The island of Madeira in Portugal is truly a hikerâs paradise. For nature lovers, the stunning beauty of the island with its stunning landscapes, comprising forests, mountains, and dramatic coastlines, may make you never want to leave.
Madeiraâs well-organized network of trails include âPRâ routes (short routes, or âpequena rotasâ), levadas, and veredas. Among these, the levada walks are a standout feature, following ancient irrigation channels that weave through the landscape. These levadas, essential for distributing water across the islandâs terrains, have been repurposed into scenic trails.
Hiking in Madeira does require preparation. The levada routes, with their old paths, tunnels, and potential for rock falls or adverse weather, can present challenges. Itâs crucial for hikers to equip themselves properly and verify the status of trails before setting out. Madeiraâs hiking trails each offer a unique experience and there is a trail for every backpacker.
There are over 130 hiking trails on Madeira which span over 1,170 km (1,350 miles). The majority of these trails are well-marked and maintained by the Regional Government of Madeira. For the most up-to-date information, be sure to check Visit Madeira for the elevation, duration, and difficulty of each of the PR routes divided by region.
Madeiraâs hikes lead adventurers through the legendary 20-million-year-old subtropical Laurissilva rainforest, a UNESCO-protected site home to ancient laurel trees, to breathtaking viewpoints overlooking cities, coastlines, and mountains. These trails not only reveal the islandâs scenic beauty but also its historical significance, offering insights into the ingenuity of Madeiraâs water management practices.
Letâs take a look at 6 incredible hikes in Madeira.
The PR1 Vereda do Areeiro trail links three of Madeiraâs highest peaks, starting at Pico do Areeiro (1818 m), passing Pico das Torres (1851 m), and concluding at Pico Ruivo (1862 m). Spanning 7 km, it presents a moderate challenge and takes hikers through the heart of the Central Mountain Massif, a part of the Natura 2000 Network, which showcases the islandâs stunning natural beauty.
The path from Pico do Areeiro has unique features such as tunnels through volcanic tufts and steep slopes that were originally used as shelters by cattle and shepherds. To reach the highest point, Pico Ruivo, hikers must navigate a steep staircase around Pico das Torres and face the final challenge: a climb to the Casa de Abrigo do Pico Ruivo shelter.
Starting from the regional road ER 105 in Rabaçal, the Levada das 25 Fontes trail is one of the most popular hiking trails for both tourists and locals on the entire island. Spanning approximately 4.3 km and taking about 3 hours to complete, it offers a moderately challenging yet rewarding experience for nature enthusiasts. This trail, running almost parallel to Levada do Risco, presents a diverse array of scenery and points of interest, ultimately ending up at the jaw-dropping Lagoa das 25 Fontes. This lagoon, fed by 25 springs emanating from Paul da Serra, presents an unforgettable natural spectacle, surrounded by a breathtaking landscape.
The water is ice-cold here, but if youâre up for it, take the ultimate plunge and go for a quick dip before making your way back the same way that you came. Also, be prepared here for crowds along the trail. This is one of the more congested routes on the island.
Difficulty: Moderate Distance: 4.3 km (8.6 km round trip) Time: 3-4 h
Starting from the PaĂșl da Serra plateau, Vereda do Fanal is truly the most breathtaking and unique on the entire island of Madeira. The trail takes hikers across the lush, green expanse of Madeiraâs indigenous 20-million-year-old Laurissilva forest. This forest, a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site, stands in splendid conservation, enveloping hikers into a magical realm where each tree seems to have its own character. The path also reveals the ingenuity of past inhabitants, highlighting an intricate system of cables that past Madeira residents once used for transporting wood.
At the end of Vereda do Fanal lies a small volcanic crater, designated as a Rest and Quiet Reserve. Here, amidst the ancient Til (Ocotea foetens) woods, some predating the islandâs discovery, hikers can discover stunning views and a great place to have a rest or a picnic before returning to your car.
Difficulty: Moderate-Hard Distance: 10.8 km Time: 4 h
Levada dos Cedros starts close to where Verada do Fanal ends on regional road ER 209. It follows one of the oldest levadas in the region and finishes on the same road but in the area of Curral Falso. Constructed in the 17th century, the Levada dos Cedros route brings hikers face-to-face with towering Laurissilva trees. Some of these trees reach between 30 and 40 meters high! The final push of the hike is past the steep slope of the right bank of the Ribeira da Janela stream.
Difficulty: Moderate Distance: 7.2 km Time: 3 h
Levada do Moinho, also known as Levada Grande, is renowned for its historical water mills. These mills, like the Achadas, Cancelas, and Levada Grande, were once powered by its waters. Although now in ruins, they mark a trail rich in heritage and folklore. Funded by locals, water rights were exclusively theirs, demonstrating Madeiraâs value placed on this resource. Traversing through the lush Laurissilva, the path offers moderate challenges and ends at Tornadouro in Junqueira. Its scenic route, adorned with branches of âlevadasâ carrying water to irrigation tanks, offers some truly unforgettable scenery.
Difficulty: Moderate Distance: 10.5 km Time: 3:30 h
Vereda dos BalcĂ”es is a captivating 1.5 km trail in Ribeiro Frio that leads hikers to the gorgeous BalcĂ”es Viewpoint. It starts on ER 103 and offers a gentle walk of around 1.5 hours by the Levada da Serra do Faial. Pass by indigenous and endemic vegetation along the way, part of a lush tableau of the Laurissilva forest. Hikers can marvel at the rich biodiversity, including the Lauraceae trees and various exotic plants. The viewpoint reveals breathtaking valleys and, on clear days, the islandâs central peaks. The return journey allows a visit to the Ribeiro Frio Forest Park and its trout nursery.
Difficulty: Easy Distance: 1.5 km (3 km round trip) Time: 1:30 h
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