Madeira also called the “Pearl of the Atlantic” is the Portuguese archipelago, floating in the Atlantic Ocean about 600 kilometres off the coast of Morocco. Some of the best hikes in Madeira can literally lead you above the clouds. The island is home to incredibly high, rough, volcanic mountains with dramatic peaks, but also a place where ancient irrigation channels became pathways to waterfalls, and where volcanic landscapes meet subtropical forests. The landscape is so diverse that anyone would find scenery to like.
The best hikes in Madeira!
After hiring a car and spending enough time on the island to explore every hiking trail, corner and hidden spot, I can say there is a lot to conquer for adventurous hikers! Mountain views are stunning; however, the weather can be brutal and fast-changing. We got stuck for two days on the island due to an overwhelming hurricane, which shut down the whole island’s life. So, stay with me for lots of advice and practical tips on the best hikes in Madeira, Portugal.
Hiking Madeira - walking above the clouds.
Without a doubt the most spectacular hiking trail in Madeira is from Pico de Ruivo to Pico de Ariero. Unfortunately, after Madeira experienced heavy fires this magic trail is closed until April 2026. But there is another, shorter trail leading to magnificent Pico de Ruivo.
Hiking in Madeira offers diverse trails, also suitable for inexperienced hikers, from volcanic ridge walks toward Pico Ruivo (PR1) levada trails (irrigation channels), coastal paths such as Ponta de São Lourenço (PR8), and gentler options like the short, forested PR11 Vereda dos Balcões.
Practical travel advice for hiking in Madeira.
Some of the best hikes in Madeira will make you feel like you’ve stepped into another world, the ones that will have you pulling out your camera every five minutes (and still not quite capturing what your eyes are seeing).
Madeira is extremely popular among tourists, which means you will face crowds, especially on popular hiking trails but also, parking space is a challenge. Some of the popular peaks have spacious parking spaces, but even these are overcrowded in high season.
IMPORTANT TRAVEL INFORMATION: From 2026 Madeira is implementing mandatory reservation fees for its popular hiking trails, which means hikers will need to book and pay to access key routes like the famous Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo trek.
The good news is you don’t need to be a mountaineering expert to experience Madeira’s magic.. However – you definitely need to be a rally driver if you want to get around the island by car – I have never seen even in Italy or hilly Mediterranean islands such steep and winding roads like in Madeira😉!
I suggest making a good plan for organised tours, which by the way are fantastically managed and will take you across all of the highlights of the island.
PR1 - Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo – the best hiking trail in Madeira.
You start at Pico do Arieiro, the island’s third-highest peak at 1,818 meters. Most people arrive at sunrise to stand on the viewing platform as the first golden rays of light pierce through a sea of clouds below you. The clouds aren’t distant – they’re right there at your foot.
The trail itself is an absolute rollercoaster—you’ll descend deep into valleys and climb back up steep staircases carved into the rock.
- Starting point: Pico do Arieiro (1,818 m) – easily reached by car.
- Convenient parking at the top– pay at the parking machine.
- There are shops and restaurant at Pico do Arieiro.
- The entire route covers 7 kilometres – one way.
- Total elevation gain and lose is nearly 1,000 meters throughout the hike.
- Ending point – Pico Ruivo – the highest peak in Madeira (1,862 m)
On clear days, you can see the north coast, the south coast, and everything in between. The summit – Pico Ruivo – Madeira’s highest is marked by a mountain refuge where you can catch your breath and grab a snack.
Hiking tips for Pico do Arieiro.
Hiking tips:
- Difficulty: Moderately difficult to difficult. You need reasonable fitness and a head for heights.
- Best Time: Sunrise is magical but requires an early start (think 4-5 AM). Late morning works well too, though it gets crowded.
- Duration: 3-4 hours one way; most people arrange a transfer from Pico Ruivo rather than hiking back.
- What to Bring: Layers! It can be cold and windy at the peaks, even in summer. Headlamp for tunnels, plenty of water, snacks.
- Booking: No booking required, but parking fills up fast at Pico do Arieiro. Arrive early or consider a taxi/guided tour.
