Ponta do Sol walks

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.

There are a few difficulties at the start of the route with the descent in the sun, followed by a rough path that goes up and down, followed by a fairly long but shaded climb. Then, the return via a shaded and little-used levada. Swimming is possible at both waterfalls, but the water is very cold!

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.

A peaceful levada, shaded by heather, to discover the Lagoa da Dona Beja waterfall, followed by a descent to the Ribeira Grande waterfall, downstream of the Lagoa do Vento.

Hike in the rainforest along a levada. Several tunnels, the last of which is almost 1 km long. Difficult to pass other hikers, but very enjoyable and not strenuous. This hike can be completed in 3 hours without too many stops. Bring a raincoat, as the end is a little less interesting, even though there is a very beautiful waterfall. There are very few places to picnic.

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.

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.

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 hike is suitable for children aged 5 and above. From the main car park, you quickly come to a path where you can enjoy the greenery and several unusual old trees. The trail then joins the PR®13 to the Fio viewpoint. Return via a new trail to the Fanal esplanade, which offers a group of magnificent trees for taking superb photos. The path continues to a pond that can be heard from afar with the croaking of frogs. Finally, you pass a second waterhole, which is sometimes dry, before returning to your car. No difficulties. It is humid as the hike is in the clouds, but it remains reasonable.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

Magnificent walk from the heights of Ponta Da Ladeira. Wind your way down through orchards and waterfalls to the promenade at Achadas da Cruz. Climb back up along the Verada do Calhau path to the top of the cable car, then Levada do Calvario and return by road to the starting point.

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 frequented 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 the sugar cane culture, 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 by 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 hike is recommended early in the morning to avoid the crowds. Perfect for walkers looking for peace, history and nature. Elevation gain only 150 m.