Hi, I'm planning a camping trip to Madeira. Which of those camping spots do you recommend? Views, infrastructure etc.? All are more less 5 hours on foots from Airport, and more less 2-2,5h to Pico do Arieiro, so localisation is quite simmilar (is it?) Thanks!
Last year I visited Madeira and when I saw a camping spot at São Lourenço, an idea came to my mind — to organize a trip based entirely on hiking and sleeping in tents. Thankfully, the idea stayed alive throughout the year, and I managed to gather a group of four other guys.
Now, as this adventure is getting closer, I’m going into the details to make sure everything will work out. I’ve just made the first draft of our plan (although I know there’s probably still a lot to change), and I would like to ask experienced hikers and local people who know the area for their opinions and advice.
Of course, it quickly turned out that one week is not much time for such a trip, that camping spots are not everywhere, and that at least on the first day we’ll need to use buses. We chose the first half of September because the weather should be relatively stable.
Day 1:
Landing at 1:30 PM → getting organized and leaving the airport → 3 PM bus to Funchal → shopping for gas canisters, groceries, etc. (or maybe do it somewhere closer to the airport and skip Funchal? I’m not sure if I can get gas canisters anywhere else) → 5:35 PM bus to Seixal → walk to the camping spot in Fanal Forest
Komoot Route – Day 1
Day 2:
Komoot Route – Day 2
Komoot shows the trails, but I’m not fully convinced that the route after Lagoa da Dona Beja is actually passable.
Sleeping at Bica da Cana.
Day 3:
Komoot Route – Day 3
This was probably the hardest day to plan. I’m also 50/50 on whether Levada dos Tornos is currently closed (is it?).
Hotel in Curral das Freiras.
Day 4:
Komoot Route – Day 4
I originally wanted to stay at the Pico Ruivo campsite, but officially there’s only space for 2 tents, and I’d rather avoid breaking the rules.
Hotel in Faial.
Day 5:
Komoot Route – Day 5
Here I actually feel pretty confident about the route. Maybe you have some suggestions for other places worth seeing nearby?
Sleeping at São Lourenço
Day 6:
Komoot Route – Day 6
Beach time, maybe some shopping.
Hotel in Santo António da Serra.
Day 7:
We need to be back at the airport by 12 PM at the latest. We’ll probably use the transfer from the travel agency just to make sure we won’t stink and disturb other people on the plane xd
Days 3 and 4 look quite tough — do you think they are realistically doable? We’re all fairly fit and still have more than 3 months to prepare.
I’d be very grateful for any opinions, tips, or suggestions ❤️
Thanks!
