Enjoy fantastic panoramic roads as you ride through most of the island. In the places where it is too mountainous, our transfers will help you out. You can enjoy a summer-like climate here all year around as well as the exotic flora and fauna.
Whilst riding along some of the best cycling routes in Madeira, you will find beautiful parks and gardens, picturesque bays and spectacular cliffs.
Day 1: Arrival in Canico
Enjoy all of your hotels facilities today already. It is located right by the beach so the sea is calling you too! In the Evening you will be greeted by your tour representative.
Day 2: Canico – Camacha – Porto da Cruz approx. 25 km + transfer
In the morning there is the transfer to Camacha, where your rental bikes will be fitted. This village is famous for its basket making. This practical souvenir is of course offered directly from the producers. You will cycle on a lovely high road right towards the East Coast. Enjoy the beautiful views on the way to the little fishing village, Porto da Cruz. Relax here on the beach made out of volcano sand or visit one of the last working sugar cane mills.
Day 3: Porto da Cruz – Santana – Sao Vicente/surrounding approx. 40 km + transfer
A long, steep ascent will be bridged by bus this morning. In Santana you will start your cycle tour. Beforehand you should however visit the true Madeiran landmark. The traditional, thatched farmhouses have been lovingly restored here. The cycle route goes along a beautiful road through small, charming villages whilst always running along the length of the East Coast until you get to Sao Vicente. The village, named after Saint Vincent, is located right by the sea. It is however well-known for its 400,000-year-old grottoes.
Day 4: Sao Vicente/surrounding – Rocha Negra – Porto Moniz approx. 35 km + transfer
To begin with, you go in the mountains today! A transfer will take you to the high plateau Paúl da Serra. From here, you get on your bike and follow the high road past grazing cows and sheep. A long descent will then lead you to the West Coast of the island. Before you get to Porto Moniz, a spectacular view will leave you breathless. Where you are staying tonight is well-known for its natural swimming pools. The sea formed small and large pools, which are popular places to swim by both locals and tourists.
Day 5: Porto Moniz – Calheta approx. 45 km
Today’s stage takes you along the West Coast and right through the UNESCO world heritage site in Madeira. You will cycle through fragrant forests and through small villages and you will always be accompanied by spectacular views of the below lying sea. After every curve you get a new great photo shot. In the lively village Calheta, it was not only the yacht harbour that was rebuilt. For the artificial beach, sand was especially imported from Morocco. The former sugar cane village has become a popular place for locals to meet.
Day 6: Calheta – Funchal approx. 50 km
For the first third of today‘s stage, you will cycle directly along the waterside towards the capital. From Ribeira Brava the route takes you up hill away from the coast and then you will reach the very spectacular view point on the island. At Cabo Girao, a transparent platform was built 580m above the sea. The view down over the highest cliffs in Europe is dizzying. A long descent will then bring you back to the coast and then into the centre of Funchal. Colourful and lively are two strong impressions you will get from the capital of this island.
Day 7: Funchal cable car journey/hike
The cable car will take you on your bike free day to the popular destination of Monte. Previously a noble health resort with grand quintas, this area offers many possibilities nowadays for an interesting day. You can visit the pilgrimage church Nossa Senhora do Monte do Monte and the tropical garden Jardim Tropical Monte Palace. You could also go for a lovely walk along the famous waterway, the “Levadas”. The rapid ride to the valley is nevertheless spectacular wits one of the fantastic wicker sledges. You will see that Madeira also isn’t boring without a bike…
Day 8: Departure from Madeira
Madeira from Freewheel Holidays on Vimeo.
Tranquil roads will lead you around this island. You will only cycle on busier roads for short sections. The steepest and longest ascents will be bridged with transfers. Nevertheless, there are several longer ascents to deal with each day.
Total distance cycled: 230 km
Starting point of the cycling holiday: Canico
Due to the topography and also the longer and sometimes steep hills we recommend that you should have good fitness and good confidence on a bike. For slightly less challenging island cycling, have a look at our Majorca cycling holiday or some of our easier cycling holidays in Portugal.
Route Map (for guidance only):
Maderia flowers and coast cycling routes may be subject to change or alteration. All route notes, maps and information will be given to you upon arrival at the first hotel or at the welcome meeting. GPS/GPX files are available for most our the cycling holidays we offer. Please ask us for details.
