Best Hikes in Madeira: A Must-do Trail List

The Hikes on Madeira

Madeira is known for its incredible landscapes, which range from lush, cloud-swept mountains to volcanic pools and plunging waterfalls. Many of these fantastic points are also connected by beautiful Madeira hiking trails that sweep across the Portuguese island.

All the major hikes (over 20 official trails) in Madeira have a PR number, like PR1 for Pico do Arieiro. These are recommended trails by the Regional Government of Madeira and some of the very best hikes on the island. 

Apart from PR1, the trails are all relatively straightforward and don’t have a very deep descent or ascent. Follow the well-signposted routes, passing picturesque valleys, small waterfalls dripping from the rocks, and stunning Laurel forests. Hiking is by far one of the best things to do in Madeira; keep on reading for all our favorite trails!

Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo (PR1)

With endless views over steep Jurassic valleys, rugged peaks, and the Atlantic Ocean, it’s safe to say the Pico do Arieiro hike on Madeira is one of the best trails on the island. This trail climbs above 1,500m (4,900 feet) and is most famous for its frequent low-hanging clouds submerging the surrounding tall mountains. 

Whether you do this hike in the morning or catch the breathtaking panoramic views during sunset, this in-and-out trail is one of the most beautiful things we’ve ever done! The 13-kilometer trail begins at Pico do Arieiro and winds through lush valleys towards Pico Ruivo and back.

The real showstopper, however, is when the area fills with a thick sea of clouds, creating an almost fantasy-like atmosphere. We did this one during sunset, and it is by far one of our favorite hikes in Madeira!

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Tip: Not up for walking this trail in and out? You can also book a one-way transfer to pick you up at the second peak, allowing you to do this hike one way.

Suppose you don’t feel like hiking the entire route to Pico Ruivo but still want to witness those incredible views. In that case, you can also choose to walk from Pico do Arieiro to the viewpoint ‘Miradouro do Ninho da Manta’ (40 minutes). Here, you have a viewing platform looking over the incredible valleys. Details:

How to Visit

From the capital city, Funchal, it takes about 30-40 minutes to reach the trailhead parking lot. The road up is a beautiful journey, twisting and turning between the mountains. A taxi costs about 40 EUR from the city to Pico do Arieiro. 

Alternatively, for those seeking a less strenuous option, numerous transfer services are available to drop you off at the trailhead and pick you up from Achadas Teixeira (close to Pico Ruivo). This way, you can do the ‘Pico to Pico’ hike one way. 

PR6 25 Fontes + Risco Waterfall

In central Rabaçal, high between the densely forested mountains, lies Levada das 25 Fontes, one of Madeira’s best hikes. This route is often combined with two trails, the 25 Fontes (PR6) and the Risco Waterfall (PR6.1). Both start from the same parking lot and are equally beautiful, with two stunning waterfalls. 

Witness Risco Waterfall plummet down from a hundred meters, enshrouded in lush ferns and verdant mosses. However, the real highlight lies at the end, where you’ll see 25 different streams cascade down a cliff face into a peaceful lagoon.

This in-and-out trail leads to the waterfalls and back, with an optional shuttle bus from the parking lot to the trailhead (and back). Details:

• Total km: 5 – 11 km roundtrip
• Time: 3 – 4 hours
• Elevation: 300 – 800 meters (with – without shuttle)
• Difficulty: Easy – moderate
• Route type: In-and-out
• Entrance: Free to visit, no tickets
• Starting point: Rabacal parking lot

How to Visit

The Rabaçal parking lot is the route’s starting point and is about an hour’s drive from the bustling city of Funchal, Madeira. 

Tip: Once you get there, make sure to check out the small chapel across the road. From here, you have an incredible view over the valley, sometimes covered with low-hanging clouds!

Ponta de São Lourenço (PR8)

Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço is a very different hike than the others in Madeira, Portugal. Instead of through lush scenery, this trail follows the dry and rugged coastline of the island’s easternmost peninsula. Hike along the shore, following an easy route with breathtaking views over the ocean and tall cliffs standing in the water. 

