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65 Best Hikes On Madeira Island: The Ultimate Hiker’s Guide

65 Best Hikes On Madeira Island: The Ultimate Hiker’s Guide

Madeira Island is one of the top all-year hiking destinations in Europe with a combination of easy levada walks, forest adventures, coastal routes, and steep mountain treks. With lush UNESCO-listed Laurissilva forests and consistent cloud inversions, you will be in constant amazement while enjoying this list of the Best 65 Hikes on Madeira Island.

I based myself on Madeira for six months to explore all of the hiking trails on offer. In this blog post, I have detailed my favorite 65 hikes on Madeira so that you can pick a couple that stands out to you. I hope this list of the best Madeira hikes makes it possible for you to head off and explore the stunning trails all around this incredible island!

TOP 3 PLACES TO STAY IN MADEIRA

a view of a swimming pool and a city.
a large swimming pool next to the ocean.

THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THIS ’65 BEST HIKES ON MADEIRA’ BLOG POST

Before you dive into this epic list of the top hikes on Madeira there are a couple of things to know about this blog post. Here are a few pieces of handy information you need to know before looking at the list of my favorite 65 hikes on Madeira.

  • APPS: The best apps for navigating on the Madeira hiking trails is the WalkMe App, which works offline if you pay $4 for the pro version. It has about 50 of the main hikes and is a very valuable tool that I used a lot. I also used AllTrails and Wikiloc to discover some other routes people had done in the past. I used both depending on their availability on a specific trail, along with Maps.me for offline directions while on the trail.
  • WEBCAMS: There are lots of webcams around the island that can help you decide whether it’s a good moment for a certain hike regarding clouds, rain etc. You can see all of the Madeira webcams here.
  • A GUIDE: I did some of these hikes by myself but often had my local guide (also a great friend) called João with me. He’s lived in Madeira his whole life and knows all of the unique trails (not just the popular ones). Many of these trails require some local knowledge for the directions so I recommend a guide. Want to contact João to be your guide for this hike or any of the hikes I’ve done on Madeira? You can contact him on Instagram here: João Let’s Hike or by email: joaoletshike@gmail.com

MY 3 FAVORITE TOURS IN MADEIRA

65 AWESOME HIKES ON MADEIRA

Okay, let’s get into it. I dedicated a lot of time and effort to creating this guide and to doing these hikes over a 6-month period on Madeira. Blood was shed, several hiking shoes were destroyed and many ponchas were consumed. I hope you enjoy my Madeira Hiking Guide: 65 Best Hikes on Madeira.

PICO DO ARIEIRO TO PICO RUIVO (OUT AND BACK)

Known as ‘Pico to Pico’, the hike from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo (PR1) is the most famous hike on the island of Madeira. This tunnel route leads hikers along narrow pathways, up and down ominous staircases, and through dark tunnel chambers. The best way to experience this hike is to drive up to Pico do Arieiro for sunrise and then begin the hike to Pico Ruivo, which is the highest point on Madeira at 1,862 meters. It’s 550 meters of incline each way so you will gain a vertical kilometer after you return to Pico do Arieiro.

Because of its altitude and the weather patterns of Madeira, it is common to find yourself above the clouds as you make the journey between the peaks, which is an amazing phenomenon. This hike is an adrenaline-filled test of endurance with steep inclines. I truly believe this is one of the best official day hikes in the world. If you are up for the challenge, I promise you it will be the highlight of your trip to Madeira.

PICO TO PICO TOURS

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: PICO DO ARIEIRO TO PICO RUIVO

CALDEIRAO VERDE WATERFALL HIKE

The Levada do Caldeirão Verde hike is one of the best levada walks (not too steep) on Madeira island with lush jungles and several amazing waterfalls! This levada trail is one of the most popular hikes on the island due to its incredible waterfall, dense jungle surroundings, and most importantly, it’s relatively flat without too much incline.

I really enjoyed this hike and would highly recommend it, especially for those who enjoy walking but don’t want a huge uphill trek. It really gives you so many great views and a huge waterfall without leading you up stairs or steep hills.

CALDEIRAO VERDE TOURS

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: CALDEIRAO VERDE WATERFALL HIKE

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VEREDA DA PONTA DE SÃO LOURENÇO HIKE

The Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço hike is one of the top three most popular hikes on Madeira Island and one I like to call ‘The Dragon’s Tail’. This coastal track takes you along a narrow stretch of rugged coastline to the eastern point of Madeira Island, well at the least the furthest point you can hike to. The hike is a seven-kilometer route with a number of stunning viewpoints, which highlight the volcanic erosion over millions of years throughout the coastline. It’s a great sunrise hike but is also an underrated sunset spot on Madeira.