Route Overview (For guidance only):
Stage | Kilometres | Special notes regarding the route |
Caniço – Porto da Cruz | approx. 25 km | Luggage pick-up at 9 am. At 10.30 am transfer to Camacha (this section is unsuitable for bikes!) and then distribution of rental bikes. From there you cycle on undulating terrain without any longer ascents. Final long descent of approx. 6 km in length down to Porta da Cruz. |
Porto da Cruz – São Vicente | approx. 35 km | At 9 am transfer to Santana (this transfer can be replaced by cycling there if you wish, it means an additional 13 km with two long and steep ascents of approx. 2.5 km/250m in altitude and 5 km/500m in altitude in length). Long descent from Santana of approx. 5 km in length, after that steep ascent (approx. 6 km/500m in altitude), followed again by a long descent of approx. 5 km in length and then on undulating terrain to the hotel. |
São Vicente – Porto Moniz | approx. 35 km | At 9 am transfer onto the high altitude plateau Paul da Serra (this transfer can be replaced by cycling there if you like, it means approx. an additional 12 km/1000m in altitude along a continuous ascent). From the transfer drop-off point follows another ascent of approx. 7 km/500m in altitude (drop-off can be extended until after the ascent), after that follows a flat and long descent until Porto Moniz. |
Porto Moniz – Calheta | approx. 45 km | This stage starts with 3 longer ascents (4 km/450m in altitude, 3 km/250 m in altitude, 2 km/150 m in altitude), after that long descent over 7 km, then you continue along undulating terrain, final long descent over approx. 7 km |
Calheta – Funchal | approx. 45 km | This stage starts with undulating terrain and two longer ascents (2km/200m in altitude and 3km/300m in altitude), from Ribeira Brava long ascent over 12 km/600m in altitude, after that long descent again over 5 km and then undulating terrain until Funchal. |
Funchal | Return cable car ride to Monte is included in the tour price. Marvellous views from the pilgrimage church over Funchal and the sea! Opportunity for an easy Levada-hike. | |
Alternative: day trip to Porto Santo, return ferry ferry ticket about € 50, (booking at the welcome information possible / necessary, ferry does not run daily) |
We recommend flying to Funchal airport to reach the starting point of this Madeira flowers and coast cycling holiday.
By Plane: Madeira (FNC) airport. We recommend you take a taxi from the airport to the hotel, journey time approx. 15 minutes, fare approx. € 22,–; If you bring your own bike, it is necessary you book a private transfer from/to the airport – details available on request!
Flights to Portugal and more specifically, Madeira are available with a number of airlines to your required airport, or you can travel to the start using alternative methods such as rail or road.
We recommend using Skyscanner to find the best flight prices by date or Rail Europe for European rail travel. There is customer car parking available at most hotels for a supplement. Please contact us for more details.
Please use local transport to arrive at the starting point or call us on 0161 703 8161 for more specific travel advice.
You do not need to travel by bike back to the starting point of the Madeira cycling holiday as all hire bikes are left at the final hotel.
Important: Please book your flights only after your Madeira cycling holiday has been confirmed by invoice or email. Flights and transfers to are not included in the advertised holiday price.
The Madeira Flowers and Coast cycling holiday includes the daily transfer of luggage to the next hotel and local support if required.
Included Services:
Not Included:
About the Rental Bikes
This cycling holiday uses quality crossbar and unisex hybrid bikes based on KTM frame technology, Selle Royal saddles, Shimano components and puncture-proof tyres to ensure that you have an enjoyable cycle tour. The bikes feature modern V-brakes, aluminium frames with mudguards, comfortable saddles and a rack for a supplied waterproof pannier.
You will also receive a handlebar bag and map holder for easy navigation when riding your daily itinerary. Prices advertised on the website include standard bike hire (unless stated). Colour and specification may vary from the image shown.
Unisex Bike (Colour may vary)
Men's Bike (Colour may vary)
Electric Bike (Colour may vary)
Rental Bike PLUS
For 2020, there is an additional bike rental option available for a supplement. The PLUS hybrid bike now available on most cycling holidays is sportier with higher quality brakes (Magura HS 11) and better specification gears (Shimano Deore XT). The riding position is designed to have a slightly sportier sitting posture and a high quality Suntour suspension fork gives smooth riding on most surfaces. All accessories are compatible with the new PLUS bike rental option.
Accessories
If you would like GPX files for a suitable device, please request them at the time of booking. Devices are not provided and please make sure that you bring along with you any fittings required to attach the Garmin (or similar) to the handlebars. You might want to download maps onto your phone to avoid data charges when roaming.
