The Best Hiking Trails on Madeira, Portugal

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

This mountain trail takes you through the two highest peaks on Madeira (Pico Ruivo and Pico do Areeiro). While it’s only 7km (4.3mi) in length, the steep slopes, uneven terrain and tunnels mean it’ll take around four hours to hike. Bird spotters should keep their eyes peeled for rare species, such as berthelot’s pipit. It can get quite busy, but the views are worth it. Start early to avoid the crowds.

This is the easiest way to hike up to the very top of Madeira. It takes around two hours to reach the single peak of Pico Ruivo. At 1,862m (6,109ft) above sea level, you’ll be rewarded with astonishing views from the top. On a clear day, you can see São Lourenço Point on the far eastern side of the island. Just watch out – at this altitude, cloud covers can envelop the path in minutes, so make sure you bring plenty of layers.

At the eastern end of the island, Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço is a gentle hike, suitable for all levels of fitness. As a result, it does get quite busy, and you may struggle to find a parking space in the car park unless you get there early. Follow the trail along the peninsula where the land drops away on both sides, tumbling down into the Atlantic below. Don’t forget to bring your camera – the craggy cliff face fringed by the frothy ocean is worthy of a snap.

As the name suggests, this hike features a whopping 25 waterfalls, guaranteed to attract even the most reluctant of hikers. It’s a fairly easy hike that takes around two hours to get there and one hour back, due to the varied terrain. The giant Risco Waterfall is one of the key highlights along the way. Watch out – the stone steps are slippery when wet. Go early in the morning, when it’s quiet, and you can admire the beauty without the crowds.

If you like a hike with a few interesting twists and turns, opt for the Levada do Caldeirão Verde. It’s the best way to explore Madeira’s forested interior. Starting in the Queimadas Forest Park, make your way along the leafy trails and echoey tunnels (bring a torch or your phone light) of the levada at nearly 1,000m (3,281ft) above sea level. The 8.9km (5.5mi) hike isn’t too challenging but will take around five and a half hours. Wear hiking boots, as the ground can be muddy during the rainy season.

One of the easiest hikes you can do on Madeira, Vereda dos Balcoes is suitable for all fitness levels. It starts just below two restaurants at Ribeiro Frio, following the Serra do Faial to the Balcões viewpoint that offers sweeping views over the valley. At 1.5km (0.9mi), it should take no longer than 90 minutes. Keep your eyes peeled for the firecrest bird, the smallest on Madeira, and the rainbow trout hatchery on return to your starting point.

If you want to reach the highest point on Madeira but don’t fancy the strenuous walk, then choose the Achada do Teixeira route. This moderate hike is around 3km (1.9mi) each way and takes around 90 minutes – there’s a cobbled pathway the whole way and only a small incline towards the summit. It’s a great route for a sunrise or sunset hike, especially when the atmospheric clouds roll in over the peaks.

Achadas da Cruz is said to be the steepest cable car ride in Europe. It’s easy to believe when you peer over the vertiginous edge, down to the village of Fajá da Quebrada Nova below. While the cable car is certainly worth a ride, there’s also a hiking trail from the top – it starts from the narrow gap between the cliffs and stairway. The 2km (1.2mi) route is steep but safe with a wide path. Expect fabulous views on the way down, then catch the cable car back up.