Mountain biking facts
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In recent years, the Portuguese island of Madeira has made a name for itself as a vibrant paradise and the perfect place for getting into the flow. In the sparsely populated highlands, the local cycling community has created a wide variety of trails. If you’d rather explore on your own rather than with a guide, local operators such as Bikulture are happy to offer tips on trails. Important: some of the trails are sectioned off by gates leading to local pastures. Make sure you close them again.
Top mountain biking trails on Madeira
Across Madeira’s high plateau Medium
Above Camacha, there is a route that, although it takes around five hours, is quite straightforward technically, set amidst the impressive landscape of the Madeira’s plateau. This varied route starts next to the car park at Pico da Pedreira and also takes you through the Montado do Pereiro recreational area, offering fabulous views of the sea. The route takes you down some smaller trails to the Levada da Sierra, followed by a fast-paced descent along the road to Camacha beach, where you can relax and enjoy a Poncha. This sweetened sugar-cane schnapps, flavoured with honey and lemon, is Madeira’s national drink.
- Tour duration 1 hr 50 min
- Distance 22.3 km
- Ascent 410 m
- Descent -1,490 m
For not afraid of heights: cycling along the levadas Difficult
This tour, which ranges from moderate to difficult depending on your fitness level, offers plenty of action and adrenaline as it winds its way from Paso do Poiso down to Caniço. The most technically demanding section is waiting right at the start. Sometimes technically challenging, sometimes the perfect opportunity to reach a ‘flow state’, these trails run alongside the artificial water channels typical of Madeira, known as levadas. After a few short sections where you have to push, there’s a final stretch that’s guaranteed to get your adrenaline pumping. If you don’t have a head for heights, you’d be better off pushing your bike for the last few kilometres along the levadas – the paths are barely a metre wide in places and drop steeply away on either side. It is not advisable to travel along this route following heavy rainfall.
- Tour duration 5 hrs 37 min
- Distance 41.8 km
- Ascent 1,960 m
- Descent -820 m
A race track stretching from the sky to the sea Difficult
In the west of Madeira, in Concelho da Calheta, lies one of the island’s most famous mountain bike trails: the Avalanche Raposeira. Every December, the race of the same name takes place here. If you like, you can tackle the famous downhill run during your holiday. The 5.72-kilometre route alternates between forest roads and singletrack trails. The start of the run is steep, and the bends are technically challenging; this is followed by a few jumps and more tight turns. Be careful: the route can become very slippery in heavy rain.
- Tour duration 3 hrs 30 min
- Distance 28.2 km
- Ascent 1,360 m
- Descent -1,350 m
Madeira’s diverse mountain landscape Difficult
Nestled amongst the rugged mountains of Madeira, a world-class descent awaits all downhill enthusiasts. This mostly easy route – with a few technical challenges – starts on the high plateau amidst a picturesque landscape. The trail along the levada is easy to cycle on; the ground is stony but stable. Just before the tarmac downhill section, you’ll need to master a short stretch of track; after that, you can fully enjoy the popular downhill run in the heart of the Madeira mountains.
- Tour duration 4 hrs 31 min
- Distance 37.8 km
- Ascent 1,720 m
- Descent -1,760 m
Downhill: the island’s most popular peaks Difficult
Pico do Arieiro, at 1,818 metres the third-highest mountain in Madeira, is a paradise for all downhill enthusiasts. To reach the trails, you first have to tackle a climb of just under 1,000 metres in altitude from Funchal, at a gentle gradient. Tip before your descent: quickly walk all the way to the summit and enjoy the unique 360° panorama. A single-track descent awaits, featuring interesting bends (please note: some sections are unsecured) and small jumps. Above the Levada do Blandy, the trail becomes a little more technical before you eventually end up almost at the Atlantic Ocean in Caniço de Baixo. Stunning views, plenty of drinking water springs and places to stop for refreshments, as well as numerous alternative side trails, make this tour a must-do in Madeira.
- Tour duration 4 hrs 05 min
- Distance 30.3 km
- Ascent 1,800 m
- Descent -1,800 m
Bike hire at the destination
- Free Ride Madeira
- Happy Bikes
- Albano Aktiv
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