Description
The landscape and the journey
Paddy Dillon looks beyond Madeira’s levadas to steep mountains, laurel forests, deep valleys and coastal trails. Neighbouring Porto Santo also features, giving you a broad choice of landscapes and walking days.
Routes and itinerary options
The 60 routes range from 4–27 kilometres, from gentler levada paths to steep mountain trails. Pico Ruivo, Ponta de São Lourenço and forest landscapes feature among the destinations; several routes can combine into longer days.
Maps and practical planning
Sketch maps and detailed descriptions accompany Cicerone GPX files. Transport, facilities and accommodation information supports planning from Funchal or other bases; geology, history, plants and protected areas add context. Use the route information to compare stages, plan your stops and check practical arrangements before departure.
Choosing the right trip
Assess steepness, uneven surfaces, altitude and current access separately for each route. Year-round visits are possible, with warmer, more humid summers and cooler, wetter winters. Choose an itinerary that fits your experience and available time, allowing flexibility for weather and local conditions.
About this edition
English-language paperback by Paddy Dillon. Third edition, published in 2018. 296 pages. ISBN 9781852848552.
