10 best hikes & levada walks in Madeira (Tips + Map + shorter options)

Best hikes in Madeira - List + Map

Madeira is great for hiking: with some well-maintained paths and stunning scenery. This is one of the best things to do on the island.

To have an overview of the island, you should do at least:

• 1 mountain hike - PR1 Pico do Ariero or part of PR1
• 1 levada walk - PR6 25 fontes waterfall
• 1 volcanic walk - PR8 Ponta de Sao Louranço

Best of Madeira Hiking - Map

To help you get organized and plan your Madeira trip, below is a map with the starting points of the 7 hikes listed in this article:

All my favorite locations (including these 7 hikes) are included in my travel Guide eBook that helps you easily plan your Madeira trip:

Is it dangerous to hike in Madeira? - Top hiking tips to stay safe

• Is it dangerous to hike in Madeira?
  Like everywhere in the world, there are risks to hiking in mountains and along cliffs.
  However, the main hiking trails on Madeira island are well-maintained. Many sections of the walking paths have been secured with cables when there are steep drops.There, it is overall safe on the popular trails.
  However, less popular trails are not as maintained. The level of risk increase and you should take precautions as needed.
• Are levada walks dangerous?
  Levada walks are a specificity of Madeira island. They are along traditional irrigation systems.
  Along the popular ones, trails are well-maintained. However, there is a risk of minor injury because it can be wet and slippery. Plus, trails are narrow and crossing path with other hikers is not the easiest.
  However, on the popular trails, it is overall quite safe.
• Top tips to stay safe - nothing very original:
  Wear proper shoes with good grip
  Bring plenty of water
  Hike early or late to avoid the harsh sun (and cross path with fewer people) - I was first on 2 levada walks and could enjoy the entire first half to the waterfalls on my own.

Guided or not?

• Self-guided walk
  For the 7 following hikes, you don't need a guide. The walking paths are clearly indicated.
• Guided walking tours - hiking Madeira without a car
  However, if you don't want to hike on your own, you can do most of these famous hikes with a guide. For each one, when there is an option, I have added links to the guided tours.

Check hiking trail status

Some hiking routes in Madeira can be close due to landslides, fire hazard or other hazards - always check the status before going - see here

More Madeira hiking tips at the end of article

Where to stay in Madeira for hiking 

• EAST  - For the hikes on the East side of the island, I recommend staying either:
  in Porto da Cruz - for a quiet experience and sea water pools (see best rated accommodations)
  Or in Machico - for a larger town with more restaurants and access to a sandy beach (see best rated accommodations)
• WEST - and for the hikes on the West side of the island, I recommend staying either:
  in Calheta on the South Coast for more restaurants and access to a sandy beach (see best rated accommodations)
  or Sao Vicente on the North shore for a quieter experience (see best rated accommodations).

Discover more on my article about the best areas to stay in Madeira.

#1 - Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo (PR1) 

Why I love this hike...

This is one of the most impressive hikes I have ever done. It connects Pico do Areeiro (1817m - 5961ft) to Pico Ruivo (1862m - 6108ft), the 3rd and 1st highest peaks on the island.
The peaks are sharp and the cliffs dropping straight down around you.
You can see mountains all around, as well as the sea on each side. Plus, along the way, there are caves into the volcanic tuff that were shelters for shepherds.
You will never get bored (unless you are in the clouds). 

Hiking Route - technical details

• Departure point / Accessibility -
  Carpark for Miradouro do Pico do Arieiro - 40min drive from Funchal
  Easy access road from Funchal or From the North Coast (good paved road as it leads to the observatory).
• Finish point -
  Option 1 - the same as the departure point
  Option 2 - Achada do Teixeira and call a cab to come pick you up and drive you back to the first carpark (important budget + take a cab company phone number with you)
• Distance -
  Option 1 - all the way to the top of Pico Ruivo and back = 14km (8.7mi) 
  Option 2 - up to Pico Ruivo and down to Achada do Teixeira = 7km + 2,8km = 9,8km (6mi)
• Average duration -
  Option 1 - 7 to 8h for total return walk
  Option 2 - 3,5h to 4h to get to Pico Ruivo + 1h to 1h30 to walk down to Achada do Teixeira on PR1.2
• Difficulty -
  Moderate to strenuous
  Technically, there is no footing difficulty. There is a well-maintained path and cables to help with the cliff drops.
  However, there are some steep staircases going up and down the entire way.
  It is also not recommended for people with vertigo.
• Facilities -
  There is a café and toilets (for a fee) at Pico do Arieiro.
  There is a café and toilets (for a fee) just before the last climb to Pico Ruivo.
• More pictures on my article about Pico do Arieiro

