Best Hikes on Madeira - Comprehensive Guide with Photos
Madeira, often referred to as the “Pearl of the Atlantic,” is home to some of the best hikes in the world. With its dramatic cliffs, lush laurel forests, and breathtaking ocean views, this Portuguese island is a true paradise for hikers. In this guide, we highlight the best hikes in Madeira that are well-marked, accessible to the average hiker, and don’t require a guide. From famous levada walks to stunning summit trails, these routes showcase the island’s natural beauty and are perfect for your next outdoor adventure.
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How to get to hikes on Madeira
Hiking trails are scattered all across Madeira, with some easily accessible by public transportation, such as Ponta de São Lourenço and Pico do Arieiro. However, reaching others may require arranging private transportation. Fortunately, there’s a new tour provider on the island offering convenient pickups from Funchal and transfers to some of Madeira’s most popular hiking spots. Just search “Madeira transfers to hikes” on Google, and you’ll find plenty of options to choose from.
That said, one of the best and most flexible ways to explore Madeira is by renting a car. We always use and recommend Discover Cars for our trips. They offer a wide range of options from both international and local rental companies, with clear pricing that includes all fees and taxes upfront—no surprises.
Planning Hiking on Madeira
Hiking in Madeira is an amazing adventure, but you’ve got to be prepared before heading out into the wild. Here’s what you’ll need:
• Proper Gear and Shoes: Dress in layers for Madeira’s unpredictable weather, and make sure to wear sturdy, comfy hiking boots.
• Water: Bring plenty to stay hydrated, especially if it’s a warm day.
• Charged Phone: Madeira’s trails are perfect for unplugging, but keep your phone fully charged and maybe pack a power bank—just in case.
• Snacks: Pack some snacks to keep your energy up while you’re out there.
Keep in mind, once you’re on the trail, it’s all you. There aren’t any restaurants, bathrooms, or help along the way, so be ready to handle things on your own. Before heading out on a hike check the official website to see if your chosen trail is currently open and safe to hike.
READ MORE: Madeira Perfect 7-Day Itinerary
Are the hikes in Madeira free?
Starting January 2025, all official hiking trails will have a fee of €3 per person for anyone aged 12 and above. To pay for Madeira's walking trails online, just go to the official SIMplifica website and click the "Request" button on the left (labeled "Solicitar" in Portuguese). You’ll fill out a quick form—choose your trail, select your hike date, and enter your email and country of origin. For payment, just enter your bank card info. You can complete this payment anytime before your hike, even right before starting. Just keep in mind that phone signal can be weak in some areas, so it’s best to handle it ahead of time.
What is a Levada on Madeira
Levada Walks are the most popular tourist attraction on the island. Levadas are irrigation canals which transport water to the drier parts of the island. Along the canals you'll find hiking paths which can take you on adventure through a dense forest, long dark tunnels or even waterfalls which are often being the source of the water in levadas. Levada Walks are real adventure!
Where to stay in madeira for hiking
Madeira is a relatively small island, and you can reach almost any location within an hour, making it easy to explore no matter where you stay. That said, each area has its own charm and unique attractions. If your trip is shorter than 7 days, staying in Funchal is the most convenient option. Tours and excursions typically start their pickups from Funchal, and unlike many smaller towns that quiet down after 6 PM, the capital offers vibrant dining and entertainment options to enjoy after a day of adventure.
Planning a trip to Madeira? Get our Madeira eBook Guide for expert tips and exclusive discounts on car rentals, tours, and activities!
PR1 - Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo
🥾 Moderate/Hard
⛰️ Total Distance: 6KM (point to point)
📈 Incline: 500M
⏱️ Total Duration: 3-4 hours
🎟️ Paid €3
This challenging point-to-point trail takes you from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo, the highest peak on the island. The trail offers breathtaking views of the island's rugged interior. On your way, you'll pass few impressive viewpoints, like the popular balcony - Ninho da Manta and the Stairway to Heaven. This trail is very well maintained, some of the tunnels are quite dark, but a phone flashlight is totally enough to find your way. Keep in mind that after reaching Pico Ruivo, you'll need to hike back or take an expensive taxi to return to your car.
There's a restaurant at Pico Ruivo and at Pico do Arieiro, so there are some good options to rest and have lunch. To our observation, going to Pico do Arieiro to see sunrise becomes a some sort of ritual. There are hundreds of people there at that time and the parkings are totally full. That's why, we recommend to start this hike a little later to pass the busiest moment. Last time, we started at around noon and got back to Pico do Arieiro for sunset.
