Madeira is a beautiful island that’s well known for its beaches and activities. There are many hikes and walks to choose from, and this list will give you an idea of the most popular hikes and walks on the mountains and coast of the island. If you are more interested in Levada walks (walks along the water system of Madeira), check the guide to the 6 most popular Levada walks in Madeira.
1. Vereda do Areeiro: Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo – Most beautiful hike in Madeira
The Vereda do Areeiro is one of the most beautiful hikes in Portugal. It connects Pico do Arieiro and Pico Ruivo, the highest two mountains on Madeira island. The hike is challenging, not for beginners. If you’re afraid of heights or feel like your fitness level isn’t up to par with what this hike requires, then perhaps another trail would be better suited for you!
The Vereda do Areeiro offers excellent views of Madeira’s landscape and coastline. If you’re lucky enough to have clear weather conditions, then expect some breathtaking panoramas as well! You’ll pass through many different ecosystems during this trek: from the lush rainforest at its base to the barren tundra towards its top where only lichens grow due to harsh winds blowing across open spaces devoid of plants.
This trail is best done during springtime when temperatures are still mild enough outside so that hiking gear doesn’t get too hot/sweaty while wearing them; however, keep in mind that hikers may need extra clothing layers depending as it gets cold in the early morning/late night hours before sunrise and after sunset respectively
2. Caminho do Mar – a coastal trail with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean
The Caminho do Mar is a coastal trail with amazing views of the Atlantic Ocean. This is a great way to see Madeira’s coastline, flora, and fauna. It is suitable for beginners and advanced hikers, as well as families who want to hike together.
The route offers several viewpoints where you can stop and enjoy the landscape before continuing on your way through pine forests, along rocky cliffs, and past beautiful beaches.
The best time to do it is from April until November (although the best season for hiking in Madeira tends to be during July/August). The average time needed is 3 hours (one way). It is good for beginners and all trails are well-marked so no guide is needed but bring water to drink especially in the summer!
3. Gorges du Funchal – walk down through the gorges and see the beautiful scenery
If you’re looking for an adventure, head over to the Gorges du Funchal. Located in a municipality of the same name, these canyons are a series of deep valleys carved into the mountainside. Here you’ll find beautiful scenery and many plants and animals that call it home.
The best time to do this hike is during spring (April-June) or autumn (September-November). The average length of this trek is 5 hours but beginners should expect it to take longer than that because there are some steep inclines along the way! It’s well-marked with red paint on rocks so no guide is needed unless you prefer to have one.
4. Ribeira Brava to Coloane – Coastal and mountainous scenery
This hike has it all. The route starts in Ribeira Brava and ends in Coloane, so you’ll get to see both coastal and mountainous scenery along the way. The trail is a bit challenging but not too hard for most people to complete. If you’re looking for something easier then we would recommend the walk from Craveiro Lopes to Porto Moniz instead.
You can also expect some beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean from certain parts of this hike! If you want an even more interesting experience then we suggest doing this hike at night, many locals do this as well because it’s safer than driving at night (and often cheaper).
If you’re looking for something more relaxing or less strenuous then try adding one of our other suggestions to your itinerary instead!
5. Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço
Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço is a coastal trail that leads from São Lourenço to Ponta da Praia. The trail can be divided into two parts: the first part is easy but requires climbing some steep cliffs, while the second part involves walking along steep cliffs with great views of the Atlantic Ocean below.
The best time to do this hike is in spring or fall when temperatures are milder and there are fewer tourists. It takes about 2 hours to complete if you don’t stop for too long at any point along your journey; however, if you want to spend more time enjoying your surroundings then plan on adding another hour or two onto that estimate!
6. Rua das Lagrimas (Street of Tears) – this is a walking route that connects Lavadores Beach to Praia dos Restolhos
This is a walking route that connects Lavadores Beach to Praia dos Restolhos. It’s fairly easy, with some steep sections and it’s about 2.5km long. Along the way, you’ll get some great views of Madeira as well as Funchal, and other parts of the island.
