madeira, portugal
dates flexible to suit you
 

itinerary

DAy 01

Guest will be arriving into Funchal airport throughout the day and we ask them to make their own way to the accommodation in Sao Vincente. The most convenient way to hire a car from the airport. From here its an easy and scenic 1-hour drive.  Having a car provides you with additional freedom to explore the island post running and take in the many additional wonders. Guest meet the team over an evening meal and we'll save some for those of you arriving late. 

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day 02

Wake early to breakfast. Warm-up, stretch and take a final kit check before we take a short transfer (20 minutes) for the start to head out on the first of our trail runs (approx. 4-5hrs). Starting in Ribeira da Janela we run along Madeira's famous irrigation channels (levadas) and through Laurel forest before finishing with a dip in the natural sea-pools of Seixal. We transfer back (10 minutes) to base and have a simple but tasty lunch and spend the afternoon relaxing or exploring. The team and guests reconvene over dinner at the villa.

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day 03

After breakfast, we transfer back to Seixal and continue on our trail running journey. We follow the trail with a consistent and steep climb to Pico Ruivo do Paul, the highest point of the day. We take a moment to take in the spectacular views before descending again through a protected forest. The decedent is far more gentle and provides some easy running. Back at the villa lunch and optional stretch & strength class will be available (30-45mins), or just unwind ahead of the evening meal.

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DAY 04

Rest. Breakfast will be served at the villa but the remainder of the day is yours to explore the island or just unwind closer to base. Lunch and dinner on this day are not included but there are several options in Sao Vicente and other towns along the coast.

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DAY 05

Heading out from the accommodation we make a short (15 minute) transfer to our start point, Fajo do Penedo. From here we traverse back to Sao Vincente and the accommodation. This is one of the longer days of the retreat with the first half more of a run/hike as we head up to the central ridge-line of Madeira. With 1250m of ascent, we reach our highest point of the week, Pico de Jorge (1691m). After this, we start an undulating descent picking up a few more peaks and return to the villa. The afternoon will be free for rest and recovery. Dinner will be plentiful, nutritious and cooked by one of the team

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DAY 06

After an early breakfast, we transfer to the small town of Santana on the north-west coast. This will be the longest transfer of the trip due to the scenic but windy roads and will take approximately 45 minutes. Once here we take a quick look at the local 'casas tipicas' before setting set off on our final trail run of the week. Once again rise through the lush settings on a series of meandering trails, With the major climb out the way, we continue to rise and fall along the way. With 19km under the belt, we make our final short but steep descent on tired legs. Reaching our destination Fajo do Penedo, a short transfer (15 minutes) back to Sao Vincente and our final day of the trail running adventure is complete. 

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DAY 07

Treat yourself to an extra hour or two in bed, you've earned the rest. The team and guests share breakfast before saying farewells, until next time.

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