Did you know that Madeira, the small Portuguese island in the Atlantic Ocean, is a hiking paradise? There are over 450 trails scattered throughout the entire island. But if you are visiting Madeira for a couple of days, it’s safe to say that it’s not possible to do all of Madeira’s hikes on your trip.
Here is a selection of the six best hikes according to our experience. Of course, they are of different difficulty levels, but we ensure that all will lead you to the most beautiful places in Madeira.
How to Best Enjoy Madeira Hike?
Rent a Car! Madeira is a huge island. Although public transportation works pretty good there, the best places are the remote ones. You don’t want to spend half a day getting to them, while you could reach them in one to two hours by car. Here is a tool we trust to compare the best car rental deals in Madeira.
1) Verada do Areeiro (PR.1): The Best Hike in Madeira!
Distance: 7 km (one way)
Duration: 3,5-4 hours (one way)
Difficulty: Moderate to hard: you don’t have to hike all the way to Pico do Ruivo to enjoy the landscapes. You can enjoy the stunning panorama while walking a tiny part of the trail.
The PR1 Levada hike, considered the most famous on the island, is one of Madeira’s incredible trails and was definitely the highlight of our trip to Madeira. It connects the two highest peaks – Pico do Arieiro (1817 m) and Pico Ruivo (1862 m). If you choose to walk the west trail, you’ll also see Pico das Torres (1 853 m).
Since the trail is above 1500m, you’ll be walking above the clouds for the most part of the hike, which is truly a fantastic experience. The scenery is simply stunning!
The starting point of the hike is Pico do Areeiro. It’s about a 45-minute drive from Funchal, the island’s largest city and a base of many tourists. There’s a big parking lot where you can park your car or where a bus can drop you off. It’s pretty convenient as you’ll also find an observation deck, a small cafe, and a gift shop.
I suggest you start the hike either half an hour before the sunrise and catch the fantastic sky colors while you are on the trail. This is an excellent option if you want to avoid the crowd. The second option is to enjoy the golden hour of the sunrise at Pico da Arieiro with the crowd before embarking on the trail, which we did.
The first kilometer of the trail was probably the most epic. We really enjoyed the dramatic staircases. Although it may appear a little dangerous, the trail is well maintained and supported by handrails and chains. It is entirely safe.
Your first stop and one of the most impressive viewpoints on this hike is Ninho da Manta. What we really enjoyed was that it wasn’t as crowded as some other viewpoints on the way, and we had plenty of space to enjoy the view.
Good for birdwatching, it’s a nesting area for many birds, including Zino’s petrel, Europe’s most endangered seabird. From this viewpoint, you’ll see Fajã da Nogueira and the town of São Roque do Faial. On the way, you’ll encounter some volcanic tuff caves and beautiful mountain flowers.
Later you’ll reach Pedra Rija, where you can enjoy picturesque villages and a phenomenal view of the mountain range. Overall, this hike offers many possibilities, making it one of the best Madeira hikes that we were lucky to do.
The final and most challenging part of this trail is a climb uphill to Pico Ruivo. As it’s the highest peak, you’ll observe the whole island! But the views from the peak will be a worthy reward to any adventurer. We spotted Curral das Freiras, Porto Santo, and Ponta de São Lourenço.
Tips for Verada do Areeiro (PR.1)
Make sure to pack your best hiking shoes and a flashlight. This hike includes a total of five tunnels, and we encountered quite a few steep slopes.
Some of the tunnels are longer and darker than the others. You’ll need to have some physical preparation, but it’s not impossible for beginners.
If you want to hike with kids, make sure they already have extensive prior hiking experience.
2) Verada do Pico Ruivo (PR1.2)
Distance: 2.8km (one way)
Duration: 1,5-2 hours (one way)
Difficulty: Easy. This hike can be an independent venture or an ending to your PR.1 hike.
Since PR1 isn’t a loop hike, you’d have to go back to taking the same trail. We decided to go with a more accessible but more expensive option as I injured my foot on my PR1 hike.
If you continue onto Achadas Teixeira in Santana, you’ll find a parking lot. From there, you can ride back to Pico do Areeiro in a taxi or an Uber. The fare back to Pico Ruivo will cost you 60 EUR. Make sure to order it in advance by asking a local staff representative at Pico Ruivo shelter.
Tip:
Luckily, we didn’t need to drive back there. Instead, we had a ride directly to the hotel where we were staying in Santa Cruz. It cost us about 30€.
The network on the parking lot is kinda bad. When you get lucky, try to order an Uber as it is much cheaper than a normal taxi in Madeira.
Many people prefer to hike PR1.2 separately as it’s the easiest and fastest way to get to Madeira’s highest peak. The trail starts at Achadas Teixeira and ends at Pico Ruivo. Out of all possible Madeira hikes, it’s an easy one, so it’s more family-friendly and doesn’t require any specific equipment. At the beginning of the trail, there’s a famous basalt rock formation called the Standing Man.