I would suggest starting at sunrise for this one as you will get some beautiful colors but getting there early also helps you avoid the crowds.

SAO LOURENCO HIKE TOURS

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: VEREDA DA PONTA DE SÃO LOURENÇO HIKE

PENHA DE ÁGUIA HIKE IN PORTO DA CRUZ

The Penha de Águia hike is one of my favorite hikes on Madeira and I actually did it three times, hunting for the perfect sunrise. It’s a pretty steep climb to the top of the rock that sits in between the two towns of Faial and Porto da Cruz on the east coast of Madeira Island. Penha de Águia actually translates to the Eagle’s Nest, which the mountain does resemble from afar.

A 400-meter climb to the top gives you stunning views over Porto da Cruz and all the way to São Lourenço, the most eastern tip of the island. The hike then crosses the top of the rock to finish by leading you down into Faial. It’s a little wild but offers amazing coastal views.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: PENHA DE ÁGUIA HIKE

VEREDA DO LARANO COASTAL HIKE

The Vereda do Larano is an awesome coastal hike on Madeira that follows a cliff-side trail along the eastern side of the island. You can enjoy the huge drop-off to the ocean below, all from the safety of a well-maintained trail on the side of the mountain.

The hike is 13 kilometers one way from Caniçal to Porto da Cruz with only a little bit of incline so it’s great for families or casual hikers. It’s best to do this one on a sunny day with no wind, which isn’t every day on that part of the island but it’s worth waiting for clear conditions on this trail as you don’t want to miss the ocean views.

VEREDA DO LARANO HIKE TOURS

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: VEREDA DO LARANO COASTAL HIKE

LEVADA DAS 25 FONTES AND RISCO WATERFALL HIKE

The Levada das 25 Fontes is arguably the most popular ‘easy’ hike on the island of Madeira, attracting a variety of tourists from around the world. They come from far and wide to see and enjoy the iconic levada trail that leads hikers to the 25 fountains, which are the source of the levada. The weeping wall of 25 streams pours down into a pool where hikers can take a very refreshing dip in the cool water. The giant Risco Waterfall can be viewed from a viewpoint along the route and further cements this hike as one of the best on Madeira.

This route takes you through some flat forest paths and then up and down some small sets of stairs to reach the pool and waterfall at the final destination. It’s worth the hike but it will be busy. I would suggest starting just after sunrise for this one as getting there early helps you avoid the crowds.

LEVADA DAS 25 FONTES HIKE TOURS

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: LEVADA DAS 25 FONTES AND RISCO WATERFALL HIKE

PICO GRANDE HIKE

If you are up for a steep climb, challenge yourself to reach Pico Grande where you will have an incredible campsite, views of Pico do Arieiro & Pico Ruivo, and amazing stargazing from the summit. This 15-kilometer out-and-back route begins at Encumeada and has almost 1500 meters of vertical gain throughout the entire course. It can be done as a day-hike but to enjoy sunrise and sunset at the peak, it is best to camp overnight at Pico Grande.

There are a number of different routes you can take to reach Pico Grande but they are all steep so there’s no shortcut to this beautiful spot. It’s right in the center of the island and has 360-degree panoramic views, so you can get a sense of how the layout of the Madeira looks.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: PICO GRANDE HIKE

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ESPIGÃO AMARELO: EPIC COASTAL RIDGE HIKE

Espigão Amarelo is one of my favorite coastal hikes on Madeira. It truly has it all. Beginning on the famous Vereda do Larano, this trail takes a secret detour up onto the gnarly ridge of Espigão Amarelo. Five hundred meters of up and downs through the forest then drop you back at the end of Vereda do Larano where you can turn back to complete the loop. This trail ended through some ‘Mars’ like landscapes with red rocky terrain but truly had it all from cloud forests, cliff-edge coastal views, and vast plains.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: ESPIGÃO AMARELO HIKE

VEREDA DO FANAL FOREST HIKE

Vereda do Fanal is one of my favorite moderate-difficulty hikes on Madeira Island because it has a bit of everything. You have viewpoints over Rabacal Valley, strenuous stair climbs, an immersive experience in the UNESCO-listed Laurisilva Forest, and a spectacular finish at the magical Fanal Forest. It ticks a lot of boxes all throughout one trail when it comes to seeing the sights of Madeira.

