Madeira Hiking
Surprise yourself at every step with the exuberant scenery of this archipelago.
Hiking
Walking to contemplate
An ideal destination for hiking lovers. Mountains, ocean, green forests, waterfalls and viewpoints: the archipelago's natural wealth makes hiking in Madeira unforgettable and invigorating.
North Coast
On the north coast, you will find some of Madeira's most beautiful and emblematic 'levadas'. An offer that includes several levels of difficulty, but almost always with the omnipresence of the exuberant Laurissilva.
Hiking
PR 7 - Levada do Moinho
Walking along Levada do Moinho you will have the opportunity to come into direct contact with the richness of Nature and the History of the island.
Hiking
PR 9.1 - Levada do Caldeirão Verde - um caminho para todos
The theme 'Um caminho para todos' ('A path for everyone') offers people with motor and visual disabilities the chance to enjoy direct contact with nature.
Hiking
PR 13 - Vereda do Fanal
Vereda do Fanal offers hikers the opportunity to cross a vast green patch belonging to the indigenous Laurissilva forest.
Hiking
PR 14 - Levada dos Cedros
With a length of 7.2 km, and estimated duration of 3 hours, in Levada dos Cedros you can enjoy the close contact with the island's natural heritage.
Hiking
PR 15 - Vereda da Ribeira da Janela
The Vereda da Ribeira da Janela is a trail of medium difficulty, done mostly downhill. With 2,7km and an estimated duration of 1h30.
Hiking
PR 16 - Levada Fajã do Rodrigues
Levada Fajã do Rodrigues, which is 3.9 km long (+ 3.9 km return) and takes about 3:30 hours, will give you the chance to calmly admire Nature.
Hiking
PR 18 - Levada do Rei
Levada do Rei will take you to discover the exuberant nature of the island, until you reach a singular place considered a natural sanctuary.
Hiking
PR 21 - Caminho do Norte
Following the traces of an old trail used to connect the south and north areas of Madeira, Caminho do Norte leading you to explore the Madeiran forest area.
Hiking
PR 22 - Vereda do Chão dos Louros
Circular in shape, Vereda do Chão dos Louros allows you to explore the surroundings of the Chão dos Louros forest park.
Hiking
PR 10 - Levada do Furado
The Levada do Furado, one of the oldest levadas on the island, allows you to contemplate the various shades of green that make up the Laurissilva forest.
Hiking
PR 9 - Levada do Caldeirão Verde
The Levada do Caldeirão Verde offers hikers the chance to explore the orography of the island's interior, known for its monumental landscapes.
Hiking
PR 11 - Vereda dos Balcões
Vereda dos Balcões is a short trail, that takes you to enjoy the views from the Balcões Viewpoint. You will cross paths with indigenous and endemic species.
Hiking in Madeira means enjoying the opportunity to explore and interact with Nature, always keeping an eye out for how much there is to discover.
The great diversity of landscapes on these two islands is surprising.
South Coast
Most of the hiking trails along the south coast enjoy breathtaking views over Funchal, and provide moments of encounter and communion with the island's Nature. Discover and follow them.
Hiking
PR 3 - Vereda do Burro
The Vereda do Burro trail is easy and connects Pico do Areeiro to the Funchal Ecological Park Welcome Centre. With a length of 7.2 km.
Hiking
PR 3.1 - Caminho Real do Monte
Caminho Real do Monte is a 4.2 km trail which takes about 2 hours. It makes the connection between Ribeira das Cales and the parish of Monte.
Hiking
PR 4 - Levada do Barreiro
Levada do Barreiro, which is 5.2 km long, connects Poço da Neve to Casa do Barreiro in the Funchal Ecological Park.
The hiking trails can take you to the most hidden nooks in the mountains (sometimes even above the clouds), or to coastal areas.
Between waterfalls and streams, cliffs and crags, subtropical forests and viewpoints overlooking the Mountain Massif or the ocean, the surprises we are treated to while hiking in Madeira are presented to us at every step.
East Coast
Madeira's morphological characteristics and its network of trails mean that you can walk through places with varied surroundings, in coastal and forested areas. Discover the east coast trails.
