Madeira does not have many beaches, even these are narrow or difficult to access from the cliffs. Not to mention that the water can be quite cold. Most of the coast are cliffs, but these cliffs… oh, they do offer divine panoramic views. Nature and sports lovers will truly enjoy Madeira. Its steep slopes can be discovered on foot or by bike, you can also walk on simpler paths, levadas. These are irrigation systems that are at the same time a little less demanding hiking trails.

I never knew very much about Madeira before until I saw wonderful videos from World Wanderista on Youtube. The video “Madeira, the most thrilling hike: Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo” was the biggest inspiration, and that when I knew I wanted to go there too.

Madeira offers plenty of trails, even two weeks on the island won’t be enough to explore them all. But there are some that you really shouldn’t miss! In this post, I’ll share my favorites.

→Useful tips

• WalkMe Levadas Madeira App – a great app where you can find many trails, descriptions, photos, and other useful tips.
• Webcams – weather on Madeira can be really unpredictable, it might be useful to check your destination on live cameras before you decide where to go.
• Things needed: good hiking shoes, torch, rain jacket or cape, layered clothes.

→My favorite trails

Vereda do Arieiro – Pico Ruivo (PR1)

If you only have enough time for one hike, I would suggest this one. It’s the most famous hike on the island and also quite strenuous, but sooo rewarding. Pico do Arieiro and Pico Ruivo are two of the highest peaks in Madeira. Pico Ruivo is the highest peak, and our starting point for this hike is from Pico do Arieiro. There is a parking place available, I suggest coming really early to get a spot, and also catch some nice morning views – maybe also before sunrise.
I have to admit that some parts of the trails were challenging, given that I’m slightly afraid of heights, but it was totally worth it. The hike is also pretty strenuous on some parts, but even if you are not really athletic, you can do it – just take your time and enjoy the views. But what is important – you need good hiking shoes and plenty of water and snacks.
Route: Pico do Arieiro – Pico Ruivo – Pico do Arierio (round trip)
Start: Pico do Arieiro
Distance: Around 11-12km (My Strava apps says 13km)
Time: around 3-4 hours. That is meant walking time. According to my Strava stats, I walked 3,5hours, but with all the stops and enjoying the views, it took me a few hours more. You have to take this as a day trip, do not hurry and enjoy it to the fullest.

Vereda do Pico Ruivo (PR 1.2)

Another option to go to Pico Ruivo is from Achada do Teixera. This is a way shorter and easier hike, and also a great opportunity to visit Pico Ruivo again, in case your hike from Pico do Arierio was really cloudy and you didn’t get any views in the end 😀
There is a large parking lot at Teixeira do Pico that is usually above the clouds and as you slowly hike uphill you will see more views of the valley under you. But the weather really changes here. When we got to the parking lot you couldn’t see a few meters in front of you, but we got lucky on the top and got some amazing views.
Start: Achada do Teixera
Distance: around 5,5km (round trip)
Time: 1-2 h

Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço (PR8)

This is a very different trail from all the others on the island. The semi-arid climate and its exposure to North winds have sculpted the low vegetation and lack of trees, which distinguish this area from the rest of the Island. It is located on the very east point of the Island, in Caniçal, and is part of the Madeira Natural Park. The path is quite nice, sometimes moderate, the wind is really strong, so be careful where you step. Also, don’t forget sunscreen, a lot of it! Because of all the wind, you won’t even feel how the sun burns you.
Start: Ponta de São Lourenço Parking
Distance: 7,2km (round trip)
Time: 2-3h

Levada do Caldeirão Verde (PR9)

An amazing hike that will leave you speechless. The path is not steep, but in some areas, it is very narrow, on one side there is mostly an abyss, but also phenomenal views. The path also leads through a few tunnels, bring a flashlight and watch your head. At the end of the trail, you will find a beautiful waterfall.
Start: Casa das Queimadas
Distance: around 13km (round trip)
Time: 3-5h
       

Levada do Rei (PR18)

This easy walk will mesmerize you! Such scenery, such amazing views with so little effort. Totally worth it. But bring some waterproof jacket or even better, a rain cape – because you’ll be going under a waterfall =)
Start: Water Treatment Station in Quebradas in São Jorge
Distance: around 11km (round trip)
Time: 3-4h
   

Levada das 25 Fontes / Levada do Risco (PR6 & 6.1)

This is a combination of two nice and quite easy trails to see two different waterfalls. The trail starts from the car park on ER 110 and descends into the Rabacal governance house. This road is paved, and there are shuttles that drive both ways. I suggest you come really early to avoid the group tours. Walk down the paved road to Rabacal house and then continue on the levadas. When you finish both walks, you can take the shuttle uphill the paved road (shuttle buses usually start running at 10, you can buy the ticket on a shuttle).
Start: car park on ER 110
Distance: around 10km (point to point)
Time: 3-4h

I hope you enjoyed my selection of the best hikes and walks in Madeira. Stay tuned for the next post, to learn more about this gorgeous island.
In the meantime you can lose yourself in those gorgeous design hotels you can find on Madeira, featured in my post: 10 GREAT HOTELS IN MADEIRA.