Tips for this Madeira hiking trail

• Best time to hike -
  Early morning - come for sunrise for 3 reasons: to easily find a spot to park, to have more chance of having the summits about the clouds, and to see the sunrise!
• Check the cloud coverage -
  sometimes the mountains are in the clouds so, it is a lot less impressive - I recommend the app Madeiraweather as it shows the forecast for Pico do Arieiro and Pico Ruivo (but remember that it is only a forecast)
• Bring layers of clothes -
  You are higher in the mountains. It can be cold, it can be wet and it can be warm. Bring layers you can add and remove.
• Sunscreen -
  There is not much shade on the trail. Make sure you wear sunscreen

Shorter Alternatives

• If you cannot manage the full hike, enjoy the first km to Ninho da Manta and Pedra Rija. Last part (with some staircases).  1h to 1h30 round trip as you may take a lot of pictures.
• Or you can choose the short walk to another viewpoint to the right of the boservatory - in 10min you reach Miradouro do Juncal with views of the ridge and towards the sea - on a clear day, you can see the tail of Madeira, Ponta do Sao Louranço.

Guided walking tours from Funchal

If you are worried about doing this hike on your own, or if you want to learn more about the area, you can join a guided tour.
The group hike does version 2 and the transportation is there, waiting for you, to take you back to your hotel in Funchal.
Learn more and check availability
Or book a private transfer (option 2 of the walk as well).

#2 - Ponta de Sao Louranço (PR8) - the coastal hike in Madeira

Why I love this hike...

Ponta de Sao Louranço is the best place on the island to admire the volcanic origin of Madeira.
You walk along the famous "dragon tail" of Madeira surrounded by bare landscapes and colorful rocks.
Along the hike there are many viewpoints with steep cliffs, sea stacks and magnificent views towards the sea or back toward the island.
The peninsula has been beautifully shaped by the elements. It is impressive and colorful!

Hiking Route - technical details

• Departure point / accessibility -
  Ponta de Sao Louranço - 40min drive from Funchal 
  Not far from the town of Caniçal. Good and easy paved road to the large carpark.
• Finish point -
  Same - returning on same path
• Distance -
  6.4km/4mi return to the Sardinha Café
  Add 1.4km return if you climb to the last viewpoint towards the lighthouse (trail with sign closed)
• Average duration -
  3 to 4 hours return
• Difficulty -
  Moderate
  Technically, there are no difficulties. The path is well-marked, maintained and with cables when there are steep drops.
  However, it goes up and down all the time with staircases. Plus, there is no shade and it can be windy.
• Facilities -
  During certain hours / period of the year, a food truck is on the carpark with a toilet box for a fee.
  At the end of the peninsula, there is the Sardinha restaurant with toilets (open only with the restaurant).

Tips for this Madeira hiking trail

• Best time to hike -
  The best times to do this hike are for sunrise - less crowded, not as hot, good colors (if not cloudy), facing the sun - or late afternoon - less crowded, great colors
• Bring layers of clothes - 
  This is a very exposed walking path. The temperature and conditions can change with the wind and cloud coverage. Better bring layers of clothes to adapt.
• Keep your eyes open -
  On this trail you may spot birds, the Madeiran lizard and, if lucky, the rare seal called Sea-wolf.
• Sunscreen -
  There is not much shade on the trail. Make sure you wear sunscreen

Shorter Alternatives

You don't have to do the entire hike.
Actually, I thought the best views were one the first half, where the cliffs are the most impressive.
So you can walk as much as you want and turn around.
And if you want a beautiful view without hiking, you can head to the Ponta do Rosto viewpoint, accessible by car before the carpark, at the roundabout.

