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Ponta Do Sol Hiking

Our most recommended Ponta Do Sol Hiking

From Funchal: Rabacal Levada Hike & Jeep Safari

1. From Funchal: Rabacal Levada Hike & Jeep Safari

Depart Funchal and journey west to the Paul da Serra viewpoint in Calheta. Upon arrival, embark on a hike of the famous Levada das 25 Fontes e Risco walk and encounter the amazing waterfalls that give the nature trail its name. Then, go to Pico da Urze for lunch in a typical restaurant at your own expense. Continue off-road to the village of Ponta do Sol to see the stunning south coast of Madeira. Get bird's eye views from the coastal town of Ribeira Brava. Make your way to the highest cliff in Europe at Cabo Girão for stunning vistas 580 meters above sea level.

From Funchal: Rabacal Park Transfer & Self-Guided Hike

2. From Funchal: Rabacal Park Transfer & Self-Guided Hike

The 25 Fontes Levada is one of the most popular in Madeira Island. It's name lives up to the number of fountains or little waterfalls that’s possible to count once you arrive there. Starting in Rabaçal and going to the 25 Fontes, the path reveals many landscapes and wonderful sensations. Along the way it’s possible to admire a wide variety of endemic species of the flora and fauna of the region. The host will pick you up and drop you off at your accommodation, giving you essential hike information, along some other tips of the Island. Hike Information: - Distance: 10 kilometers - Duration: 5.00 hours - Max./Min. Altitude: 1000 m / 1300 m The day before the hike, you will receive (via email or WhatsApp) the exact pickup time and a weather forecast, in order for you to be as prepared as you can be. The schedules presented may be altered in case of delay in traffic, bad weather conditions or even delay by the guests.

From Ponta Do Sol: Full-Day Nature Hike with A Guide

3. From Ponta Do Sol: Full-Day Nature Hike with A Guide

This spectacular walk begins at the Vila de Ribeira Grande riverbed, passing through scattered houses, banana plantations, and a large windmill that helps residents collect water. After 1 hour of walking, arrive at Coculi Village with its prominent Santo Crucifixo parish church, and then reach the second “Ribeira Grande” (at the mouth of two Ribeiras). Learn about the local fauna and flora from your local guide and walk between the sugarcane plantations to a slender aqueduct built by the Portuguese in 1956, which still carries water today. Discover the small village of “Boca das Ambas Ribeiras” (Mouth of Both Valleys) where you will enjoy lunch with a vertiginous view of the valley floor. After that, enjoy a zigzagging cobbled path that leads to the tiny settlement of Selado do Mocho and the Ribeira Garça. Finally, catch a glimpse of Chã da Igreja, meet locals and finish the walk in the village´s promontory. The tour concludes with a drop-off at your accommodation.

Madeira: Santo da Serra to Ribeiro Frio Private Walk

4. Madeira: Santo da Serra to Ribeiro Frio Private Walk

Journey from the center of Santo da Serra to Ribeiro Frio, two of the main points of interest on Madeira Island, visited not only by tourists but also by residents. Walk through a forest road passing by the Trout Fishing Park, where you can relax for a while, having a tea or simply enjoying the surroundings. Immerse yourself in the amazing nature at the Levada, enjoying every step while you appreciate the wide variety of endemic flora and fauna of Madeira Laurisilva. Discover open areas that offer magnificent views of the valley and peaks of the island. Continue walking along the levada, enjoying the energy of all this pure nature surround you.

Madeira: Private 1.5-Kilometer Levada dos Balcões Hike PR11

5. Madeira: Private 1.5-Kilometer Levada dos Balcões Hike PR11

Once having been collected from your Madeira accommodation, drive through the mountains before arriving to Ribeiro Frio. Following a short but grandeur walk through the beautiful Laurisilva Forest, arrive to the fabulous Balcões’ belvedere. From this belvedere it’s possible to contemplate the many peaks of Madeira Island, from which Pico Ruivo and Pico do Areeiro stand the highest. Pico do Gato, Pico das Torres, and the well-known Penhad’Águia also constitute part of this breathtaking scenery. This area is also ideal for bird watching, due to the fact that it is home to a huge variety of different species. These birgs include the firecrest, the chaffinch, grey wagtails, blackbirds, robins, buzzards, and the very rare Madeira's long-toed pigeon.