All bikes are provided with standard flat pedals. You can bring your own cycling pedals, but ensure that you have the correct tools to remove the pedals if the tour does not have a welcome meeting. You may also not be able to travel through airports with the tools if you are carrying hand luggage only.
You can rent a men's bike with a crossbar, unisex/female bike with a sloping tube or an electric bike for a supplement.
Gears
7 speed bikes are equipped with a Shimano Nexus gear hub and 21 speed bikes have a Shimano Alivio derailleur. We request 21 speed bikes for all cycling holidays (when available).
Frame Sizing
When you make a booking with us, we take your height(s) and the appropriate bike size is matched up accordingly. Unisex frame 21-gears with freewheel. Sizes: 56 / 51 / 46 / 43 cm. Unisex 7-gears-bikes with back pedalling brake. Sizes: 56 / 51 / 46 cm. Men’s speed bikes 21-gears with free wheel and crossbar. Sizes: 64 / 60 / 56 "sloping" cm. Helmets are not provided and you will need to bring your own to use.
We always recommend wearing a helmet when on your cycling holiday!
Bike Hire Insurance
This cycle tour benefits from bike insurance against rental bike theft and damage in the holiday price. Please make sure you lock up the bike, leave it where told by the hotel and treat your hire bicycle as if the bike was your own. Any negligent treatment of the bike will exempt you from cover. We advise you to ensure that you have adequate travel insurance for your cycling holiday prior to arrival.
Electric Bike Hire
Why not upgrade your cycling experience to an E-Bike (Electric Bike)? Using a power assisted bike is a great way to go on a cycling holiday and will help you smooth out inclines or longer days in the saddle. Each E-Bike features an LCD display, removable batteries for easy charging and assistance up to 25 km/h with a range of around 120 km for each full charge depending on usage.
E-Bike upgrade prices vary per tour, but if you require any more information about bike hire and electric bikes, please get in-touch with us on 0161 703 8161.
This cycling holiday stays in good quality hotels with private facilities carefully selected for their proximity to your cycle route and comfort. If you wish to know specific information about the hotel facilities, Wi-Fi and upgrades used on the holidays, please contact us on 0161 703 8161 for more information.
Please note that the hotel list is subject to change and should be used as a guide only.
We will confirm the exact hotels prior to arrival.
Madeira circular tour | sample hotel LIST |
Caniço | Hotel Four Views Oásis 4**** |
www.fourviewshotels.com | |
Porto da Cruz | Hotel Costa Linda 2** |
www.costa-linda.net | |
São Vicente | Hotel Estalagem do Mar 4**** |
www.estalagemdomar.com | |
Porto Moniz | Hotel Moniz Sol 4**** |
www.hotelmonizsol.com | |
Calheta | Hotel Savoy Saccharum 5***** |
www.savoyresorts.com | |
Funchal 2x | Hotel Four Views Baía 4**** |
www.fourviewshotels.com |
You will receive your final hotel list approximately 4 weeks prior to your arrival date detailing the hotels used on your cycling holiday. If you wish to know more about the hotels prior to completing a booking form, please contact our Customer Services team via email or by phone.
You can find out more about this cycling holiday by completing a Contact Form or call 0161 703 8161 to speak to one of the team.
You can now book this cycling holiday online using our secure booking engine. Book online here >>
Season | Date Band | Arrival Day |
Season 1: | 09.01. - 02.04.2021 | 06.11. - 11.12.2021 | Tuesdays / Thursdays / Saturdays |
Season 2: | 03.04. - 18.06.2021 | 02.10. - 05.11.2021 | Tuesdays / Thursdays / Saturdays |
Season 3: | 19.06. - 01.10.2021 | Tuesdays / Thursdays / Saturdays |
Season | Prices per person excluding bike hire |
Season 1: | £755 |
Season 2: | £810 |
Season 3: | £880 |
Single Supplement Upgrade: | £345 |
Half Board Upgrade: | £190 |
Rental Bike: | £95 |
Rental Bike PLUS: | £140 |
E-Bike Upgrade: | £190 |
Category Type | Accommodation Overview |
Category A: | 4* Hotels and 1 x 2* Hotel directly by the sea |
Location | Price DBL/BB | Single Supplement Price SGL/BB |
Canico: | £65 | £55 |
Funchal: | £65 | £55 |
Date From | Date To |
---|---|
09 January 2021 | 11 December 2021 |