Guided walk

If you are worried about doing this hike on your own, or if you want to learn more about the area, you can join a guided tour.
Learn more and see availability

#3 - Verada do Pico Ruivo (PR1.2)

Why I love this hike...

This is great to be able to reach Pico Ruivo, the highest summit on the island (1862m - 6108ft), without having to do the full PR1 hike, if you are not fit enough (or have too much difficulty with vertigo).
This hike offers some splendid views of the mountains and valleys. Plus, when you are above the clouds, sometimes they go high enough to create waterfalls of clouds. This sight is mesmerizing.
It is not as impressive as PR1, but it is a great compromise for views vs level of difficulty.
And, along the way, I really enjoyed the valley with the white dead trees near the restaurant.

Hiking Route - technical details

• Departure point -
  Achada do Teixeira carpark - large carpark - 1h drive from Funchal
  Only one road access from Santana - re-paved in 2021 - easy drive
• Finish point -
  Same - you walk back on the same path
• Distance -
  The return walk is 6km (3.7mi).
• Average duration -
  Around 3h of hiking return. However, the path is technically very easy, so experiences hikers will do it a lot faster
• Difficulty -
  Moderate
  Technically, it is very easy. The path is paved with rocks almost the entire way.
  There is a moderate slope at the beginning, then it is more or less flat and at the end there is a steep climb with stairs up to the summit.
  Some people stay this last climb is difficult. I personally did not think so. With regular stop to take picture and catch your breath, I almost did not feel it (and I am not an experienced hike).
• Facilities -
  There is a restaurant close to the carpark of Achada do Teixeira
  There is a café and toilets (for a fee) just before the last climb to Pico Ruivo.

Tips for this Madeira hiking trail

• Best time to hike -
  Early morning - come for sunrise for 2 reasons: to have more chance of having the summits about the clouds and to see the sunrise!
• Check the cloud coverage -
  Sometimes the mountains are in the clouds so, it is a lot less impressive - I recommend the app Madeiraweather as it shows the forecast for Pico do Arieiro and Pico Ruivo (but remember that it is only a forecast).
  Note that sometimes the carpark is in the clouds, but after a short walk you could be just above them. You never know (you can also see the Arieiro webcam to see if the summits are clear of clouds).
• Bring layers of clothes -
  You are higher in the mountains. It can be cold, it can be wet and it can be warm. Bring layers you can add and remove as needed. 
  Along the way, there are several huts where you can find shelter.
• Sunscreen -
  There is not much shade on the trail. Make sure you wear sunscreen.

Shorter Alternatives

Here you can just climb the first slope to enjoy the views towards Pico do Arieiro. But it is not much of a walk. Maybe 10min one way.
You can also enjoy the path all the way to the restaurant and not do the last climb. At the restaurant, if it is not in the cloud, you will enjoy the beautiful valleys and its dead white trees.

Need to rent a car in Madeira?
My tips:

• Compare car rental prices on my favorite platform: Discovercars.com - one of the best customer-rated comparison sites!
• Choose the car and company you prefer (with enough power for steep roads)
• Consider their full coverage option - I always take it for peace of mind! 
• Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!

See my 36 tips about renting a car in Madeira

#4 - 25 Fontes (PR6) + Risco waterfall (PR6.1) - famous levada walk in Madeira

Why I love this hike...

This is the most famous Levada walk in Madeira.
Head down in the valley to reach the Levada (traditional irrigation channel) and follow the path in lush vegetation.
It leads to a small lagoon and many tiny waterfalls crying on a wall, hence the name of 25 springs.

Plus, on that same path, you can also enjoy a quick detour to the Risco waterfall, dropping 100m (330ft) on the side of the mountain.