Hiking
PR 5 - Vereda das Funduras
Vereda das Funduras - This 8.7 km trail, which takes about 3 hours, begins with a breathtaking view from the Portela Viewpoint.
Hiking
PR 8 - Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço
Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço - This trail will take you to discover the eastern tip of the island, with panoramic views over the north and south sides.
There are trails for all preferences and all paces.
This means that anyone, of any age, can have the experience of exploring the trails and 'levadas' (the name given to the paths parallel to the irrigation channels that carry fresh water from the very humid northern mountains to the drier south).
There are dozens of trails, hundreds of kilometres and countless sceneries to enjoy while hiking in Madeira.
West Coast
The west coast of Madeira hides some of the most breathtaking sceneries with trails and routes that cater for those who just want to stroll along as well as those who are looking for a bit of adventure. Explore them.
Hiking
PR 6.4 - Levada Velha do Rabaçal
This route starts at the regional road (ER 105), at Pico Gordo, and to reach Levada Velha do Rabaçal or Levada do Risco, you'll have to walk approximately 800 metres.
Hiking
PR 6.5 - Vereda do Pico Fernandes
The route along Vereda do Pico Fernandes begins at the regional road (ER 209), on the Paul da Serra plateau, and follows an old footpath to PR 6 Levada das 25 Fontes, then continues along it to the 25 Fontes lagoon.
Hiking
PR 6.8 - Levada do Paul II - Um caminho para todos
This route starts next to the Rabaçal loading chamber (ER105) and takes you along Levada do Paul II to Estrada do Rochão, covering a distance of approximately 1,200 metres (2,400 metres round trip).
Hiking
PR 19 - Caminho Real do Paul do Mar
Caminho Real do Paul do Mar is a short 1.8 km trail with an estimated duration of 1:20 hours. Is part of Madeira's historical heritage.
Hiking
PR 20 - Vereda do Jardim do Mar
Located on the west side of Madeira Island, Vereda do Jardim do Mar invites you to take a leisurely walk, with time to enjoy the ocean views.
Hiking
PR 28 - Levada da Rocha Vermelha
The route starts at the regional road (ER209), in Fanal, and follows PR 13 Vereda do Fanal until it reaches, on the left, the turn-off that takes you to Levada da Rocha Vermelha.
Hiking
PR 6 - Levada das 25 Fontes
The Levada das 25 Fontes is one of the most popular trails among tourists and locals. With 4.3km, this trail surprises by the exuberance of nature.
Hiking
PR 6.2 - Levada do Alecrim
Lasting about 2:30 hours, the Levada do Alecrim offers expansive views filled with cinematic scenery in close proximity to nature.
Hiking
PR 6.1 - Levada do Risco
In Levada do Risco, the density of nature reigns throughout the entire 1.5km course. Easy difficulty and estimated duration of 2h.
Hiking
PR 6.3 - Vereda da Lagoa do Vento
The Vereda da Lagoa do Vento is a 1.8 km trail that takes about 1.5 hours, and will take you to a place of unusual beauty.
Hiking
PR 6.6 - Vereda do Túnel do Cavalo
The route through Vereda do Túnel do Cavalo starts next to the Caldeira leisure area, also known as the 'Garagem' (garage), which is located on Estrada Dr. Roberto Monteiro, and ends at Casa do Rabaçal, the meeting point for hikers on the various hiking trails in Rabaçal.
If you are going to walk along a trail or 'levada', remember that you must do so safely and be reachable, with suitable equipment and company.
Furthermore, when hiking in Madeira there are fundamental rules of conduct: remain in the trail and carefully respect the fauna and flora.
Central Mountain Range
Madeira's central mountain range is located at an altitude of more than 1400 metres, and includes Pico Ruivo and Pico do Areeiro, as well as the Paul da Serra plateau.
Hiking
PR 1.1 - Vereda da Ilha
The Vereda da Ilha starts with a short climb to the highest peak of Madeira, through Vereda do Pico Ruivo. Moderate difficulty.
Hiking
PR 1.3 - Vereda da Encumeada
Beginning near Pico Ruivo, Vereda da Encumeada is 11.2 km long and follows the central mountain range of the island westwards until Encumeada.
