaching Paul Do Mar was built in 1968.
Our accommodations
Our cottages
Casa Poncha
100 m² recently renovated. 3 bedrooms (7 beds) for large families or friends' holidays. Large pergola-covered terrace and garden, with stunning ocean views. Barbecue and parking.
Casa Boal, Casa Sidra, Casa Ginja & Casa Nikita
52 m², with a large covered terrace with stunning ocean views. 1 bedroom & a sofa bed in the living room (up to 4 beds). Our staggered construction was designed to minimise overlooking between cottages.
Subtropical climate
Weather & Climate
Temperate subtropical climate, under oceanic influence and the southern arm of the Gulf Stream.
Regular winds from the North and North-East, the 'Trade Winds' represent:
- 75% of winds in Summer
- 27% of winds in Winter (winds then blow from the West)
The Trade Winds bring moisture-laden air, causing mist and rain as they condense. These winds are blocked by the mountain range, explaining why the north side of the island is much wetter (3 to 4 degrees cooler compared to the south).
| Average Annual Temperatures in CALHETA | J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average Maximum Temperature | 17° | 17° | 18° | 18° | 20° | 22° | 23° | 25° | 24° | 22° | 20° | 18° |
| Average Minimum Temperature | 14° | 13° | 14° | 14° | 19° | 17° | 19° | 20° | 20° | 18° | 16° | 15° |
| Ocean Temperature | 19° | 19° | 18° | 18° | 15° | 21° | 22° | 24° | 24° | 24° | 22° | 20° |
Explore
Nearby
On-site, we will happily share our favourite 'Nature' spots — Beaches / Levadas / Viewpoints / Gardens — and 'Outings' — Restaurants / Bars / Island activities / Some basic Portuguese — … and other information on request.
To give you a taste of nearby activities, we present a distance guide across 3 regions describing our location on the island. To learn about all the island's possibilities, we invite you to visit the 'Activities' tab.
» The Sunshine Coast
Where the cottage is located. A 5-minute drive (2 km) away, you will find a petrol station, grocery store, restaurants, and the expressway. South of Prazeres, a network of roads descends towards the cliffs, offering various viewpoints.
» The North-West Coast
To the north, the R210 will take you to the Paul Da Serra Plateau. You will find numerous viewpoints (Pico Ruivo Do Paul 1,640 m, 21 km) and many lush levadas, including the famous 'Cascada Do Risco' and the '25 Fountains' (Rabacal, 17 km).
» The High Plateau
To the west, the ER101 will take you to Ponta Do Pargo (16 km) on the western coast. You can then follow the northern coast, from the natural lava pools of Porto Moniz (26 km), to Seixal (34 km) where a black sand cove awaits.
Funchal — 41 km
from Funchal city centre via expressway (~45 min)
Airport — 57 km
from Funchal airport (located in Santa Cruz) via expressway (~55 min)
Explore the area
» Village of Prazeres «
Hiking
Start Prazeres 1.3 km
'Caminho Do Jardim Do Mar'
In stark contrast to Madeiran levada walks, this hike is particularly difficult, steep, rocky and slippery especially after rain.
For this cliffside hike, don't hesitate to bring walking poles. Even though this steep trail is secured by a metal fence.
This path with countless switchbacks down to Jardim do Mar is incredible. You will pass through prickly pear cactus. This long descent offers the ocean as your focal point.
This steep path exposes you to the sun — come prepared (hat, sunscreen…). Not recommended with young children.
Start Prazeres 2.3 km
'Caminho Real do Paul do Mar'
Beware of vertigo. Don't forget to bring water — this cliff-side hike offers little shade. A short and pleasant walk, descending almost all the way from the village of Prazeres to the seafront at Paúl do Mar.
The descent follows the cliff between the 'Assomadouro' of Prazeres and the Paúl quay, passing through traditional agricultural terraces 'poios', supported by stone walls.
Synonymous with a belvedere, 'Assomadouro' designates a place where you can contemplate an enriching spectacle. The splendid panoramic views — to the right, the small village of Jardim do Mar, and to the left, Paúl do Mar — are breathtaking.
Waterfalls and endemic flora exclusive to these altitudes, such as the elegant viper's bugloss (Echium nervosum) and the fisherman's spurge (Euphorbia piscatoria), make this path a true discovery.
