5
challenging
Activities
  • self guided cycle
Accommodation
  • 7 nights mainly 4 star hotels
Meals
  • 7 Breakfasts

8 Days£1290GBP

View Inclusions

Overview

Trip Code: MDQ

Trip highlights

  • Cycling around the entire island of Madeira
  • Experiencing the dramatic scenery and small villages en route
  • Feasting on local delights such as cakes and traditional fish stew
  • Delighting in the warm hospitality of the hotel owners

Whilst Madeira has a reputation for being a superb hiking destination, the suprisingly quiet roads circling the island offer cyclists just as much in terms of dramatic coastal scenes and cultural connection. With much of the islands traffic using the vast system of tunnels and freeways, cyclists can enjoy in peace the mountainous roads where sweeping views are a constant backdrop as you pedal. The more difficult sections are bridged with transfers allowing for a more leisurely experience but a prerequisite is a very good level of fitness and cycling ability due to the long and sustained ascents and the steep gradient of the terrain. Enjoy a summer-like climate all year around as well as the exotic flora and fauna. On your way, you will find wonderful parks and gardens, still bays and spectacular cliffs. This Portuguese Island was settled in the 15th Century and the legacy remains of magnificent quintas and monumental fortresses. Spend a week discovering this World Cultural Heritage site landscape, traditional seafaring culture and above all the hospitality of the Madeirans.

Countries:

Portugal

Starting Point:

Madeira

Finishing Point:

Funchal, Madeira

Itinerary

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On arrival at Funchal Airport, make your way to nearby Caniço for your overnight accommodation. Enjoy the location right by the beach. In the evening there will be a welcome briefing by your tour representative.

Meals:  Nil

In the morning there is the transfer to Camacha, where your rental bikes will be fitted. This village is famous for its basket making. The cycle takes you on a lovely high road right towards the East Coast. Enjoy the beautiful views on the way to the little fishing village, Porto da Cruz. Relax here on the beach made out of volcanic sand or visit one of the last working sugar cane mills and rum distillery.

Meals:  B

A long, steep ascent will be bridged by bus this morning to Santana, perched high above the ocean and the starting point of your cycle. A collection of colourful traditional, thatched farmhouses have been lovingly restored here and are open to visitors plus there are usually morning markets in the square, all with the back drop of the sweeping sea views. The cycle route goes along a beautiful road through small, charming villages whilst always running along the coast until you get to São Vicente. The village, named after Saint Vincent, is located right by the sea. It is however well-known for its 400,000-year-old grottoes.

Meals:  B

A transfer will take you to the high plateau Paúl da Serra deep in the interior. From here, you get on your bike and follow the high road past grazing cows and sheep. A long descent will then lead you to the West Coast of the island. Before you get to Porto Moniz, a spectacular view will be a treat for your hard work today. Where you are staying tonight is well-known for its natural swimming pools. The sea formed small and large pools, which are popular places to swim by both locals and tourists alike.

Meals:  B

Today’s stage takes you along the West Coast and right through the UNESCO world heritage site, Parque Natural da Madeira (Madeira Natural Park). You will cycle through fragrant forests and through small villages and you will always be accompanied by spectacular views of the sea, with every bend you turn. In the lively village Calheta, it was not only the yacht harbour that is manmade. For the artificial beach, sand was especially imported from Morocco. The former sugar cane village has become a popular place for locals and tourists alike.

Meals:  B

For the first third of today‘s stage, you will cycle directly along the waterside towards the capital. From Ribeira Brava the route takes you uphill away from the coast and then you will reach a spectacular viewpoint on the island - Cabo Girao, where a transparent platform was built 580m above the sea. The view down over the highest cliffs in Europe is dizzying. A long descent will then bring you back to the coast and into the centre of Funchal, marking the end of your cycle. Colourful and lively are two strong impressions you will get from the capital of this island with its markets and alleyways of restaurants and bars.

Meals:  B

Today we swap our bikes for our feet and travel by cable car to the popular destination of Monte. Previously a noble health resort with grand quintas, this area offers many possibilities nowadays for an interesting day. You can visit the pilgrimage church Nossa Senhora do Monte do Monte and the tropical garden Jardim Tropical Monte Palace. You could also go for a walk along the famous waterway, the “Levadas”.

Meals:  B

The trip concludes after breakfast.

Meals:  B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.