West Tour Full day 4x4 Jipe Tour Natural Swimming Pools

6. West Tour Full day 4x4 Jipe Tour Natural Swimming Pools

Embark on a guided, multi-stop 4x4 adventure starting in Caniço. Explore Ribeira Brava, Ponta do Sol, Seixal, São Vicente, and more. Find unbeatable viewpoints at Paúl da Serra and Ribeira da Janela and marvel at the natural swimming pools at Porto Moniz. After meeting your guide, hop on board and head first to Ribeira Brava for a quick stop to enjoy the small city with the longest and widest ribeira (stream) of the island. Head to Ponta do Sol and Canhas next, two picturesque villages with much to see. The trip continues off-road to Paúl da Serra, a plateau in the center of the island with unique views. Later, there will be the possibility to take a short walk along the levada (approximately 20 minutes). Explore the lush landscape of Paúl da Serra with an altitude of 1500 meters and see Fanal Forest, an area between the mountains of Seixal and Ribeira da Janela with laurel forest classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take in views at the Ribeira da Janela viewpoint before heading to Porto Moniz. Be greeted with unforgettable scenery built by natural swimming pools, the highlight of the village of Porto Moniz. These pools, created by volcanic lava, have crystal-clear waters. After a stop for a lunch (at your own expense), continue to Seixal and São Vicente in the afternoon. At 1007 meters high, at the Encumeada Viewpoint, round off your trip with views over the deep valleys of Ribeira Brava (south coast) and São Vicente (north coast).

Madeira 2 Full-Day & 1 Half-Day 4x4 jipe Special Tour Combo

7. Madeira 2 Full-Day & 1 Half-Day 4x4 jipe Special Tour Combo

Get the most out of your time in Madeira with this special combo experience, featuring 2 full-day tours of east and west Madeira and 1 central half-day trip. Explore Pico do Areeiro, Seixal, São Vicente, Porto Moniz, and more. Visit a sugar cane rum factory, taste drinks at a local bar, and join a levada walk. East Tour (Mondays and Thursdays)During the east tour, go to one of the highest mountains on the Island, Pico do Areeiro, then go to Ribeiro Frio and take a 45-minute walk along the levada to the Balcões viewpoint. Back to the jeep, travel through Roque do Faial, Cruzinhas, and Lombo Galego. Arriving at Cova da Roda through alternative roads and off-roads, pass through Pico das Pedras right in the middle of the natural park. Heading towards Santana, you’ll see typical local houses and take a break for lunch (not included). In the afternoon, drive towards Faial, heading to Porto da Cruz. Visit the local sugar-cane rum factory, then end the day with a visit to Ponta de São Lourenço, a natural reserve with rock formations and panoramic views over the Atlantic Ocean. West Tour (Tuesdays and Fridays)Depart from Funchal towards the village of Ribeira Brava. After a short stop for sightseeing, start climbing towards Paúl da Serra, a plateau in the center of the island with memorable views. To arrive, you’ll drive off-road and go through Ponta do Sol and Canhas, two picturesque villages. Potentially take another short levada walk (approximately 20 minutes), then, in Paúl da Serra, at 1500 meters, start the descent through Fanal, an area with laurel forest classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Arrive at a viewpoint in Ribeira da Janela with breathtaking views. At Porto Moniz, be greeted with the unique scenery built by the natural swimming pools. These pools were created by volcanic lava and have crystal-clear waters thanks to the sea. Here, you’ll stop for a lunch (not included). After recharging from lunch, carry on near the coast towards Seixal and São Vicente. Finish off the day at 1007-meters high at the Encumeada Viewpoint, next to a mountain range that allows for views over the deep valleys of Ribeira Brava (south coast) and São Vicente (north coast). End your second tour with a return to Funchal. Central Tour (Wednesdays)Leaving Funchal, venture towards Nuns Valley (Curral das Freiras) to a small visit and a villa with a unique geographic location on Madeira Island, situated in a deep valley that resembles a volcano crater. The resemblance is due to strong erosion. After this stop, travel to Boca dos Namorados, a viewpoint at 1100 meters over Nuns Valley, allowing viewers to behold from above the one-of-a-kind scenery. Continue off-road through a trail to feel nature in its purest state. Then, make a short stop in a typical Madeiran bar to try the famous Poncha, a traditional drink made of sugar cane rum, orange juice, lemon juice, and fresh lemon (costs not included). 

