7 best hiking trails in Madeira, Portugal (easy to epic)

If you’re looking for the best hiking trails in Madeira, you’re in for a serious mix of landscapes. Think rugged mountain peaks above the clouds, jungle-style levadas (water canals), dramatic cliffs, and coastal paths that feel like something out of a movie.

Madeira honestly surprised me a bit. I knew it was known for hiking, but I didn’t expect this much variety in such a small island. For me, hiking is the best thing you can do in Madeira – it’s the perfect way to really get to know this Portuguese island.

In this guide, I’m sharing the best hiking trails in Madeira based on my own travels and adventures on the island. Some are easy and relaxed, others are significantly more challenging, but all of them show a different side of Madeira. Enjoy!

What’s with levadas vs veredas in Madeira?

Before jumping into the hiking trails in Madeira, I need to quickly clear up something that confused me as a first-time visitor: levadas vs veredas. Some hikes are called veredas, but some – levadas. But why?

In Madeira, levadas are the old irrigation water channels that run all across the island. There are literally thousands of kilometers of levadas in Madeira.

A lot of hiking trails follow these levada paths, which usually means relatively easy or gently sloping walks through forests, valleys, and really lush green landscapes.

Veredas, on the other hand, are the official hiking trail routes in Madeira. These are proper footpaths that can take you up mountains, along cliffs, or through more rugged terrain depending on the route.

That said, hiking in Madeira is usually a mix of both. So in this guide, you’ll find some epic veredas and also some very scenic and famous levada walks. But don’t get too caught up in the names – what really matters is the experience, not the label.

At least now you won’t be as confused as I was. 😅

So let’s dive into the best hiking trails in Madeira.

1. Vereda dos Balcões

If you’re looking for one of the easiest hiking trails in Madeira, Vereda dos Balcões is a perfect start. It’s short, flat, and honestly feels more like a relaxed forest walk than a proper hike, but the view at the end is what really makes it worth your time.

The trail starts in Ribeiro Frio and follows a well-marked path through dense Laurisilva forest. It’s about 1.5 km (0.9 miles) one way, so roughly 3 km (1.8 miles) round trip, with almost no elevation gain. You can easily do it in under an hour.

It’s one of those walks you can do without really planning much or bringing any special gear. Just show up and go as you are.

To get there, park at the Ribeiro Frio parking area (paid parking). The trailhead is clearly signposted right from the parking area. This spot does get busy during the day, especially with tour groups, so going early (or late!) makes a big difference.

The walk itself is shaded and peaceful the whole way. Funny enough, after explaining everything about levadas vs veredas earlier, this first hike is basically both – it’s officially a vereda trail, but follows a levada for most of the route 😅

At the end, you reach Miradouro dos Balcões, one of my favorite viewpoints in Madeira, overlooking a deep green valley surrounded by mountains. On a clear day, you can even spot Pico Ruivo, the highest mountain in Madeira.

You’ll also probably notice small birds getting quite close here. This is one of those spots where locals sometimes sell bird seed at the start of the trail, so don’t be surprised if you see people feeding them at the viewpoint.

With the constant flow of visitors, the birds are pretty used to people, but you still need a bit of patience if you want them to land on your hand.

Is it worth it? I’d say definitely yes, especially if you want big Madeira views without doing a demanding hike. It’s a perfect easy stop before heading into the more dramatic trails on the island. I really loved this place.

Tip: Go early in the morning or later in the afternoon if you can. Midday gets busy, and the viewpoint is much more peaceful when it’s quieter.

We arrived at 8:30 AM, and it was empty. Also, bring a light jacket – it can feel surprisingly chilly in the valley.

This is an official hiking trail in Madeira, so you currently need to pay an entry fee for hiking PR 11 – Vereda dos Balcões. Before going, check the latest trail status and pay through the official Visit Madeira page.

Location: Trailhead – Miradouro dos Balcões

2. Levada das 25 Fontes + Levada do Risco

Doing one classic levada hike must be on every Madeira bucket list, and this hike is probably the one most people end up choosing. And I totally get why.

The picturesque levada walk to 25 Fontes and Risco waterfalls is one of those trails that really shows the jungle side of the island, with waterfalls, deep valleys, and that constant green scenery Madeira is famous for.

The hike starts in the Rabaçal area (this is where everyone parks their car), and from the parking, you can just start hiking or, at certain hours, take a shuttle bus down to the valley where the official trail starts.

The route itself is around 8.6 km (5.3 miles) round trip, so it’s longer than Balcões, but still easily manageable for most people with a basic fitness level. You should plan for approximately 3 hours.

Tip! We knew this hike was popular, so we actually decided to do it in the evening. We started at 6 PM (3 hours before the sun went down) as everyone was heading back, so we actually had the whole trail and waterfalls all to ourselves.

