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Route

Technical Characteristics:

Route Profile: Hard. Very quiet roads will lead you around this island. You will only cycle on busier roads for very short sections. The steepest and longest ascents will be bridged with transfers. Nevertheless, there are several longer ascents to deal with each day. Due to the topography and also the longer and sometimes steep hills we recommend that you should have good fitness and good confidence on a bike.

Distance: 195 km

Travel Season: Departures Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from January 7 to December 9, 2023
Season 1: January 7 – March 3 and October 28 – December 9
Season 2: March 4 – May 26 and October 7 – October 27
Season 3: May 27 – October 6

Accommodation:

Category: 4* hotels, 1x lovely 2* hotel directly by the sea

Cycling in Madeira, does that work? Of course you have concerns about this too, seeing that the island is of course a well-known walking paradise! We can however assure you that it works very well! On wonderful panoramic roads, you will cycle around pretty much all of the island. In the places where it is too mountainous, our transfers will help you out. You can enjoy a summer-like climate here 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. But you don’t miss out on culture on this tour either! This Portuguese island was already settled in the 15th Century in the centre of the Atlantic and left behind magnificent quintas and monumental fortresses. Spend a wonderful week on this flowery island! World Cultural Heritage site landscape, old sailor culture and above all the hospitable Madeirans will delight you!

Itineraries

Day 1

Arrival in Canico

Enjoy all of your hotels facilities today already. It is located right by the beach so the sea is calling you too! In the evening you will be greeted by your tour representative.

Day 2

Canico – Camacha – Porto da Cruz 25 km+ transfer

In the morning there is the transfer to Camacha, where your rental bikes will be fitted. This village is famous for its basket making. This practical souvenir is of course offered directly from the producers. You will cycle 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 volcano sand or visit one of the last working sugar cane mills.

Day 3

Porto da Cruz – Santana – Soa Vicente 40 km + transfer

A long, steep ascent will be bridged by bus this morning. In Santana you will start your cycle tour. Beforehand however you should visit the true Madeiran landmark. The traditional, thatched farmhouses have been lovingly restored here. The cycle route goes along a beautiful road through small, charming villages whilst always running along the length of the East Coast until you get to Sao 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.

Day 4

Sao Vicente – Rocha Negra – Porto Moniz 35 km + transfer

To begin with, you go in the mountains today! A transfer will take you to the high plateau Paúl da Serra. 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 leave you breathless. 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.

Day 5

Porto Moniz – Calheta 45 km

Today’s stage takes you along the West Coast and right through the UNESCO world heritage site in Madeira. You will cycle through fragrant forests and through small villages and you will always be accompanied by spectacular views of the sea lying below. After every curve you get a new great photo shot. In the lively village Calheta, it was not only the yacht harbour that was rebuilt. For the artificial beach, sand was especially imported from Morocco. The former sugar cane village has become a popular place for locals to meet.

Day 6

Calheta – Funchal 50 km

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 up hill away from the coast and then you will reach the very spectacular view point on the island. At Cabo Girao, 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 then into the centre of Funchal. Colourful and lively are two strong impressions you will get from the capital of this island.

Day 7

Funchal cable car journey/hike

The cable car will take you on your bike free day 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 lovely walk along the famous waterway, the Levadas. The rapid ride to the valley is nevertheless spectacular wits one of the fantastic wicker sledges. You will see that Madeira also isn’t boring without a bike...

Day 8

Departure or Extension

Prices

    Included:

    • Accommodation in the listed category
    • Breakfast 
    • Welcome briefing
    • Luggage transfer between hotels
    • Excellently planned routes
    • Detailed travel documents 1 per room (route maps, route description, local attractions, important telephone numbers)
    • Bus transfers Canico to Camacha, Porto da Cruz to Santana and Sao Vincente to Rocha Negra including your bike
    • Cable car return journey Funchal to Monte
    • Tour signposting
    • App for navigation and GPS data is available
    • Service hotline

    Not Included:

    • Local taxes payable locally

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