Madeira is a Portuguese piece of land barely visible on a map, isolated in the Atlantic Ocean, off the northwest coast of Africa.
Nicknamed “the island of flowers” or “the garden of the Atlantic”, the territory has many assets: a temperature generally between 15°C and 20°C all winter long, a landscape with lush vegetation but also with a volcanic aspect and, to crown it all, 2000 km of paths that wind around the island along the levadas.
These irrigation canals, classified by UNESCO, which run through the primary forest, wind their way through the island, creating many hiking routes that lead into the intimacy of Madeira.
From short easy walks to the longest straddling the ridges, Madeira reveals itself as a trekking land likely to delight all hikers, regardless of their level and expectations.
Top 7 Breathtaking Hikes in Madeira
For backpackers looking to explore new wild paradises, here are the best hikes to do in Madeira!
With its mild climate, its subtropical vegetation, and its 2000 km of paths, the Portuguese island of Madeira has everything to please. It has long reigned as the only mistress, since the island and its archipelago were discovered late by sailors.
Unlike other volcanic islands, Madeira has the particularity of being very green.
Thus, the vegetation coexists in harmony with the dark rock and the turquoise water to compose an idyllic picture.
And you may be one of the lucky ones who have the privilege to explore its numerous and varied paths! To guide you, we present here the most beautiful hikes in Madeira.
Pico de Ariero (PR1)
🦸 Difficulty: Hard
👣 Type of hike: Out & back
🥾 Distance: 10.8km
↗️ Elevation gain: 1180m
⏳ Duration Average: 8h15
📌 Departure from Parking Pico de Ariero
👉 Trail link: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/portugal/madeira–2/pr1-pico-do-arieiro-pico-ruivo
This mountain hike requires a minimum of physical preparation and equipment.
A fabulous but demanding hike that leads through exceptional panoramas and vertiginous peaks to the highest summit of the island.
Although the route is completely safe, it may not be suitable for people prone to vertigo.
The trail is fully paved from start to finish and includes tunnels.
Discover Madeira’s mountains with this spectacular high-altitude hike. In about 10 kilometers, you will have the privilege to explore the three highest peaks of the island.
In the process, you may well walk above the clouds, which will make the experience even more impressive!
But you will be more than rewarded for your efforts by the breathtaking panoramas that will be offered to you.
And once you reach Pico Ruivo, you can stretch your legs with a snack at the refuge.
25 Fontes (PR6)
🦸 Difficulty: Easy
👣 Type of hike: Round trip
🥾 Distance: 8.6 km
↗️ Elevation gain: 564 m
⏳ Duration average: 2h30
📌 Departure in: the parking lot along with the ER 110 at the junction to Rabaçal
👉 Trail Link: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/portugal/madeira–2/la-cascata-das-25-fontes
The cascata das 25 Fontes remains without any doubt one of the most popular walks of the island, and we will increase the difficulty by aiming at the cascata do Risco, situated slightly higher.
The hike starts on a high plateau and it passes over a levada to a small reservoir into which several levadas flows.
The way back is down a stone staircase and then along the 25 springs of the Levada that is why this hike is called “25 fontes” meaning 25 springs.
Here you can balance a bit and watch rainbow trout and at the end there is another very beautiful waterfall and expect at the end a half-mile-long tunnel. You will need a flashlight to walk in the tunnel.
The landscape is very beautiful however there are too many people. If you are looking for peace and solitude, you should avoid this route.
Levada do Caldeirão Verde (PR9)
🦸 Difficulty: Moderate
👣 Type of hike: Out & back
🥾 Distance: 11.7 km
↗️ Elevation gain: +1264 m
⏳ Duration average: 4h
📌 Departure in: Parque das Queimadas
👉 Trail link: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/portugal/porto-and-the-north/levada-do-caldeirao-verde
After the sea and the mountains, this hike in Madeira will make you discover another aspect of the island’s landscape.
Indeed, you will have here the impression to be in the heart of the jungle, thanks to luxuriant vegetation.
But also because the places are often wet! Thus, the vertiginous cliffs are often covered with a mist which makes the scenery even more mysterious.
During your walk, of moderate difficulty, you will have the opportunity to discover several nuggets.
The main one, without a doubt, is the superb waterfall at the end. Moreover, it is to note that you will borrow several tunnels. Therefore, we can only advise you to bring a flashlight.
Ponta de São Lourenço (PR8)
🦸 Difficulty: Moderate
👣 Type of hike: Out & back
🥾 Distance: 7.4 km
↗️ Elevation gain: +412 m
⏳ Duration average: 3h30
📌 Departure in: Miradouro de Sao Lourenço
👉 Trail link: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/portugal/madeira–2/ponta-de-sao-lourenco
A hike at the eastern end of Madeira in the only semi-desert environment of the island.
Beautiful landscapes on top of colorful cliffs, beautiful views of the sea, and a great change of scenery.
This exploration of São Lourenço Point is one of the most essential hikes in Madeira.
Indeed, it will take you to discover a spectacular peninsula. This spit of land unfolds in deep blue waters and will offer you a superb view of the ocean.