The route is 11 kilometers one way so it’s best to have two cars to organize this one but worth the preparation. Try starting at Fanal Forest during the morning, where you can expect to have a fog-filled ancient forest to explore before embarking off on your hike.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: VEREDA DO FANAL FOREST HIKE

ENCUMEADA TO PICO RUIVO HIKE

The journey from Encumeada to Pico Ruivo takes you on a wild adventure along steep stairways, to the top of peaks, and through the incredible forests of Madeira Island. If you are lucky, you will emerge through the cloud cover to summit Pico Ruivo, which is the highest point on the entire island. The route is not for the faint-hearted with an out-and-back journey of 20-kilometers and almost 2000 meters of vertical climbing.

It’s a long day of hiking if you do this as an out and back but I prefer it as a less-busy alternative to the popular ‘Pico to Pico’ hike. You’ll only need to share the trail with a couple others and will have a much more wild journey while still on a well maintained route.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: ENCUMEADA TO PICO RUIVO HIKE

SNOW HIKE TO PICO DO ARIEIRO

This one might sound a bit crazy but it’s true, it does snow on Madeira once or twice a year. Often the snow isn’t too heavy but up on the top peaks of the island, you can get some great snowfall. The snow was predicted and even began the night before, so we drove up the mountain as far as possible, not even reaching Poiso. At 430 am, we started hiking and it was a 10-kilometer trek through the snow to reach Pico do Arieiro. We just followed the road so it was easy to find the route but everything was completely white.

At the summit, there was no one but we found the satellite and the entire place covered in snow. It was a pretty wild adventure and definitely something unique. If snow is forecasted while you are on Madeira, you should try and plan a snow adventure like ours. You can check out the full vlog of our snow adventure in the video below.

YouTube video

LAGOA DO VENTO WATERFALL HIKE IN RABACAL

The Lagoa do Vento waterfall hike is a great adventure for those looking for a big waterfall without a monstrous hike. After just 3.3 kilometers on the trail, you will get to enjoy a swim in the massive lagoon at the base of Lagoa do Vento waterfall, which is a pretty magical spot for a lunch break. Although there are some stairs in the forest that are not easy to climb, this is a trail most hikers will feel comfortable with so it is great for families and older hikers.

It’s a good one to combine with the Lagos da Madeira and Levada do Alecrim. You can add all three hikes into one big route and it is still under 15 kilometers for the entire journey.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: LAGOA DO VENTO WATERFALL HIKE

CAMINHO REAL DA ENCUMEADA HIKE (PR12)

The Caminho Real da Encumeada is an incredible, mountainous trail that leads you along an ancient path with views of Madeira’s highest peaks! I really love this trail because it is one of the King’s Paths, which was commissioned by the King to help link certain parts of the island together. This means the path has ancient stonework for most of the route. The Caminho Real da Encumeada is a scenic hike through the mountains but also a journey back in time, walking the steps of Madeira’s brave ancestors.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: CAMINHO REAL DA ENCUMEADA HIKE

BICA DA CANA PINACULO HIKE ‘THE PINNACLE’

The Bica da Cana Pinaculo hike is one of the less popular trails on Madeira Island but it offers some incredible views. After enjoying the Bica da Cana viewpoint with scenes of the cloud-filled valley below and views out to Pico Ruivo and Pico do Arieiro, you can then head off on the 4.7km loop trail. The hike takes you to the base of the Pinnacle, a striking rock formation that most people admire from the ground but I decided to free-climb the pinnacle to the top.

This is a short hike but my number one tip for this trail is to first watch sunrise at the Bica da Cana viewpoint, which is just a couple of minutes from the trailhead. You won’t regret it.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: BICA DA CANA PINACULO HIKE

YouTube video

CLIMBING TO THE PICO DAS TORRES SUMMIT

There are hundreds of incredible hikes on Madeira but sometimes you need to take it up a level and reach new heights. On this adventure, I headed up from Pico do Arieiro to the summit of Pico das Torres. There was some scrambling, abseiling and some basic rock climbing involved in this ascent, which was done as part of a tour with local legend, Gonçalo Silva. On this day we were lucky to have incredible weather in the morning before the clouds came in to create a dramatic atmosphere up amidst the tallest peaks on Madeira.