This 7-kilometer round-trip starts from the parking lot and follows the PR8 trail to Sardinha, passing São Lourenço Beach and, before you know it, the dramatic cliff sides. Most of the route is fenced off, allowing you to hike it even during more windy weather (frequent!).

Did you know? São Lourenço is named after the vessel of João Gonçalves de Zarco, one of the three explorers said to have discovered Madeira.  

Walk all the way to the end of the trail to Ponta do Furado, the most easterly peak with stunning and unique views of Madeira—it’s definitely worth the effort! As you pass all the different viewpoints, you’ll notice the millions of years of volcanic erosion, both stunning during sunrise and sunset.

Details:

• Total km: 7 km
• Time: 3 hours
• Elevation: 550 meters
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Route type: Loop
• Entrance: 1 euro donation through QR.
• Starting point: Ponta de São Lourenco near Canical

How to Visit

The beauty of this hike is that it’s easy to get to from Funchal. Hop on the 113 bus (1h15min) or drive (40 minutes) to the parking lot. Tip: Make sure to get there early, as parking fills up quickly. You can also park along the road, but that’ll add to the length of your hike. 

PR9 Levada do Caldeirão Verde

The Levada do Caldeirão Verde hike is a lovely levada walk (not too steep) that follows a path through a lush jungle, four tunnels, and past incredible waterfalls. This is one of the most popular hikes in Madeira and a must-do on your Madeira itinerary!

The trek is about 6 kilometers one way, but you can easily walk that within 1,5 to 2 hours. It’s a very popular trek, so it takes some extra time to get there, allowing people to pass on the small path. The hike itself is not steep at all, though always keep an eye on where you’re walking as it follows a canal and isn’t always level.

Most of it is fenced off and passes through beautiful greenery, shading you from the sun. Walking along, the trail opens to views where you can peer into the deep valleys while looking at waterfalls and the ocean. 

At the end of the trail, that’s when it gets interesting. First, you’ll pass a few smaller waterfalls, traverse through tunnels (bring a light!), and then you’re finally rewarded with the incredible Caldeirao Verde waterfall plummeting from far above. This area is fenced off, but you can still get close to it. Make sure to bring a picnic to enjoy while listening to the falling water stream. 

Tip: It rains a bit more up here, so expect mud! Because of this, normal sneakers won’t work; you’ll need hiking shoes instead. Details:

• Total km: 12 km
• Time: 5 – 6 hours
• Elevation: 600 meters
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Route type: In-and-out
• Entrance: Free to visit, no tickets.
• Starting point: Queimadas Forest Park

How to Visit

From Funchal, it’s about a 50-minute drive up into the mountains to get to the trailhead. It’s recommended that you come as early as possible to avoid traffic on the tight roads and grab a parking spot (limited). 

Alternatively, you can also grab a taxi or transfer up to the trailhead and order one at the cafe at the entrance for the way back. What’s more, the cafe has lovely drinks, coffee, and cake – the perfect reward after hiking!

PR11 Vereda dos Balcões

Vereda dos Balcões offers an easy 1-hour walk through serene woods, starting from the roadside parking. The wide forest paths follow a levada, leading to an epic balcony viewpoint (the ‘verada’), perfect for all ages.

From the balcony, on your left, you’ll see the iconic Pico do Arieiro in the distance, while the right reveals the vast ocean. This is easily one of Madeira’s best hikes, with stunning views that’ll make you want to bring your camera. 

Along the trail, you’ll find Snack Bar Flor da Selva, a charming cafe where you can enjoy local Madeira Honey Cake, a drink, and a restroom break. It’s a great stop to rest and refuel. 

We also brought some old bread and crushed almonds to feed the Madeira firecrest birds here. They preferred the nuts, which we later shared with some kids who had only bread. The birds eagerly flocked to them, creating such a great scene!