Hiking
PR 2 - Vereda do Urzal
This 10,6 km trail along Vereda do Urzal has the peculiarity of following an old path, connecting the south and north coasts of the island of Madeira.
Hiking
PR 12 - Caminho Real da Encumeada
Caminho Real da Encumeada is a 12.5 km trail which takes 4 hours and crosses part of the mountain massif of the island of Madeira.
Hiking
PR 13.1 - Vereda da Palha Carga
The route along Vereda da Palha Carga starts at the regional road (ER 209), next to Louro da Gota, and follows PR 13 Vereda do Fanal for the first 100 metres until you find the turn-off to 25 Fontes on the left.
Hiking
PR 17 - Caminho do Pináculo e Folhadal
The Caminho do Pináculo e Folhadal is a trail that crosses a preserved natural area, both high altitude and Laurissilva forest.
Hiking
PR 27 - Glaciar de Planalto
This route starts on the Paul da Serra plateau, more specifically at Bica da Cana, and along its course you can see various geomorphological and geological.
Hiking
PR 1 - Vereda do Areeiro
Vereda do Areeiro is a trail connecting three iconic spots in Madeira - it begins at Pico do Areeiro, crosses Pico das Torres and ends at Pico Ruivo.
Hiking
PR 1.2 - Vereda do Pico Ruivo
The Vereda do Pico Ruivo provides a clear view over the central mountainous massif and several other points of interest. It's the highest point in Madeira.
Porto Santo
Proving to be more than just a beach destination, Porto Santo has peaks that can be visited via footpaths and hiking trails punctuated by viewpoints with unbeatable views. Discover them!
Hiking
PS PR 1 - Vereda do Pico Branco e Terra Chã
The Vereda do Pico Branco e Terra Chã will lead you to discover the diversity of the indigenous flora and privileged views over Porto Santo.
Hiking
PS PR 2 - Vereda do Pico do Castelo
The Vereda do Pico do Castelo offers the possibility to enjoy the contact with the fauna and flora of Porto Santo Island and to discover unique landscapes.
Hiking
PS PR 3 - Levada do Pico do Castelo
Created in the first half of the 20th century, Levada do Pico do Castelo was built to make use of rainwater for agriculture.
Where to book
Explore Nature
Caminho do Lombinho Maiata de Baixo Porto da Cruz CCI 206 | 9225-190 Porto da Cruz
Hit the Road
Rua Quinta Calaça, 3, Apartamentos do Mar, 217 | 9000-108 Funchal
Adventure Kingdom
Av Arriaga, 75 | Centro Comercial Marina Shopping, Loja 214 | 9000-533 Funchal
Other activities
Nature Activities
Bike Tour
Looking for a Bike Tour in Madeira? Exploring Madeira's trails by bike is one of the best ways to discover the natural landscapes of the archipelago.
Nature Activities
Canyoning
Madeira Canyoning? Discover Madeira's watercourses and immerse yourself in Nature!
Nature Activities
Trail Running
Madeira Trail Running? Enjoy the opportunity of running in mountain areas accompanied by exuberant and always surprising natural landscapes.
Nature Activities
Climbing
Looking for Madeira Climbing? Rugged cliffs, with the ocean as a backdrop, are the perfect scenery for an adrenaline-packed climbing experience in Madeira.
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Bird Watching
Bird Watching Madeira is the best opportunity to contemplate sea and land species, some of which rare, in preserved and highly respected ecosystems.
Nature Activities
Nordic Walking
Nordic Walking Madeira allows walkers to discover quiet mountain trails and thus access places of unequalled interest in the heart of the island.
Nature Activities
Coasteering
Coasteering Madeira? Walking, swimming, climbing, rappelling and jumping into water: all this in a single activity. Discover natural wonders of the island.
Nature Activities
Madeira tours
Madeira Tours? Discover the archipelago's natural secrets accompanied by expert guides.
Nature Activities
Paragliding
Exceed your limits and dare to Paragliding Madeira. Hovering over Madeira's mountains and its coastline is a vibrant and always very surprising activity.
Nature Activities
Golf
Golf in Madeira offers ideal conditions for pleasant practice at all times of the year, where tranquillity and natural beauty reign.