Shuttle buses stop before 6 PM, so we only had the option to hike the first part down from the parking lot. It goes along a winding paved road – from the parking area on the hill down to the valley in the forest where the official trail head is next to a small cottage.

This hike follows a levada (as the name says), so you hear a gurgling sound as you walk. The route is green, humid, and honestly a bit whimsical in that “deep forest” kind of way.

One of the first detours is Risco waterfall, which drops from a high cliff into the valley below. It’s just a short side walk off the main route, and I’d say it’s definitely worth the extra few minutes!

After that, you continue toward 25 Fontes, which is the main highlight (and end of the trail). It’s a small lagoon fed by multiple water streams (supposedly 25?) coming down the rock face.

It’s not one big waterfall, but many smaller ones coming together, which makes it feel really unique. Yes, I counted them. Yes, there are a lot of them. Definitely 25 or even more.

On our way back, we actually made another detour and walked the final part of the hike by a different route, passing more forests, more levadas, and even a tunnel. I do like seeing different scenery, so if you have time for exploring, do it (see our route on the map)!

The whole trail is a mix of levada paths, forest tracks, and some narrow sections, but nothing too technical. There are a few stairs and slightly muddy parts depending on the weather, so decent shoes are a good idea.

Is this hike worth it? I’d say yes, 100%. It’s not the most dramatic hike in Madeira, but it’s one of the most atmospheric ones. Waterfalls, green forest, levada paths – it feels like classic Madeira in one trail. And it is one of the easier hiking trails in Madeira.

Bring a light jacket or waterproof layer if it’s been raining recently. The forest section can feel damp, and the trail can get a bit slippery in parts. Also, take snacks and water, because there’s nowhere to buy anything along the route.

This is an official hiking trail in Madeira, so you currently need to pay an entry fee for hiking PR 6 – Levada das 25 Fontes. Before going, check the latest trail status and pay through the official Visit Madeira page.

Location: Parking lot – Trailhead – 25 Fontes waterfall – Risco waterfall

3. Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço

Now it’s time for something completely different! Ponta de São Lourenço is one of those hikes that stops you mid-step because the landscape looks nothing like the rest of Madeira.

After all the green valleys, waterfalls, dripping forests, and mountain mist, this area feels like a completely different island. It’s dry, rocky, windswept, and open on both sides – Atlantic Ocean to the left, Atlantic Ocean to the right.

The views start almost immediately after you leave the parking lot, which is always a good sign. 🤩

The name of this hike is PR8 Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço, and it runs along the easternmost tip of the island, the Ponta de São Lourenço peninsula.

If you want to go all the way to the end of the peninsula (the most epic view!), then the full route will be around 8 kilometers (5 miles) round trip with about 450m (1,480 ft) of elevation gain – so more up and down than it looks on paper.

The hike starts at the Ponta de São Lourenço parking lot. This is one of the most popular hiking trails in Madeira, so it will fill up quickly. Early mornings or late afternoons are the best times to go.

As you leave the car park, the hike follows a wooden boardwalk at first and a dirt path afterwards until the very end. There will be viewpoints along the way, so take your time and enjoy the scenery!

The final viewpoint, which you can see in the first photo, is located on a hilltop. This is the farthest point you can go, but you have to earn it with a steep uphill climb.

Before the final hill, there is a small café where you can sit down and gather your strength for the final push.

It is an overpriced one, so we didn’t stop by, but we saw others do it. We had our own snacks and drinks, so we were fine.

Plus, we wanted to get the thing done – it was about to get hotter and hotter, and there is no shade whatsoever on this trail.

We finished in around 2 hours, but I didn’t count stops for photos (and there were too many 😃). You should plan around 3-4 hours total. Bring snacks, water, a hat, and sunscreen, especially on a sunny day.

Is it worth it? Without a doubt. This is one of the top hikes Madeira is known for, so you basically HAVE TO do it. 😅 We’ve actually done it twice.

For me, this is one of the most memorable hikes in Madeira, not because it’s the hardest or the longest, but because it feels so unlike anything else on the island.

You really do feel like you’ve walked to the edge of the world!

You currently need to pay an entry fee of 4.50 EUR per person (free for under 12s) to hike PR8 Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço. Check the latest trail status and book through the official Visit Madeira page.

Location: Ponta de São Lourenço trailhead

4. Vereda do Larano

I won’t lie – Vereda do Larano is my personal favorite hike in Madeira. And I don’t say that lightly, considering everything else this island has to offer. 👀

I think part of why I loved this hike so much is the timing.