PR1.2 –hiking trail from Teixeira to Pico Ruivo.
This is a shorter hiking trail toward Pico de Ruivo, but equally spectacular with impressive views. As the main trail from Pico de Arieiro was closed in 2025, we had no choice but to take the alternative hike, which by the way is much easier than the hard route from Pico de Arieiro.
Starting point: Teixeira parking place – there is a FREE spacious parking, which was quite empty when we arrived around 9 am, but completely packed at 12 noon 😉
There’s a lovely Achada do Teixeira Mountain Spot Café near the parking lot. The starting point for hiking is clearly marked with signs. The path is very well maintained to the top of Pico de Ruivo. The views are mind-blowing.
The National Park entry: 3 Euro – there is a guy in the car collecting your payment by cash or car.
Total hike to Pico de Ruivo: 2.8 kilometres.
Total gain elevation: 280 meters
Total hiking time: max, 1.5 hours.
Hike difficulty: Moderate/only because the weather can be challenging.
Recommended tour with Arieiro and Ruivo summits: Around The Island – Two Days Tour From 9am To 5pm (Each Day).
The Levadas – a unique hiking experience in Madeira.
Levadas are probably something unique to experience on the island of Madeira. There are over 3,000 kilometers of levadas crisscrossing Madeira, and many of them are now maintained as official hiking trails.
The levadas are centuries-old irrigation channels transporting water from the wet, rainy north of the island to the drier agricultural areas in the south. What makes them brilliant for hiking is that they’re mostly flat.
I highly recommend taking this highly-rated tour West Side Private Full Day Tours around Madeira Island.
PR11 - Levada dos Balcões.
Levada dos Balcones is a perfect introduction to Madeira’s levada trails. It’s a short, easy and family-friendly hike in Madeira. The starting point is Ribeiro Frio, with number of parking spaces available near the spot. The trail leads through the ancient Laurissilva Forest to the stunning Balcões viewpoint, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the valley and central peaks like Pico do Areeiro and Pico Ruivo on clear days.
Hiking distance: 1.5 km (one-way)
Ending point: natural balcony.
PR8: Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço – the amazing archipelago.
After hiking through Madeira’s forests and mountains, Ponta de São Lourenço feels like you’ve been teleported somewhere else entirely. The peninsula was once a separate island that eventually connected to Madeira, and you can really sense that isolated, windswept character.
Sao Lourenco is one of the best hikes in Madeira. It was so windy we could barely stand at the ground. The trail starts at Baia d’Abra and immediately throws you into a landscape of exposed beauty. Where most of Madeira is green and humid, this peninsula is arid, windy, and dramatic. The path follows the spine of a narrow peninsula, with the Atlantic Ocean crashing on both sides.
This is a 7-kilometre round-trip hike, which rises and falls along the ridgeline, offering constant panoramic views. The colors of the ocean are magic! The red volcanic rock contrasts with the deep blue of the Atlantic.
About halfway along, you’ll reach a viewpoint where you can see the entire length of the peninsula stretching out before you like a dragon’s tail curving into the ocean. If you hike further you’ll eventually reach Cafetaria Sardine House Café.
Many hikers turn around here, but if you have energy left, the climb up to Pico do Furado rewards you with one of the best views on the entire island.
Practical Hiking Tips:
- Difficulty: Moderate. Not technically difficult but exposed to sun and wind. Some sections are steep.
- Best Time: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid the intense midday heat and sun exposure.
- Duration: 2.5-3 hours round trip (more with extensions).
- What to Bring: Hat, sunscreen, lots of water (no shade at all), windproof jacket (it can be incredibly windy).
- Special Note: The peninsula is a nature reserve—stay on marked paths and don’t disturb the wildlife. You might see rare plants and nesting seabirds.
PR9: Levada do Caldeirão Verde.
If you want to experience the quintessential levada walk with a spectacular waterfall finale—then Levada do Caldeirão Verde is your trail.
