Madeira, an island known for its stunning landscapes and diverse terrain, is a hiker’s paradise. From challenging mountain trails to serene levada walks with multiple waterfalls, there’s something for every type of adventurer. Here’s a guide to the best hikes in Madeira, sharing tips on what to wear, and where to stay for an unforgettable hiking holiday on this Portuguese island
I spent nearly three weeks exploring this beautiful island in the Atlantic, hiking hundreds of kilometres. I’m happy to share my guide to the best hiking trails in Madeira, along with information on the distance, the incline and what views you can expect. Helping you to easily plan your hiking trip in Madeira.
Make sure to also check out my guide to the 13 best things to do in Madeira.
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A list of the Best Hikes in Madeira:
- PR1 Pico do Arieiro – Pico Ruivo
- PR6 25 Fontes & Levada do Risco
- PR9 Levada do Caldeirão Verde
- Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço
- Levada Do Moinho To Levada Nova Waterfall Hike
- Vereda dos Balcões
Best Hikes in Madeira – over 10km
1) PR1 Pico do Arieiro – Pico Ruivo
Distance: 10 km one way (18 km return)
Time: 4 – 7 hours
Incline: Significant up and down 900m
One of the most iconic hikes and top things to do in Madeira, is the PR1 trail. This will take you from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo, the highest peak on the island. This challenging trail offers breathtaking views of the incredible rocky landscape. Be prepared for a strenuous climb and varying weather conditions, as you can sometimes be INSIDE the clouds. I recommend checking the local webcams before planning your hike.
Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo is one of the best hikes in Madeira because it’s so scenic! It’s where you’ll find the iconic stairway to heaven, which you’ll find at Miradouro Pedra Rija.
What time should I hike Pico do Arieiro – Pico Ruivo ?
There are two ways to do this hike, either you hike there and back (around 20km) or, if you can book transportation for a transfer, so you can enjoy the hike one way! The latter also means that you don’t need to worry about parking.
If you are considering parking at Pico do Arieiro and hiking to Pico Ruivo and back and I recommend coming for sunrise. Not only will you be able to watch the sunrise over the mountains (simply magical), you’ll have less issues parking. Just make sure to arrive around 1 hour before the sunrise. The car park at Pico do Arieiro fills up fast!! Sunrise is the most popular time to do this hike so it will be busy. Below you can see the car park at 9am.
Alternatively I would head there for 2 hour after sunrise giving the people who just came for sunrise / a look a chance to leave and free up some space. And you will still be early enough to do the whole hike. Or if you just want to do a small part of the hike around Pico do Arieiro then you can go in the afternoon / for sunset.
Parking at Pico do Ariero
Please note that there are TWO car parks – one is right by the Google Maps point for Pico do Arieiro; this is a short stay car park of one hour or less. The other is Parque de Pico do Arieiro just 1km downhill. Parking is free but fills up fast and many people end up parking on the road.
If you are hiking in Madeira without car, or simply wish to do the hike one way and not worry about parking then you should book a transfer. Just make sure to book this in advance as they do sell out.
2) PR9 Levada do Caldeirão Verde
Distance: 12 km return
Time: 3.5 – 5 hours
Incline: None
One of the best hikes in Madeira, as well as being a fairly easy hike, is PR9 Levada do Caldeirão Verde. This trail follows an ancient levada (irrigation channel) through lush forests and tunnels, leading to the spectacular Caldeirão Verde waterfall. It’s a serene and enchanting walk and basically completely flat, definitely a must do levada hike! However at times you are walking on a small ledge on the side of a cliff (with barriers) so if you are hiking with children just be wary of this. There are also a couple of long tunnels on this hike, so don’t forget your headlamp.
It’s one of the most instagrammable photo spots in Madeira so make sure to charge your phone! At the beginning of the hike is where you’ll find the beautiful houses, which are sometimes shrouded in mist.
This is one of the most popular hikes in Madeira, so you can expect big crowds. I recommend coming either before 9am or after 3pm to avoid the crowds. However if you come in the afternoon this will be around the time that most people are leaving so you might have trouble driving in (the road is quite narrow). But it will be worth it to have the hike mostly to yourself!
3) PR6 25 Fontes & Levada do Risco
Distance: 11 km return
Time: 3.5 – 5 hours
Incline: Slight
The PR6 trail is another popular choice, featuring the stunning 25 Fontes (25 Springs) and Levada do Risco. This hike offers beautiful scenery with cascading waterfalls and lush greenery. Risco waterfall is a slight detour to get to but 100% worth it! There is a slight incline on the way back, but it is a fairly easy hike otherwise. Once you get to the cafe you can opt to take a minivan up to the car park for just €5.
As this is one of the best hikes in Madeira the parking gets very full and chaotic! We ended up parking on the side of the road. I recommend going either early before 9am or later in the afternoon or alternatively, you can book a guided hike with transfers.
4) Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço
Distance: 10 km return
Time: 3 – 4 hours
Incline: Slight 552m
Located on the easternmost tip of Madeira, Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço offers a unique coastal hiking experience. The trail showcases dramatic cliffs, rocky outcrops, and sweeping ocean views, making it one of the best hikes in Madeira. It’s a moderately challenging hike with some steep sections, but the vistas are well worth the effort.