Pico do Arieiro often can be covered with clouds, so we advise to check The webcam before heading there, to avoid bad weather conditions and plan your hike better.
We actually made a full YouTube video about this hike. You can check it out here:
PR 16 - Levada Fajã do Rodrigues
🥾 Easy
⛰️ Total Distance: 4KM (point to point)
📈 Incline: 30M
⏱️ Total Duration: 3-3.5 hours (out and back)
🎟️ €3 for all visitors over 12 years old
The PR 16 - Levada Fajã do Rodrigues is one of the most adventurous levadas on Madeira, easily ranking among the island’s top levada trails. It’s lush and green throughout, immersing you in a true jungle-like atmosphere. Along the way, you’ll encounter several small waterfalls cascading directly onto the trail, making it almost impossible to stay dry—especially after a rainy day when the path is often soaked. The trail features multiple tunnels, including one that stretches a full kilometer. Navigating it requires plenty of ducking, which can be tough on your back, but the challenge only adds to the adventure!
Vereda do Larano
🥾 Easy
⛰️ Total Distance: 10KM (round trip)
📈 Incline: 300M
⏱️ Total Duration: 2 hours
🎟️ Free
Vereda do Larano is undoubtedly one of the best hiking trails on Madeira. This coastal path connects Porto da Cruz and Machico, offering a moderately easy hike with numerous fantastic viewpoints that provide unique perspectives of the ocean and the dramatic eastern cliffs. Although Vereda do Larano is not an official trail, it is regularly used by local hiking guides and trail running events, ensuring its condition is consistently maintained.
We like to start this hike from the viewpoint in Porto da Cruz and finish at the other viewpoint - Boca do Risco. From Boca do Risco, you can also extend the hike to the town of Machico, but after passing the viewpoint the views aren't as spectacular anymore.
PR 6.2 Levada do Alecrim on Madeira and PR 6.3 Lagoa do Vento Loop Hike
🥾 Moderate/Hard
⛰️ Total Distance: 3.5 KM (point to point)
📈 Incline: 50M
⏱️ Total Duration: 2-3 hours
🎟️ €3 for all visitors over 12 years old
The PR 6.2 Levada do Alecrim is one of my favourite levada walks on Madeira. It’s located in Rabaçal, in the western part of the island. Despite being in the same area as some of Madeira’s most popular levada walks, Levada do Alecrim somehow receives far less attention. This might be a great opportunity for you to hike a thrilling trail without the crowds.
Levada do Alecrim is flat throughout its entire route. After just 3.5 kilometres, the trail leads to a gorge with a stunning waterfall that, in my opinion, is far more impressive than the one at the nearby Levada das 25 Fontes. You can walk the trail as an out-and-back or take a detour to another breathtaking waterfall, Lagoa do Vento. Let’s explore together why Levada do Alecrim deserves your attention!
Pico Grande from Boca da Corrida
🥾 Moderate/Hard
⛰️ Total Distance: 10KM (round trip)
📈 Incline: 850M
⏱️ Total Duration: 3-4 hours
🎟️ Free
This is truly a hidden gem as only the most adventurous tourists decide to hike this trail. Pico Grande might be the best viewpoint on the whole island, offering a 360 panorama over the Nuns Valley and all the surrounding picks. The peak of Pico Grande is a very unique place, and you won't find anything similar to it on Madeira. To get to this peak, you can choose one of the 3 starting points. We like to start from a viewpoint Boca da Corrida, as this is the shortest way to get there. The first 2/3 of the hike is mostly a flat, pleasant walk with beautiful views, but the last part is a steep climb up, ending at the top of Pico Grande, a rewarding endeavour. You won't need to do any actual climbing, but a hiking experience and being comfortable in the mountains is obligatory.
Levada PR6 25 Fontes on Madeira
🥾 Easy/Moderate
⛰️ Total Distance: 8.6KM round trip
📈 Incline: 300M
⏱️ Total Duration: 3-4H
🎟️ Paid €3
Levada 25 Fontes and Risco Waterfall is one of the most popular and accessible hikes on Madeira, Levada 25 Fontes, is located in the Rabaçal area. It is a 8.6 km walk that will take you through the stunning laurel forest to a waterfall of 30 meters cascading down surrounded by 25 natural springs. From there, you can go to a viewing platform from which you can see one of the tallest waterfalls on Madeira - Risco Waterfall.