This is a relatively flat 13-kilometer round-trip hike. You’ll be walking along narrow concrete paths with the levada water flowing peacefully beside you. The real adventure comes with the tunnels. There are four of them along this route, ranging from about 30 meters to 300 meters in length. You’ll need a good headlamp or flashlight. The tunnels are narrow, dark, and sometimes have water dripping from the ceiling.
At the end a 100-meters waterfall plunges down the cliff face into a green pool below.
Practical Hiking Tips:
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate. Mostly flat, but narrow paths with significant drops in places.
- Best Time: Early morning to beat the crowds, or weekdays.
- Duration: 4-5 hours round trip, including time at the waterfall.
- What to Bring: Headlamp (essential!), waterproof jacket, layers (it’s cool in the forest), hiking boots with good grip.
- Special Note: The tunnels can be claustrophobic for some people. If you’re uncomfortable in enclosed dark spaces, this might not be your hike.
- Extension: Experienced hikers can continue to Caldeirão do Inferno (Hell’s Cauldron), another waterfall about 2 km further, but this section is more challenging.
The best hiking trails in mid-west Madeira.
Miradouro do Teleférico das Achadas da Cruz – the coastal walk.
The Miradouro do Teleférico das Achadas da Cruz is a viewpoint, with a stunning coastal walking at the bottom (the Fajã), reached by a steep cable car (Teleférico) or a challenging walk down/up.
The cable car ride is max 5 minutes and costs 5 Euro/per person. The cable car capacity is 6 people, so I would avoid weekends with crowds. The cable car is fun and it takes you to one of the most beautiful oceanic hiking trails in Madeira. There are almost no people on the path, which means it’s only you, the ocean and monster cliffs. The hike offers dramatic cliffs, ocean views, and quiet, beautiful scenery at sea level.
Practical Hiking Tips:
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate. The path is well-maintained.
- Duration: max 1 hour.
- What to Bring: Usual hiking gear, water, snacks. No headlamp needed—no tunnels on this route.
The best times to visit Madeira.
Timing is everything in Madeira. The island has a subtropical climate, which means it’s generally pleasant year-round, but there are definitely better and worse times for hiking. We visited the island in December, and the weather was nasty including extremely high winds, dense fog, hail during the day, heavy rain – the storm completely closed the island for 2 days. There was 9 degrees at night and around 17-18 °C during day. It is not a rule for December but it might happen.
Temperature in the mountains or Fanal Forest was dropping to 3-5 degrees Celsius.
Summer can be extremely crowded with tourists, so I would say the best times to visit Madeira is September to November and March to May, which is also called the best hiking season on the island.
Recommended tour – the adventurous: Private Madeira Island Tour: The Most Complete 8-Hour Experience.
The best time for hiking in Madeira.
Best Hiking Seasons: Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) are ideal. You’ll have comfortable temperatures (17-22°C), fewer crowds than summer, and generally good weather. Spring brings wildflowers and the famous Flower Festival in May, while fall offers warm temperatures with fewer tourists.
Summer (June to September): This is peak season for a reason—the warmest, driest weather and long days. Perfect for hiking, but expect crowds on popular trails, especially in August. Book accommodation well in advance.
Winter (December to February): Still possible for hiking, but it’s the wettest season. The mountains can get snow (yes, really!), and some higher altitude trails might be impassable. That said, winter brings dramatic clouds and moody atmospheric conditions that some photographers love.
The best hiking tours in Madeira.
We had a car for the whole stay and were brave enough to drive every windy road 😉 However, some tours are organised at high levels and cost less than hiring a car (including full insurance, which is a must in Madeira). Thus, I wouldn’t mind booking a few tours, which are highly rated and take you to exactly sathe me hidden spots I had to find.
Here are a few top-rated tours to one of the most amazing spots on the island:
What to Pack for hiking in Madeira Portugal.
Madeira’s weather can be unpredictable, especially in the mountains. Here’s what you absolutely need:
Essential Gear:
- Hiking boots or trail shoes: Non-negotiable. The levadas can be slippery, especially after rain. You need good grip.
