Madeira is a paradise for hikers! We discovered breathtaking landscapes. This Portuguese island offers a diversity of exceptional trails, from picturesque levadas to breathtaking peaks, wild coastlines and lush forests. Not to mention its spellbinding volcanic landscapes. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or an occasional walker, we’ve found Madeira has itineraries to suit all levels.
Here’s our selection of Madeira’s best hikes, with useful tips in pictures!
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We made our own choices, visited the area anonymously, and paid our bills in full.
Madeira’s best walks: map
In Madeira, we loved walking the trails through the lush vegetation, admiring the breathtaking scenery, the mountainous terrain and the famous Levadas! Whether you’re an experienced walker or a beginner, the island offers a multitude of trails for all levels. During our stay, we explored Madeira and its many attractions. But we didn’t forget to take advantage of the many hiking trails to discover the island’s extraordinary nature.
Here’s a map to help you find your way around:
If you only need to do 3, we recommend it:
- The walk from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo, to explore Madeira’s peaks
- A walk along the Levada das 25 Fontes, to discover the island’s mythical irrigation canals
- The Ponta de Sao Louranço hike to Madeira’s volcanic peninsula
1. From Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo – PR1 (above the clouds)
Why go there? Our review
This hike is one of Madeira’s must-dos! You’ll discover the island’s 3 highest peaks, starting with Pico do Arieiro at 1818m. We loved it for everything we saw along the way: the lush valley and the ocean, the craggy peaks licked by the mist. Also fauna, flora and sunrise over the sea of clouds. We promise you that there’s nothing monotonous about this excursion!
Explore Madeira’s peaks at sunrise with a round-trip transfer from your hotel. See prices and book
Useful tips
- Location: in the central east of the island.
From Funchal, Porto da Cruz or Machico, it’s a 40-minute drive to Pico do Arieiro. It’s not possible to get there by public transport. - Access: the road to the start of the hike is easily accessible. There’s ample parking at the foot of the trail.
- Check if the trail is open here
- Type of route: round trip
- Duration: 12km round trip between Pico do Arieiro and Pico Ruivo. Plan between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m.
- Difficulty: difficult
- Best time: this trail is accessible all year round. We recommend you start walking early in the morning, as the route is not shaded.
- Infrastructure: In the parking lot, you’ll find a building with a snack bar, toilets (for a fee), an information center and a souvenir store.
To find out more, read our article dedicated to this incredible hike!
WHERE TO STAY IN Madeira
Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
2. Ponta de Sao Louranço – PR8 (volcanic rock and sea view)
Why visit it? Our review
We loved the Ponta de São Lourenço hike! This not-to-be-missed excursion to Madeira’s volcanic tip, known as the “dragon’s tail”, takes in the island’s volcanic peninsula. We enjoyed walking through this semi-desert landscape shaped by the wind and the ocean.. This trail, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, offers spectacular panoramic views, in stark contrast to the lush green of Madeira..
Another reason to discover this part of the island is the Ponta de São Lourenço Nature Reserve. Unique flora and fauna thrive here. Here you can find rare and endemic plants, as well as numerous lizards and seabirds.. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a Mediterranean Monk Seal!
Explore the Ponta de Sao Louranço on a guided tour with pick-up from Funchal, Caniço or Machico – find out more and book
Useful tips
- Location: at the eastern end of the island, near Caniçal.
From Funchal: 40min drive
From Porto da Cruz: 25min - Access: easy access to the trailhead via a paved road
- Check if the trail is open here
- Type of route: round trip
- Duration: 6km round trip, between 3 and 4 hours’ walk
- Difficulty: moderate. The path is well-marked and safe. Numerous staircases to climb and descend punctuate the route, which can be windy and where there is no shade.
- Best time: we recommend leaving early in the morning to take advantage of the beautiful morning light and avoid the heat.
- Infrastructure: There’s a large parking lot at the end of the road leading to the hike. At certain times of the year, a food truck sets up in the area and provides toilets (for a fee). At the end of the peninsula, there’s a restaurant: Sardinha.
3. Levada das 25 Fontes – PR6 (not to be missed)
Why go there? Our review
The PR6 trail, also known as the Levada das 25 Fontes hike, is one of Madeira’s must-sees! We found this hike truly breathtaking. In fact, it’s one of the most beautiful hikes on the island! Here’s what’s in store:
- You’ll enter a lush valley
- You’ll travel along a Levada, the famous traditional irrigation channels.
- You’ll marvel at the splendid trees and lush greenery.
- We recommend taking a break in front of the 25 Fontes waterfall, where water gushes out of the rocks.
- The more adventurous can continue on to the majestic Risco waterfall.
We loved this hike, which offers total immersion in the island’s natural beauty. To find out more, read our article dedicated to the Levada das 25 Fontes hike.
