A gem floating in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, Madeira is a hiker’s dream. Hiking Madeira means exploring wild cliffs and barren peaks, wandering through subtropical laurel forests, following ancient paths, and discovering pristine waterfalls that set the stage for adventure. With mild weather year-round and hundreds of miles of trails, Madeira welcomes trekkers of all types. Even better, the island offers both diversity for short and long adventures while revealing a rich culture woven through its enchanting ancient villages and the warm, vinyl-wrapped terraced vineyards.
Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo: Conquer Madeira’s highest peaks
The trek from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo is a hair-raising adventure up Madeira’s wildest scars, putting two of the island’s highest summits at your feet. At 1,862 meters, this is the tallest mountaintop around and the panorama is well worth a series of punishing climbs past vertiginous drops, jagged heights and stone steps cut in the volcanic rock. You venture through a world of sharp pinnacles and fog-filled basins and views ripple from chasms as far as you can see to clouds streaming across the hillside like rivers of milk.
The trail casts its spell at dawn — alpenglow seeped in pastel light, the otherworldly glow to the land above the sky. Hikers pass through tunnels, pick their way over dizzy ridgelines and face repeated tests of balance, breath, sweat and determination. The round trip is just over ten kilometres, but it’s the elevation change that hauls you out of your comfort zone and lethargic or inadequately equipped hikers could be seriously out of their depth. Sturdy hiking boots, a reliable headlamp and warm clothing are all essential for the tight squeeze through the cliff-side tunnels.
Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço: Explore the eastern peninsula’s dramatic landscapes
Far from the thick forests and towering mountains of Madeira, the Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço trail takes you to the island’s very tip — the wild, windswept peninsula of its easternmost point. This round-trip route, a 7-kilometre hike of moderate difficulty, crosses a barren volcanic landscape, with sheer cliffs plunging into the ocean and bright red, brown and black rocks breaking up the views in every direction. Where the interior of Madeira is all lush and wet, here it is dry, desert-like and unbearably exposed. Except for a few scrubby plants and the wind and magnificent views down to the ocean, all the way to the Desertas Islands and even to Porto Santo, on a clear day.
The ups and downs of the trail aren’t overly difficult, but the wind and the lack of shade mean proper preparation is essential: sunblock, wind-resistant wear, a hat and lots and lots of water. Along the way, there are views that will take your breath away and plenty of endemic plants on the rocky surface. The trail ends with a final climb to the Ponta do Furado viewpoint, which offers a 360-degree perspective on an insurmountably wild terrain — endless ocean, crashing waves, red cliffs, black rocks, Madeira’s found volcanic beauty.
Levada do Caldeirão Verde: Journey through lush Laurisilva forests
Levada do Caldeirão Verde is an enthralling passage through the UNESCO-protected paradise of Madeira’s Laurisilva forest, a vibrant, primaeval woodland abuzz with life. This 13km long there-and-back hike constitutes an easy to moderate trek that extends along a levada (a historic irrigation channel), leading hikers through a world of colour: emerald moss-draped trees, almost tree-high ferns and the purling symphony of gurgling water. There are damp, cool and occasionally very dark tunnels along the way (a torch is mandatory). Look out for ravines opening to the abyss, while flash floods surge to the sea below, alongside sparkling waterfalls spilling down moss-carpeted cliffs.
The soundtrack is a chorus of birds, as native firecrests — basically Europe’s answer to hummingbirds — flitter from leaf to leaf. Venturing deeper, the reward at the end of this exquisite trail is nothing short of a tropical paradise found around the Caldeirão Verde waterfall. A 100m high veil cascades from a jagged rim above, filling a deep jade lagoon below. A surreal stage fit for the magnificent final act of this Bavarian fantasy sets an otherworldly feel for this levada walk, a mere foretaste of prehistoric landscapes where Earth in its natural state is a sensory delight that resonates across the ages.
Levada das 25 Fontes: Discover a cascade of waterfalls
The 25 Fontes walk is one of the most popular hikes on Madeira island, taking trekkers along peaceful, idyllic paths and the stunning natural amphitheatre of the 25 Fontes waterfall. This 9km return hike takes visitors through valleys of vivid green, with lofty laurisilva forests, moss-draped boulders and bright green ferns making for an other-worldly setting. The air is backgrounded by the gentle sound of running water, with the trek itself stable and easy to follow, running through traditional levadas, beside quiet streams and past small wooden bridges. It is the 25 Fontes waterfall itself which marks the highlight of this journey.
The 25 waterfalls are not so much gathered in one place, but rather flow down the cliffside to the emerald lagoon below to create a silent, idyllic escape. While this is a moderate trek, with gradual slopes, some steeper descents and inevitable muddy patches, most able-bodied hikers should be capable of completing the journey when wearing suitable footwear and stocking up with plenty of drinking water. Meanwhile, those with a well-trained eye may catch local endemic bird species flitting across the treetops or peculiar alpine plants sprouting from the forest floor. With its pristine scenery, an oratory of waterfalls and clear trail signs, we highly recommend the 25 Fontes walk for anyone truly wanting to experience Madeira in all her natural splendour.