As this is to the east of Madeira, it’s a popular sunrise spot. So I recommend either coming for sunrise, or coming in the late afternoon.
If you don’t have a car it’s also possible to book a full day guided tour taking you on this hike, as well as exploring the whole eastern tip.
Whilst you’re visiting the eastern point of the island make sure to stop at the Miradouro da Ponta do Rosto for a beautiful view and photo spot in Madeira.
Best Hikes in Madeira – under 10km
5) PR1.2 Vereda do Pico Ruivo: A Perfect Sunset Hike
Distance: 6 km return
Time: 1.5 hours
Elevation Gain: 473 m
For those looking to experience the stunning views from Pico Ruivo, but prefer a shorter hike, PR1.2 Vereda do Pico Ruivo is an excellent option. This trail offers a more manageable distance, while still providing the opportunity to reach Madeira’s highest peak. It’s particularly popular for sunset hikes, as the views from the top during this time are absolutely breathtaking.
6) Levada Do Moinho To Levada Nova Waterfall Hike
Distance: 9 km round trip
Time: 3 – 5 hours
Incline: Slight 150m
This hike combines two levadas, so you can walk it in a loop. It takes you through picturesque landscapes and past charming waterfalls. The trail is relatively easy, however some sections are narrow and with a steep drop and no barrier. The lush scenery and peaceful atmosphere make this a must-do hike in Madeira.
The trail begins in Lombada, a quaint village in southern Madeira. To reach the starting point, head to the church and park in the nearby small car park there. Or there is the option to park further up the hill on the side of the road. Levada Nova is one of most instagrammable photo spots in Madeira and it will take you around 45 minutes to reach this waterfall.
7) PR11 Vereda dos Balcões
Distance: 3 km return
Time: 1.5 hours
Incline: Slight
A short but incredibly rewarding hike, Vereda dos Balcões leads to the Balcões Viewpoint. Which offers panoramic views of the island’s central mountain range. This walking trail in Madeira is perfect for a quick and easy walk. It’s an ideal choice for families and those looking to enjoy stunning vistas without a long trek.
Hiking in Madeira – Levadas vs Veredas
In Madeira, you’ll encounter both levada and vereda trails. Here’s a quick explanation of the differences:
- Levadas: These are irrigation channels that transport water from the wet regions in the north to the drier regions in the south. Levada walks typically follow these channels and are relatively flat, making them accessible for all fitness levels. They offer scenic routes through lush forests, tunnels, and past waterfalls.
- Veredas: These are traditional footpaths that often lead through more rugged and varied terrain. Vereda hikes can be more challenging, with steep inclines and rocky paths. They usually offer spectacular views from higher altitudes and require a bit more stamina and preparation.
What to Wear Hiking in Madeira
Hiking in Madeira requires proper preparation as the terrain is so varied and the climate can change drastically from one place to another and from one day to another. Here’s a list of essential gear:
- Sturdy Hiking Boots: Ensure they have good grip and ankle support. Linking mine here.
- Lightweight, Breathable Clothing: Moisture-wicking fabrics are ideal.
- Waterproof Jacket: Weather can change rapidly, especially at higher altitudes.
- Hat and Sunglasses: Protect yourself from the sun.
- Backpack: A small daypack for water, snacks, and essentials.
- Headlamp or Flashlight: Useful for tunnels on levada walks or if you do the Pico do Arieiro hike for sunrise. Linking mine here.
Where to Stay in Madeira
I recommend staying in Funchal as it’s a good central location to access all the best hikes in Maderia. As the island’s capital, it offers a range of hotels and guesthouses. It’s a great base for exploring Madeira, especially if you don’t hire a car. As a lot of the tours and pickups will be from Funchal.
Budget
Residencial Colombo
Jaca Hostel
Mid-range
Quinta da Bella Vista
Golden Residence Hotel
Luxury
Savoy palace
Reid’s Palace, A Belmont Hotel
How to get around Madeira.
Getting around Madeira is best done by hiring a car, especially if you plan on hiking. Public transport won’t take you to the start of every hike, so having a car provides the flexibility and convenience needed to explore the island’s trails. I booked my car with 7m via Discovercars, a comparison site that offers the best possible rates. I booked the car with them and then bought the insurance directly from the car company, so I didn’t need to put down a deposit. If you don’t hire a car, you’ll need to rely on tours and transfers to reach your hiking destinations. This will definitely simplify your life as you won’t need to stress about driving in Madeira, or parking!
Conclusion on the Best Hikes in Madeira
The diverse walking trails in Madeira cater to all levels of hikers, from challenging mountain climbs to leisurely levada walks. Whether you’re seeking adventure or tranquility, hiking in Madeira will leave you in awe of the island’s natural beauty.
If you have limited time on the island, and can only do two of the best hikes in Madeira, then I recommend prioritising the Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo hike and one of the levada hikes (my favourite was the Levada do Caldeirão Verde).
Don’t forget to pack appropriately (layers!!) for your adventures. So you can fully enjoy the best hikes in Madeira.
Make sure to check out my guide to the top things to do in Madeira, so you can fully plan out your trip!
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