Useful tips
- Location: west of the island, on the Paul da Serra Plateau.
From Funchal: 50min drive.
From Calheta Beach: 20min drive
From Ribeira Brava: 40min - Access: The official start is at the Maison Rabaçal, at the bottom of the valley. You’ll need to park at the Rabaçal parking lot. A shuttle bus (for a fee) runs the 2km from the parking lot to the start. It’s not possible to get there by public transport.
- Check if the trail is open here
- Type of route: round trip.
- Duration: Between 5 and 11km and between 3 and 5h depending on your starting point (parking lot or official start). + 1.5km round trip if you continue to Cascade de Risco.
- Difficulty: this route is of moderate difficulty. There are no particular obstacles on the way, apart from a number of stairs.
- Best time: As this is a very popular walk on the island, we recommend early morning or late afternoon for sunrise or sunset.
- Infrastructure: there’s a snack bar and toilets at the starting point, but there’s nothing else along the way.
Let yourself be guided along the Levada Das 25 Fontes trail on a small-group excursion – Find out more and book
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING YOUR CAR AT Madeira
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Take a car with a good engine for hilly roads, but not too big for manoeuvring.
- There’s plenty of demand and few cars, so book early.
4. Verada dos Balcoes – PR11 (short, easy and green)
Why go there? Our review
This walk, unlike the others mentioned in the article, is only partly along a Levada. Yet it has nothing to envy them and is even one of our favourite Madeira hikes! We highly recommend this peaceful stroll, especially at the beginning of your stay! Indeed, we found it a perfect introduction to Madeira Island and its treasures. Among other things, you’ll discover..:
- Madeira’s lush flora and fauna
- breathtaking views of the lush green valley, sea and mountain peaks
- a Levada, the island’s typical irrigation canal, built in the 16th century
To find out more, read our article dedicated to the Verada dos Balcoes walk.
Useful tips
- Location: central eastern part of the island, near Ribeiro Frio.
From Funchal: 40min drive
From Porto da Cruz: 25min - Access: The starting point is along the ER103 mountain road. There is no dedicated parking. Ribeiro Frio can be reached by public transport.
- Type of route: round trip.
- Duration: 3km and about 1h round trip.
- Difficulty: this is an easy route. It’s just flat.
- Best moment: It doesn’t matter. However, given that there is no dedicated parking and therefore few parking spaces, arriving early or at the end of the day will make things easier for you.
- Infrastructure: Ribeiro Frio has restaurants and other shops, as well as a café with toilets and a lovely viewpoint halfway along the trail.
5. Levada do Caldeirao Verde – PR9 (magnificent and refreshing)
Why visit it? Our review
The Levada do Caldeirao Verde (PR9) is another of Madeira’s most beautiful hikes. We loved the verdant setting, where you can observe the lush, endemic flora lining the path. The path leads to the Cascade de Caldeirao Verde. This hike is far from boring; the route is punctuated by 5 tunnels hidden among damp rock faces and vegetation. If you wish, you can even complete this exploration with a loop to the beautiful Caldeirao do Inferno waterfall. To find out more, read our article dedicated to the Levada do Caldeirao Verde.
In short, we recommend this hike, which will take you into another world for a few hours. If you don’t have a car, or if you’d like to hike in a group, opt for a half-day guided tour!
Useful tips
- Location: north of the island, near Santana, in the Parque Florestal de Quiemadas.
From Funchal or Sao Vincente about 40min drive.
From Porto da Cruz: 20min - Access: The start is at the parking lot. It’s not possible to get there by public transport.
- Check if the trail is open here
- Type of route: round trip.
- Duration: 13km and about 5h30 round trip. Add 4.5km and around 2h round trip if you wish to continue to the Caldeirao do Inferno waterfall.
- Difficulty: this is an easy route. The path is flat and sometimes narrow, with a few steps and staircases, and the tunnels can be dark.
- Best time: As this is a very popular walk on the island, we recommend you go early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
- Equipment & facilities: bring a raincoat and flashlight. There’s a café and toilets at the starting point, then nothing else along the way.
Read more in our dedicated article!
OUR GUIDE TO PLANNING A Dream trip
- 7 maps that make planning easier
- + 120 pre-selected locations
- Practical advice
- + 260 photos to help you choose
6. Verada do Pico Ruivo – PR1.2 (breathtaking view)
Why go there? Our review
The Vereda do Pico Ruivo hike (PR1.2) is an emblematic Madeira trail! It leads to one of the island’s highest peaks: Pico Ruivo at 1862m. We highly recommend this eye-popping walk. We were amazed by the breathtaking views over the mountains and valleys. Depending on the weather, you can admire the clouds licking the mountain tops and stretching as far as the eye can see. An extraordinary show that made a real impact on our trip.