- Headlamp or flashlight: If you’re doing any of the tunnel hikes (PR9, PR1), this is absolutely essential. A phone light won’t cut it.
- Layers: Start with a moisture-wicking base layer, add a fleece or light jacket, and bring a waterproof outer shell. The weather can change dramatically, especially at altitude.
- Rain gear: Even sunny days may turn into rainy. A waterproof jacket and pack cover are essential.
- Water: Bring more than you think you need. At least 2 liters per person for longer hikes.
- Sun protection: Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. The sun is strong, especially on exposed trails like Ponta de São Lourenço.
- Snacks: Energy bars, trail mix, fruit—whatever keeps you going.
- First aid kit: Basic supplies including blister treatment (trust me on this one).
- Whistle: For emergencies. It’s also recommended by Madeira’s tourist board.
Nice to Have:
- Hiking poles for the steep sections
- Camera (your phone will do, but you might want something better)
- Portable battery pack for your phone
Safety tips for hikes in Madeira.
Most of the trails are generally safe, but hiking in Madeira can be challenging due to elevation and rocky, exposed terrain. Here’s what you need to know:
- Stay on marked paths: It is forbidden to go outside marked paths.
- Check weather: Don’t hike in heavy rain or immediately after.
- Tell someone your plans: Let your accommodation know which trail you’re doing and when you expect to be back.
- Start early: Beat the crowds and the afternoon weather changes (clouds often roll in after midday).
- Don’t underestimate the sun: Sun in Madeira can be aggressive, use sun protection.
- Be aware of your limits: Some trails (like PR1) are genuinely challenging. Be honest about your fitness level and hiking experience. The trail is rather targeted to adventurous hikers.
- Watch for drop-offs: Many levadas have narrow sections with significant drops and no barriers. Take it slow and focus.
Getting around to starting point for the hiking trails in Madeira.
Renting a car is by far the easiest way to access trailheads. The roads in Madeira are generally good, though mountain roads can be narrow and winding. Many popular trails have parking areas that fill up early, so arrive well before you want to start hiking—especially for sunrise hikes.
Alternatively, many hiking tour companies offer guided hikes with transport included. This can be a great option if you don’t want to drive the mountain roads, want expert guidance, or prefer hiking one-way routes (they arrange pick-up at the other end).
Taxis are an option for some trails, though they can be expensive. Some hikers use taxis to reach Pico do Arieiro for the PR1 hike, then get picked up at Pico Ruivo or Achada do Teixeira.
Few other best hikes in Madeira worth your time.
While PR1, PR8, PR9, and PR6 are the headliners, Madeira has dozens of other spectacular trails. If you have extra time, consider below trails – however, the Fanal Forest without a fog would not impress you. Pico do Facho is my top choice, the archipelago beauty is unbelievable.
- Vereda do Fanal:Takes you through one of the most photogenic parts of Madeira’s ancient laurel forest, with gnarled, moss-covered trees that look straight out of a fantasy novel. Especially atmospheric when mist rolls through.
- PR3 – Vereda do Burro:A challenging trail that rewards with incredible views of the north coast and Laurissilva forest.
- Pico do Facho:Great for sunset views over Machico and the eastern part of the island.
Why Madeira gets under your skin?
There are many reasons to love this Portuguese island. Madeira combines raw natural beauty with accessibility that makes it perfect for both serious hikers and casual walkers.
The best hikes in Madeira walk you through clouds at nearly 2,000 meters altitude or take you to waterfalls in a subtropical forest. But what really makes Madeira special isn’t just the diversity of landscapes—it’s the feeling of discovery.
Madeira doesn’t just offer great hikes. It offers a way to connect with landscapes that feel ancient and untouched. Just make sure to check the best times to visit Maderia and and your next great hiking adventure is waiting on a small island in the Atlantic.
Note: This post may contain affiliate links, which are at absolutely no cost to you – I can earn a small commission on sales generated through this website and thanks to that I can share travel guides and inspirations that may help you reach your dream destinations and discover our unique world. I only recommend sites I actually use and have traveled to. Thank you for your support!