On arrival in Paúl do Mar, take time to explore this small seaside village and admire the towering cliffs surrounding it. Once an important fishing centre, a tuna canning industry for export was established here in 1912.
We can offer a motorised return journey.
Start Prazeres 2.3 km
'Circuit Do Jardim Do Mar'
A loop from Jardim Atlantico hotel in Prazeres. You can also combine these two hikes (Paul Do Mar & Jardim Do Mar) to make a long loop following the coastline. However, this trail is wild — no beach, only a narrow rocky path guides you.
Make sure the tide is low ('Baixa-mar') when you pass! This hike can be done 1h30 before and after low tide. Avoid 'Preia-mar' (high tide).
Start Prazeres 1.8 km
'Levada Nova de Prazeres/Calheta' or 'Lombo Do Salão'
One of the 4 most beautiful hikes on the island according to the 'Madère un Carnet de Randonnées' guide (2014 Hachette Évasion edition). The Levada Nova canal has run since 1953 for about fifty kilometres to irrigate all the South-West farmland.
The path crosses a thick eucalyptus forest, offering 4 hours of pure olfactory bliss! Very refreshing in hot weather, you follow mountain ridges through hidden valleys, almost to its water source.
Some visitors prefer starting from Calheta, walking up this levada entirely bordered by enormous hydrangeas, alternately white and blue. It will lead you all the way to Prazeres.
Start Prazeres 2.3 km
'Circuit de Maloeira'
A loop from Jardim Atlantico hotel (Prazeres). You take the same path as Paul Do Mar from the hotel. About a third of the way, you will see a sign on your right, leading you towards Ribeira Seca…
An authentic farming world opens up before you, symbolic of Madeiran irrigation — you will spot levada water channels serving each of these terraced gardens.
Don't miss the Bar Moinho de Maloeira, renowned for its Poncha.
Start Prazeres 1.8 km
Grand western coastal circuit, Faja Da Ovelha
A hike along the historic coastal path to reach the fishing village of Paul Do Mar. An equally steep and rugged path that you can continue to Faja Da Ovelha.
You begin with the 'Caminho Real do Paul do Mar' hike. After this steep climb, bordered by dry scenery, you reach a magnificent panorama.
Not recommended with young children, especially on the first section. However, once you rejoin the Levada Nova, the walk becomes more peaceful.
Restaurants
Prazeres · 2 km
'Casa Grilhados Prazeres Rurais'
A typical family restaurant where you will be warmly welcomed and can order (24h in advance) authentic, regional, tasty dishes at affordable prices.
~€15/pers à la carte · ~€9/pers daily special
Prazeres · 2 km
'Restaurante Chico'
This small restaurant, almost hidden in a one-way street with a modest facade, offers very good service quality. Prices are relatively higher than average in Madeira. However, all dishes are homemade with fresh produce.
~€30/pers
Mountain Bike Rental
Prazeres · 2.5 km
BiKulture
Located in Prazeres, 2.5 km from our cottages. Their flagship product is the full-day Enduro/Allmountain outing, for a minimum of 2 people.
€70 or €95 with bike rental
Or simple rigid / Cross-Country mountain bike rental for €25/day, for independent riding on roads or forest tracks.
Contact: Jérémy (French expat in Madeira) — (00 351) 967 42 55 69 — jeremy@bikulture.com
SPA
Prazeres · 2.5 km
Hôtel Jardim Atlantico****
Facial and body treatments, meditation and yoga room, reflexology, body massages (Chinese roller, vital balance, shiatsu, zen, ayurveda, bamboo, hot stones, herb Pindas), aromatic herb/algae baths, vinotherapy, chocotherapy, ozone therapy, green clay treatment.
Solarium. Small gymnasium. Heated indoor pool. Outdoor pool with waterfall.
Visits, Museums & Quintas
Prazeres · 1.9 km
Quinta Pedagogica dos Prazeres
The village 'garden' of Prazeres, this Quinta is well worth a visit. Opened in 2000 by Father Rui Sousa, who transformed his presbytery gardens into an 'educational farm'. A well-maintained mini zoo with various animals (llamas, emus, Vietnamese pigs…), orchards, flowers, fruit trees and a herb garden spread over 4,000 m².
In the middle of the gardens, you will find a charming tearoom, ideal for breakfast. Pitanga (Surinam cherry) / Baga de Uveira (blueberry) / Abobora (squash) / Moganga (pumpkin) jams, organic fruit cakes, traditional herbal teas with lemon balm or rosemary. A children's playground is also on site.
