Madeira absolutely took our breath away. We spent 9 days exploring this dramatic Portuguese island off the coast of Africa, and it’s honestly one of the most spectacular places we’ve ever hiked. Towering sea cliffs, lush laurel forests, unique levada walks, and views that make you stop and just stare. Madeira is a hiking paradise that most Americans haven’t even heard of yet. Here’s everything we discovered so you can experience it for yourself.
Planning on visiting Monte Palace Tropical Garden in Funchal, Madeira? This is one of the top things that visitors do in Funchal and makes for a pretty great day trip. The Monte Palace Tropical Garden has hundreds of thousands of plants from all over the world! Along with the plants, check out the local artwork,…
Looking for information about Seixal Beach? We’ve got you covered in this guide! Find out the best places to park, what to expect, and why this is one of the best beaches on Madeira Island. With its iconic black sand, it’s a very popular spot to visit, so expect crowded conditions. Madeira is known for…
While exploring the rugged northwest coast of Madeira, be sure to stop at the Ilhéus da Ribeira da Janela, one of the island’s most striking coastal viewpoints. These dramatic sea stacks rise from the Atlantic Ocean just offshore, creating a landscape that is especially beautiful at sunrise or on a clear day. The Ilhéus da…
There are 7 cable cars in Madeira, but the Achadas da Cruz cable car sets the record for one of the steepest cable cars in Europe at a 98% grade! This cable car will transport you almost straight down to Fajã da Quebrada Nova, a deserted village with amazing scenery on the west coast of…
If you are looking for a fun levada walk with a long tunnel, be sure to check out Levada Fajã do Rodrigues. Also known as PR16, this levada weaves its way past multiple waterfalls, through the Laurissilva forest, and through a long dark tunnel. The hike begins near São Vicente, on the northern coast of…
Often shrouded in clouds and mist, the Fanal Forest, Madeira, is a magical destination on the island that you must put on your bucket list and itinerary. With ancient laurel trees and weather that can provide an otherworldly experience, this is truly a special place. That being said, with increased popularity, in 2026, the Regional…
While traveling around the island of Madeira, you’ll come across countless small towns and villages in the mountains and along the coast. There are plenty to choose from to walk around and visit, but we recommend Jardim do Mar and Ponta do Sol. Jardim do Mar is a quaint little colorful village along the coast…
PR6 Madeira: Think dense greenery, mossy trees, and multiple waterfalls. These are just 3 of the reasons why you can’t miss this levada walk in Madeira. It might be the most popular levada hike on the island, and we have a secret for you… Instead of battling for a place to park where most folks…
A very popular thing to do on the island of Madeira is the Levada do Caldeirão Verde hike (PR9). It’s best to get here early if you’d like some solitude! If not, don’t expect to have the trail to yourself Just like PR 18, this hike follows a levada through the laurel forest. Think green,…
PR18 – Levada do Rei is perfect for you if you are looking for a super fun, unforgettable, and easy levada walk on Madeira Island. Be sure to add this one to your bucket list and spend a morning enjoying this perfect hike. This hike follows a scenic levada through the Laurissilva forest. It’s green,…
A trip to Madeira is not complete without enjoying the hike from Achada do Teixeira to Pico Ruivo. The PR1.2 – Pico Ruivo hike will allow you to visit the highest point on the island of Madeira for stunning panoramic views. Wait one second! You might be wondering: Don’t most hikers actually hike from Pico…
You surely can’t go to Madeira without hiking the epic PR1 – Pico do Arieiro and PR1.2 – Pico Ruivo, right? Well, what do you do if you plan your trip to the island and part of the trail is closed?! Maybe you planned to complete PR1 as a through hike to Pico Ruivo, but…
After a morning hike on Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço, we recommend heading to the Vereda do Larano coastal hike for some more amazing views of Madeira’s scenery and cliffs. Picture yourself high above the ocean on a trail that snakes across the green cliffs of Madeira with stunning views of the green mountains…
The Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço hike (PR8) is one of Madeira’s most spectacular trails and for good reason. Winding along the island’s rugged far eastern tip, where dramatic cliffs drop into some of the deepest blue water you’ll ever see, this is a must-do Madeira activity. What makes this hike extra special is…
Welcome to Madeira! If you are following along on our Madeira itinerary, we recommend spending your first day on the island taking it a little easy. After all, you might be jet-lagged from your flight and adjusting to your new time zone. If that is the case, head to Miradouro do Cristo Rei Viewpoint, the…