Madeira Island offers some of the most beautiful trails in Portugal. Some are scenic and challenging, while others are more like leisurely strolls in the sunshine. To help you discover these landscapes, here's a selection of Madeira's best hikes.
1. São Lourenço
- Distance: 6.3 km
- Difference in altitude: 326 m
- Time : 2 h 15
- Itinerary
The Ponta de São Lourenço, at the island's easternmost point, is a spectacular cape jutting out into the Atlantic, offering some of Madeira's best hiking. The entire trail is highly scenic, particularly as it passes Abra Bay, at the foot of which lies a pleasant pebble beach. The trail, of moderate difficulty due to its sometimes quite steep slopes, is very well maintained, making it accessible even to families. As the island's most popular trail, it can be quite busy, especially during the tourist season. We recommend arriving early to avoid the crowds. Note also that this is a protected area, so it's advisable to take steps to reduce your ecological footprint.
2. Levada Nova - Levada do Moinho
- Distance: 8.7 km
- Elevation gain: 583 m
- Time: 3 hrs 30 mins
- Itinerary
Levadas are one of Madeira's symbols. They are the numerous irrigation canals that criss-cross the island. They were built by the Portuguese in the 16th century for agricultural purposes. Today, they offer some of the best hiking in Madeira, such as this medium-level loop trail that follows two different levadas into the lush landscapes of the Flower Island. Despite its dense vegetation, the trail still offers some interesting views of the Atlantic.
3. Levada das 25 Fontes
- Distance: 8.5 km
- Elevation gain: 584 m
- Time: 3 hrs 30 mins
- Itinerary
The levada das 25 fontes, which translates as "the channel of 25 springs", is truly one of the best things to do in Madeira. It's a challenging trail in the west of the island, offering breathtaking views over valleys and forests. It takes you to some superb waterfalls before turning back along the same route. The circuit climbs a lot, especially on the way back, and good walking shoes are recommended, as well as sticks if necessary.
4. Vereda dos balcões
- Distance: 2.9 km
- Height difference: 140 m
- Duration: 1 h 30 min
- Itinerary
La vereda dos balcões is a short, easy trail that is nonetheless very rewarding! It passes over several panoramic balconies overlooking Madeira's exuberant landscapes. It's an ideal hike for beginners or families, especially as it presents no technical difficulties and remains well-maintained, apart from a few sections that can get muddy due to humidity. Don't forget to take along a pair of binoculars to observe the many birds you'll come across.
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5. Levada do Alecrim
- Distance: 7.1 km
- Difference in altitude: 290 m
- Walking time: 2 h 15
- Itinerary
The Levada do Alecrim is one of Madeira's best hikes for those looking for an easy, but not too short, walk. You'll be walking for over 2 hours with no major difficulties. You'll be able to admire the forest and the waterfalls, in which you can take a dip before turning back on the same path. The only drawback: with all its qualities, the trail can be very busy, especially in summer. We recommend setting off early to avoid the crowds.
6. Levada do Risco
- Distance: 5.8 km
- Elevation gain: 392 m
- Time: 2 hrs 30 mins
- Itinerary
The Levada do Risco is a canal in western Madeira, highlighted by a pleasant, shady forest path. The earthy soil can be muddy due to the humidity, so hiking boots are required. The out-and-back route leads to the spectacular 100-metre-high Cascade do Risco. The route is short but quite steep, especially on the way back. Once again, it is very popular, as the Cascade do Risco is one of Portugal's most beautiful sites.
7. Rota do Pico Alto via Caminho do Monte
- Distance: 4.3 km
- Difference in altitude: 435 m
- Time: 2 hrs 15 mins
- Itinerary
The Rota do Pico Alto is one of the best things to do in Funchal. It is located at the back of the town, and offers some very fine views. The trail is rather difficult, however, as it climbs quite steeply. You'll need good hiking boots, especially to avoid slipping on the downhill return. Despite its proximity to the city, this route is quite wild and vegetated, but nevertheless well-maintained.
8. The view of São Cristovão via Caminho Real
- Distance: 4.2 km
- Height difference: 375 m
- Time: 2 hrs
- Itinerary
This is a section of the caminho real, or royal path, an absolutely magnificent trail in the north of the island, which owes its name to its origin, since it was the king of Portugal who wanted it in the 19th century. Follow it to the São Cristovão viewpoint, before turning back along the same route. The views of the Atlantic along the way are breathtaking. This is a medium-level trail, but some sections can be slippery, so good footwear is a must.
9. Levada do Rei
- Distance: 10.5 km
- Elevation gain: 720 m
- Time: 4 h 30
- Itinerary
This trail is located very close to the previous one, in the north of Madeira, which is an excellent hiking destination. Indeed, the island's northern slopes are wetter and rainier, so the vegetation is even more spectacular. You'll be walking through a dense and rich forest, and will be able to admire many of the magnificent plants that justify the island's nickname of the Flower Island. The path is dirt, so hiking boots are required, and the trail can be impassable in wet weather due to rain. Despite its length, this is a fairly easy hike.
10. Pico Grande via Caminho Real
- Distance: 9 km
- Difference in altitude: 855 m
- Time: 3 hrs 15 mins
- Itinerary
This is another section of the caminho real, more difficult than the previous one due to its gradient, as you cross the Madeira mountains until you reach the summit of Pico Grande, which rises to 1,654 m and is the main climb on this route, with gradients of 40%. You can then retrace your steps by the same route. Beyond the climbs, the difficulty also comes from certain more technical sections, sometimes narrow or vertiginous. This is a hike for experienced walkers only. But the views all along the way are well worth the effort.