Quinta: Free entry / Mini Zoo: ~€1
Prazeres · 1.9 km
Casa Sidra dos Prazeres
Opposite the Quinta Pedagogica, you will find a cider bar where you can compare the merits of local apple varieties and taste gooseberry or guava cider.
Indicative price: €1/glass
Prazeres · 1.7 km
Galeria dos Prazeres
Next to the Casa Sidra, this art gallery opened in 2008 to support contemporary artists from the archipelago, including naturalist Ricardo Gouveia (Rigo), based in San Francisco, and naturalist Bruno Corte from Funchal.
Free entry / Open Saturday and Sunday 10am–1pm and 2pm–6pm
Prazeres · 2 km
Sunday Fruit and Vegetable Market
Prazeres is one of only 3 towns (Camara De Lobos and Canhas), outside of Funchal, to have a local producers' fruit and vegetable market every Sunday morning. This market, called 'Mercado Dos Agricultores', follows the seasons — only seasonal produce sold by local farmers.
For shoppers seeking ethically produced goods, an organic market is held every Wednesday in Funchal city centre (Statua de Zarco).
Church
Prazeres · 2.3 km
Church of Our Lady of the Snows (Igreja De Nossa Senhora Das Neves)
We recommend stopping here, particularly to see the wall frescoes — including a magnificent ceiling — and the Azulejo tiles (traditional Portuguese ceramic art) imported from the mainland.
Irregular hours. Always open before Saturday evening mass (6pm) and Sunday mass (11am).
Explore the area
» The Sunshine Coast «
Hiking
Start Ponta Do Sol 21 km
'Lombada Da Ponta Do Sol'
This hike is rated 'Difficult' by the Rother Guide due to potential vertigo — the levada runs along the cliff face. Not recommended if you are susceptible to heights or travelling with young children.
It offers a stunning view over the Ribeira Da Ponta Do Sol valley. This ridge, stretching from the ocean inland, is considered one of the most beautiful levadas on the south side of the island.
Beaches and Surf
Jardim Do Mar · 8.3 km by car / 2.3 km on foot
Wild Beaches and Surfing at Jardim Do Mar
The beaches of Jardim do Mar are pebble beaches. The most popular with surfers is Enseada. These beaches gained international recognition with the World Surfing Championship (February 2001). The Red Bull Big Wave Challenge was also held here in 2000.
Each beach at Jardim Do Mar caters to a different audience. The Portinho beach is designed for swimmers, with a concrete jetty.
Calheta · 10 km
Family Beach of Calheta
An artificial beach created in 2004 with golden sand imported from Morocco and breakwaters — perfect for children. A bar and facilities including beach volleyball and football. Water activities: sea kayaking, sailing, fishing, big-game fishing, whale watching…
This beach is part of a marina complex — the island's second marina after Funchal.
Paul Do Mar · 10.5 km by car / 4.1 km on foot
Wild Beach and Surfing at Paul Do Mar
The wild beaches of Paul Do Mar are particularly popular with surfers and wave enthusiasts. Paul Do Mar hosts many international surfing competitions. Only experienced surfers can handle these waves due to the volcanic rocky coastline. Paul Do Mar is also a traditional fishing village…
We recommend a detour to Maktub, known for serving what locals claim is the best Mojito on the island… Judge for yourself!
Ribeira Brava · 22.5 km
Family Beach of Ribeira Brava
This beach of pebbles and grey sand is sheltered from the surf by concrete tripods. Not the most scenic beach, but it features a free swimming pool and children's paddling pool.
Fish & Seafood Restaurants
'Jardim do Mar'
Jardim Do Mar · 8.3 km
Set on the small square in the centre of Jardim do Mar, this restaurant offers a stunning ocean view from its terrace. A fine selection of fish and seafood, including the speciality 'Espada com Banana'.
~€20/person
'Rocha Mar'
Calheta · 10 km
Known for its fresh fish, seafood risotto, and above all the 'chef's Bacalhau'.
~€15/person
'Ribeiro Frio'
Ribeiro Frio · 55 km
Slightly further afield, we detour to the centre-east of the island for all trout lovers. In Ribeiro Frio you will find trout farms in crystal-clear water fed by levadas. This trout specialist restaurant serves it cooked, grilled or smoked.
