The Best Hikes in Madeira: Top 10 Trails for Every Adventurer
Renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and diverse trails, the stunning island of Madeira is a hiker's paradise.
From its jagged volcanic peaks to its lush green mountains and dramatic coastal cliffs, the island offers an array of hiking experiences that cater to all levels of adventurers. Whether you're seeking a leisurely stroll through forests or an exhilarating trek to towering peaks, Madeira's natural beauty and rich biodiversity will leave you captivated.
In this blog I highlight 10 of what I would consider the best hikes on Madeira Island that promise to showcase the very best of Madeira's sensational scenery. There is a hike for everyone on this list, with the routes varying in difficulty from very easy up to hard.
I have listed the hikes in order of increasing difficulty alongside providing where to park, a GPX file, and a route map which will help guide you through each of the routes.
I have also listed some useful tips on hiking in Madeira alongside advice on what to wear and carry hiking.
At a Glance
PR1 - Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo
PR1.2 - Vereda do Pico Ruivo
Levada Do Moinho & Levada Nova
PR8 - Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço
Vereda Do Larano to Boca do Risco
Lagoa do Vento
Pico Ruivo do Paul
Bico do Cana
Verada dos Balcoes
Canical to Boca Da Risco
Useful Things to know
Madeira is home to nearly 3000 km of hiking trails. Among all these paths, there are over two dozen which are officially recommended by the Government of Madeira. These are marked with as “PR” with a number following it (Eg PR:1) and consist of two types; Levada walks and the more classic walks called Veredas.
Vereda - Refers to trails or footpaths
Levada - These are manmade irrigation channels which intersect the island. Walks that follow Levada’s are generally easier and have much less elevation gain, however they can be on very narrow paths
Miradouro - Translates to viewpoint and in Madeira they are usually epic.
Tips for hiking in Madeira
Start hiking early
Trails will be much quieter (at least on the way out), the temperature will be much lower, and you will easily find parking space. I’d recommend starting pre 9am (earlier if you can) as this is when the tour buses start arriving from.
If you can’t do the morning then consider hiking later in the afternoon (post 3-4pm). By this time most people will either have finished their hikes or be on the way back, so parking shouldn’t be an issue. The trails will be busy on the way out, but when you hike back then you should have very quiet trails.
Avoid starting your hike between 9:30-3pm, you will struggle to find a parking space, the trails will be rammed, and you will be getting battered by the midday sun.
Opt for Trail shoes
As the weather is hot and the terrain isn’t that technical, I would recommend a non-waterproof trail running or Hiking shoe over a bigger and bulkier hiking boot. You could get away with running trainers which have good grip but they will likely get trashed by muddy or dusty trails. My recommendation are the Columbia Men's Montrail Trinity Ag II. They have a wide toebox are incredibly comfy, have great grip, and stability.
Download Maps.Me for free offline mapping
This free mapping service provides an offline map of the whole island. The map shows contour lines alongside all the viewpoints, hiking trails, and points of interest. Not only can you navigate the hiking trails by foot, but you can navigate around the island via car alongside searching for fuel, groceries, and places to eat. Alternatively you can download WalkMe app - This is well built app which shows most of the popular trails on the island. It currently costs £6.99 per month.
Check for road and trail closures
As Madeira is prone to heavy downpours and fires, which can often cause landslides and rockfalls, It is best to check the condition of both the trails and roads before heading out to hike. When I was in Madeira the PR1 trail alongside several others were shut due to a previous wildfire.
Monitor the weather and Webcams
Madeira’s geographical location and mountainous terrain means the islands weather is constantly and quickly changing. The island tends to have clouds and rain can command go in an instant. so don’t be to downhearted by a bad weather forecast. Madeira has a dozen or so Webcams spread across the entire island. It’s always worth quickly checking these before you leave to see the weather conditions and save a potentially wasted trip.
Bica Da Cana
Difficulty: Very Easy
Hike Type: Out and Back
Distance: 1.5km
Duration: <1 hour
Elevation gain: 40m
Trail type: Dirt path
Best for: Sunrise
A very short and easy walk which takes you up to the incredible Bica da Cana viewpoint. located in the central part of Madeira Island at an altitude of 1560m the viewpoint provides a spectacular vantage point of Madeira's highest peaks—Pico Ruivo (1,862 meters) and Pico do Arieiro (1,818 meters). On clear days, you can even see the island’s northern and southern coastlines. It’s best done for sunrise as you can often catch a sunrise cloud inversion. Parking is limited so get there early
VEREDA DOS BALCÕES
Difficulty: Very Easy
Hike Type: Out and back
Distance: 2.8km
Duration: 30-90 minutes
Elevation gain: 60m
Trail type: Well built path made of rocks and dirt
The Vereda dos Balcões hike is a relatively easy and family-friendly trail located in Madeira's Ribeiro Frio area. This short and realtibely flat hike leads to a stunning viewpoint overlooking the lush valley of Ribeiro Frio and the surrounding mountains.