Madeira: Private Guided Alecrim Levada Hike PR6.2

8. Madeira: Private Guided Alecrim Levada Hike PR6.2

Once having been collected from your Madeira accommodation, your day out in nature will begin. At the beginning of the descent to the house of Rabaçal, you will discover the entrance to this magnificent journey. It is a short walk of 6 kilometers, which is accessible to anyone. Throughout the hike you can enjoy fantastic views over the Rabaçal. As you hike towards the beginning of the levada, you can enjoy the vast vegetation composed mainly by the Urze and the Uveira da Serra, as well as several species of local fauna of which various birds and cows are the highlights. Enjoy the walk to the beautiful lakes and waterfalls that emerge along the way, where the wonderful Lagoa Dona Beja stands out. Complete with a waterfall that feeds the Lagoa do Vento, you will be able to take pictures of the lagoon before making your way back to the hike's start point. At the conclusion of your hike, you will be returned back to your accommodation.

Madeira: Private Moinhos Levada Nova Walk Ponta do Sol

9. Madeira: Private Moinhos Levada Nova Walk Ponta do Sol

Your trail begins with your traveling through cultivated farmland, providing a pleasant sight to walkers. Among the views, take in the spectacular panoramas of the valley and the beautiful village of Ponta do Sol that this route offers. As you travel, delight yourself with the sights, the endemic flora and fauna, and the waterfalls of the region. By the end of the route you can climb the path that leads to the Levada Nova. Once there, head in the opposite direction until you reach an impressive waterfall. You then continue the path by Levada Nova, although it is important to know that there are several areas with abysses and no protection, so is not recommended for inexperienced hikers. At the conclusion of your experience, your guide returns you to your accommodation.

Madeira: Levada Calheta to Prazeres Private Walking Tour

10. Madeira: Levada Calheta to Prazeres Private Walking Tour

Stroll across the paths of Levada Calheta and Prazeres and discover a variety of plant species. Take in amazing views of the surrounding landscape along the way. Begin in Calheta with a stroll along Regional Road 211 and towards Prazeres village, following a vibrant path. Discover several species of flora, such as acacias, eucalyptus, pine, and wildflowers. Stop to look around and let yourself be dazzled by the beautiful landscapes that arise along the way. Explore a little more of the natural beauty of this region, including the human presence that gives it life. Find various dirt roads that cross the route of the Levada and continue your way following the channel of water until you arrive at the Levadeiro house. Take a moment to pause and enjoy the beautiful nature as your tour comes to a close.

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What people are saying about Ponta Do Sol

The pickup was early, at about 7am. This allowed us to get to the trail nice and early (one of the first) before everyone else, especially the big tour buses arrive. We had communication through WhatsApp before the trip where information we shared like the walk map with info, weather forecast, pickup info and just an opportunity to ask any questions. Our trip was almost cancelled due to the weather but we were cleared to go ahead. We were picked up on time and got to the trail early. The guide explained the route of the walk and gave 5 hours to leisurely complete the 25 falls and the Risco walks as well have a snack/drink at the café. If everyone finished early, we had an opportunity to get picked up earlier as we had the contract information. We got some checking in messages through the walk as well. There is also an option to get a 3€ minibus from café area back up to the meetup place for who doesn't want to walk. We did a slightly extended route back to Funchal to see the coastline.

The pick-up was very ontime. Philipe was very helpful to explain the hiking route itself, but also the places along the way. We were one of the first there to avoid the „traffic“ because the „road“ is narrow, and people could be stuck in the middle. So that was well planned. On the way back we took a „slow“ way to explore a few more places along the coast. Was very informative and interesting. Lots of tips from Logan and Philip are proved to be very helpful.

The transfer suited us really well. Phillipe was very friendly and welcoming, telling us all about Madeira; local wildlife, local cuisine etc as we drove to and from the hike, with a great detour to see Angel Falls on the way back. Highly recommend!

A great experience, had never done a tour like this before. Was very satisfied. The communication and implementation was optimal and without restrictions. Super friendly contact with the provider/driver before, during and after the tour.

We started early so we arrived before the larger groups. Nice to be able to go at your own pace. Terrain not too rough. Everything clapped. Good driver/guide. Highly recommended.