Walking in Madeira, center based

Planet

CARBON REDUCTION

This self-guided, center-based walking tour in Madeira is based in Funchal, with guests walking between 7-20km per day through levada trails, forests, waterfalls, volcanic landscapes and mountain routes. It is, by its very nature, slow and sustainable, allowing guests to explore Madeira mostly on foot.

All transfers on walking days are included according to the itinerary, helping guests reach the start and end points of the walks. The cable car journey from Funchal to Monte is also included, while guests stay in the same accommodation throughout the trip, reducing the number of hotel moves during the vacation.


ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE

This walking tour takes guests through some of Madeira’s most distinctive landscapes, including the UNESCO Laurisilva of Madeira, Levada dos Cedros, Levada do Caldeirão Verde, Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço and Pico Ruivo, the island’s highest peak. The route also includes waterfalls, levada channels, volcanic cliffs, ancient forest, mountain views and coastal landscapes.
We remind guests to practise Leave No Trace throughout their trip, especially when walking through forests, levada trails, mountain paths and coastal areas.
With regards to drinking water, we ask guests to bring refillable water bottles as well as a reusable shopping bag to avoid single-use plastic during their trip. We also ask guests to take any packaging away with them and be mindful of not dropping litter.
We have an in-house responsible tourism expert, who shares tips and advice with our guests in trip notes, blogs and newsletters. For example, on how to reduce their impact on the environment and wildlife, support responsible travel practices and respect the places and communities they pass through.

People

LOCAL ECONOMY

Accommodation on this center-based tour is located in Funchal. The hotels have been carefully selected based on a variety of criteria including their location, warm hospitality, good local food and connection to the area.
As guests are based in Funchal throughout the trip, their spending can directly support local businesses over several days. Breakfast is included every day, and guests are encouraged to buy lunches and snacks in local shops, pre-order packed lunches where needed, and dine either through their accommodation or in restaurants in the local area. The itinerary also gives guests time to explore Funchal’s historic streets, restaurants, markets and local products.


EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY

All of our partners in Portugal are locally employed and play an important role in contributing to the local economy. At home, we have a strict policy to pay all our own employees and team members a living wage and fair wage, with vacation entitlement. In the hiring process, we prioritise experience, qualifications and passion, emphasising that race, gender, sexual orientation, or nationality are not factors of consideration. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace based on skills and expertise. We also endeavour to support any guests with visible and non-visible disabilities or any special requirements, when possible.