Because this route is a bit more than just a hike, we used harnesses for added safety to abseil down some steep parts of the journey. Our guide led us through the route and provided the gear. If you want to find out more about this hike you can click through the blog post in the link below or contact my guide here Endemicxperiences.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: CLIMBING TO THE PICO DAS TORRES SUMMIT

YouTube video

QUEBRADA DO NEGRO – CRAZY COASTAL CLIFF HIKE

The Quebrada do Negro hike is a coastal trail on the western side of Madeira Island that is sure to get your heart racing. After passing through the small coastal village of Achadas da Cruz, a narrow trail winds it’s way up the side of the coastal cliffs. At times you have huge drop-offs down to the crashing waves below while you carefully traverse the narrow track on the cliff-edge. This trail is not for the faint-hearted and I suggest going with a local who knows the way or an official guide. There have been a few people who have gone without a guide and got completely lost so I don’t say to go with a guide just for the sake of it! João Let’s Hike knows this route well and can lead you through it.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: QUEBRADA DO NEGRO – CRAZY COASTAL CLIFF HIKE

YouTube video

WATER’S KISS AND THE FOUR STREAMS HIKE IN RABAÇAL

The Water’s Kiss waterfall hike takes you on a wild journey through the region of Rabaçal as you cross the four main streams that run into the larger river, Ribeira da Janela. This 10-kilometer hike takes a number of common paths but often detours onto some wild, rarely touched routes across streams and up steep slopes with ropes. It’s an adventurous way to visit Rabaçal valley but if you’re up for it, it’s definitely worth it.

The unique aspect of this hike is the waterfall you find near the end of the trail. Two streams diverge together and at the final moment when they pour into the pool below they cross paths and kiss. It’s a fun highlight on the hike and something you don’t see too often. It is a tough one to follow yourself because of the many unsigned turns but Joao Let’s Hike knows this route well and can lead you through it.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: WATER’S KISS AND THE FOUR STREAMS HIKE

ACHADA DO TEIXEIRA TO PICO RUIVO HIKE

Pico Ruivo is the highest point on Madeira Island, reaching 1,862 meters above sea level. Towering above the ridges and valleys of the rugged island, Pico Ruivo is a great place to watch the sunset and sunrise. While there are many different routes to the Pico Ruivo summit, the easiest and quickest is the Achada do Teixeira to Pico Ruivo hike, which is just a 6-kilometer round-trip. The route isn’t too steep with just 260 meters of incline for the whole hike and the path is well maintained making it easy to hike in the dark before sunrise or after sunset.

This is a great alternative to the much more difficult ‘Pico to Pico’ hike. You will still reach Madeira’s highest peak and also be above the clouds (if you are lucky) but don’t have to hike more than six kilometers.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: ACHADA DO TEIXEIRA TO PICO RUIVO HIKE

POÇO DAS PULGAS WATERFALL HIKE

The Poço das Pulgas waterfall hike is an off-the-beaten-path adventure through the jungle to explore several incredible waterfalls. If you choose, there is an extended route option to the Rocha dos Pombos viewpoint, which looks down over the town of Ponta Delgada. On my hike, I also combined the trek with a visit to Caldeira de São João, another massive waterfall. This is a truly wild setting and the lush forest that surrounds these waterfalls create a very magical atmosphere. I did this hike with Madeira Wonder Hikes for the extended route to the viewpoint but if you do the smaller route for just the waterfalls, it could be possible by yourself.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: POÇO DAS PULGAS WATERFALL HIKE

PICO DO CIDRAO

Pico do Cidrao is one of the lesser-known routes on Madeira, although most tourists pass directly underneath it. Just after the famous stair section on the Pico to Pico hike, the trail passes under a prominent peak, which is Pico do Cidrao. It’s not a hiking-accessible peak but you can go on a guided trip with Goncalo from Endemic Experiences. The route involves some basic climbing and abseiling. No prior experience is required and they provide all the gear. The views from the top of Pico do Cidrao are arguably the most expanse on the island and provide a complete panorama of the central massif.

CURRAL DAS FREIRAS (NUN’S VALLEY) TO PICO RUIVO HIKE

Hiking up from Curral das Freiras (Nun’s Valley) to Pico Ruivo is a journey for adventurous hikers that takes you on a steep climb to Madeira’s highest peak and back. The route winds up through the incline of Nun’s Valley before you burst over the ridge to join the famous ‘Pico to Pico’ trail that links Pico do Arieiro and Pico Ruivo. Using this popular trail, the route sends you to Pico Ruivo before returning on a lesser-known forest track as you descend swiftly back into Nun’s Valley. There is some serious incline on this hike and this specific route isn’t a well-known track but there are a number of route options to reach Pico Ruivo from Nun’s Valley. I did this route with the guys from Madeira Wonder Hikes who showed me the way.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: CURRAL DAS FREIRAS (NUN’S VALLEY) TO PICO RUIVO HIKE

CALDEIRÃO DO INFERNO WATERFALL HIKE

The Caldeirão do Inferno waterfall hike is one of the best levada walks on Madeira island with lush jungles and several amazing waterfalls! This adventurous levada trail is one of the most popular hikes on the island due to its incredible waterfalls, dense jungle surroundings, and most importantly, it’s a relatively flat trail without too much incline.

