Madeira Winter Sun Walking Adventure

Ready to swap gloomy winter days for glorious sunshine, lush green landscapes, and the occasional waterfall drenching? Then come join us in Madeira for a walking holiday like no other! Here’s the lowdown on this sunny Portuguese island adventure:

## The Itinerary

We’ve got five days of spectacular walking, plus a free day in the middle to do your own thing (or absolutely nothing but lounge by the pool). Our walking days usually run from about 9:15am to 5:00pm. The Mondays at the start and end of the holiday are travel days.

### Terrain & Walk Grades

• Moderate Walks (~8–9 miles): Expect some ascents/descents, around 300m or so. We don’t rush (there are plenty of flowers and waterfalls to ogle), but we move along steadily where the terrain is kind.
• Easy Walks (~5–6 miles): Slower pace, more frequent stops, and a bit of sightseeing thrown in. You’ll still encounter hills, but we’ll tackle them gently, with minimal panting (from us or from you).

Each day, you choose which walk suits your vibe. Feeling energetic? Go for the moderate. Fancy a more laid-back stroll? We’ve got you covered.

## Some Sample Walks:

• Levada Highlights: Gentle, scenic watercourses with panoramic valley and coastal views.
• Mountain Routes: High peaks around Nuns Valley and the stunning ridges between Pico Arreirro and Pico Ruivo. Good paths, steady inclines, and plenty of photo ops.
• Coastal Gems: Boca do Risco, Porto da Cruz, Machico to Caniçal, and the jaw-dropping Point of St. Lourenço – a geologist’s dream.
• Waterfall Wonderland: Explore hidden cascades and fairytale forest paths. If you’re really nice, we might let you stand under one (highly refreshing!).

We choose the walks based on the group’s ability, the best weather, and—let’s be honest—where we can get the tastiest post-walk coffee.

## The Weather

Madeira’s climate is famously mild (around 15°C to 28°C). Perfect for walking, but do expect the occasional cloud or sprinkling of rain—this island is so green for a reason. Pack a light waterproof. Or a stylish poncho if that’s your thing.

## Your Walk Leaders

• Local Madeiran Guides: Their knowledge of plants, geology, and which café sells the best custard tarts is second to none.
• Alan Garner and Janire Denny-Arzalluz (Secret Hills Guides): Your UK-based guiding duo for all things logistic and entertaining. We coordinate everything from arrival to departure, including restaurant suggestions and the best place to buy those fabulous embroidered linens (souvenir game strong).

We pride ourselves on looking after each guest, but if our guides suspect a particular walk might be too challenging for you, or that joining might compromise the group’s safety, they reserve the right to suggest an alternative. This seldom happens, but your wellbeing is our top priority.

## What’s Included:

• Airport Transfers: You arrange your own flights, but we’ll whisk you from Madeira Airport straight to the lovely Hotel Dom Pedro in Machico (and back, of course).
• Accommodation (Bed & Breakfast): 7 days accommodation provided. No single supplement (hallelujah!). The price you see is the price you pay, even if you fancy a room to yourself.
• Guided Walks: 5 days walking with 1 rest day in the middle. The daily walking excursions will be led by a local Madeiran guide, plus the ever-charming support of our Secret Hills tour leaders, Alan Garner and Janire Denny-Arzalluz.
• All Transport for Walks: Minibuses will ferry you to and from those magical trails.
• Our Admin & Management Service: We’ll handle all that pesky logistics, so you can just focus on packing the right socks!

## What’s Not Included:

• Flights: You sort your journey to FNC (Madeira Airport).
• Entry Fees: Museums, gardens, or other local attractions along the way.
• Evening Meals & Drinks: We’ll eat together at local restaurants (so many goodies to try), but the cost is yours to manage. (We can point you to the best garlic bread ever, just saying.)
• Snacks & Treats: We do give you a simple packed lunch (a fresh bakery roll and fruit), but if you need extra chocolate or secret energy bars, bring those along.

## Fancy Extra Days?

Think you might love Madeira so much you’d never want to leave? We can arrange extra nights before or after the main event. Just let us know if you want more time to top up the sunshine and explore all those hidden nooks (or indulge in more pastries).

## Your Base: Hotel Dom Pedro, Machico

Website: Hotel Dom Pedro Madeira

• Machico is Madeira’s historic former capital, set by the sea and drenched in scenic charm.
• Rooms are bright, airy, and come with free Wi-Fi plus flat-screen TVs.
• Rooftop terrace? Check. Seafront views? Double-check. Subtropical gardens? Triple-check.
• It’s all just a five-minute drive from the airport, so you’ll be sipping a welcome drink before you can say “levada.”

Breakfast: It’s a smorgasbord of fruit, cereals, yogurts, breads, and hot dishes. Basically, your daily excuse to sample everything at once.
Dinner: We dine as a group in local restaurants or at the hotel if you prefer. Because we like to keep it flexible (and let’s be honest, the local restaurants are delicious), you’ll pay separately for your evening meal.
Packed Lunch: A bakery-fresh roll and piece of fruit, courtesy of the friendly bakery opposite the hotel. You might want to sneak in a chocolate bar or two, especially if you’re like us and believe in second breakfasts.

## Why Madeira?

• Winter sunshine, baby!
• Dramatic mountain peaks, lush levada trails, and wild coastal paths.
• Exotic flora everywhere—hydrangeas, lilies, agapanthus… your Instagram feed will be chef’s kiss.
• Warm evenings, fresh seafood, and sweet Madeiran wine (if that’s your tipple).
• A welcoming vibe and that famous Portuguese hospitality.

## Ready to Sign Up?

If this is making you yearn for sunshine, spectacular views, and the promise of way too many scenic photos, then you’ve found your perfect February escape. Simply drop us your details to register your interest—we’ll send you more info, and you can start planning your epic getaway.

From just £1,450 (no single supplement!), you’ll enjoy:

• Wonderful walks
• Cozy hotel accommodations
• Breakfasts and daily adventures
• Group camaraderie and a whole lot of laughter

What are you waiting for?
Don’t let winter blues linger—**register your interest via this LINK **for our Madeira Walking Adventure on 23rd February 2026, and we’ll keep you posted every step of the way.

We can’t wait to welcome you (and your best walking socks) to this island paradise!