The first trip takes us to the easternmost cape of the island Sao Lourenco. This is a less demanding route through the arid tip of the island created by volcanic activity as is the rest of the island. We sometimes call this place a moonscape, because it often looks like one when the rainy season is over and it's not glowing with a flood of green.

There are no trees or bushes on the trail, so even if the sky is cloudy, it is necessary to pack sunscreen with at least factor 30.We also recommend adding a headgear to your backpack, yes, sometimes it's a bit windy, but so far it hasn't blown anyone away :-). 

The whole route takes about 2,5 hours, going there and back the same way. There is one hut on the route where you can have a refreshment for a reasonable penny in the shade of palm trees, in a sort of local oasis. It is 14 km from us, about 20 minutes by car.

After a hot trip, a swim at the nearby black beach Prainha is ideal (there are only two such beaches on the island, the others are sandy, usually imported from the Sahara). There is also a bar, so you won't be hungry or thirsty.

Next day we will go to the northeast of the island. The north is always quite different from the south, not only in terms of weather and vegetation, but also in terms of population. It takes about 30 minutes to get to Santana, about 25 km, but

the centre with its typical houses is recommended to leave after the hike, including souvenir shopping. It is always a good idea to dress up for this trip, the temperature and humidity are a comparison away from ours. 

We will park at Queimadas, which is about a 7-10 min drive (usually in gear 1, max 2) from the centre of Santana. There is a large parking lot, sometimes paid sometimes unpaid, with restrooms and a local snack kiosk (hot and cold drinks and homemade sandwiches and cakes) adjacent. 

We are waiting for the first levada Levada do Caldeirao Verde with an extension to Inferno. In total, it's about 8 km there and 8 km back the same way with only one climb (or descent on the way back), between Caldeirao Verde and Inferno. It's definitely worth the walk to the end, i.e. Inferno. There are several waterfalls along the way, beautiful views, then on Inferno there is a network of tunnels and a mouse hole (definitely bring a torch and some good shoes, it tends to get wet). Some say it's like a mordor. You will definitely forget about any civilization at that moment. For us, one of the most beautiful levadas. This time don't forget a hearty snack, a drink and a raincoat in your backpack.

After a busy day of walking, we will head to the capital of Madeira, Funchal. There's a small centre with the Sé Cathedral, the Mercado dos Lavradores market (definitely don't buy anything here in terms of fruit, you'll usually pay a pretty penny for a few old exotic fruits so be wary), the marina where you might be lucky enough to see a replica of Christopher Columbus' ship and then the cable car. It's a good idea to take the cable car up Monte mountain, where there's one of the botanical gardens, the church where the last Czech king, Charles V, rests. You can also see and try the oldest working means of transport - the sledge. No, don't worry, there won't be any snow, but you'll get down just as fast. It tends to be rather warmer in Funchal, so you can almost safely venture out into the city. There are plenty of bars and restaurants everywhere, so there's no shortage of refreshments either.

After your visit to Funchal, we recommend a trip to the nearby Cabo Girao lookout, where there is a stunning glass terrace with amazing views. There's no entrance fee, you just have to drive up there, but it's not a problem. In winter, roasted chestnuts are available everywhere, whether in Funchal or on Cabo Girao.

The first stop is at Porto Moniz. This place is famous for its volcanic pools and is therefore widely visited by tourists. There are two pools here, and in our opinion, both are chargeable (entry about

2.50 euros) and the free ones, which are very cold. Yes, you are in the north of the island, swimming is possible and definitely worth it, so don't forget your swimsuit at home.

After swimming, we recommend a transfer to the Caminho do Teleferico cable car in Achada da Cruz. Those who don't have the stomach to go down can enjoy the view at the adjacent restaurant, where they cook well and have a nice selection of homemade snacks. However, for the adventurous who make it down, either on their own by goat trail or by cable car, there is an amazing view of how people used to work their fields. You'll be amazed at how they built it all up. Of course, the farmers have a different price for the cable car than you do, but even so, a return ticket won't set you back more than €5.

The last stop of the day is Ponta do Pargo - the western cape with the lighthouse. For sunset enthusiasts, there's a restaurant with a garden just above the lighthouse, where the views of all this scenery are amazing. Then it's a 70 km drive back along the local highway, which takes about an hour.

The next day we'll land. We need to catch the sunrise at Pico Arieiro. You will take the most beautiful photos just behind the dome. If you missed breakfast, definitely have breakfast at a local lodge before one of the most challenging treks on the island, if not the most challenging at all. We're talking about the Vereda do Pico Ruivo. It takes a good 6 hours to walk there and back. It's only 12km, but the elevation gain is significant, and there are lots and lots of stairs and tunnels that you wouldn't dream of. This is one of the top hikes, but if the weather isn't good, you'd better save it for another day. The views here are countless and it's a fantasy. The destination is the highest peak, Pico Ruivo. There is again a hut, toilets and a water tap where you can refill your water supply. Then there is a turn around and the same way back.

Take a trip to Fanal, where there is an old laurel forest - an absolute blast. Whether it's foggy (as it usually is here) or whether the sun is shining. The crossing is about 15 min and the actual route through the forest maybe an hour or less.

In Porto da Cruz, don't miss a visit to the rum shop and coastal trail before actually taking the cliff path back to the villa. We take the Vereda do Larano route, from Porto da Cruz the trail climbs but once we reach the top, it's all about enjoying the ocean views and going steadily along the contour. Absolutely astonishing

 there are cultivated fields somewhere deep below us.

At the Boca do Risco section, which may be after about 2 hours walking, turn right down to Machica. When we hit the levada, there are two routes, a shorter one straight down to the centre of Machico, a slightly longer and more challenging one down the levada to the left to Pico do Facho and from there only a path down to the marina. But now it's off to the beach, ice cream and a nice dinner. There are plenty of options. The villa can be reached by a shortcut up the hill on foot (20 min walk) or by bus (5 min long journey, €1.30).