The Caldeirão do Inferno hike is the same as the Caldeirão Verde hike but you continue on for another 2.4-kilometers to reach an incredible canyon and then one final, massive waterfall. I really enjoyed this hike and would highly recommend it, especially for those who enjoy walking but don’t want a huge uphill trek with dangerous conditions.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: CALDEIRÃO DO INFERNO WATERFALL HIKE

FAJÃ DO AMO HIKE IN SÃO VICENTE

The Fajã do Amo hike in São Vicente takes you through the lush Laurrisilva forest up a very steep climb before finishing at an epic coastal viewpoint perched on the cliffside. Throughout the hike, there are a number of dangerous rock climbing sections and also thick, overgrown trails. The viewpoint is also precariously positioned on the cliffside with no fences or maintenance. This is a hike for experienced adventurers looking for a beautiful tour in the São Vicente region in the north of Madeira Island. I did this route with the guys from Madeira Wonder Hikes who showed me the way.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: FAJÃ DO AMO HIKE IN SÃO VICENTE

PICO CANÃRIO HIKE

The Pico Canãrio hike is a physical challenge that will provide uniquely epic views of Madeira from perspectives you’ve never seen. Even after five months on the island, some of the landscapes surprised me. This loop is a strenuous 26-kilometer route with 1800 meters of incline. If you’re up for a battle through the forest you will be rewarded on this incredible journey throughout Madeira’s central massif.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: PICO CANÃRIO HIKE

PICO DA RODA HIKE IN CURRAL DAS FREIRAS (NUN’S VALLEY)

The Pico da Roda hike is a very adventurous, alternative path in Nun’s Valley with incredible views of the tallest peaks on the island of Madeira. The short but very steep course takes you up from the valley onto the ridge to find several unique rock formations such as Pico da Roda before descending along an overgrown trail back into the valley.

The path on this track is quite crumbly and there are large drop-offs, so it is a hike that I suggest is only good if you are with a local who knows the way or a guide. I did this route with the guys from Madeira Wonder Hikes who showed me the way.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: PICO DA RODA HIKE

HIKING THE MADEIRA ISLAND ULTRA TRAIL IN 4 DAYS

Hiking the Madeira Island Ultra Trail was one of the toughest trails I’ve ever done. 115 kilometers from Porto Moniz to Machico, visiting many of the island’s tallest peaks along the way. 8000 meters of incline made the four-day journey a brutal adventure through some of Madeira’s most beautiful regions. This route is a race every year for ultra-distance trail runners. The record is just under 13 hours but most participants take closer to a full day of non-stop motion to reach the finish line.

We packed our camping gear including tents, sleeping bags, sleeping mats, hiking gear, and food for the four-day journey across the island. For three nights we camped, had a fire, and recovered overnight for the next day of hiking.

Below, you will find the video I created while we were hiking. I hope it gives you an insight into the journey and what the Madeira Island Ultra Trail is all about.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: HIKING THE MADEIRA ISLAND ULTRA TRAIL

YouTube video

CAMINHO REAL 23: MADEIRA’S ROYAL PATH

The Caminho Real 23 was a route commissioned by the King of Portugal in the 19th century. It was essentially a road or passage designed to be used for walking, carrying items, and for sleds pulled by strong oxen. The road, hand-built with stones, takes you around the perimeter of the island for 170 kilometers with approximately 8000 meters of vertical gain on the route. Nowadays, many parts of the route are unpassable, eroded, or in need of repair. Hikers need to find alternative detours around some sections in order to link up to the original roads of the Caminho Real 23.

We did this hike in 7 days and camped along the way. It was an incredible tour of Madeira and you can read more about the experience by clicking on the huge article I wrote about the journey below.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: CAMINHO REAL 23: MADEIRA’S ROYAL PATH

LEVADA FAJÃ DO RODRIGUES WATERFALL HIKE

The Levada Fajã do Rodrigues hike on Madeira Island takes you through some incredibly lush forest paths to many amazing waterfalls. The trail begins quietly beside the levada but quickly escalates with a number of tunnel passages. The final destination is an epic canyon, which hides multiple waterfalls. It’s one of my favorite levada walks on Madeira and although it is quite easy, you feel like it’s a big adventure because of the tunnels, and immersion into the depths of the forest. This would be a great hike for beginners or a family.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: LEVADA FAJÃ DO RODRIGUES WATERFALL HIKE