The average time to finish it is about 1 hour and a half, but you can go more slowly if you want! It is good for beginners and the trail is well-marked. There are signs along most of the route pointing out points of interest or warning about dangerous areas like cliffs. You don’t need a guide unless you just want one!
7. Ponta da Praia (Point of the Beach) – a pleasant walk along the coast near Punta del Sol.
The Ponta da Praia (Point of the Beach) walk is a pleasant 90-minute stroll along the coast near Punta del Sol. The route follows a trail that runs parallel to the beach, so you’ll get views of both sea and sand as you walk.
The trail starts at Praia do Pico da Barrosa, where there are plenty of places to stop for lunch or drink an afternoon beer with friends when you’re done. It’s best done in summer when there’s no surf on this part of Madeira’s west coast. But even then, it can take quite some time before reaching your destination if there are many other people around! You should wear good shoes for this hike (flip-flops aren’t recommended).
8. Calheta to Canico da Regua – Beautiful views
This trail goes from Calheta to Canico da Regua, which offers some beautiful views along the way. The trail is a good choice for those who are looking for a short hike and want to see some great scenery.
The best time of year to complete this walk is during spring or fall (March through May; September through November). In these seasons, the weather will be cooler but not too cold, with fewer crowds than what you’d find in the summertime.
You can expect anywhere between 2-3 hours on this trek depending on how fast you walk and if there are any delays along the way due to other hikers or wildlife sightings! There may be some steep sections that require extra caution when descending these areas safely, especially after rainstorms. Overall this is an easy hike, that is suitable even for beginners. It’s pretty straightforward and no guide is needed.
9. Lagoa da Restauracao & Caldeirao Verde
Lagoa da Restauracao and Caldeirao Verde are two volcanic lakes located about 20km apart, with several hiking trails in between. This trek takes you around Lagoa de Restauracao and Caldeirao Verde so that you can see these amazing lakes up close!
The best time to do this hike is in the summer (June-September). The average time to finish it is 2 hours 30 minutes but it can be done faster if you’re fit and don’t stop at any points along the way. It’s not too difficult for beginners but there are some steep sections where walking sticks may come in handy!
10. Porto Moniz to Praia da Luz
This trail is a little longer than some of the others, but it takes you around several beaches and is a great way to see a lot of the island. This trail isn’t too difficult, but there are some steep parts.
You’ll want to avoid rainy weather as much as possible when attempting this hike. If there’s going to be rain in Porto Moniz or Praia da Luz (the two ends), then consider doing something else!
The average time needed is 4 hours (if no stops) – 10 hours (with lots of stops). If you’re hiking with kids or elderly people who need breaks often, plan on spending more than 10 hours on this hike!
What is the scariest hike in Madeira?
If you love a challenge, then you will get your fill on the Fajá dos Padres Trail. The route is a dangerous and difficult hike that takes you on a challenging path up one of the scariest ridges on Madeira. The narrow path, often less than 1 meter wide, ascends up the coastal cliff over the Fajã dos Padres village. You’ll have to navigate steep cliffs as well as rocky scrambles along with thin edges with sheer drops below.
Is hiking in Madeira difficult?
Hiking in Madeira is an amazing experience. You have easy and difficult options. It spans all difficulty levels from an easy walk through vineyards to advanced hikes that explore the mountainsides and cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. It is heaven for beginners and advanced hikers alike, who can enjoy both day trips or multi-day treks.
What are the best peaks in Madeira?
Pico do Arieiro, Pico Ruivo (2,719 ft), Pico da Barrosa (3,130 ft), and Pico Grande (3,621 ft) are the tallest peaks in Madeira. The Pico to Pico is a hike that connects two mountains which are the highest of Madeira, the Pico Ruivo (1940m) and the Pico do Arieiro (1832m). If you are looking for the best peaks in Madeira, this hike combining the highest 2 peaks in Madeira is the one you are looking for.
