Madeira and the Azores: Funchal, Levada Walks and Sete Cidades

4 DAYS 2 places by WaTrips

Funchal and Madeira's levada walks, then São Miguel's twin crater lakes and hot springs.

Portugal's Atlantic islands are lush and volcanic. In Madeira, explore Funchal's markets and gardens and walk the levadas, old irrigation channels through green mountains. Fly to São Miguel in the Azores for the view over the blue and green twin lakes of Sete Cidades in an old crater, and soak in the warm iron-rich springs of Furnas. The weather is mild all year; it changes fast in the Azores.

STOP 1 OF 2

Funchal

Funchal is the capital of Madeira, an island in the Atlantic. The city climbs the hillside above a harbour. It is known for its gardens, the Mercado dos Lavradores market and its old town with painted doors. A cable car rises to Monte, from where visitors can ride down in traditional wicker toboggan sledges.

Best weather: May – Sep

STOP 2 OF 2 · LAST STOP

Sete Cidades

Sete Cidades is a volcanic crater on the island of São Miguel in the Azores. Its floor holds two connected lakes, one green and one blue, linked to a legend of a shepherd and a princess. The Vista do Rei viewpoint looks down over the lakes and the village. Trails run around the rim of the crater.

Best weather: May – Sep

Seasons from 20 years of NASA POWER climate data.

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