Madeira Island is considered the Pearl of the Atlantic, and it's no coincidence that it earned this name.
Far from its past reputation as a destination primarily for seniors and cruise-goers, Madeira has been reinvented by nature lovers, thanks to its mild climate, cuisine, and culture. Although we haven't explored every trail on the island, in this article, we'll share with you the must-do trails you can't miss during a visit to Madeira.
So, are you ready to be amazed by the magnificent natural spectacles that Madeira has in store for you?
Vereda do Pico do Areeiro – Pico Ruivo – Madeira's Island rooftop
Often claimed to be the highest point on Madeira, it's actually the third highest. To reach the island's highest point—Pico Ruivo—you have two options. The one that will leave you truly breathless (figuratively and literally) is the trail that crosses part of the island's central massif, taking you through its three highest peaks—Areeiro, Torres, and Ruivo. This 7 km trail is filled with indescribable beauty.
However, it's recommended to start this trail at sunrise so you can finish around lunchtime. If there's one trail that deserves to be done at a leisurely pace, it's this one—not only because of its steep ascents and descents with stairs but also due to the breathtaking landscape that deserves to be fully appreciated.
Note: Pay attention to the weather forecasts for Pico do Areeiro, as low clouds can greatly reduce visibility. While the trail still retains its charm, it will be difficult to fully grasp the grandeur of your surroundings in such conditions.
When you reach Pico Ruivo, you'll find the Casa da Montanha, where you can use the restroom, have a coffee, or buy a snack. Make sure to bring some change for the restroom and snacks, as everything is quite limited, and managing change can be tricky with so many visitors.
From Casa da Montanha to Achada do Teixeira, it's 2 km, making for a total of 9 km. Here, a transfer will be waiting for you, which you should book in advance to take you back to Pico do Areeiro. Alternatively, you can hike back to Pico do Areeiro from Pico Ruivo (6km)
So, it's clear what the second option is. This would be to start and finish at Achada do Teixeira, covering a total of 4 km, which is much easier and quicker. However, if you have the time and some physical preparation, don’t hesitate to take the longer route. We guarantee you’ll be amazed.
This is undoubtedly the most spectacular hike you can do in Madeira, which is why we started our article with it.
Even if you're not keen on hiking here, promise us you'll at least go to Ninho das Mantas and not just stay in the parking lot enjoying the views, okay?
Levada do Caldeirão Verde
While we're still on the east coast of Madeira, let’s explore another must-do hike. The Levada do Caldeirão Verde is one of the most beautiful and famous levadas on the island (though it’s impossible to pick just one as the most beautiful), but this one is certainly in the top 3.
Despite its length of 13 km (6.5 km each way), this levada is relatively easy to walk, as it doesn’t have many steep inclines or many challenging steps. Starting at the stunning Parque das Queimadas, the trail winds through the heart of the Laurissilva forest, making it perfect for sunny days since most of the trail is shaded.
However, along the way, you'll be surrounded by towering cliffs and lush greenery in every shade imaginable. The experience is incredible, almost like being in a remote jungle far from civilization. The constant sound of running water adds to the uniqueness of levada walks, and this one is no exception.
At the end of the trail, you'll come face-to-face with the towering Caldeirão Verde waterfall, plunging over 100 meters into a pool where you can cool off.
If you still have energy and are up for a bit more of a challenge, you can continue another 2 km to Caldeirão do Inferno. Here, a waterfall is hidden among sheer, sculpted walls, creating a scene worthy of the world’s best natural landscapes.
On the way back, you'll retrace your steps, passing by Caldeirão Verde once again. As with the other hikes, it’s best to start early (though not necessarily at sunrise, as the views aren’t as critical as those at Pico do Areeiro). Allow for 5 to 6 hours, especially if you take the detour to Caldeirão do Inferno.
Levada do Rei
Levada do Reiis one of Madeira’s levadas that best represents the island's water history. It was commissioned by King Carlos I in the 19th century and was a popular trail for the royal court whenever the king visited the island. This royal connection gives the levada its name and makes it a noteworthy highlight in our article.
This levada is perfect for a relaxing walk, or for taking the family or less experienced hikers along. With virtually no elevation gain, it features a refreshing waterfall shower and a cascade with a lagoon where you can cool off. The scenery is equally lush, as the trail winds through the Laurissilva forest with its rich greenery. If you enjoy walking to unwind, this 8 km trail (round trip) is ideal for about 3 hours of pure relaxation.
Vereda de São Lourenço – The Basal Walk of Madeira Island
Alongside the Pico do Areeiro Trail, the Vereda de São Lourenço is another must-do. Not only for its rugged landscape in shades of orange and black, but also because the sea is right there, making this hike visually even more stunning with its incredible color contrast.
However, unlike the Levada walks, this hike is highly exposed to the sun, just like Pico do Areeiro, so you should be properly prepared and protected.
The trail starts near the parking lot, and from there the adventure begins in a “somewhat lunar” landscape.
This landscape is unique on the island of Madeira because, due to the high exposure to the elements, tall vegetation is almost nonexistent, making it feel as if you’re walking on another planet.
The Vereda de São Lourenço trail is somewhat challenging due to its exposure to the elements and its somewhat steep ascents and descents. The total distance is 8 km of rare and unique beauty on this island, with the turquoise blue of the sea always nearby. Because of its unique landscape, it is highly recommended during a visit to Madeira.
Vereda de S. Lourenço
Fanal Forest – The Enchanted Forest of Madeira Island
If there is one forest you must visit in Madeira, it is this one. The Fanal Forest seems to have come straight out of a Lord of the Rings movie. The ancient Til trees make this landscape magnificent. If you’re lucky enough to encounter mist, you will never forget this scenery. There are a few trails in this area. However, for us, and also due to a lack of time, it was enough to get lost in the plateau and absorb the landscape, without a set direction and without rush. If you plan to hike, we recommend the Vereda do Fanal or the Levada dos Cedros. Madeira, é esta. A floresta do Fanal parece ter saído dum filme do Senhor dos Anéis. As anciãs árvores Til tornam esta paisagem magnifica. Se tiveres a sorte de apanhar neblina, então nunca mais vais esquecer esta paisagem. Há alguns trilhos nesta zona. Porém, para nós e também por falta de algum tempo, bastou perder-nos no planalto e ficar a absorver aquelas paisagens, sem rumo e sem pressas. Se pretendes fazer um trilho a recomendação vai para a Vereda de Fanal or Levada dos Cedros.
The difference between the two trails is that the Vereda do Fanal crosses part of the plateau where the famous Til trees are located and then continues, while the Levada dos Cedros goes through more of the Laurissilva forest, where you’ll find lush vegetation, waterfalls, and, of course, the levada accompanying you along the way.
However, whether you choose to hike one of the trails or not, this forest should not be missed during a visit to Madeira Island.
Hiking options in Madeira Island are vast, and for the true hiking enthusiaststhere are also the Caminhos Reaisbeing the most famous one the Caminho Real 23which circles Madeira Island, with a distance of 180 km. To learn more about the Royal Paths, click here
However, the goal of this article is not to list all the trails in Madeira, but to highlight those that will give you a glimpse of the diverse landscapes you can encounter on your first visit to this magnificent island.
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