LEVADA DO MOINHO TO LEVADA NOVA WATERFALL HIKE

The Levada do Moinho to Levada Nova waterfall hike is a peaceful trail along the levadas where you will find an incredible waterfall you can actually walk behind! The walk only has 150m of elevation, which makes it quite a leisurely trail along the levada. You will no doubt enjoy walking along the path, which is carved behind the waterfall making it the main attraction of this hike. The path follows a levada for the majority of the trail but there are a lot of moments of exposure with big drop-offs so while it is a levada walk, it is not one of the ‘easiest’ levada walks on Madeira.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: LEVADA DO MOINHO TO LEVADA NOVA WATERFALL HIKE

CAMINHO DO PINÁCULO E FOLHADAL WATERFALL HIKE

The Caminho do Pináculo e Folhadal waterfall hike takes you along the Lombo do Mouro trail with epic ridges, several waterfalls, and incredible views! It’s a long one with 18-kilometers of trail and more than 700 meters of incline throughout the route. It’s a great trail for a sunrise start and if you are lucky you may enjoy some mystical cloud cover over the valley below! The path often carves its way through huge stone walls and narrow tunnels before delving into the Laurissilva Forest. It’s a very immersive trail and you get a bit of everything on this long journey.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: CAMINHO DO PINÁCULO E FOLHADAL WATERFALL HIKE

YouTube video

LEVADA PONTA DO PARGO HIKE ON MADEIRA ISLAND

Levada Ponta Do Pargo trail is a coastal hike on the western side of Madeira Island. It’s an epic route for sunset with incredible views of sea cliffs and azure blue waters. As well as the coastal scenery, the trail leads you up into the forest as you follow the Levada through the rolling hills, all the time with ocean views. This hike is great for sunset and if you want a trail with some hills but not a crazy incline. The viewpoint at the end of the trail is quite a spectacular spot too.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: LEVADA PONTA DO PARGO HIKE

EMPENAS HIKE IN NUN’S VALLEY TO ‘THE WINDOW’

The Empenas hike is a challenging ascent in Nun’s Valley to reach a small passageway between two huge rock walls, which is known as ‘The Window’. The route involves lots of bouldering, using safety ropes, and over a vertical kilometer of climbing as you navigate your way up the steep, crumbly cliff-side.

This hike is in the difficult category. The main reason for this is the many sections of the trail that require ropes for safety. There’s lots of scrambling and bouldering. The incline is more than a vertical kilometer, which is a challenge in itself. The route is not clear at all and not signed. I went with a hiking group that led the way and cut invasive plants where necessary. Madeira Wonder Hikes know this route well and can lead you through it.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: EMPENAS HIKE IN NUN’S VALLEY TO ‘THE WINDOW’

YouTube video

PICO DO ALTO RIDGE HIKE IN BOAVENTURA

The Pico do Alto ridge hike is one of the most incredible adventures on the north coast of Madeira Island. The ridge will test the vertigo of hikers while providing incredible views of Sao Jorge on one side of the ridge and Boaventura on the other side. The ocean and mountains combine to make this one of the most scenic trails on the island.

This hike is one I would list as moderately difficult for a number of reasons. Firstly the incline is 769 meters, which is a pretty steep journey. Secondly, the terrain is a mixture of rocky stairs, muddy tracks, and slippery descents. You have to be prepared for it all. There are a few moments of exposure and lots of scrambling.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: PICO DO ALTO RIDGE HIKE

YouTube video

FAJÃ DA OVELHA HIKE ABOVE PAUL DO MAR

The town of Paul do Mar on the southern coast of Madeira is one of the most scenic spots on the entire island. With towering cliffs looking down over the small beach town, it is incredibly picturesque. This Fajã da Ovelha hiking trail starts at one end of the town, climbs up to the ridge above, traverses along the ridge, and then drops back down to the other end of the town. You visit several viewpoints along the way along the Vereda da Atalaia and the Vereda dos Zimbreiros hiking trails. This isn’t a well-signed or official route but you can find the way via Maps.me or a with a guide like João Let’s Hike.

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ACHADAS DA CRUZ HIKE

The Achadas da Cruz cable car takes you down a huge cliff to an incredibly unique spot on Madeira, which is the traditional village of Fajá da Quebrada Nova. Nestled away on the north-western coast of Madeira, the small parish was once home to hundreds who tended to their livestock and agriculture. Today, many of the small, traditional homes have been unoccupied for years making it an incredibly unique and unusual place to explore.

