I read previous reviews prior to going on the trip, and they are all accurate. I would add that I was borderline fit enough for this holiday so found it challenging at times (it was a late decision to go), but I would not have missed a moment of it. I completed all the walks, which are all different from each other. The group I was with was very supportive. Andre the guide made one unit of us from the first night, and was watchful, prepared, knowledgeable and enthusiastic. As he said 80% is in your head, 20% in your walking ability. Apart from Andre, the other essential was walking poles, especially on the long downhill Day 4. I had not been on a holiday with the tour operator before, nor had I been on one without a companion. Any reservations I had were blown away very quickly. It was so enjoyable,I just love Madeira. I am looking for my next holiday already.
Amazing week in Portugal! What a stunning coastline to walk, combined with amazing food, wine tasting and brilliant company. The hotels were great too, way above my expectations. What more could you ask for! Our guides Francisco and Ines were fantastic, so knowledgeable and making sure we were safe on our walks. Would definitely recommend this holiday.
Loved this trip. The app was easy to follow and the trail is well marked. The accommodations were excellent and there were lots of places to have dinner in the villages we stayed in. Most villages had a corner store or market where we got food for our lunches - this worked well as there’s not always places to buy food along the route. We were able to time our hikes on the beaches for when the tide was out and we didn’t find any rivers that we had to cross which the descriptions suggested. Beautiful flowers when we went at the end of March and lots of birds too. Highly recommend going in March before it gets busy and hot. Most days it was high teens or low twenties - perfect for hiking. It cooled off in the evenings though so you needed long pants and a fleece.