~€10/person
Paragliding
Arco Da Calheta · 13.2 km
XC Madeira
'XC Madeira Open International Paragliding Online Competition' offers tandem flights departing from Calheta (9 km). Flight possibilities are entirely weather-dependent — instructors wait for perfect conditions.
Indicative price: €78/person
Visits & Museums
Calheta · 9 km
Sugar Cane Museum (Sociedade Dos Engenhos)
This sugar mill founded in 1901 is one of the last still operating on the island. The museum displays machines imported from England in the 20th century for rum and cane syrup production. In operation only during the harvest period, from mid-March to early May.
Tasting and sale of sugar cane syrup (Miel De Cana) / cakes (Bolos de mel, ~€7.25/500g) / White rum (Aguardente de cana) / Bracana rum at 45° / Pantera rum at 60°.
Open Monday–Saturday 9am–1pm and 2pm–6pm / Free entry
Calheta · 10 km
Contemporary Art Museum (Centros Das Artes / Casa Das Mudas)
This museum hosts film screenings and concerts, but focuses primarily on temporary exhibitions of 20th-century artworks.
The upper part is the former manor of the great-granddaughter of João Gonçalves ZARCO, the island's 'discoverer' (16th century). Below, a modern minimalist building that earned its author Paulo DAVID a nomination for the Mies Van Der Rohe prize in 2005.
We also recommend the Café/Restaurant 'Artes e Sabor' for its panoramic views and affordable menu.
Open during temporary exhibitions, Tuesday–Sunday 10am–6pm / ~€5/person
Ponta Do Pargo · 17 km
Lighthouse (Farol) of Ponta Do Pargo
Altitude: 312 m. This 1922 lighthouse sweeps the ocean with its beam. Inside, a mini-museum with documentation on the island's 11 lighthouses.
Recommended for the panoramic ocean views and endemic birds — bring binoculars! Many birds nest on the cliff, including Cory's shearwaters and Band-rumped storm petrels. Classified as an 'Important Bird Area'.
Museum: Monday–Sunday 10am–12pm and 2pm–4:30pm / Free entry
Ribeira Brava · 25 km
Ethnographic Museum
This museum, opened in 1996, gives a vivid picture of Madeiran life in the 1950s. The exhibition in a former manor is organised by theme: productive activities (fishing, wine, cereals, flax), transport, domestic units (kitchen and bedroom) and traditional trade.
You will also find traditional tools such as a still for brandy, a sugar cane grinding machine and two grain mills.
Tuesday–Friday 9:30am–5pm / Saturday–Sunday 10am–12:30pm and 1:30pm–5:30pm / ~€3
Churchs
Calheta · 9 km
Church of the Holy Spirit (Igreja Matriz de Espirito Santo)
This 17th-century church (1639) preserves a Mudéjar interlaced vault and a silver-inlaid ebony tabernacle. Baroque nave with a 'Mudéjar' choir (Hispano-Moorish art).
Irregular hours. Open before Saturday evening mass (6pm) and Sunday mass (11am).
Ribeira Brava · 25 km
Church of Saint Benedict (Igreja de São Bento / Matriz)
At first glance this church resembles its counterparts on mainland Portugal. Inside, a 16th-century Antwerp sculpture of the Virgin protecting the infant Jesus. At the back of the nave, a white and ash-grey chapel with a gilded wooden altar — 17th century.
Free entry / Monday–Thursday 10am–1pm and 3pm–6pm / Friday 3pm–6pm / Saturday 10am–1pm
Explore the area
» The North-West Coast «
Hiking
Start Ribeira Da Cruz 22 km
'Levada Do Moinho ou Grande'
The terrain can be slippery — hiking boots and water are recommended. This levada lies between Calheta and Porto Moniz on the old coastal road (E.R 101).
Walking against the flow of the water, you will climb towards one of the levada's sources. Be careful of levada diversions feeding the various gardens. You may spot the remains of 3 old watermills (Achadas, Cancelas and Grande mills).
Start São Vicente 40 km
'Levada Da Faja Do Rodrigues ou Ribeira Do Inferno'
Not recommended for those susceptible to vertigo. A torch is required for the tunnel passage. This levada starts in the town of São Vicente at Ginjas.
The levada begins in an exotic forest of maritime pines and eucalyptus, then gives way to the denser Laurissilva vegetation. Waterfalls and streams create a lush environment for willows, laurels and lily-of-the-valley trees.