Most people take the cable car up and down to the village but there is a small hiking trail to the side of the village that was used many years ago before the cable car. It’s a zig-zagging series of switchbacks. The map can be found easily on Maps.me and it wasn’t too dangerous in my opinion but there are no safety railings and there is some exposure.

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LEVADA DA RIBEIRA DA JANELA HIKE

The Levada da Ribeira da Janela hike runs from the coast to the mountains through an enormous canyon with scenic cliff-side levada paths throughout the journey. The 11.5-kilometer journey can be done as a point-to-point hike or doubled as a mighty 23-kilometer out-and-back trail. If it’s been raining recently, you can expect to meet quite a few waterfalls that will cascade onto the trail. Bring a raincoat and get ready for an adventure on this canyon hike that offers a relatively flat levada, for the majority of the route.

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LEVADA DOS CEDROS WATERFALL HIKE

The Levada dos Cedros hike follows a levada through one of the most beautiful forest sections on Madeira until you finally reach an incredible waterfall! This shady, forest hike winds through lush greenery for 6 kilometers before you will discover a multi-tiered waterfall for a refreshing dip.

The trail is fairly straightforward with no moments of danger. You have a safety railing whenever there is a drop-off. The path is always following the levada so the route is clear but often the trail is rocky or muddy but nothing to worry about. If you take the return route via Fanal, you will have to endure 400m of an incline up the steep stairs.

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LEVADA DO REI WATERFALL HIKE 

The Levada do Rei waterfall hike leads you on a peaceful trail into a jungle wonderland where you can find several stunning waterfalls! The trail follows the Ribeiro Bonito (Bonito River) through the jungle until you reach an atmospheric gorge featuring several small cascades and waterfalls. At the very end of the gorge, you will find a giant hidden waterfall that is accessible with some basic climbing, clambering, and a sense of adventure.

LEVADA DO REI HIKE TOURS

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LEVADA DO BRASILEIRO TO LEVADA DO MOINHO HIKE

The Levada do Brasileiro to Levada do Moinho hike is a circular route winding through the Laurisilva UNESCO Forest with incredible scenery! I really loved the first section of the trail as we had to adventure through the twisted vines and incredible trees from within the forest.

The trail is moderate on the difficulty scale. It’s not dangerous by any means but there are a few components that make it a little interesting. There are uneven surfaces beside the levada with big drop-offs. There is a wide path but you have no railing or safety fence so you need to stay vigilant. You also have a few downhill sections on slippery dirt through the forest, which will test out your balance.

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FAJÁ DOS PADRES TRAIL: MOST DANGEROUS HIKE ON MADEIRA

There are many scary ridges, crumbly climbs, and slippery slopes but the Faja dos Padres trail is up there as the most dangerous hike on Madeira. The narrow path, often less than 1-meter wide, ascends up the crumbly, coastal cliff above the Fajã dos Padres village. The quiet town below is in stark contrast to the intensity of the drop-off as you wind your way up this perilous cliff-side.

This trail is rated very difficult and not for inexperienced hikers. There are very dangerous drop-offs, unstable ground, crumbly rocks, overgrown cactus, and waterfall crossings just to name a few. I don’t recommend this hike unless you are very experienced and even then you can be unlucky with falling rocks or landslides, so do be as careful as possible. It was pretty scary at times.

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FAJÃ DO NOGUEIRA LOOP HIKE

The Fajã da Nogueira loop hike is a spectacular trail that begins and ends at the electricity plant in the center of the island. The route leads you up, high above the canyon, and follows a levada along some sketchy, narrow paths through tunnels and underneath waterfalls. A backdrop of the highest peaks on the island creates a dramatic view as you traverse the landslide-prone region.

This hike is one I would list as moderately difficult for a number of reasons. The levadas and trail are pretty wild. There are lots of landslides in this area so the fencing and pathways are often missing or with big holes. There are many huge drops and lots of places to make one wrong slip and fall a long way. It’s probably not the best route for kids or those who aren’t experienced with staying safe close to edges with a big drop-off.

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MONTE TRIGO HIKE IN SAO VICENTE

The hike on Vereda do Monte Trigo takes you up through the dense forest of Sao Vicente to several incredible rocky viewpoints overlooking the valley. Expect some scrambling and bouldering on this trail with the assistance of chains and ropes throughout the track. We had incredible conditions with fast-moving clouds floating through the valley while we stood on the huge boulders at the top of the trail!

