7 Best Hikes In Madeira, Portugal (We’ve Done Them All)
Looking for the best hikes in Madeira? You’ve found the right guide. We spent 9 days on this incredible island and hiked every trail on this list ourselves, from breezy coastal walks to levada walks through lush laurel forests.
One moment you’re winding through a tiny village by the coast, and the next you’re hiking on the tallest mountain above the clouds with the Atlantic stretching out in every direction. In this post, we will cover the best hikes in Madeira.
There are hikes here for every fitness level, from easy levada walks to challenging ridge walks with serious elevation gain.
Exploring Madeira’s epic hiking trails is hands down the best way to understand what makes this island so special. It rewards every step you take, so check out the list below.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read our full disclosure for more information.
Best Hikes in Madeira, Portugal
Below is a list of the best hikes in Madeira. We’ve personally hiked every trail on this list, and we have dedicated posts linked below for each one with all the details you’ll need. Don’t skip those!
We ranked these from our personal favorite down to our least favorite, though calling any of them “least favorite” feels like a stretch because, let’s be real, they are all incredible. Let’s kick things off with an overview and map of where each hike is located.
Map
Use the map above to see an overview of where each hike is located on the island.
1. PR1 – Vereda do Arieiro
Well, the number 1 hike in Madeira is obviously PR1! Pico do Arieiro. This iconic ridge walk connects some of the island’s highest peaks, with narrow paths, tunnels, and jaw-dropping views that stretch in every direction. Note that PR1 carries a higher fee than most due to its popularity. Check out our dedicated post for everything you need to know before you show up at the trailhead.
- 2 miles (to Pedra Rija)
- 800 ft. elevation gain
- Moderate
2. PR1.2 – Vereda do Pico Ruivo
Usually hiked along with PR1, we recommend doing both hikes as a through hike. Start at PR1, link up to PR1.2, visit Pico Ruivo (the highest point in Madeira), and end the hike at Achada do Teixeira. Be sure to book your transportation back to Pico Arieiro!
If you don’t want to complete the through hike, you can start this hike from Achada do Teixeira. The trail is about 4 miles round-trip with 1,600 feet of elevation gain, and there is no shade — you’ll likely be hiking above the clouds. Get all the details you need for this 4-mile hike here! (Sadly, due to trail closures from a fire, we could not complete the through hike, but all trails are open as of July 2026!)
- 4 miles
- 1,600 ft. elevation gain
- Hard
Through hike on both trails: If the trails are open, hiking from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo to Achada do Teixeira is 5.4 miles with 3,130 feet of elevation gain. This is exactly how we recommend completing both hikes.
3. PR6 – Levada das 25 Fontes (with PR6.6 – Vereda do TĂşnel do Cavalo and PR6.1 – Levada do Risco)
PR6 – Levada das 25 Fontes is the most popular levada hike on the island, and for good reason. Think dense greenery, mossy trees, and multiple waterfalls. Our full loop combines PR6 – Levada das 25 Fontes, PR6.1 – Levada do Risco, and the fun bonus of PR6.6 – Vereda do TĂşnel do Cavalo.
Instead of fighting for parking at the main lot, we recommend parking just down the hill and entering via the long tunnel on PR6.6, which links you right up to the trails. It’s unique, fun, and a great way to dodge the crowds. Check out our full post for the complete breakdown of how to piece this loop together and make the most of your morning in the Rabaçal area.
- 6-7 miles
- 400 ft. elevation gain
- Easy/Moderate
đź’¤ Looking for a place to stay in Funchal or across the island? Check out Expedia and compare prices and options for your trip!
4. PR9 – Levada do Caldeirão Verde
The Levada do CaldeirĂŁo Verde hike (PR9) is one of the most popular things to do on the island of Madeira. Get here early if you want any semblance of solitude. Starting at the charming Queimadas house, this 7.3-mile out-and-back trail follows a levada through a Laurissilva forest, passing through levada tunnels where a headlamp is absolutely essential.
The payoff at the end is a stunning 100-meter waterfall dropping into a gorgeous emerald pool. Read our full guide so you know exactly what to expect before you set foot on the trail.
- 7-8 miles
- 300 ft. elevation gain
- Easy
5. PR8 – Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço
The Vereda da Ponta de SĂŁo Lourenço hike (PR8) winds along Madeira’s rugged far eastern tip, where dramatic cliffs drop into some of the deepest blue water you’ll ever see. What makes it extra special is the restaurant toward the end of the trail that you can only reach on foot or by boat.
Pull up a chair on the patio, order something cold, and just take it all in. At 5 to 6 miles with no shade, go as early as possible to snag a parking spot and beat the afternoon heat. Our full post walks you through every section of the trail from start to finish.
- 5-6 miles
- 1,400 ft. elevation gain
- Hard
6. PR18 – Levada do Rei
PR18 – Levada do Rei is one of the easiest levada walks on the island, following a scenic path through the Laurissilva forest. It’s green, mostly flat, and comes with a unique waterfall you’ll walk right under, so pack a rain jacket.
At about 6 miles out and back, it makes a great morning hike and pairs perfectly with PR9 since the two trailheads are just a short drive apart. Head to our full post for all the details on making the most of this one.
- 6-7 miles
- 200 ft. elevation gain
- Easy
7. PR16 – Levada Fajã do Rodrigues
PR16 – Levada Fajã do Rodrigues is a mostly flat and easy levada walk on the north side of the island near São Vicente, with a twist: a very long tunnel at the end that turns your peaceful stroll into something a little more adventurous.
Along the way, you’ll pass through lush forests, canyons, waterfalls, and lagoons, and the trail tends to be much quieter than the more popular levada routes. Bring a headlamp for the tunnels and check our post for the full rundown before you go.