Why not opt for a guided sunrise hike on Pico Ruivo, with hotel pick-up? To find out more
Useful tips
- Location: north-east of the island, near Santana.
From Funchal or Porto Moniz: 1h drive - Access: easy access to the start. The route is via a paved road from Santana, which is easy to drive. At the end of the road, you’ll find the large Achada do Teixeira parking lot.
- Check if the trail is open here
- Type of route: round trip
- Duration: 6km round trip for about 3 hours’ walking.
- Difficulties: We found the whole trail easy, but depending on your level of fitness, the final climb to the summit may be less easy. We simply recommend that you take your time to browse it. Note that there is no shade on the trail.
- Best time: we think the best time is at dawn. So you can admire the sunrise and the rocky peaks above the clouds.
- Infrastructure: there’s a restaurant in the pay toilet parking lot at the foot of Pico Ruivo, before the final ascent.
7. Verada do Fanal – PR13 (unusual)
Why visit it? Our review
This walk through Madeira’s Laurissilva Forest (which includes the Fanal Forest), a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a real delight! Perched at an altitude of 1437m, you’ll discover century-old trees with twisted shapes. For once, if you can, we recommend visiting this site on a foggy day. All the more mystical for the experience! We learned that this native forest was once very common in southern Europe and on a large part of the island. Today, one of the largest remaining areas is the Paul da Serra Plateau in Madeira.
Useful tips
- Location: in the center of the island, near Arco da Calheta.
From Funchal: 1h drive
From Porto Moniz: 30min - Access: to reach the Foret de Fanal, take route 209, at the end of which is a large parking lot and the trailhead.
- Type of route: round trip. However, if you prefer, you can take a cab for the outward journey only.
- Duration: 20km and 5h round trip between Plateau Paul da Serra and Fanal.
- Difficulties: nothing to report apart from a few stairs. This is an easy to moderate hike.
- Best part: It’s up to you! If the weather is fine, you’ll enjoy beautiful views over the plateau. If the atmosphere is misty, the experience will be mystical.
- Equipment & facilities: If you’re walking in fog, make sure you follow the trail using the GPS on your phone, with the AllTrails app for example. With reduced visibility, the risk of getting lost is greater. We saw a toilet in the Forêt de Fanal parking lot.
If you don’t have a car, opt for a round-trip transfer to explore the Fanal Forest with ease! See prices and book
OUR FAVORITE ACTIVITY IN Madeira
Catamaran tour to see dolphins and Madeira’s giant cliffs.
8. Rota da Banana – RB1 (easy and short)
Why go there? Our review
This fun little stroll will give you the chance to spend some time under the banana trees. Here, you’ll discover how the famous Levada is actually used at the foot of the mountains. We loved the time we spent in the plantations of Madeira’s famous sweet little bananas.
Useful tips
- Location: Madalena do Mar, southwest of the island.
From Ponta do Sol: less than 10min drive
From Funchal = 30min drive - Access: The starting point is along Rua do IV Centenario. There is no dedicated parking, but you can park in the village. The village can be reached by public transport.
- Type of route: loop.
- Duration: 1.9km and between 10 and 30min depending on your preferences.
- Difficulty: this is a very easy route. It’s all flat and the path is well signposted.
- Best moment: It doesn’t matter.
- Infrastructure: cafés and restaurants in Madalena do Mar
9. Verado do Larano (cliffside, fantastic views)
Why go there? Our review
The Vereda do Larano is a spectacular hike on Madeira’s east coast. We loved this impressive trail along the steep cliffs. It offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the island’s coastal landscapes. Particularly on the famous Penha de Aguia. What’s more, the tour starts along one of Madeira’s famous Levadas! An opportunity to discover the island’s vernacular canals.
Useful tips
- Location: north-east of the island, near Porto da Cruz.
From Funchal: 50min drive and from Sao Vincente: 1h - Access: the trail starts near Machico, next to the old tunnel linking Machico to Caniçal.. This is the most commonly used starting point. You can also start the hike from Porto da Cruz and finish at Machico.
- Type of route: one-way from Porto da Cruz to Machico.
- Duration: 13km and about 4h.
- Difficulty: this is a medium-level walk. No particular difficulties apart from a few steep ascents and descents on a cliffside path.
- Best time: We recommend walking at the beginning or end of the day to avoid the heat.
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10. Pico Grande – PR12 (difficult, 360° view)
Why visit it? Our review
We recommend this route to discover the center of the island, at the end of which you’ll climb Pico Grande! At its summit, you can enjoy a 360° view of Madeira’s landscape.
Useful tips
- Location: in the center of the island, near Vargem.
From Funchal or Porto Moniz: approx. 35min drive - Access: the start is on the Pico Ruivo road, at Miradouro da Encumeada. The road to the start of the hike is easily accessible. There is a small parking lot on site.