The trail is well-marked and is of moderate difficulty, making it a perfect hike for beginners or those with some hiking experience. However, some sections of the trail can be narrow and steep, so it's important to wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring plenty of water and snacks.
PR17 Caminho do Pináculo e Folhadal
🥾 Moderate/Difficult
⛰️ Total Distance: 17KM (loop trail)
📈 Incline: 700M
⏱️ Total Duration: 5-7 hours
🎟️ Paid €3
Caminho do Pinàculo e Folhadal is one of the hiking trails we love the most on Madeira Island. It takes you past many beautiful waterfalls, through thick Laurissilva forest, exciting tunnels and down steep rocky walls. This trail has everything that makes Madeira special. So, get your hiking gear ready and take your time to explore this trail. We promise you won't be disappointed. It's a 17km long trail that will make you tired, yes, but it also will make your day unforgettable!
There is a small parking available at the beginning of the trail (opposite the Miradouro da
Encumeada tourist shop). Don’t forget to bring a flashlight or a charged phone with flashlight for this hike, because you’ll have several dark tunnels on this trail. The trail from Bica da Cana to Pináculo has waterfalls that flow right onto the path. You might get wet from the waterfalls - so get the jacket or a raincoat and be ready for fun! At the final part of the trail, when the weather is clear, Pináculo is becoming a great viewpoint to see the two highest mountains of Madeira: Pico do Arieiro and Pico Ruivo. For a detailed description of this and many other trails, check out our Madeira e-book.
Watch Our Video from this Hike
Levada PR9 Caldeirão Verde on Madeira
🥾 Easy/Moderate
⛰️ Total Distance: 12KM
📈 Incline: 100M
⏱️ Total Duration: 3-5H
🎟️ Paid €3
Levada do Caldeirão Verde is a 12-kilometer hike that will take you through the scenic landscapes of Santana. The path begins with some very scenic levada trails, completely surrounded by jungle. The lush greenery is very dense, you’ll feel yourself in a real jungle. The trail passes through a dense forest, culminating in a stunning waterfall, and boasts incredible views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. There are several tunnels on the way. This trail is relatively easy and suitable for kids. From the waterfall, you can extend your hike to Levada do Inferno, which also ends with a beautiful waterfall.
There is a parking lot at the hiking trailhead. There’s much going on here. You will find a nice cafe, small cottages where you can stay the night, ducks, a lagoon, and picnic areas here. It’s a great place to have a coffee and cake before or after your hike.
PR8 - Vereda da Ponta de Sao Lourenco
🥾 Easy/Moderate
⛰️ Total Distance: 7KM (round trip)
📈 Incline: 500M
⏱️ Total Duration: 2-3 hours
🎟️ Paid €3
The PR8 Ponta de São Lourenço hike on Madeira’s eastern tip is one of the island’s most stunning coastal trails. Covering 7 km round-trip and taking around 2–3 hours, this hike offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, dramatic cliffs, and rugged volcanic landscapes. It’s popular because it’s not too steep and easily accessible from Funchal.
The trail consists of rocky and gravel paths, so good shoes are essential. Some sections are exposed, but safety railings and wide paths make it manageable for most hikers. The best time to go is early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat and enjoy epic sunrise or sunset views over the ocean.
Watch our video from this hike:
Levada do Moinho - Levada Nova Levada do Moinho on Madeira
🥾 Easy/Moderate
⛰️ Total Distance: 9KM
📈 Incline: 150M
⏱️ Total Duration: 3H
🎟️ Free
Levada Nova is a 9 km circuit hike combined out of two levadas that meet at a waterfall. This trail will take you through the picturesque valley and town of Ponta do Sol. Besides the stairs which connect two levadas, this trail is perfectly flat. The two levadas meet at a very unique waterfall carved in the rock with the trail leading just behind it.
From the waterfall you'll continue to a short tunnel. It is important to know that there are several areas with abyss and without protection, so this hike is not recommended for less experienced hikers and definitely not for kids. There is parking and a toilet right next to the church where the trail begins. The trail actually begins behind this church. It’s a little hidden but there's an alley behind the church that leads you to the Levada
do Moinho.