The trail presents excellent views of the Ribeira Seca valley with Pico das Torres and Pico do Areeiro in the background. You’ll also see Penha de Águia, São Lourenço, the Santana mountain range, and Queimadas Forest Park. We also enjoyed a beautiful view of the Ribeira Grande valleys and the Ribeira dos Arcos.
3)Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço (PR8)
Distance: 7 km (roundtrip)
Duration: 2-3 hours (one way)
Difficulty: moderate
In this hike, you will find some of the finest cliff scenery in Madeira! We spent a couple of hours hiking along the peninsula and climbing over the rocks. This area was surprisingly busy, but we managed to get off the beaten path and enjoy some isolated views.
Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço is close to Funchal (a 30-minute drive) and is very unusual and popular. Shaped like a tail of the island, it is a rocky trail leading to São Lourenço, the most eastern part of the island.
The layers on the rocks tell the story of an island formed by a submarine volcano million years ago. The area is also home to one of the largest seagulls colonies and an excellent site to spot the world’s rarest seal.
With its orange rock formations and incredible ocean views, this trail is a must-do. Out of all Madeira trails, this one gives the finest cliff scenery.
Here you’ll attend one of the island’s most prominent viewpoints, Pico do Furado, where you can indulge in the magnificent vistas of the ocean. During your walk, you’ll also see the Ilhas Desertas or Deserted Islands and Porto Santo Islands in the distance.
In the end, take refuge at the Sardinha house and dive into the Sardinha port. The hike wasn’t challenging, but it got pretty windy on the day we went. So make sure to wear the appropriate clothes and mind the edges if hiking with children.
4) Vereda das 25 Fontes (PR6) & Levada do Risco (PR6.1)
Distance: 11 km (roundtrip)
Duration: 3-4 hours (one-way)
Difficulty: moderate
Going on Madeira hikes also means waterfall chasing. That’s why a combination of these levadas is one of the most popular on the island. This area is home to 25 beautiful waterfalls, a beautiful Risco waterfall, and many regional flora and fauna species.
We quickly managed to combine these parallel trails for a more exciting hiking experience.
The best and most common starting point is Rabaçal. You can leave your car at the parking lot and walk your way up to the Casa de Rabaçal or The Rabaçal Forestry House. If you’d like to save some energy and time, there are also shuttle buses available. They cost from 3 to 5 EUR and go along the 2km paved road.
In the beginning, you enter the majestic Laurisilva forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then, keep walking the trail until you find a magnificent lagoon with waterfalls streaming down.
Look for a bridge crossing the Ribeira Grande or the Great Stream to see a beautiful cascade and the prominent Risco waterfall. From this point, we could see the waterfall in all its beauty. However, it’s also a point from where we could turn back.
Tip
The hiking trails in Madeira are split into two groups:
Levadas – Verada walks are well-maintained paths running along water, which makes it a calming experience. You’ll be walking alongside scenic nature background and admiring the most incredible vistas.
Veredas – Vereda trails are up in the mountains of Madeira. They are frequently more challenging and offer amazing panoramas.
You’ll have to go through a long tunnel called Tunnel do Rabaçal, making sure to have the appropriate gear. If traveling with kids, keep in mind that this hike is one of the most crowded Madeira hikes.
5) Levada do Caldeirao Verde (PR9)
Distance: 13km (roundtrip)
Duration: 3,5-5 hours
Difficulty: moderate
Located in Santana, this popular trail begins in the Queimadas Forestry Park and leads you along the stunning Levada of Caldeirão Verde.
The 13km hike is relatively flat and should take a bit more than 5 hours to return. The trail starts after the charming fairytale house Casa de Abrigo das Queimadas and the small cafe and a parking lot. On the way, you’ll see waterfalls, cross a few tunnels (don’t forget your headlight), and get glimpses of the valley below.
This walk is like inside the jungle with many plants like Madeira laurel, blueberry, Japanese cedars, and European beech. On our way, we saw a small community called Achada do Marques, but a far more exciting view was the valley of São Jorge village.
The final point attracting many visitors every year is the stunning 100m high Caldeirão Verde waterfall, falling into a cold and crystal-clear lagoon, known as the Caldeirão Verde lake. You can’t reach the waterfall up close, but you can take a break, have a small picnic, and enjoy the view before you head back.
Although considered moderate, the PR9 hike features some steep slopes and cliffs, so we recommend avoiding it if you’re exploring with children.
There are also four tunnels carved by hand out of the rock, dark and low. Make sure to pack a flashlight and wear something to protect your head. Since the trail is mostly inside the forest, wear warmer clothing (waterproof is best).
6)Vereda dos Balcões (PR11)
Distance: 2.7 km (roundtrip)
Duration: 1 hour (roundtrip)
Difficulty: easy
Located within an hour’s drive from Funchal, this hike is one of the shortest and most comfortable Madeira trails. It’s ideal for families as the area is well maintained, the paths are wide and flat. The trail starts at the abovementioned Ribeiro Frio. It then goes along the Levada of Serra do Faial and leads to the Balcões viewpoint.
