THE Sunday outing

In a relaxed manner, as befits a Sunday, you'll drive towards Garajau in the morning. There you'll visit the 14-meter-high Cristo Rei statue. Take a walk to the various viewpoints, which offer not only fantastic views of the statue, but also of the natural Garajau beach and along the coastline.

Then continue by bus to Camacha in the mountains.

Here you start the introductory hike along a levada, Madeira's traditional irrigation system. This hike takes you through the beautiful valley of Serra do Faial to lush green terraced fields. Experience the variety of herbs and medicinal plants that thrive there in abundance. After about an hour you will reach a small cafe where you can taste typical Madeiran pastries and enjoy a coffee.

Then we continue north to Santana. Here, on the north coast of the island, visit the old Madeiran farmhouses, the Colmo houses, which you will find on every postcard.

Now is the time to refresh. You will spend your lunch break at Quinta do Furão, which is nestled between the vineyards and lush gardens. It is not only known for its good food, but also for its unique location on the north coast, over which you will have a breathtaking view. In addition to lunch, there is a wine tasting of Madeira wine.

They stop at a local market where farmers from the surrounding villages sell their produce. Be sure to try the Madeiran poncha at one of the stalls; it's a favorite drink of the locals, made with fruit juice, honey, and sugarcane rum.

Excursion organizer: MTS - Mediterranean Travel Services Incoming Portugal, SA