Levada PR14 Dos Cedros
🥾 Easy/Moderate
⛰️ Total Distance: 11KM
📈 Incline: 400M if you return via Fanal; 100M if you do an out and back trail
⏱️ Total Duration: 3-4H 🎟️ Paid €3
Levada dos Cedros is a 11 km circuit hike that will take you through a beautiful forest of cedar trees and along a winding levada that is with few exceptions, mostly covered by trees. The trail is well - marked and has a moderate level of difficulty, making it accessible to hikers of all levels. However, some sections of the trail can be slippery, so it's important to wear appropriate footwear and bring a raincoat or umbrella in case of rain.
There is one point of interest on this trail - a small valley full of small waterfalls. It's quite open and it seems like a good place to have a rest. From there, you can go back within the same way or walk over a kilometre upstairs to Fanal forest - another top location on Madeira.
PR18 Levada do Rei
🥾 Easy
⛰️ Total Distance: 5.3 KM (Point to Point)
📈 Incline: 70 M
⏱️ Total Duration: 2-3 H
🎟️ Paid €3
The PR18 Levada do Rei, or King's Levada, is one of the top picks for Madeira visitors. It’s long enough to get a nice workout, filled with lush greenery, has a fun waterfall, and won’t leave your legs feeling wrecked. It’s a great choice for hikers of all levels.
This fun and scenic hike starts at the Water Treatment Plant in Quebradas, São Jorge, and winds along to Ribeiro Bonito deep into the lush Laurissilva forest. You’ll kick off the adventure near the Quinta Levada do Rei restaurant—ideal if you want to grab breakfast before the hike or relax with lunch afterward.
Santo da Serra to Levada da Serra do Faial Hike
🥾 Easy
⛰️ Total Distance: 10KM loop hike
📈 Incline: 200M
⏱️ Total Duration: 2-3H
🎟️ Free
Madeira has so many amazing trails that it’s easy to get a little picky when deciding where to hike. The Levada Santo da Serra to Levada da Serra do Faial isn’t the most exciting trail on the island, but it’s got its own charm. We weren’t super hyped about it at first, but a few surprises along the way totally won us over.
PR10 - Levada do Furado
🥾 Easy/Moderate
⛰️ Total Distance: 11KM (point to point)
📈 Incline: 300M
⏱️ Total Duration: 3-4 hours
🎟️ Paid €3
Levada do Furado (PR10) is one of the most exciting levada trails on Madeira, featuring several short, picturesque tunnels and small waterfalls. It connects two scenic locations, both of which are worth visiting and are also linked to Funchal by public transportation. This makes it a great option for those who rely on the bus to explore the island.
Ponta Do Clerigo Hike
🥾 Moderate/Difficult
⛰️ Total Distance: 6KM (round trip)
📈 Incline: 500M
⏱️ Total Duration: 2-3 hours
🎟️ Free
The Ponta do Clérigo hike isn’t an official PR trail, so it’s not marked or maintained, but it’s a fantastic scenic route for more adventurous travellers. Located in Faial, this trail takes hikers along the Clérigo cliff, which dramatically stands out from the landscape, offering breathtaking views of Penha d’Águia, the Santana cliffs with the Rocha do Navio cable car, and even the distant Ponta de São Lourenço.
The path is fairly straightforward, but since some sections overlap and can be confusing, it’s best to use a map app to stay on track. At the end of the hike, you can descend by a route similar to a via ferrata, leading to a cave with an old boat—a hidden gem worth exploring. For a detailed description of this and many other trails, check out our Madeira e-book.
Can you hike in Madeira without a car?
You can access many incredible hiking trails in Madeira using public transportation, including Pico do Arieiro for the iconic peaks hike and Ponta de São Lourenço. Recently, a new tour provider on the island has made it even easier to explore Madeira’s top trails by offering convenient pickups from Funchal and transfers to popular hiking spots. This means you can reach places like Rabaçal to hike the famous Levadas—25 Fontes and Risco—or take on the Vereda do Larano coastal trail.
The transfer options vary based on trail availability, so there’s always something to suit your plans. Just search “Madeira transfers to hikes” on Google, and you’ll find plenty of great choices!
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Madeira is such an amazing place to visit, and we still can't believe we've been able to call it home for the past two years. During our stay, we explored all the best spots on the island and tried all the most exciting activities, many of them more than once! This helped us create these comprehensive guides that will help you plan your own trip to Madeira.
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