You will also find many flowering species such as Madeiran geraniums, wild chrysanthemums, Madeiran orchids and large-leaved buttercups, and possibly endemic birds such as the chaffinch and firecrest.
Swimming
Porto Moniz · 26 km
Natural Volcanic Pools of Porto Moniz
The north coast has a particularly wild beauty, sculpted by a blackish and jagged volcanic reef. The weather on the north coast is more unpredictable — check the forecast before heading out.
Parking in the large town car park (next to the Aquarium), you will find the supervised paid pools on your left and free natural lava pools on your right.
Open every day 9am–5pm (7pm in summer) / €1.50/person
Seixal · 34 km
Natural Volcanic Sand Beach of Seixal
One of the island's rare fine-sand beaches, Seixal enjoys a lush, mountainous setting with waterfalls tumbling down the hillside. 'Praia do Porto' is ideal for children with constant swimming supervision.
On the other side of this family beach is a nautical complex ('Cais'). Lounge and electro vibe at this Naval Club, next to a free volcanic pool. On a clear day you can even see Porto Santo.
Club Naval open Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday 11am–11pm / Friday–Saturday 11am–4am
Meat Skewer Restaurant
Chão Da Ribeira · 38 km
'Casa de Pasto Justiniano'
The hidden face of Seixal — winding roads lead to this almost secret restaurant in a mountain valley. Everything is traditional, from the local stone hut to the menu at this family restaurant.
They serve meat skewers ('Espetada') cooked over a wood fire on bay laurel spits. We recommend Espetada with a Bolo do Caco and Milhas Fitas (maize chips).
~€10/Espetada
Visits & Museums
Achadas Da Cruz · 21.7 km
Cable Car of Achadas Da Cruz
Altitude / Drop of 434 m. This steep cable car (98% gradient) offers a spectacular view of the north-west coast. The modern cabin holds up to 6 people. At the bottom, a beach surrounded by plantations.
The beauty of this beach is well known to catamaran tour operators (departing from Funchal), who stop here to let their guests enjoy the ocean.
~€3/person
Porto Moniz · 26 km
Aquarium of Porto Moniz
Housed in the old fort, this aquarium opened in 2005 presents exclusively Madeiran marine fauna — 70 species on display. Discovery dives also available for ~€60/person.
Open every day 10am–6pm / €7/person
Santa · 33 km
Mirador Da Santa
At Santa: follow the winding ER101 road to the Miradouro Da Santa viewpoint — a stunning view over Porto Moniz and its terraced vegetable gardens.
São Vicente · 42 km
Caves and Volcanism Centre of São Vicente
Discovered in the mid-19th century, these caves carved 890,000 years ago are unique to Madeira. Their 5 tunnels (grutas) cover 1 km and lead to various lagoons, including the Lake of Wishes (Lago Dos Desejos).
The educational volcanic centre presents the birth of the island through a film (also covering major eruptions, including Pompeii).
Open every day 10am–6pm / €8/person
São Vicente · 42 km
The Lime Kiln Trail
Follow the old route taken by kiln workers to reach the museum — a ~30-minute walk. The 12,000 m² museum includes 2 limestone quarries, 1 lime kiln, fossils (5 million years old) and production support buildings.
A video traces the lime production process from limestone extraction to firing and its various uses.
Open Tuesday–Saturday 10am–2pm / €4
Explore the area
» The High Plateau «
Hiking
Start from Rabacal 17 km
'Levada des 25 Fontaines' (1,278 m)
This path through heather leads into a laurel forest. One of the island's most popular hikes, taking you to a rocky cirque. This lush vertical wall, covered in ferns, has numerous streams trickling down — the '25 springs'. The levada starts at Rabaçal (17 km from Prazeres).
Risco Waterfall: Along the same path, make a 3 km detour to admire the Risco Waterfall by taking a path that climbs on your right.
Start Paul Da Serra 27 km
'Caminho Do Pinaculo e Folhadal' (1,620 m)
This particularly difficult levada is reserved for experienced hikers. Not recommended for those susceptible to vertigo. A torch is required for 3 separate tunnels. Bring warm and waterproof clothing.
This route crosses the areas of Bica Da Cana, Casa Do Caramujo and Folhadal, following the Levadas Da Serra and Norte through dense Madeiran orchids, large-leaved buttercups, wild chrysanthemums and Madeiran geraniums.