The trail is well-marked and takes you through a beautiful laurel forest, allowing you to enjoy the island's diverse flora and fauna. The highlight of the hike is the impressive platform viewpoint at the end which looms high above the valley. As well as being able to see a panorama of the highest peaks in Madeira you’ll have the opportunity to see various bird species, including the endemic Madeiran firecrest.
This hike is perfect for those looking for a quick outdoor adventure with rewarding scenery, making it an excellent choice for families and casual hikers.
Pico Ruivo do Paul
Difficulty: Very Easy
Hike Type: Out and Back
Distance: 2km
Duration: <1 hour
Elevation gain: 60m
Trail type: Dirt path
Best for: Sunrise
Located at an altitude of 1,640 meters (5,380 feet) on the Paul da Serra plateau Pico Ruivo do Paul is one of the best and easiest viewpoints on the island of Madeira. This very short walk takes you to an amazing viewpoint which offers panoramic views of the island's rugged mountains, lush valleys, and dramatic cliffs. I’d recommend doing this short hike for sunrise as it will not only offer great views but might even overlook a sea of clouds. It will also be far quieter than the nearby Bico da Cana viewpoint.
Levada Do Moinho & Levada Nova
Difficulty: Easy
Hike Type: Loop
Distance: 9km
Duration: 2 - 4 hours
Elevation gain: 150m
Trail type: Mixture of concrete, rocks, and dirt
This was my favourite Levada walk in Madeira, the route follows a very narrow and exposed Levada alongside the side of a cliff to a waterfall which you can walk behind. What’s more its super easy work only 140m of elevation gain. If I was to recommend one levada walk it would be this one.
Although an easy trail the path is less than a metre wide in places and is very exposed, with steep drops down into the valley below. If you have a fear of heights then this path may not be for you.
Canical to Boca Da Risco
Difficulty: Moderate
Hike Type: Out and Back
Distance: 5.3km
Elevation gain: 350 meters
Duration: 2 to 4 hours
Trail type: Dirt and rocks
A bit of a rogue one which you wont find on many other guides. However you’ll pass through a Mars like landscape and initially have some amazing views east down over Ponta de São Lourenço. You’ll then head up along the cliff top to the Boco Da Risco viewpoint which will give you sensational views looking west down the Northern coastline. Parking is outside a cemetery and I’d recommend doing ths hike for sunrise for the bets views and to avoid the midday heat.
Levada do Vento
Difficulty: Moderate
Hike Type: Loop
Distance: 7km
Elevation gain: 320 meters
Duration: 2.5 to 5 hours
Trail type: Mixture of concrete, rocks, and dirt
This route follows a Levada along the mountainside before dropping down into the valley to visit the impressive Vento Waterfall. The trail starts of quite leisurely but includes a step descent (and re-ascent) down to the waterfall alongside finishing with a short but steep climb and a section of road walking. Although a popular trail it didn’t feel busy and was shaded from the heat of the sun. You can also extend the walk by 2.5km to reach the taller Risco Waterfall which sits beneath Vento.
PR1.2 - Vereda do Pico Ruivo
Hike Type: Out and back
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 5.6km
Elevation gain: 370 meters
Hike duration: 2-4 hours
Trail type: Well built path
Best for: Sunset
The Vereda do Pico Ruivo hike is moderately challenging but rewarding trail that leads to Madeira's highest peak, Pico Ruivo, at 1,862 meters (6,109 feet). The out and back hike starts from Achada do Teixeira and follows a well built and obvious path which winds through lush laurel forests, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
The trail culminates with a short and punchy climb to the summit. The effort is well worth it, as the summit provides incredible 360 degree panorama over the island the surrounding ocean. For the best views and the least amount of crowds I recommend doing this hike for sunset. Alternatively if you want an early start then sunrise would also be a great option.
PR8 - Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Route Type: Out & Back
Distance: 7.5km
Elevation gain: 522 meters
Duration: 3 - 5 hours
Trail type: Mixture of path, rocks, gravel, and dirt
Best For: Sunrise
Located on the eastern tip of Madeira, The Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço hike heads out onto a serpent like peninsula and offers breath-taking views of Madeira’s rugged coastline and dramatic cliffs. Although moderately challenging the 8km trail is accessible for most hikers.
