Hiking vacation in Western Madeira

Planet

Carbon Reduction

Although the water in Madeira is safe to drink, we also offer guests the option to purchase a discounted water-filter bottle that uses three advanced technologies to remove over 99.9% of microbiological contaminants. This allows you to safely refill from local streams and wells during your walks, helping to significantly reduce the need for single-use plastic bottles.

We are committed to operating responsibly in every aspect of our business. Our office is based in a refurbished mill, where we actively reduce, reuse, and recycle whenever possible. We’ve also installed a waterwheel in the river to generate our own renewable electricity (the first of its kind in Britain) with any excess energy supplied back to the National Grid.

Environment & Wildlife

Across all of our activity days, we follow a strict ‘leave no trace’ policy to help preserve the environment for future generations. Our tour leader is trained to reinforce this message throughout your trip. Lunch can be purchased locally (vegetarian and vegan food should be available), and we encourage you to bring a refillable water bottle, reusable container, and cutlery to avoid single-use packaging.

While the focus of this trip is walking, there will be time to explore additional trails independently. To minimise our impact, we always remain on designated paths, avoid feeding wildlife, and keep a respectful distance from animals to protect their natural behaviours and habitats.

People

Local Economy

Fly to Funchal airport and transfer by private coach to the Aqua Natura Bay Hotel in Porto Moniz, a relaxing coastal village and offers magnificent levadas and phenomenal sea views.

During your time in Madeira, you'll explore the island through a variety of incredibly scenic walks with spectacular mountain and coastal views. Please note, some walks may be substituted due to weather conditions, or changes beyond our control. Meander along rustic country paths, winding your way through vibrant green landscapes. As you explore, you'll be treated to awe-inspiring vistas that reveal the coastal beauty and the peaceful villages.

Your stay at the new four-star hotel, which opened in June 2021, includes a wellness and health center with an indoor pool, solarium, Turkish bath and massage treatments. Since you're staying on a half board basis, both breakfast and dinner is included at the hotel.

Employment, Inclusivity & Diversity

We are committed to responsible and sustainable travel practices that support both the local environment and surrounding communities. By selecting environmentally conscious accommodation, encouraging reduced waste, and prioritising sustainable transport where possible, we aim to minimise our footprint. Through respectful engagement and conscious travel choices, we strive to protect natural landscapes while delivering enriching and memorable experiences.

Our walking tours are thoughtfully designed to immerse guests in local heritage and culture, building meaningful connections with the places and people we visit - including the employment of local tour guides. As a company we believe in workplace diversity and equal employment, with opportunities available to everybody regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation or nationality.

As a destination, Madeira is LGBTQ+ friendly. There are no exclusively LGBTQ+ bars in Funchal, but many of the hotels are welcoming to LGBTQ+ visitors.