At the top in the Pinaculo area, a magnificent view over the Ribeira Brava valley. In clear weather, you can see the island's 2 highest peaks: Pico Areeiro (1,817 m) and Pico Ruivo (1,862 m).
A vehicle at the end of the levada is required. Famous for its many waterfalls and tunnels.
Start Fanal 28 km
'Levada Dos Cedros' (1,130 m)
This hike takes place on an ancient crater, now a 'Rest and Silence Reserve' within the Madeira Natural Park. The marked trail PR14 leads to this 17th-century levada, one of the oldest on the island.
In the heart of the UNESCO-listed Laurissilva forest (since 1999), you can observe centuries-old Azorean laurels, Madeiran mahogany and lily-of-the-valley trees.
A vehicle at the arrival point at Curral Falso is required. We can offer a motorised return service.
Start Fanal 28 km
'Verada Do Fanal' (1,420 m)
Fog is often present — be cautious about disorientation, stay on the trail, and bring warm clothing.
The route begins on the Paul Da Serra plateau and ends near the Fanal Forest Shelter, also the starting point for the Levada Dos Cedros. Like the Levada Dos Cedros, this route crosses the primary UNESCO-listed Laurissilva forest. The magnificent Fanal area — a volcanic crater classified as a 'Haven of Rest and Peace' — offers spectacular scenery through natural viewpoints.
A vehicle at the arrival point is required.
Start Curral Falso 30 km
'Verada Da Ribeira Da Janela'
This hike follows an ancient path used by locals to collect wood in the forest. The trail descends most of the way and offers a striking view of the agricultural terraces (poios), where beans, sweet potatoes and grapes are grown.
This path allows you to observe endemic birds, such as the Trocaz pigeon (Columba trocaz). This route connects to trails PR 14 'Levada dos Cedros' and PR 13 'Vereda do Fanal', both providing access to the Fanal area.
Start towards Serra De Agua 30 km
'Caminho Real Da Encumeada' (1,220 m)
Along an ancient pilgrimage route. The once lush vegetation was devastated in 2010 by a fire, leaving only broom and ferns — which does not detract from the beauty of this viewpoint crossing the central mountain range.
We recommend a stop at the top of the Encumeada — the junction between the north-west and south-west. In clear weather, a view overlooking both sides of the island to the ocean. For an easier hike, try the 'Levada Norte' heading west towards a waterfall.
A vehicle at the end of the hike is required.
Start Encumeada 33 km
'Verada Da Encumeada' (1,765 m Pico Ruivo / Island Summit)
The climate can be variable at this altitude — bring warm and waterproof clothing and non-slip footwear. Carry plenty of water.
This hike offers landscapes of extreme beauty comprising 2 Natura 2000 ecosystems: the Central Mountain Range and the Laurissilva Forest, home to Madeiran laurels, lily-of-the-valley trees, buckthorns, flowering Madeiran vipers bugloss and Madeiran orchids.
Along the route you will encounter several caves (furnas), once used as shelters by the men who cut heather here for the production of wooden stakes or charcoal.
A vehicle at the end of the levada is required.
Visits
Paul Da Serra · 27 km
Lunar High Plateau of Paul Da Serra
This 20 km² valley owes its flatness to the lava bank from which it emerged. Although frequently in the clouds, this place is ideal for nature lovers and solitary walkers. Cattle now roam here — watch out on the roads!
Don't miss exploring Pico Ruivo do Paul (1,640 m) in safety — not recommended in fog. The summit offers a magnificent panorama.
Fanal · 28 km
The Laurissilva Forest at Fanal
We recommend visiting Fanal, where the Forest Shelter is the starting point for 2 hikes: 'Levada dos Cedros' and 'Vereda da Ribeira da Janela'.
Fanal is the island's primary forest, in excellent condition and constantly evolving. The Laurissilva forest was inscribed as a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site in December 1999 and is part of the Natura 2000 network.
The Madeira Natural Park has classified this site as a 'Haven of Rest and Silence'. Its beauty lies in the centuries-old laurel forests (Ocotea foetens) — some pre-dating the discovery of the island — and the spectacular landscapes visible from natural viewpoints.
Ready to discover Madeira?
Contact us to check availability and plan your stay at Au Petit Madère.
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