Hiking facts
- Recommended travel time
April to October
- Flight connections
Funchal itinerary
Edelweiss tips:
Madeira has an official network of walking trails, signposted PR1 to PR20. At each starting point, there is a sign giving an overview of the excursion and the routes are marked with signposts. Information about these hiking trails can be found on the website of the Madeira Islands Tourism Board. One of the ‘must-do’ walks on the “Island of Flowers” is undoubtedly one of the so-called levada walks. The most popular routes run alongside the irrigation channels (levadas) across the whole island.
Top hiking routes in Madeira
The highest point: a circular walk from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo Difficult
This walking route connects Madeira’s two highest mountains, the 1,818-metre-high Pico do Arieiro and the 1,862-metre-high Pico Ruivo. The summit of Pico Ruivo can be reached via ascents and descents over a number of other, smaller peaks. You can decide how strenuous the walk should be after the “Tunél do Pico do Gato”. You can walk round the “Pico das Torres” peak, which appears after the tunnel, either to the east (the longer route) or to the west (the shorter route). Once you reach the mountain hut (“cabana de montanha” in Portuguese) on the Pico Ruivo, it’s only a short walk to the highest point on the island. It’s worth taking plenty of water and provisions with you, as the hut isn’t always open.
- Tour duration 5 hrs
- Distance 10.5 km
- Ascent 650 m
- Descent -650 m
Through laurel forests and jungle: hiking in Ribeiro Frio Medium
This circular trail near Caniço de Baixo is renowned for its breathtaking views of Madeira’s highest peaks. The route starts at the laurel forest park of Ribeiro Frio. Here, trout are farmed in an aquaculture facility for Madeira’s watercourses. The trail initially follows the Levada do Furado to its source. The route then takes you right through the jungle to a plateau, from which you can see Pico do Arieiro, Pico das Torres and Pico Ruivo in the distance. On the way back, there are waterfalls to admire, which form part of the inflow to the trout farm.
- Tour duration 4 hrs 50 min
- Distance 13.3 km
- Ascent 840 m
- Descent -830 m
Multi-day hike across the “Island of Flowers” Medium
The island crossing starts in Porto Moniz, northwest of Madeira. The village is famous for its natural sea pools and lava rock coastlines. The trails lead through acacia forests and along coastal paths, through the ubiquitous tunnels that hikers encounter time and time again on the island, and beneath roaring waterfalls. The route follows mountain trails over the Encumeada Pass and Pico Ruivo to the São Lourenço Peninsula. You can undertake the stages of this multi-day hike in whichever way you like. Of course, you can also cross the island in the opposite direction, from east to west.
- Tour duration 38 hrs 45 min / (duration of this tour 6 – 12 days)
- Distance 110 km
- Ascent 4,840 m
- Descent -4,790 m
Bouldering on the west coast Difficult
West Coast Rock Block ClimbingThe two idyllic villages of Jardim do Mar and Paul do Mar are famous for their strong sea fire on the cliffs. The two places are connected by a narrow, safe path high above the sea down to the beach. This challenging circular route along the cliffs is quite an adventure, particularly on the return stretch from Paul do Mar to Jardim do Mar, where you’ll occasionally find yourself climbing over boulders. The spectacular display of colours in the various rock formations – from lava and volcanic tuff to boulders – and unspoilt, hidden pools for swimming make this walk an unforgettable experience.
- Tour duration 4 hrs 45 min
- Distance 9.47 km
- Ascent 1,010 m
- Descent -1,040 m
Typical of Madeira: levadas, tunnels, waterfalls Difficult
Paul do Mar is one of the most popular hiking routes in the south-west of the island. With its two lovely levadas, the breathtaking waterfall and the tunnel, which is a good 200 metres long, it is very typical of Madeira. The route starts at the Espírito Santo Chapel, where there are also parking spaces. As you walk along the levada, you can enjoy the wonderful views offered by the Ribeira da Ponta do Sol valley. One of the highlights of the tour is undoubtedly the walk behind the famous waterfall. After the tunnel, you’ll walk to the end of Levada Nova and back to the chapel.
- Tour duration 7 hrs 25 min
- Distance 21 km
- Ascent 1,220 m
- Descent 1,110 m
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