Excellent shot from the Digital Travel Couple
It is where we were totally surrounded by the typical Madeira greenery. Other than the Laurisilva forest view, you can find some exclusive Madeira plants like laurel, mahogany, blueberry, and orchids. It’s also a perfect birdwatching area. If you’re lucky, then you might meet a firecrest, Madeira forest’s smallest bird, and a rare long-toed pigeon.
Prepare yourself (and your camera!) for a unique view opening up from the viewpoint. Then, indulge in Madeira’s magic and beauty by eyeing the stunning Ribeira da Metade valley.
For us, the best feature was the view of the island’s central mountain chain, including the three highest peaks – Pico do Areeiro, Pico das Torres, Pico Ruivo. The view also includes Pico do Gato, Penha de Águia, and the Fajã da Nogueira hydroelectric plant.
7) Vereda to Fanal Hike
Distance: 11km (not circular)
Duration: 3,5-5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
This hike is about 11 km and unfortunately not circular. However it is so rich in terms of landscapes and views. The trail crosses the famous Fanal forest and gives you a “horror-movie-like” experience once you are in the forest. Fanal is known to be foggy almost all over the year and this gives it the mysterious charm.
This hike goes also through other amazing views and has one of those famous stairs in the mountains of Madeira.
Tip: try to organize this hike in two cars as it is not circular. It is worth the organization.
Tips & Tricks for a Comfortable Hike in Madeira
It doesn’t matter if you’re an experienced hiker or a complete beginner. No matter the skill level, Madeira is an incredible destination with something for everyone. But hiking is a sport, so here are a few tips and tricks based on our experience.
Where is the Best Place to Stay in Madeira?
Most travelers stay in Funchal or Santa Cruz. This is because they are in the main region of the island. In addition, its strategic location makes it easy to get to the main attractions within 1-hour maximum. We stayed at the Village Hotel Stant Cruz, and we loved it.
Nevertheless, places such as Santana and Seixal are also worth trying. Here are the best stays in the region.
Handy Apps to Use for your Madeira Hikes
WalkeMe App
One of the most useful apps to use while hiking trails is the WalkMe App, it even works offline if you pay $4 for the pro version. The app offers about 50 of the main hikes and is really worth the price.
AllTrails & Wikiloc
We also used the famous AllTrails and Wikiloc to discover some other routes people had done in the past. However both of AllTrails and Wikiloc are community-based, so don’t trust all of their content. We use them just for inspiration and to get a feeling about the area.
Maps.me
Maps.me is also famous for its practical use offline. Because of the high mountains of Madeira, your phone will be out of network quite often and you won’t be able to check things on the internet.
Check Webcams for real-time conditions
There are lots of webcams around the island. They can help you decide whether it’s a good moment for a certain hike. You know that the weather in Madeira is quite unpredictable. so don’t always rely only on the weather forecast. Real-time checking is also useful, You can see all of the Madeira webcams here.
Check Weather Conditions and Trail Operation Beforehand
Although pleasant throughout the year, Madeira is still an island that has different seasons. That’s why we always made sure to check the weather and conditions like fog before heading out for the trail. Occasionally, some parts might be closed or inaccessible, so it’s essential to plan. You can find all this information on this Madeira trails condition website.
Keep in mind that the weather in mountain areas changes relatively fast, and the rain is sometimes unpredictable.
Stay Hydrated and Bring Snacks
Most Madeira hikes, designed for tourists, have a small store, kiosk, or cafe with refreshments. Yet, it’s best to rely on yourself first and bring water and snacks for a few reasons.
First, the store can be closed for some reason, especially if you’re chasing a sunrise or a sunset. Second, some walks feature high altitudes, making you feel strange (more so if you’re a newbie). Third, we always bring some snacks and usually opt for sweet stuff like dried blueberries rather than salty food.
Bring Appropriate Footwear, Clothing, and Gear
We can’t stress this point enough. Even if the hike is easy, the weather seems stable, and everything paints a perfect picture. It is nature, and everything can change in minutes.
The best hikes in Madeira need to be enjoyed to the fullest. Most of the trails we explored include tunnels, going through a forest or a water area, and some are very steep and wet. To avoid any hassle, keep all these things in mind before you go. Using trekking poles might be a good idea, too.
Many adventurous travelers even camp on those incredible trails. But, if you want to get out of your comfort zone and try this unique experience, be sure you are well prepared. Also, make sure you have all your camping essentials ready.
Final thoughts about The Best Hikes in Madeira
Whether you are with friends, a couple or a solo traveler in Madeira, it is an ideal destination for those longing for an island experience that is more than just lazily lying around at the beach. Old town vibes (hello, Funchal!), historical places like Santana and Madeira’s trails offering crazy-good views of the mountains and the sea.
By the way, driving in Madeira is an adventure of its own! It is so much fun and gives you that extra shot of adrenaline. However, you should be careful about it.
All of this fits on the small Portuguese island, separated from the mainland, and surrounded by the turquoise Atlantic Ocean. If you want to explore Portugal, Madeira will be a superb inspirational start to your journey or an exciting and relaxing finale.
For more inspiration about what to do in Madeira, we strongly recommend reading this article about The 17 Epic Things To Do in Madeira (Hikes, Views and culture).
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