Starting at the Baía d’Abra, the well built path undulates through the peninsulas unique volcanic landscape. Yo will encounter panoramic viewpoints which showcase the scale and beauty of steep sided volcanic cliffs. The trail culminates at the Ponta de São Lourenço, where you can enjoy spectacular vistas of both the northern and southern coasts of the island.
This hike is a great way to experience Madeira’s natural beauty and is best enjoyed in the early morning or late afternoon to secure parking, avoid the heat, and capture the stunning light
Vereda Do Larano to Boca do Risco
Hike Type: Out and back
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 11km
Elevation gain: 480 meters
Hike duration: 4-5 hours
Trail type: Mixture of rocks, gravel, and dirt
This is a spectacular trail on the eastern coast of Madeira, known for its stunning coastal views and dramatic cliffs. This moderately challenging hike features a mix of well-maintained paths and rugged terrain, winding through beautiful landscapes. Along the way, hikers pass along a narrow path built into the side off the cliff which offers breath-taking vistas of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding coastline.
This hike is ideal for those looking to experience Madeira’s natural coastal beauty whilst adding a bit of adventure. I’d recommed watching the sunrise from a nearby viewpoint and starting this hike early to avoid the midday heat, miss the crowds, and get the best light for photography. Its lack of elevation and gentle slopes also make it a great option to do as a trail run .
PR1 - Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo
Hike Type: Out & Back
Difficulty: Hard
Distance: 11km
Elevation gain: 800 meters
Duration: 5 to 9 hours
The best and most iconic mountain hike in Madeira and one of the best in Europe. the Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo hike connecting the island's two highest peaks via a series of narrow ridges, stairways, and tunnels. It’s a spectacular hike which showcases the island's unique geology, whilst showcasing the island's unique geology and providing unrivalled vistas of deep valleys, jagged peaks, and the Atlantic Ocean .
As this is one of the most popular and hardest hikes in Madeira I’d recommend either starting this hike shortly after sunrise or timing it so you finish for sunset. Weather can change quickly in the mountains, so it's best tobe prepared for varying conditions and potentially even being above or in the clouds.
*the PR1 trail is currently closed due to a fire, currently you can only hike 1.2km along the route from Pico do Areeiro*
Notable hiking routes absent from this list
PR9 - Levada do Caldeirão Verde
I decided to skip one of the longer and more popular Levada walks it for multiple reasons.
Firstly I had been told by friends it wasn’t worth it, especially in October when the waterfall would resemble more a trickle. I had also read online that the waterfall and hike was no more special than Lagoa do Vento, which I had already done. The popularity of the trail combined with the narrowness of the paths and the numerous tunnels meant that the footfall and constant queueing takes away from what should be an enjoyable walk.
Finally the trailhead is located at the end of a valley which is only accessible from the northern side of the island meaning that parking was meant to be a nightmare. Because of all this I didn’t think it was worth the three hours it would have taken me to get there and back from Calheta. Check out the Levada do Caldeirão Verde hike.
PR6 - Levada das 25 Fontes
Again one of the more popular Lavada walks on the island. I opted to hike the Levada do Vento trail instead, this is a shorter but more exciting walk which visits a bigger and better waterfall. What’s more you can extend the hike to reach Risco waterfall, which is the best and biggest waterfall on the Levada das 25 Fontes trail.
PR13 - Vereda do Fanal
I decided to skip this hike as I wanted to just visit the forest in misty/foggy conditions. There is a viewpoint near the top of the forest but in my onion there are better hikes to spend your time doing.
What to wear hiking in Madeira
Long sleeved T-Shirt - I opt for merino as its quick drying, moisture wicking, and has anti odour properties so you can wear it hiking multiple days in a row.
Hiking Backpack between 10-25 litres - I use and recommend the Decathlon MH500 22 litre roll top
Trail running shoes - I recommend non waterproof shoes as madeira climate is so hot. I wear the Montrail Trinity Ag II from Columbia which is incredibly comfortable, breathable, lightweight and are great for wide feet.
Shorts or Leggings - I wore synthetic gym shorts
Hiking/ Running socks
Things to pack and carry
Lightweight rain jacket - Madeira is known for its constant changing micro-climates, it could be bright sunshine one minute and raining the next, so its better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it.
Head torch - Some of the Levada’s pass through tunnels, so a head torch will be much better at illuminating the route than you phone. Head torches are also essential if you are planning on hiking around sunrise or sunset.
Suncream, Hat, Sunglasses
Plenty of Water and Snacks
There we have it, a guide to the 10 best hikes in Madeira.
Let me know what you think in the comments below, have I missed any out and which is your favourite?
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