- 5 miles
- 100 ft. elevation gain
- Easy
Planning Your Hikes in Madeira
🥾 Start your Madeira hiking itinerary off right. All classified hiking trails on Madeira now require reservations and payment through the SIMplficia Portal. Reserve your time and pay your fees right on the portal. Check the status of the trail you want to hike here to make sure it’s open.
Tips for Hiking
The weather changes extremely fast. Check the weather before heading out each day. Conditions on Madeira can change quickly and vary from one part of the island to another. To improve your chances of great weather for your hike, use the local webcams for real-time conditions.
Waterproof hiking boots are strongly recommended while hiking in Madeira. Trails can be muddy and slippery even in summer.
Most of the trails in Madeira are well marked with clear signage. However, to help on your journey, we recommend using AllTrails or WalkMe. WalkMe is our favorite and well worth the cost. It provides real-time updates and trail closures.
For fewer clouds, better visibility, and cooler temperatures, hiking during the early morning is best. That being said, our hikes in the afternoon hours were just as great, but a bit more crowded.
🏠Check out your options on VRBO and book a great rental home for your trip to Madeira.
Other Things To Do
Okay, okay, we thought we should mention some great things to do in Madeira that aren’t necessarily hikes, but also just as epic! If you have time for these, add them to your itinerary as well.
- Visit Miradouro do Cristo Rei & Câmara de Lobos Bay
- Enjoy the small coastal towns in Madeira, including Jardim do Mar and Ponta do Sol.
- Escape to the cool mountain mist and explore the Fanal Forest. Don’t be a bad tourist here – please stay on the designated trails!
- Take the Achadas da Cruz Cable Car for an epic ride down to an abandoned coastal town.
- Make a quick stop at Ilhéus da Ribeira da Janela.
- Spend some time at one of the best beaches in Madeira: Seixal Beach.
- Spend a half or full day exploring the beautiful Monte Palace Tropical Garden in Funchal.
Don’t Forget Your Rental Car
If you want to make the most of your time on the island of Madeira, be sure to book a rental car and book it early. For the best rates, check the prices and options at DiscoverCars! You really can’t go wrong with DiscoverCars.
If there is one takeaway about rental cars in Madeira, make sure you get the smallest one that fits your party. Roads are narrow, and parking can be tough!
Where to Stay While Enjoying Madeira
Madeira has plenty of great hotels and rentals to choose from. We recommend picking one location on the island and using that as your home base. You can get anywhere on the island in about an hour or a bit more.
We chose the warm, scenic, and small town of Ponta do Sol as our home base, and we really loved our rental house! Some choose to stay in Funchal, which has tons of amenities.
Here are a few great places to stay in Ponta do Sol:
- A VRBO! If you are looking for your own place to stay on Madeira, check out the great rental options in Ponta do Sol or across the entire island of Madeira!
- 1905 Zino’s Palace – a beautifully restored pink palace in Ponta do Sol, offering an intimate boutique stay in a historic 19th-century building. With elegant rooms, ocean views, and a peaceful pool area, it blends Madeiran heritage with relaxed, modern comfort. Complete with a pool, an on-site restaurant, and a bar. Check it out now on Expedia or Booking.com.
- Enotel Sunset Bay – a relaxed 4-star hotel in Ponta do Sol, right by the Atlantic with stunning sunset views and easy access to a pebble beach. The property offers a heated pool, sauna, and restaurant serving local cuisine. Book right now on Expedia or Booking.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need reservations to hike in Madeira?
Yes, and this is the single most important piece of planning information for any Madeira hiking trip. All classified PR trails now require advance reservations and payment through the SIMplficia Portal. Popular trails like PR1, PR9, and PR8 fill up fast, especially in summer. Book your trail times the moment your dates are confirmed. Do not arrive expecting to walk up to a trailhead without a reservation. You will be turned away, and it will ruin your day.
What is the best hike in Madeira?
Vereda do Arieiro (Pico do Arieiro) is the one that will stop you in your tracks. Narrow ridge paths, tunnels carved through the rock, and views stretching to the Atlantic in every direction. But if we’re being honest, the full through hike combining PR1 and PR1.2 from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo to Achada do Teixeira is the complete Madeira hiking experience. Do both if you can!
Are Madeira hiking trails difficult?
There’s a wide range of difficulties. PR18 and PR9 are mostly flat levada walks suitable for most fitness levels. PR6 is easy to moderate with some elevation. PR1, PR1.2, and PR8 are harder with significant elevation gain, exposed ridge sections, and no shade. We’d rate the overall difficulty as moderate to hard across the full list, but the views on every single trail are worth whatever your legs go through to get there.
Do you need a rental car to hike in Madeira?
Yes, absolutely. The trailheads on this list are spread across the entire island, and most are completely inaccessible by public transit. Book an automatic transmission and get the extra insurance. Madeira’s mountain roads are narrow, steep, and beautiful in equal measure. DiscoverCars is our recommendation for booking. Compare prices early, as availability gets tight in peak season.
Are These Hikes in Madeira Worth It?
You bet. All of the hikes in Madeira are worth it!! Madeira is really one of the best hiking destinations we have visited, and that’s saying a lot, given that we have visited many national parks in the U.S.
What makes it special are the different types of hikes you can complete on one island. From coastal views to ridgetop hikes, you can’t go wrong.
Check out our individual posts linked above for full details on each trail, and lace up your hiking boots and get ready to go!
🛌🏽 Looking for a place to stay with an epic view and pool, too? Don’t forget to check out VRBO or Expedia to book your stay on Madeira.
Don’t forget to pin this post for future planning! Just click the save button located on any image.