Ribeiro Frio to Portela: Traverse scenic mountain paths
The hike from Ribeiro Frio to Portela is a remarkable tour of Madeira’s rugged interior, allowing visitors to explore pristine valleys, deep gorges and mysterious cloud-covered forests. Wanderbus’s favourite hike is an 11 km moderate walk on a lush levada, which meanders through the Laurisilva Forest — a UNESCO world heritage site – with plenty of beautiful tree ferns and grand laurels. It’s a real paradise for bird watchers, who may be lucky enough to spot the rare Madeira Firecrest or the vibrant blue trocaz pigeon.
Several viewpoints allow hikers to witness the wildest scenery on the island, with steep mountains and gorges that flow out into the distant sea. Although the walk is long, it is mostly flat and suitable for most abilities. There are some slippery areas where hikers need to watch their step. The walk ends at Portela, a small viewpoint perfect for relaxing and enjoying fabulous views over Eagle Rock (Penha D’Águia). Quiet, beautiful and naturally diverse, Ribeiro Frio to Portela is a great experience for those looking for a relatively peaceful walk with impressive natural beauty.
Best time for hiking in Madeira: Optimize your trekking experience
Madeira’s mild Mediterranean climate means walking holidays are possible year-round, but spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) are the best time to visit. The weather is agreeably warm around 18-25ºC (64-77ºF) and there’s less chance of rain, which can spoil some of the island’s finest mountain views. Spring is the time to see Madeira at its greenest, with wildflowers brightening choo choo trails, while autumn presents the most pleasant walking weather. Expect golden landscapes and cool, crisp forest walks.
Summer (July and August) is hot and dry in the sunny south, but the interior mountains can be cloudy and atmospheric. A tapered walk from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo makes a great summer hike. Winter (November to February) is the rainy season, so there will be mud and possibly landslides, on some trails. There’s snow on the mountains – a refreshing choice when slopes around the coast become too hot to trot. Lower walks trek beside levadas, with Levada dos Balcoes a great rainy day fall back. Dramatic cliff paths, misty mountain walks and cool Laurisilva trails – trek the season to suit you. Feel like you are up for it? Make sure you choose the best time to visit Madeira for hiking and other activities.
Hiking difficulty levels in Madeira: Choose the right trail for You
Madeira is home to a wealth of hiking trails, suitable for first-time hikers to seasoned mountaineers.
Level 1 hikers or casual walkers can easily negotiate gentle walks, such as Levada do Alecrim or Levada dos Balcões which take them along relatively flat and even surfaces with great opportunities to walk under the canopy while catching the spectacular sights of mountains and ravines.
Level 2 walkers can enjoy a step up — Levada das 25 Fontes or Ribeiro Frio to Portela — by encountering uneven surfaces, high ridges and numerous cordilleras, but will need a reasonable fitness level, appropriate hiking gear, sun protection and drinking water.
Level 3 hikers can venture deeper with even more challenging climbs and exposed ridges, such as Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo or Vereda da Encumeada, which require excellent fitness levels and headlamps to enter to the tunnels and other gears as per Level 2.
All aspirants will be rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.
When you are choosing a trail, it is important to consider the length, elevation, nature of the trail and your fitness levels. Some hikes feature steep steps, tunnels and other obstacles which can be very challenging if your fitness is not ideal. The best way to determine the current trail conditions is to consult up-to-date trail reports well in advance before setting out. The weather conditions can change radically, particularly as you ascend so it is also important to consider having durable hiking boots, layers of clothing, sun protection gear and drinking water.
No matter what your ability level or experience you’re seeking — a casual nature walk or a more arduous journey through the mountains or a nice short walk, Madeira has a trail for you.
Discover Madeira’s hiking paradise at your own pace
Madeira has everything a hiker could want with an unmatched diversity of trails for all ability levels among ancient laurel forests on levadas, coastal paths along the cliffs and mountains. From sea cliffs of Ponta de São Lourenço to cloud forests on Levada do Caldeirão Verde. Volcanic rock, waterfalls and ocean views will accompany you on every trail, where each one of them is going to be something altogether different. Madeira’s boundless terrains have given rise to an incredible array of volcanic rock formations, invigorating waterfalls; making the island every hiker’s dream.
Madeira is a hiking year-round destination with every season showing its colours — be it the vibrant green foliage and wildflowers in springtime or autumn colours. Or brisk air towards the mountain peaks, blooming wildflowers, the list goes on. Whether you go on solo hikes or join a group of fellow hikers makes little difference because you’ll find your favourite Madeira trail. For even more insights on the island’s stunningly beautiful locations don’t forget to check out the best places to visit in Madeira or take this experience to a whole other level by a group adventure hiking in Madeira.