Hiking Route - technical details

• Departure point / accessibility -
  Rabaçal carpark along road ER110 - 50min drive
  Mountain roads to reach the carpark but paved and in good condition
  Large carpark
• Finish point -
  Same (return mostly via the same path)
• Distance -
  Option 1 - Shuttle down and back - walk only from the Rabaçal Forestry House - 5km return (3.1mi)
  Option 2 - No shuttle, add 2km (1.24mi) in each direction
  Option 3 - Adding the loop to Risco Waterfall adds 1.6km (1mi) return 
• Average duration -
  Option1 - 2 to 3h
  Option 2 - add 30min down + 30 to 40 min on the way up
  option 3 - add 20 to 30min for the detour
• Difficulty -
  Moderate
  Lots of steep staircase going down at the beginning (and so, up at the end of the walk).
  Technically, it is not difficult. There are narrow areas and it can be slippery, like all levada walks. The hardest part is crossing path with large groups of people.
• Facilities -
  Toilets at the café at the beginning of the trail - not always open
  No place to hide along the way

Tips for this Madeira hiking trail

• Best time to hike -
  I do think that very early is the best time to start. 
  I arrived at sunrise. I was alone on the walk all the way to the lagoon. It was fantastic to enjoy the path and the silence. It also means that I had finished walking the levada when the larger groups were arriving. So it was perfect. The only drawback was the shuttle was not operating yet when I arrived. But it had started when I was going back up and there were not queue at this hour to take it up to the carpark. PERFECT.
• Plan ahead with the shuttle
  If you need the shuttle, know that it operates only between 10am to 6pm (3€ one way - 5€ return) and it can only take 6 to 8 person at a time (depending on covid situation) - therefore the queue to get your spot can be long.
• See my complete guide to this hike

Shorter Alternatives

• You can only do the walk to the Risco waterfall 
• or For a shorter and easier alternative, consider the Levada do Alecrim walk departing from the same area. 6.8km (4.2 mi) loop to a waterfall. 1h30 to 2h.

Guided walking tour

You can also join a small group tour to complete this hike with transportation and guide.
Just know that they don't always respect the fact that they write "small group" and that the groups don't take the shuttle.
See options

#5 - Levada do Caldeirao Verde (PR9) + Caldeirao do Inferno

Why I love this hike...

Another famous Levada walks in Madeira starts at the Parque Floresta das Queimadas. It is a long flat walk in lush vegetation. It leads to a tall waterfall known as Caldeirao Verde.
This walk is pretty special. First, there are the weeping walls with green vegetation. And it is also an adventure, because you have to make your way through 5 tunnels. Some of them are quite long and very dark. Kids love it! Adults have mixed feeling, especially when they bump their head...
This waterfall walk can also be completed with a loop to a canyon and other waterfalls known as Caldeirao do Inferno, which is quite impressive (although difficult to photograph).

Hiking Route - technical details

• Departure point / Accessibility -
  Parque Florestal de Quiemadas - 45min drive from Funchal
  Only access is from Santana on the North shore. The last 2.5km are on a single lane road with passing places to be able to cross path with other vehicles.
  Large carpark for a fee (max 3euros for a day)
• Finish point -
  Return via the same path
• Distance -
  To Caldeirao Verde - 13km/8mi return 
  To Caldeirao do Inferno - add 4,4km/2,7mi return
• Average duration -
  To Caldeirao Verde - 5h30 return
  To Caldeirao do Inferno - add 2h return
• Difficulty -
  The path to Caldeirao Verde is flat almost the entire way - just a few staircases. But if you keep going, the last km to Caldeirao do Inferno is uphill with stairs.
  The trail is well-maintained. The biggest difficult is that the path is sometimes narrow. If you are alone, no problems. But when crossing path with people, it becomes a little less easy... I was worried about it, but it was not as bad as I thought.
  The tunnels are the other main difference for this hiking route. There are 5 to Caldeirao Verde and 2 more to Caldeirao do Inferno.
  Some are long and dark, so make sure to bring a good flashlight.
• Facilities -
  Toilets (for a fee) at the carpark and café.
  Nothing on the trail (and no places to have privacy at all)

Tips for this Madeira hiking trail

• Best time to hike -
  Once again, I think early morning is best. I arrived at sunrise and was first at the carpark.
  There was absolutely enough light on the trail and I was alone to enjoy the beautiful scenery and the silence. What a blissful moment! (the return was more frustrating with all the people talking lol).
  
