madeira, portugal
dates flexible to suit you
ABOUT THE TRIP
This 6-day trip is an extended version of the retreat weekend we offer and has some truly amazing runs. Madeira an island praised for its inclement weather, nature reserves and irrigation system (Levadas) and has a lot to offer when it comes to trail running. This retreat has a perfect balance of epic runs and relaxation. Combining technical terrain, and high peaks with Laurel forest this trail running journey has it all. Join the Nomadic running community and experience the world one foot at a time.
overview
TRAIL RUNNING: 85 ovER 4 DAYS
total ASCENT: 5500M
DURATION: 4-5 HOURS PER DAY
GRADE: DEMANDING
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6 nights accommodation on a twin share basis
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All meals included, with the exception of rest day lunch & dinner. Food will be healthy and home-cooked by one of the team.
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4 carefully curated guided trail runs. Designed by runners for runners
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Expert running guides throughout. Qualified Leader & Outdoor First Aider and experienced ultra-marathon runner
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Training plan prior to departure
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Exclusive Nomadic Runner discount on future trips
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Unique trail running experience, off the beaten track
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We plant trees! Instead of providing you with another T-shirt or medal, we mitigate the carbon involved with all our guest's flights for the trip
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We offer this as groups only, please contact us to discuss. Typically 6-12 people can be accommodated.
PRICE
FROM £1495 per person
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
GETTING HERE
Fly:
Directly to Funchal Airport which is served by a selection of international and budget airlines including Easyjet and British Airways.
Drive:
Funchal Airport - Accommodation (1hrs)
A host of car rental companies are available at good value prices. This is the most convenient way for guest to see the island, giving you greater freedom to explore outside of trail running or extend your trip beyond.
We recommend car sharing where possible and are able to put you in touch with fellow guests should you be on the same or similar flights.
ACCOMMODATION
Villa style accommodation includes a large communal area for relaxation and socialising. Outdoor space for relaxing and sharing food, which will be both nutritious and plentiful.
The accommodation is in the Sao Vicente region and has been selected for easy access to Funchal City and Madeira airport. This journey style retreat means most trail-heads are either from the villa or a short (20 mins transfer).
Twin rooms are booked on the basis of two sharing, upgrade available for single occupancy in most cases. Please get in touch to find out more.
WHAT YOU NEED
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Comprehensive insurance to cover you for this type of activity.
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In brief, your trail running kit! We'll provide a breakdown of what this might look like upon booking confirmation.
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Flights & transport to and from the accommodation (any transfers to trailheads are included)
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Local currency
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Any necessary visas
IMPORTANT NOTES
For our cancellation policy please see our terms and conditions.
Not included in booking fee:
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Any additional costs that are otherwise not stated under the booking (inc. insurance, additional food, drink & tips)
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Flights and other travel arrangements that fall outside of trip-related transfers
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Additional activities, food and beverages unless otherwise stated
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Personal Insurance
Further Info:
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Although we try our very best to keep to the itinerary and accommodation listed under each trip these are subject to change with little notice due to availability, poor weather, seasonal changes, or other circumstances beyond our control. We will notify guests of any changes at the earliest possible moment.