Inclusions

What's included

  • 7 breakfasts – continental breakfasts are served and usually consist of breads, jams, coffee, tea and juices
  • Standard category - 6 nights in 4 star hotels, 1 night in 2 star hotel by the sea, on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities. Charm Category - 1 night 5 star, 4 nights 4 star, 1 night 3 star and 1 night 2 star hotels all twinshare with ensuite facilties. Supplement applies for charm category hotels.
  • Digital information pack including smartphone app with maps and useful information
  • Luggage Transfer, 1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excess
  • Bike rental with pannier (superior bike and e-bike available - supplement applies)
  • Bike insurance
  • Welcome briefing
  • Bus transfers Canico – Camacha, Porto da Cruz – Santana and Sao Vicente – Rocha Negra incl. your bike
  • 1 Cable car return journey Funchal – Monte
  • Emergency hotline

  • Travel to and from Madeira, including arrival and departure transfer to first / last hotel
  • Meals not listed as included, drinks. A 7 dinner package is available when staying in standard category hotels - supplement applies.
  • Travel insurance
  • Helmet - can be purchased, must be prebooked
  • Guide – this is a self guided cycling holiday
  • A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
  • Entrance fees not listed as included
  • Transfers not listed as included
  • Hotel taxes extra, payable locally
  • Excess luggage
  • We recommend bringing a handlebar phone holder - to follow the route more easily using the app
  • Items of a personal nature

Accommodation

Standard Category

A combination of mainly 4 star hotels and one 2 star hotel on a twin share basis all with ensuite facilities.

Charm Category

These are a range of 2-5 star hotels all with ensuite facilities specially chosen for their local character and location. A supplement applies if you upgrade to charm category.

Bike information

Rental Bike

During the trip you will be provided with either a 21 speed bike with derailleur gears and free wheel, or a 7 speed bike with gear hub, back pedaling brake and two cable brakes. Please let us know your preference at the time of booking. You will also receive a pannier to carry your gear for the day, along with a handlebar bag, repair kit and lock. Helmets are not supplied locally but are mandatory on all bike tours, so you will need to bring your own well-fitted helmet.

27 speed superior bike - mens/high bar frame only

This is a sportier bike with a ‘plus’ noticeable on many parts of the bike, from the saddle to the brakes and gears - on request, supplement applies.

Electric Bike

An electric bike is available on request. A supplement applies, see below.

Electric bikes, or e-bikes, are designed to make cycling easier. The pedaling ‘boost’ provided by an e-bike opens up more options, allowing people of different fitness levels to cycle together or for cyclists to take on routes they may otherwise consider too tough for their current fitness capabilities. Please note that e-bikes are heavier than normal bikes and given the higher speed possible, should only be ridden by confident cyclists. Minimum age for e-bike rental is 12 years and a minimum height requirement is 148cm / 4ft10in.

Trail Surface

Tarmac Roads

Most of the cycle will be on quiet roads that lead you around the island. There will be short sections of busier roads when coming in and out of villages or towns.

Suitability

challenging

5

GRADE 5 - The cycling is challenging with daily cycles of around 25 to 50km / 15.6 to 31mi. While the distance is not significant and the more difficult sections are bridged by transfers, the mountainous terrain contributes to the difficulty of the cycle, even on an e-bike. The accent is on keeping a steady pace with time to stop and take photos (subject to weather conditions). You will need a good level of cycling fitness and competency to participate fully in this adventure. Mostly the cycling is on asphalted surfaces and there are several longer ascents to deal with each day. You need only carry your camera and water bottle. Your luggage is transported for you between hotels. *For safety reasons, we insist that cycle helmets be included as a compulsory item on your equipment list.

Departure dates

Tue, Thur and Sat from 7 Jan to 9 Dec

Notes

M
Mid Season
H
High Season
DN1
High season is from 17 May to 3 Oct, Mid season is from 1 Mar to 16 May and 4 to 31 Oct. Supplement applies to high and mid season departures.

Priceper person from

£1290GBP

Options & Supplements*
  • Premium bike supplementGBP£70
  • Upgrade Supplement - charm hotelsGBP£130
  • E bike supplementGBP£170
  • 7 dinner supplement - standard hotels onlyGBP£230
  • Single supplement - standard hotelsGBP£490
  • Single supplement - charm hotelsGBP£650
*Prices listed are per person

Frequently Asked Questions

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To be honest the difference between standard and charm on this tour is not much, both categories are recommended. For the charm version the hotels are a slightly higher standard in the best location, but in regards to the official star rating they are of the same standard.

We recommend taking a taxi. The hotel is located about 15 minutes from the airport and a taxi will cost around 35 Euros.

Trip reviews

Why travel with us

Personal Experience

We've been walking and cycling the planet for over four decades and are passionate about delivering exceptional service. Combined, we’ve travelled to virtually every corner of Europe, and are eager to share the many benefits of travelling on foot or by bike.

Great Value & Quality

Our well priced trips offer great value for money. Included in your package are comprehensive route notes, maps & guide books along with bag transfers and locally run accommodation. We take the stress out of organising your holiday.

Self-Guided Specialists

We have been operating active self guided holidays since 1973. We handle all the necessary logistics so that you can relax and explore your destination at your own pace. Many of our tours depart daily, giving you even greater flexibility.