The Portuguese island of Madeira is a cyclist’s dream. It’s a small island with lots of activities and things to see, so it’s easy to get around by bike. There are some great cycling routes and plenty of options for all skill levels. We’ll take a look at four different routes that highlight the best of Madeira, Portugal.
1. The coastal cycling route (Beginners – Beautiful views)
If you’re a beginner and have never cycled before, this is a great route to start with. It’s very flat and easy to ride. There are also plenty of places to stop along the way for drinks or food if you need to take a break from cycling. This route takes in some of Madeira’s prettiest scenery including its beaches, cliffs, and mountains, so it’s definitely worth taking your time over!
The average time taken by cyclists who do this route is about 5 hours but this could vary depending on how fast or slow people cycle; some may be able to finish in less than 4 hours while others might take longer than 6 hours (though this would be unusual). Make sure to check Madeira’s weather before you start to avoid very hot weather or any rain,
2. Cycling from Risco da Ajuda to Machico (A challenging route)
The route starts at Risco da Ajuda and ends in Machico, going through a mountainous area that includes parts of the interior. It’s not for beginners, as it involves some steep ascents and descents on narrow roads. It’s also not suitable for children or people who are afraid of heights, as there are sections where you need to cross rivers on foot or climb over rocks with no handrails.
The average time needed to finish this challenging route is around 5 hours. As far as I know, it has been well-marked since its creation in 2010 but keep in mind that it isn’t always easy to follow during rain and severe weather conditions.
3. The start of the mountains cycling route
The route starts in Funchal, where you can find the main bus station. From there, it’s a short ride to reach your starting point: the Praia de Machico beach. You’ll be riding along tarmac roads for most of this route, but there are some steep climbs that will test your legs and lungs. The views over Madeira are spectacular!
The average time it takes to complete this ride is around three hours (including stops). It’s well-marked with signs at each turnoff and there aren’t any significant intersections where you could get lost if you follow them closely enough, but if anything goes wrong or something looks off-kilter as far as directions go, just ask someone nearby who knows their way around Machico well enough to help out. it’s also a good place for hiking in Madeira, so be cautious as you may cross by hikers on the way.
4. The highlands and lava fields cycling route
The highlands and lava fields route is a great one to see the island, with its stunning views and beautiful landscape. The roads are narrow, winding, and very quiet making them perfect for cycling. The terrain is steep in places but most of the roads are in good condition so you won’t have any problems cycling here.
The average time it takes to complete this route is 2 days (72km). It’s well-marked with yellow signs along the way that show you where you need to go next if you get lost on your way back down into Funchal town after finishing off at Santana beach on day two!