• When it rains -
  This is one of the best options if you are looking for a hike in Madeira to do in the rain. The vegetation becomes even more vibrant and there are lots of trees partially protecting you.
• Bring water protection -
  There is water flowing on the walls along the path. And if you go do Caldeirao Verde, there is a waterfall at the entrance of a tunnel.
• BRING A FLASHLIGHT -
  Your phone light is not enough. Bring a flashlight and one per person!
  And point the light also at the ceiling, because sometimes it gets lower and some rocks stick out.
• Wear proper shoes with grip -
  The path can be really slippery.

Shorter Alternatives

There is no shorter version. However, I have 2 options if you are interested in specific things:

• if you just want to see what a levada looks like, you can do the beginning of the trail. Walk under the forest and then do a little bit along the levada before turning around (you won't see any tunnels, they are on the 2nd half of the trail)
• if you are here for the trees, there is a short flat walk called Pico das Pedras, it starts from the carpark left of the houses.

Guided walking tour

Here again, if you don't have transportation or want the services of a guide, you can opt for a guided walking tour.
Check out the options

#6 - Verada dos Balcoes (PR11- easy Madeira walk)

Why I love this hike...

This is an easy walk that gives you a feel for what Madeira is all about:

• You get to a viewpoint with the mountain peaks 
• From the viewpoint, you can also see the lush valley all the way to the sea
• There are many birds
• The area is covered with ancient trees and lush vegetation
• There is a section of the walk along a levada, which is great for those who can't do one of the big levada walks.

Hiking Route - technical details

• Departure point / Accessibility -
  Ribeiro Frio - on mountain road ER103
  Easy to access, the difficulty is parking. There are not many spots, even when parking along the road.
• Finish point -
  Return via the same path
• Distance -
  3Km (2mi) return
• Average duration -
  Plan 1h with plenty of pictures
• Difficulty -
  Very easy flat walk
• Facilities -
  Restaurants at Ribeiro Frio
  Cafe mid-way to the viewpoint with toilets (for a fee)

Tips for this Madeira hiking trail

• Best time to hike -
  No specific time here. For the light at the viewpoint, morning is probably better.
  The most challenging part is parking. So early or late should offer easier parking.
• Pay attention to birds -
  Thanks to the dense forest, many birds are living in the area. At the viewpoint, there is a display with the different birds you could spot. Bring your binoculars! (see my tips to choose binoculars)

Shorter Alternatives

None, this is already a short easy walk.

Guided walking tour

It is sometimes included in some of the day trip covering the East side of the island.
Learn more & check availability

#7 - Verada do Fanal (PR13)

Why I love this hike...

Crazy tortuous ancient trees... what's not to love???
On the Paul da Serra plateau, you can find the Unesco Natural Heritage site of the Laurissilva forest. Here you discover hilly meadows and crooked trees. It is quite enchanting.
The island and much of Southern Europe used to be covered by this native forest. In Madeira is one of the largest patches left.

Even if you don't do the entire hike, there is much to enjoy.

Hiking Route - technical details

• Departure point -
  Fanal Forest Carpark or Verada do Fanal departure point.
  If you start t the Fanal Forest carpark, you can do as little of the walk as you want as you are directly at the trees.
  However, from the departure point, it is the path downhill.
  Large carpark at the Fanal Forest. Easy access by car on Road 209 - 20min from Porto Moniz, 1h drive from Funchal
• Finish point -
  ONe way hike, you can stop a car to go back to the starting point or walk back the same path or along the road
• Distance -
  10.8km one way (6.7mi)
• Average duration -
  5h return
• Difficulty -
  Easy to Moderate - with several staircases.
• Facilities -
  Toilets at the Fanal Forest carpark

Tips for this Madeira hiking trail

• Best time to hike -
  Where it is in the clouds. I was not able to make that happen, as it was clear every time.
  But this area is famous for the ambiance when fog surrounds the trees.
  However, for the views from the hike, a clear sky is also great.
• Get the GPS trace
  If you visit when it is foggy, make sure you have downloaded the map on your phone and can follow the GPS trace, so that you don't get lost.
• Cows -
  Careful, there are cows roaming in the area. Always leave sufficient space between you and the cow.