This hike is one I would list as moderately difficult for a number of reasons. Firstly the incline is 992 meters, which is a pretty steep journey over just 6 kilometers. Secondly, the terrain is a mixture of rocky stairs, muddy tracks, and slippery descents. You will have to use ropes and chains that are installed to ascend and descend up boulders and steep, rocky stairs. Madeira Wonder Hikes know this route well and can lead you through it as it is not signed at all.

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PICO DO JORGE HIKE

Pico do Jorge is a lesser-known peak in the center of Madeira Island. There are many different routes you can take to reach this mighty peak but I chose a loop route beginning in Curral das Freiras (Nun’s Valley). We looped up from Nun’s Valley, passed Boca das Torrinhas, summited Pico do Jorge and then went on to Pico Grande before circling back down a long descent into Nun’s Valley. You get everything on this 16.5-kilometer journey, which has 1,550 meters of incline throughout the route.

This hike is one I would list as difficult for a number of reasons. Firstly the incline is 1,556 meters, which is very steep for most hikers. Secondly, it’s quite long on top of the incline with 16.5 kilometers to cover. The terrain is a mixture of rocky scrambling to nice grass paths to slippery descents. You have to be prepared for it all. There are a few moments of exposure but there wasn’t anything very technical on this hike. Summiting Pico do Jorge isn’t necessary but involved a bit of technical scrambling and adventuring off the path.

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CHÃO DA RIBEIRA WATERFALL HIKE

Chão da Ribeira is an incredible plateau in the mountains above Seixal on the north coast of Madeira Island. It’s such an incredible valley of lush forest that it’s known to locals as ‘The Sanctuary’. As soon as I arrived after the winding drive up from the coast, I could sense it was a special place. We hiked on one of the common trails to a series of waterfalls and streams, often passing through small tunnels along the way.

This hike isn’t too dangerous but also not entirely easy. The hike isn’t very well signed at all, so you will need my map or to be with a local guide. There were almost 500 meters of elevation all at once up the initial climb, which was pretty steep. There are a few drop-offs but I never felt like I was in danger as the path was always wide enough or with railings. You will want a headlamp for the tunnels but they were quite safe and had good clearance overhead. The toughest part of the hike was the optional stream exploration at the halfway point. Here we had to scramble and boulder up the stream to explore and find the extra waterfalls.

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RIBEIRA DE SÃO JORGE TO ILHA UPSTREAM HIKE

Ribeira de São Jorge to Ilha is an upstream hike and one hell of an adventure on Madeira Island. The hike begins inside the canyon and you follow the Ribeira de São Jorge for almost 10 kilometers until you make the steep ascent out of the canyon and join up with the Ilha trail to wind your way back down the ridge to Ilha. It’s very adventurous, you will be submerged in water many times and need to scramble up steep and muddy ascents.

The difficulties on this trail are the terrain for the most part. While there are no drop-offs or moments to be afraid of heights, it’s the slippery nature of an upstream hike that will get most people. Slippery rocks, walking through water, and scrambling up and down boulders require some technical skills. The ascent was very steep and you should be comfortable scrambling on all fours while holding on to trees for stability. This hike is recommended for experienced hikers I would say although it was nothing super technical. Madeira Wonder Hikes know this route well and can lead you through it.

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VEREDA DAS FUNDURAS HIKE FROM PORTELA VIEWPOINT

The Vereda das Funduras hike begins at Portela Viewpoint, which has a great view over the iconic Penha d’Àguia rock formation in Porto da Cruz. The trail itself is mostly through the forest with the scenery highlighted by beautiful ferns and lush vegetation of the UNESCO Laurissilva Forest. This is a great trail for families, beginner hikers, and trail runners with low difficulty and only a slight incline throughout the route.

This hike has a low difficulty. The trail is relatively flat and the terrain was about as flat as it gets for a forest path on Madeira. There were no big drop-offs and I would suggest this one for families, trail-runners and you could even take your dog on this hike.

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HIKING TO ROCHA DO NAVIO COASTAL VILLAGE

Rocha do Navio is a Fajã in Santana, which is on the north coast of Madeira Island. A Fajã is a flat depression near the coast that is used for farming. There is a cable car that takes tourists up and down to the coastal village below but you can also take the more adventurous route on the steep but short hiking trail. The name Rocha do Navio comes from the Dutch shipwreck that occurred there in the 19th century.

This hike is quite short but it is very steep. There is some landslide damage and slippery sections on the trail so I would only recommend it to those with good footwear and comfortable with heights and stairs. There is a cable car that can take you up and down if you prefer not to hike but still want to visit the village/Fajã.

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