Nov 12, 2024
Between mountain and sea - A very competent and fluent guide led us at a comfortable pace through some amazing landscapes, simultaneously providing insights into Madeiran life and history. This walk is definitely not for vertigo sufferers.
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Oct 3, 2024
Spectacular tour with many beautiful views - Went today this very beautiful trip - again me you the very knowledgeable and sweet guide Suzana. There were some places that went steeply up and some went steeply down, but it was all worth the effort. A wonderful view of the mountains, the forest and the sea on the north side of the island. Can warmly recommend the tour and the agency 😎👍
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Aug 16, 2024
Larano levada walking tour - We stayed in funchal for 2 weeks and decided our 1st tour with maderia free spirits would be their LARANO levado cliff top walk.picked up on time at an arranged spot and drove firstly to machico for a quick toilet stop and opportunity to have coffee then onto the levada walk itself. Suzanna our guide for the day explained well our trip itinerary and along the way highlighted the local area and how the leavadas worked etc..very knowledgeable and very impressive animal impersonator...our very own DR DOLITTLE! Prior to trip I personally had concerns about vertigo as I'm not great with heights but tbh it was not a huge issue the paths are relatively good and some have wired railings. Suzzanna told us where it was safe to stop and where not, not once was I concerned. The end of the walk we ended close to Praia de maiata where george our excellent driver collected us for our last rest stop of the day before return journey to hotel .overall we thoroughly enjoyed the day and if you like dramatic views along the coastline go for it
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Apr 24, 2024
Loving Levadas! - We went on the Larano Walking Tour on April 18, 2024 which we booked through our hotel. Right from the moment we were picked up Alvaro’s humour and knowledge set the tone for a fun, safe and engaging trek. His love for the outdoors, the area’s history and the local people he interacted with along the route demonstrates his passion for Madeira. If we are fortunate enough to return to Madeira, another walking tour with Alvaro will be on our ‘Must Do’ list.
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Mar 6, 2024
The best in the business - We have just completed 2 walks with this company. Unlike other companies they keep the party size to no more than about 12. Their guides ( Felipe and Suzanna) were excellent combining safety with humour. In addition they have huge knowledge and enthusiasm . They took care to ensure all members of the party were looked after and I would recommend this company as the very best for prompt efficient service and for providing brilliant days out on this beautiful Island
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Feb 4, 2024
Larano Cliff Walk - Excellent! - We had a brilliant day on the Larano Cliff walk.
Suzanna was the perfect guide. She was so knowledgeable about the plants, birds, geology and local information. She had the right balance of talking and being silent to let us enjoy the spectacular scenery. She was very safety conscious and we never felt at risk, at any point.
It is listed as a moderate level walk which, as a hill walker in Scotland, I would say is about right. (Note - this walk is definitely not for children due to the cliff-edge path.)
We were picked up promptly from our hotel in a nice, clean mini bus. We had a comfort stop at a smart cafe, where we could buy our lunch, before the start of the walk. Again, at the end of the walk, Suzanna pointed out some nice cafes for refreshments. We were then taken back to our hotel by the same mini bus and driver.
The trip was put together perfectly and it was the highlight of our visit to Madeira.
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Jan 11, 2024
Terrific Day with Maderia Free Spirit Walks. - Another amazing day with Maderia Free Spirit Walks. Prompt pick up a quick coffee stop and we arrived at the beginning of the hike. Our guide provided interesting information about the local agriculture, lifestyles of the farmers, vegetation and environment. An informative and interesting day. Our guide was professional, had a great sense of humour and ensured all walkers were comfortable with the walk. Highly recommend Maderia Free Spirit Walks!!!
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Feb 9, 2023
A very good levada experience - An excellent day trip, great view - even better than expected - and a very good guide. The walking pace was moderate and the track not too demanding - not too easy either. We got through a rain shower but not a problem because the tour organizer provided a water proof jacket for those who did not have one - if you have one take it with you because it can be rain even on a sunny day. One more thing: the pick up in the morning was exactly as promised. A strong recommendation, alors.
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Feb 8, 2023
Levadas are a must do! - We had read the reviews on Free Spirits Madeira and were very pleased we chose them for the Rabacal 25 Fonts and then the Larano cliff top walk. Our guides, Julia on the first and Susanna on the second were excellent bursting full of information on the Levadas, the fauna and general knowledge. We were picked up promptly each time. I’m 70 and my wife is 64 and we have done a lot of mountain walking so were well equipped including mountain boots and thick waterproof jackets which best for the Rabacal 25 Fonts in January and February as those who had track shoes ended up with chilled wet feet. The Larano walk more interesting for us with its contrasts and cliff sides and sea views.Thoroughly recommend Free Spirits.
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Nov 22, 2024
Beautiful view but slippery - Start along a road up from the village of Porto da Cruz, parking along the road to continue going steeply uphill along the road about 1 km (closed to vehicles). Then relatively flat hiking along the mountain slope. Very slippery due to moisture and water on paths and rocks. Muddy despite hiatus weather. When we were walking in November, a man fell down 10 feet from the path and injured himself. Beautiful view when you get to the vantage point after a few km. Took about 1 hour in each direction. Can continue to Boka do Risco if you walk another hour but we turned around. The path goes through forest terrain with occasional views to the sea.
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