Shorter Alternatives

You don't have to walk!!!
If you park right at the Fanal Forest house area, the ancient tortuous trees are right there for you to admire.

3 less famous hiking trails in Madeira to consider

#8 - One coastal hike - Verado do Larano

• A cliff-side trail from Machico to Porto da Cruz
• 13km one way (8mi)
• Not too much elevation
• Fantastic views of the famous hill by the sea: Penha de Aguia

#9 - One very short walk - Rota da Banana in Madalena do Mar (Banana Route RB1) 

• Very short walk starting in the village
• You can walk as little as 10min or explore for 30 minutes
• Allows you walk in the middle of the banana plantations with the irrigation systems
• Fun walk

#10 - One challenging hike - Pico Grande

• 15km return hike (9.3mi) - 7h
• Begins at the Encumeada viewpoint, route towards Pico Ruivo - you should use an app to get the exact trail
• 1500m of elevation gain (4921ft)
• Very steep
• You right a peak in the middle of the island with 360° views

Madeira Hiking Tips & FAQs

Madeira walking loops - circular walks

A lot of the hiking routes in Madeira are either one point to another or return trips. There are few loops.
I recommend carrying the phone number of a taxi company to always be able to get back to your vehicle.

Always check weather before hiking

Hiking is a sport. You should always check the conditions before starting a hike.
And, in Summer, try avoiding the afternoon heat!

Respect signage

Stay on the paths. Don't go if a trail is closed.
Remember, you are endangering not only yourself, but also the rescuers who would have to come and get you.

Wear appropriate shoes

I can't believe the number of people doing these hikes with flip-flops. This is just asking to get hurt!!!
Wear footwear with enough grip.

Pack for hiking

• Good rule for any hikers... bring layers of clothes to be able to adapt to conditions, bring food and water. It is important to stay hydrated.
• Always have a thermal blanket in your pack. It is very small and extremely useful in case of injury
• And since I hike alone, I also take with me a Garmin inReach Mini for added security - I take the lowest monthly subscription for one month, just to be able to use the emergency service button.

Best time to visit Madeira for hiking

Madeira is a great destination all year round.
The temperatures are pleasant and overall stable throughout the year. Winter will have lower temperature (especially at night) but not that low. And the Winter will be rainier, but not that much! June is the drier month - but March to September is the dry season.
March to June and September are the ideal months for hiking.
Winter is better for fuller waterfalls.
July and August are great too, but it gets hot during the day and paths are more crowded.

Discover the best time to visit Madeira - read article

Recommended apps for hiking

If you stick to the first 6 hikes listed in this article, you don't really need an app. The trails are clearly marked.
If you fell more adventurous, I recommend AllTrails. And don't forget to download the maps beforehand as you may not get internet signal in some areas.

Funchal hikes

If you are in Funchal, there are not many hikes that don't require talking transportation. There are a few, starting from the Monte area. But the views won't be as spectacular.
You can hire a cab to bring you to the departure points of the hikes listed above and keep the number for when you are ready to drive back.

Long distance hiking in Madeira

All hikes in Madeira are half a day or day hikes.
There are trails that can be connected, especially on the East side of the island. But there is no one famous route for multi-day hiking, as there are not many places suitable for camping. You need special authorization for wild camping - learn more here.

Want to see more of the best Madeira offers?

• 42 Madeira travel tips to plan an unforgettable trip - read article
• Where to stay in Madeira - best areas - read article
• The best landscapes in Madeira in 40 pictures - read article
• The 7 cables cars in Madeira and their amazing views - read article
• Tips to rent a car and drive around Madeira - read article
• The 7 best boats tours in Madeira - read article
• The 4 Madeira Natural Pools (and 6 coastal pool alternatives) - read article
• The 18 best beaches in Madeira - read article

Planning a trip to Madeira?

Check out my travel guide to help you plan:

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