- Type of route: round trip
- Duration: 15km and about 7h
- Difficulty: this route is fairly steep, with an ascent of around 1500m.
- Best time: given the duration of this walk, we recommend an early morning start.
- Infrastructure: there’s a café/bar near the Miradouro da Encumeada
11- Levada do Moinho – PR7 (lush)
In our opinion, this mountainside hike is a must on any trip to Madeira:
- You’ll enter the heart of the Laurissilva Primary Forest, a unique ecosystem listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- You’ll come across the ruins of historic watermills linked to the Levadas’ ingenious ancestral irrigation system.
- Of course, we were amazed by the beauty of the landscape and enjoyed observing the terraced farming.
- We also enjoyed a cool tunnel crossing.
- Finally, the Levada do Moinho is no exception, where you’ll cross paths with the Nova waterfall.
To find out more about Levadas, read our article dedicated to Madeira’s best Levadas!
- Location: in the south of the island, near Ponta do Sol.
From Funchal: 34min drive and from Porto Moniz: 50min. - Access: The starting point is at Lombada da Ponta do Sol, next to the church. It’s not possible to get there by public transport.
- Type of route: round trip.
- Duration: 8 to 10km and about 4h30 round trip.
- Difficulty: this route is of moderate difficulty.
There are no particular obstacles apart from a few steps along the way. - Best time: this walk is very popular on the island, especially with trail runners. We recommend an early morning or late afternoon visit for greater peace and quiet.
- Infrastructure: there are a few cafés/restaurants in the starting village, but nothing along the way.
- Check if the trail is open here
Enjoy peace of mind with a round-trip transfer to the Levada do Moinho from Funchal, Ribeira Brava or Câmara De Lobos. Read more
12 – Levada do Rei – PR18 (in the heart of a UNESCO forest)
We recommend this hike for an enchanting trip along the Levada do Rei! You’ll discover a UNESCO World Heritage laurel forest, verdant mountains and a beautiful waterfall to cool off under. You can also observe the island’s endemic flora and fauna, such as the Trocaz Pigeon, a rare and protected species. The famous Levadas tunnels, overgrown with lush vegetation, will also punctuate your journey. All these elements make it one of the most beautiful hikes on the island!
- Location: north of the island, in Sao Jorge.
From Funchal: 55min drive and from Porto da Cruz: 25min. - Access: the starting point is near the Quebradas water treatment plant in Sao Jorge. You can get there by public transport.
- Type of route: round trip.
- Duration: 10km and about 4h round trip.
- Difficulty: this route is of moderate difficulty.
- Best time: This is one of the most popular walks on the island, so we recommend early morning or late afternoon.
- Infrastructure: there are a few cafés/restaurants in the starting village, but nothing along the way.
- Check if the trail is open here
Take a half-day guided tour of the Levada do Rei!
See program and availability.
Tips for hiking in Madeira
Best time to hike in Madeira
In our opinion, Madeira is the perfect destination for all seasons! The climate is mild and stable all year round. In winter, temperatures drop slightly and precipitation increases, but remains moderate. June is the driest month, and the period from March to September is considered the dry season. The best months for hiking are March to June and September. Winter is ideal for admiring the waterfalls, which are more abundant in water. July and August are equally pleasant, although the days are hotter and the trails more crowded.
Checklist before hitting the trails
Here’s our advice before setting off on your Madeira trek:
- Check the weather forecast for your destination. At altitude, conditions can be different from those in the valley, and can change rapidly.
- Check the status of hiking trails. In fact, we noticed that some routes were sometimes closed due to landslides, fire hazards or other dangers. Click here for trail conditions.
- Keep the number of a cab that can take you back to your vehicle for one-way trips.
What equipment do you need for hiking in Madeira?
Here’s what we recommend you pack if you plan to hike during your stay in Madeira:
- Comfortable hiking boots suited to the terrain. The ground can be slippery in places, so a good grip is important.
- Appropriate clothing, including warm layers, sun protection and a raincoat. Madeira’s weather can change rapidly, so it’s best to be prepared for different weather conditions.
- A headlamp or flashlight for the levada tunnels.
- Mosquito spray can also be useful along the levadas.
- An AllTrails-type hiking app to keep track of trails and avoid getting lost. Even if, rest assured, all the paths mentioned in this article are well signposted!
- A survival blanket to slip into your bag. It’s a small object that can be very useful in the event of an injury, for example.
PLAN YOUR STAY IN Madeira
Best of
Things to do in Madeira
Most beautiful viewpoints
Madeira’s most beautiful beaches
Most beautiful gardens
Natural pools
Most beautiful hikes
Most beautiful roads
Secret places
Practical advice
Getting around Madeira
Rent a car in Madeira
Driving in Madeira
Itineraries: 3 days – 4 days – 5 days – 6 days – 7 days – 10 days
