9 Reasons Why Madeira is Paradise on Earth for Hikers

The countryside in Madeira is beautiful, covered in dense evergreen forests, agricultural land, and rocky coasts. The traditional homes and buildings add extra charm, as well.

The man-made “levadas” or water channels from the 16th century have become a favorite route for hikers, leading through the beautiful ecosystem. These channels were built as irrigation systems, intended to carry excess rainfall from the mountains to drier land, but today they lead climbers to a few of Madeira’s most beautiful peaks. To climb past an alluring array of waterfalls, plan a trip to the Rabaçal levada in the center of western Madeira island.

Unlike many popular and commonly visited trails that have developed a “beaten path” appearance, Madeira’s trails and exotic forests seem untouched. Plan your trip outside the standard tourist season to miss the crowds that do appear.

The natural ecosystems and wildlife are among Madeira’s most precious features, which are best experienced up close. Walking is a good way to experience the local and traditional culture too.

Some travelers prefer booking guided tours while others like exploring on their own and Madeira offers plenty of opportunities for both.

The mild weather also makes it one of the best spots in the world for nature enthusiasts. Madeira and Porto Santo islands lack extreme differences between winter and summer, with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of 13 Celsius (mid 50s Fahrenheit) to 19 Celsius (high 70s Fahrenheit), respectively, and nearly year-round sun (though fall and winter do see frequent rainfall).

What’s better after a day-long hike than something delicious and comforting? Madeira’s gastronomy shouldn’t be missed and is made up of fresh seafood, exotic fruits, and savory meat-based recipes. Plus, there is always the sweet Madeira wine.