• Total km: 3 km
• Time: 1 – 1,5 hours
• Elevation: 140 meters
• Difficulty: Easy
• Route type: In-and-out
• Entrance: Free to visit, no tickets.
• Starting point: Ribeiro Frio

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Levada Nova + do Moinho: Our Favorite Hike

The Levada Nova + do Moinho is a peaceful hike along levadas, leading to a mesmerizing waterfall you can actually walk behind! This 9-kilometer round trip almost has no incline (only 150m), which makes it the perfect leisurely walk on the island. However, some sections of the trail zigzag along steep cliffs (not always fenced), so keep an eye on the path. 

Unlike the other Madeira hiking trails mentioned in this guide, the Levada Nova + do Moinho trail isn’t marked as a PR hike. It’s a loop trail, and at the starting point, you can choose which way you want to go first (upper or lower path). Both levada paths are on the same side of the mountain. 

If you hike Levada do Moinho, you start by going down a few stairs (spot our sticker here!) and following the trail for about an hour. Walk up the wooden stairs at the end to the very top and follow the road until you reach the waterfall (15 min). 

After admiring the beautiful stream, you exit through a long tunnel (bring a light!) and walk just over an hour back past Levada Nova. This is one of Madeira’s lesser-known hiking trails, but definitely one of our favorites! 

Best Time to Go Hiking in Madeira, Portugal

Madeira’s tropical climate rarely gets cold, with an average temperature of 20 – 25 degrees Celsius year-round. However, head into the mountains, and you’ll notice that temperatures (and the weather) change due to the higher elevation. 

Tip: Check the Madeira webcams or Windy.com to see what the weather is like at your chosen hiking trail before setting out. 

Depending on your preference, you can choose to hike early in the morning (a popular choice) or later during the day to witness the sunset. There’s nothing quite as magical as seeing the surrounding peaks and valleys color in a soft, golden glow, like at Pico do Arieiro! 

Note: Just make sure you watch the time and come prepared with the proper gear and enough snacks and water. 

Madeira Hiking Tours

Although all the hikes across the island can be done solo (with proper preparation and packing), for those without their own transportation or who would prefer to head out in a slightly bigger group, there’s the option to book different hiking tours in Madeira. 

Choose a transfer service if you’re looking for private transportation to your desired trailhead. These services usually pick you up from your hotel in Funchal, drop you off at the beginning of your hike, and wait till you’ve completed the trail to take you back to your hotel. 

• Pico do Arieiro: Book a transfer from Funchal if you’re hiking this trail one-way
• 25 Fontes: Book a guided hiking tour for this trail 

Alternatively, if you’re looking to explore the trails with an expert guide, you can book a private hiking tour or a group tour of some of the biggest PR trails. These tours often include stops in other famed Madeira locations, like Porto Moniz or Fanal Forest.

What to Bring on Your Hikes in Madeira

Hiking is guaranteed to be a highlight on your Madeira itinerary, with some incredible options to choose from. However, it’s always important to go into nature prepared. Here are some things to pack and prepare to make these incredible hikes on Madeira go as smoothly as possible:

Where to Stay

As Madeira is rather compact, it’s easy to get to all the different hiking trails from the island’s vibrant capital city, Funchal. Base yourself here and drive or transfer up north to go hiking in Madeira. Funchal is an incredible city packed with excellent accommodation options.

Our favorite hotels in Funchal 😴

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Quinta Da Penha De Franca

Funchal

Atlântico Azul

Funchal

Hotel Alto Lido

Funchal

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Funchal

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Another option is to stay in Sao Vicente, a cute village on the island’s rugged northern coast. Because it lies close to some of the most iconic PR trails, it’s a good spot for those looking for a bit more peace and quiet amidst Madeira’s lush nature.

Our favorite hotels in Sao Vicente 😴

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Estalagem do Vale

Sao Vicente

Gardens Guest House

Sao Vicente

Casa do Cantinho do Muro

Sao Vicente

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