Madeira walks

A walk at the eastern end of Madeira in the only semi-desert environment of the island. Beautiful scenery on top of colourful cliffs, beautiful views of the sea and a way to escape.

A fabulous but demanding hike that leads through exceptional panoramas and vertiginous peaks to the island's highest summit. Although the route is completely safe, it may not be suitable for those prone to vertigo. The path is paved throughout and includes tunnels. N.B. The altitude difference shown is obviously overestimated (which happens in very steep terrain like this): count on around 1000m. Walk closed at the moment.

Climb to the highest point of the island of Madeira, taking the easier route. Beautiful mountain scenery and a superb 360° panorama at the top.

It runs along the three very different Levadas, all interconnected by sloping paths. The route covers a varied landscape, crossing over diverse vegetation, and with beautiful views of the waterfalls. A hike whose direction and length can be adjusted depending on wishes or circumstances. N.B. The displayed altitude difference is higher than reality (and consequently so is the average time for completion). Expect more in the realm of 600 metres in altitude.

Madeira Island is filled with irrigation canals, the Levadas. This short hike takes you along the Levada do Norte, one of the most significant of the island, located in an elevated part of the island. You'll find stunning viewpoints along the way and go through a beautiful forest with various species. N.B. The altitude displayed is most probably over estimated as the trail is relatively flat along the Levada following the contour line.

This out-and-back hike follows one of Madeira's most beautiful levadas. Dotted with trees lying over the canal and tunnels, it leads you to the "Green Cauldron", a small cirque with a beautiful waterfall around 100 metres high. The passages through the tunnels, lit by headlamps, will liven up the walk with children. However, be careful with the youngest or the most restless, as some passages are narrow and vertiginous. Difference in altitude of less than 100 metres, do not take into account the data in the technical data sheet.

This hike covers about half of the Levada da Ribeira da Janela (about 6 Km out of the 12 Km) and takes you through a dense, humid forest with a wall of vegetation, huge ferns and impressive rock faces. There are a number of viewpoints over the valley of the Ribeira da Janela (the longest river in Madeira). ⚠️Please disregard the gradient indicated in the data sheet, which is virtually zero.

This walk is one of Madeira's shortest and easiest. It leads to the Balcões belvedere, with its impressive views of the island's highest peaks. Here we offer an alternative route for the last kilometer of the return journey. This alternative route makes the walk a little more challenging, while keeping you away from the crowds.

This hike is suitable for children aged 5 and above. Starting from the main car park, you will quickly find a path where you can enjoy the greenery and several ancient and unusual trees. The trail then joins the PR®13 to the Fio viewpoint. Return via a new trail to the Fanal esplanade, which offers a cluster of magnificent trees that make for superb photos. The path continues to a pond where you can hear frogs croaking in the distance. Finally, you pass a second waterhole, which is sometimes dry, before returning to your car. No difficulties. It is humid as the hike takes place in the clouds, but it remains reasonable.

A must-do levada, very easy, for all ages, alternating shady sections on the mountainside, winding paths and panoramic views of the island's north coast and then the east coast as you reach Portela. Less busy than other levadas, the 10.5 Km walk is 4/5ths flat, with no change in altitude (very gentle slope all along the levada), except for a 200-meter drop in altitude on the last 2 Km of the walk. Take a cab back to the starting point.

This is an alternative route to the best-known trails, but it still offers some fine panoramic views and includes sections with waterfalls and tunnels, while avoiding overcrowding. A headlamp is highly recommended for the tunnel.

Climb to the highest point of the island of Madeira, and by the road less travelled. A long and demanding hike in diverse environments. Beautiful viewpoints on the route and, at the top, a beautiful 360° view. N.B. Due to the steep crags of Madeira, the displayed altitude difference is overestimated and, therefore, so is the estimate of the time. Expect the elevation to be more in the order of 1,200 m in both directions.

This is a short but intense downhill hike to Fajã Quebrada Nova, a small farming hamlet on an ancient scree slope (see definition of "Fajã") at the ocean's edge and at the foot of the Achadas da Cruz cliffs. The cable car ride up (for a fee, €3 in 2022) will also give you some thrills!

Nice climb in the hinterland. A walk away from the crowd in the undergrowth between ferns and laurel. Beautiful views of the surrounding area.

The PR®18 Levado do Rei is an accessible and enjoyable hike, ideal for discovering the beauty of Madeira's levadas in complete tranquillity. Less crowded than the famous PR®9, it offers a shaded route through the heart of a lush primary forest. The trail follows an old irrigation canal, a historical reminder of sugar cane cultivation, built at the time by convicts and slaves. The trail starts from a small car park just after a restaurant (ideal for a break after the walk), passing close to the water treatment plant. After a short climb of about 50 metres, the path becomes flat and easy to follow, with a refreshing passage under a waterfall before arriving at the Bonito water source. This walk is recommended early in the morning to avoid the crowds. Perfect for walkers seeking peace, history and nature. Elevation gain of only 150 metres.

Take a cab/taxi almost to the beginning of the levada, then walk back down to Porto Moniz.

Hike from Achadas da Cruz to the source of the Levada do Molinho There are two steep stairways, which are not necessarily in good condition. The path is narrow and very dense (ferns and brambles), but the walk is very beautiful as you go upstream along the levada to the waterfall.

Physically demanding hike for the first 4 kilometres. Significant elevation gain. No elevation gain in the second half. A walk along the cliff edge with magnificent views. The path is well marked and signposted. There are a few exposed sections, but they are well protected by handrails.

Located below the famous PR®9 - Levada da Caldeirao Verde, this levada is much quieter and less crowded. The trail is not difficult, but caution is advised as, unlike the PR®9, there are no protective barriers. There are very few passages on the trail that are prone to vertigo, they are mainly located at the end and are less than 10 metres long. At the end of this levada, there is no large waterfall as on the PR®9, but a small waterfall surrounded by vegetation. The elevation gain shown on the information sheet is overestimated: allow for around 100 metres. As a result, allow for around four hours of walking time.

A short route downhill to Fajã dos Padres, an agricultural area open to tourists but inaccessible by car. In fact, there are only three ways to get there: on foot, by cable car or by boat. The descent via the hike allows you to enjoy the view of the cliff and waterfalls from different vantage points. Unlike the cable car, which takes five minutes to descend, you will have time to enjoy the walk down. However, be careful, as the path can be muddy after heavy rain and slippery. There are many steps.

Halfway up/down towards Pico Ruivo, there is a connection to the PR®1.1 which descends towards Ilha. It is quite steep and challenging in places, but the change in vegetation makes this part very pleasant. The hike does not go too far (-300m elevation gain) as you have to climb back up to return to the car park at Achado do Texeira (starting point for Pico Ruivo). For the more motivated, however, there is the option of really going down and joining the Levada do Caldeirão Verde, then climbing back up towards Achado do Texeira.

This hike combines the PR® 21 with part of the PR® 22. A challenging hike due to the elevation gain and numerous steps. Careful descent and cardio-intensive climb back up. A real pleasure to complete this challenge.

A magnificent hike from the heights of Ponta Da Ladeira. Descend along winding paths through orchards and waterfalls to the Achadas da Cruz promenade. Climb back up via the Verada do Calhau path to the top of the cable car, then take the Levada do Calvario and return by road to the starting point.