Walking holidays in sunny Portugal

Cloud forests, dark lava rocks and sunlit banana plantations. Sounds like a different holiday destination? No! The island of Madeira, not far from Lisbon in the Atlantic, offers a colourful variety for botanists, hikers and pleasure seekers. Over eight days you will explore from Porto da Cruz to the capital Funchal. You will walk through the plateau of Paul da Serra, looking for shade in the laurel forests and take a relaxing bath in the black lava rock. Details about the hiking holiday in Madeira Hiking in Maderia calls for packing multipurpose clothing. In the north, surrounded by barren mountains and wet plateaus, it is cool. The sunny south impresses with flowers, eucalyptus trees and diverse cultures. The island with its 235.000 inhabitants leaves plenty of room for romantic and idyllic hikes. One of the most beautiful villages in Madeira is Prazeres. Here you can experience the original life of the islanders. Fancy something extraordinary for the grand finale? Grab a toboggan and start the fast ride down. It starts above the Funchal in Monte. Highlights of the hiking trip in Madeira. Breathtaking coastal views: The impressive north coast over the Boca do Risco saddle runs along an old supply route. Enjoy the view from the spectacular terraces to Porto da Cruz. Exotic floral splendour: Shady laurel trees, which are part of the UNESCO World Heritage, line your route.   Lava stone swimming pool: The most beautiful places to swim are in Funchal and Porto Moniz. Tip for snorkelers and divers: The Gulf Stream hosts a tropical biodiversity! So do not forget your goggles! Lively capital of Funchal: The city has many sights. The Sé Cathedral and the market hall are definitely worth a visit. Useful information about the hiking holiday in Madeira The round trip in Maderia starts in the small fishing village of Porto da Cruz on the black sandy beach. Make sure you try a ‘poncha’, a drink made of honey, orange juice and sugar cane brandy. The daily routes run on varied hiking trails, which can sometimes be narrow. Surefootedness and a head for heights are required in some parts. You will walk for an average of five hours a day on this botanical paradise. You want to escape a cold winter? No problem? The Eurohike team has a solution: the mountain hiking tour in Madeira is bookable all year round! Do not hesitate and let us advise you on your own personal hiking experience!

Nine islands, more than 1.000 km west of Europe are building the Azores archipelago, formed by volcanic eruptions. Be enchanted by amazing scenery with plants from all climate zones, steaming volcanic craters and gushing springs are offering a unique spectacle, wonderful beaches and picturesque lakes are inviting for a swim. On São Miguel, the main island of the Azores one can hike throughout the whole year. Due to its ample vegetation the island is also named “Ilha Verde” (green island). During this walking week diversity is awaiting you: lovely hilly landscape with deep meadows and fields, well-wooded mountains, impressing calderas with silent lakes and great coasts with picturesque villages and historic small towns. The capital Ponta Delgada with its beautiful old part of town, coloured in black and white is an additional highlight. The unique nature, the hospitality, and the silent savoir vivre of the Azores will enthrall you!