Moreover, the show is even more magical at the end of the day, under a golden light.
And we advise you to avoid the hot hours because the path, at times quite physical, is entirely open.
So don’t forget to bring sunscreen and a good quantity of water! But the restaurant located at the end of the path will also be an opportunity to refresh you if needed.
Curral das freiras
🦸 Difficulty: Easy
👣 Type of hike: Out & back
🥾 Distance: 6.3 km
↗️ Elevation gain: +722 m
⏳ Duration average: 2h30
📌 Departure in: Hidden stairway to Eira do Serrado in Nuns Valley
👉 Trail: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/portugal/madeira–2/curral-das-freiras-e-caminho-das-voltas
Curral das Freiras e Caminho das Voltas is a 6.3 kilometer round trip trail with little traffic located near Curral das Freiras, Madeira, Portugal.
We will advise you to start from the bottom to the top.
The trail will introduce you to wildflowers and its difficulty is rated as moderate. The trail offers several activities and is accessible all year round.
95% of the time you will be going up the steps. The real plus is the view from above which is quite breathtaking and it can easily be done with children.
Easy hike as long as your ankles and knees are in good condition!
Vereda dos Balcões (PR11)
🦸 Difficulty: Easy
👣 Type of hike: Out & back
🥾 Distance: 2.6 km
↗️ Elevation gain: +117 m
⏳ Duration average: 1h30
📌 Departure in: Parque PR 10 Levada do Furado
👉 Trail: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/portugal/madeira–2/pr11-vereda-dos-balcoes
This hike is short but it’s unforgettable. It starts on the island of Ribeiro Frio and ends up in the fabulous Madeira Balconies while weaving through the unique flora of Madeira.
Vereda Dos Balcões is the ideal trail if you want to do a small hike but get the best views of Madeira’s highest peaks.
With a short walk of 1.5 km to and from the viewpoint, it is an ideal hike for families and those looking for an exceptionally scenic spot without the need to walk for hours.
The trail guides you through a forest and at the end of this forest, you will see a breathtaking view of the Pico Ruivo, Madeira’s highest peak at 1862 meters.
This place is also the place par excellence predestined for the observation of birds of a fabulous diversity whose chirping will amaze the visitors.
Among these charming little creatures are the Madeira Kinglet, the Tree Chaffinch, the Wagtail, the Blackbird, the Robin, the Buzzard, the Trocas Pigeon, and many more.
Verada do Fanal (PR 13)
🦸 Difficulty: Moderate
👣 Type of hike: Loop
🥾 Distance: 10.8 km
↗️ Elevation gain: +459 m
⏳ Duration average: 3h
📌 Departure in: PR13 Parque
👉 Trail link: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/portugal/madeira–2/vereda-do-fanal
The Vereda do Fanal hike, drives you to the heart of the laurissilva forest.
Its route takes you through the spooky Fanal forest through the unstructured trees which give an incredible landscape on this long ridge, for over 10 kilometers.
You can observe on the left: the Ribeira da Janela valley and if you turn your head on the right: the Chão da Ribeira valley.
This route seems to belong 10 km long however its difficulty is medium because it has no positive difference in altitude (100 m) and a negative difference in altitude of 400 m.
Rota da Banana – Madalena do Mar (RB 1) +bonus
🦸 Difficulty: Very Easy
👣 Type of hike: Loop
🥾 Distance: 1.9 km
↗️ Elevation gain: 37 m
⏳ Duration average: 1h
📌 Departure in Madalena do Mar
👉 Trail link: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/portugal/madeira–2/rota-da-banana-madalena-do-mar
We have added this walk as a bonus for bananas lovers and for those who want to explore the banana fields in Madeira!
The location of Madalena do Mar and its climate have contributed to the development of the largest banana plantations on the island.
During your walk between the different plots of banana trees, you can see many bunches of bananas, some of which are wrapped in a blue plastic bag.
The banana trees are numerous and their flower is really impressive.
Is Madeira good for walking?
The island of flowers is a natural playground for walking: the island is full of natural treasures that should be discovered throughout the trip and which will allow you to make unforgettable excursions: primary forest, waterfalls, levadas, mountains or seaside.
The paths are very well maintained, marked out, and it is a network of more than 3000 km which offers itself to the walkers.
There are routes for all levels, and there are two different denominations to group them together:
- Levadas, walks along Madeira’s irrigation tunnels
- Veredas, which means “paths” and is a more general term.
The most important hikes are listed as PR, and are officially recommended.
But there are many others, which you can adapt to your liking and your physical condition, the important thing is to enjoy yourself and to recharge your batteries.
You should not forget to be well equipped, some routes were more difficult and dangerous than others. Safety is an important point not to be neglected.
How many hikes are in Madeira?
There are over 450 hikes in Madeira.
Madeira is the hiker’s paradise. When you ask the question, what to do in Madeira? This is the first answer that comes to mind: HIKING!
What is the best Levada walk in Madeira?
The best Levada walk is Levada do Caldeirão Verde (PR9).
If you are looking for a more quiet and moderate – not so easy either walk we would advise this one.