By that point in our trip, I was a bit tired of all the ups and downs of Madeira’s mountain trails, so a mostly flat coastal walk felt like exactly the right balance. Medium effort, but maximum of that dramatic Madeira beauty. 🙌

Vereda do Larano gives you a cliffside path along the north coast, about 300 m (984 ft) above the ocean. Rocky cliffs, open sea, and that wild north coast scenery – it honestly felt a bit like Jurassic Park up there.

The trail starts on Caminho do Larano coastal road near Porto da Cruz.

We parked right at the trailhead at the end of the road, but we went in the late afternoon when there were basically no other cars around. Just make sure you park your car properly, so that other cars can pass you.

From there, you just follow the coastal path (it’s a simple dirt path) as far as you feel like going and then turn back. We hiked until Pico das Roçadas and then turned around and hiked back. Our round trip was 14 km (8.7 miles) in total, which took us around 4 hours.

The official route continues toward Caniçal, but since we had a rental car, we didn’t want the extra logistics of getting back to the starting point.

You can easily do a shorter version too. For me, the best part was the first 4 to 5 km (2.5 to 3.1 miles). A nice plan for a pleasant and scenic hike is to start at Caminho do Cabo do Larano, hike until Boca do Risco, and then turn around and walk back.

Vereda do Larano is mostly flat with some gentle ups and downs.

That said, it runs right along the cliff edge in places with serious drop-offs below, so it’s not ideal if you have a real fear of heights. There are railings in some sections, but not everywhere.

When to hike? Most people hike in the morning/during the day, so evenings can be surprisingly quiet. We went late afternoon and had the trail to ourselves (besides one other hiker), plus we caught a really nice sunset.

Bring water, snacks, comfortable shoes, and a light jacket, because the north coast gets windy even on warm days. There’s no entry fee at the moment, so you can just park and go.

Location: Vereda do Larano

5. Levada Nova + Levada do Moinho

If you want a hike in Madeira that feels scenic but not super intense (and without any major uphill or downhill sections), Levada do Moinho + Levada Nova is one of the best options.

It’s a fairly relaxed levada walk near Ponta do Sol town on the south coast of Madeira, but it still has a few “okay, focus – the cliff edge is right next to me” moments.

The main highlight here is Levada Nova waterfall (my favorite waterfall in Madeira, by the way) because the path literally takes you into a canyon and behind the falling water through a small carved-out section in the rock.

You’ll probably get a little wet. I did. It’s part of the fun. 😅

How the two levadas work? These are two parallel water channels running along the same valley, one above the other. Levada do Moinho is the lower, older one, but Levada Nova is the newer, higher one with panoramic views over the valley and the ocean.

The classic loop goes like this – start right behind the Igreja da Lombada church in Lombada da Ponta do Sol, walk into the valley along the lower Levada do Moinho for about 4 km (2.5 miles), then climb a staircase up to Levada Nova, and walk back on the upper path.

The waterfall and a short tunnel come on the return leg (along with the valley views!).

We’ve actually done this hike twice. The first time we did the loop in that classical order – Moinho first, then Nova back. The second time, we started directly on Levada Nova, but you have to walk through the village first to find that trailhead, which is less straightforward.

If you just want the scenic part without the full loop, you can start directly on Levada Nova, hike to the waterfall, and turn back the same way. Levada do Moinho is lower and doesn’t offer the same open views, so this is the better option if you’re short on time.

Our classical route was just short of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles), and we did it quickly in 2 hours (by running some sections), so plan 3 hours for a normal hike. We also started in the late afternoon when the crowds were gone, which meant we had to hurry to get back by sunset.

So maybe don’t do what we did and leave a little more daylight. 😄

The walk is mostly flat (with that one climb between the levadas), but don’t underestimate the narrow parts. Some sections are close to the edge, and railings are not everywhere.

Also, after the waterfall, there’s a darker tunnel section, so bring a flashlight or a fully charged phone (because phones always seem to die at the worst moment).

There are parking places right by the church where you will find the Levada do Moinho trailhead. Parking is limited, so try to avoid peak hours if you can!

As far as fees go, this is currently not an official PR route, so there are no fees. We basically parked and walked. Still, Madeira changes rules sometimes, so it’s worth doing a quick check to see if anything has been updated recently.

Location: Trailhead – Levada Nova waterfall

6. Vereda do Areeiro

If you want to do the big Madeira hiking adventure, this is the one.

The hike from Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo is probably the most famous hike on the island, and honestly, it deserves all the hype. It connects Pico do Areeiro, the third highest peak on the island, with the top of Pico Ruivo, the highest mountain in Madeira at 1,862 m (6,109 ft).

The official trail is called PR1 Vereda do Areeiro, and it is basically Madeira in full drama mode. Steep staircases, narrow mountain paths, tunnels, deep valleys, sharp peaks, and views that make you stop every few minutes because, well, how can you not?

One very important thing has changed, though.

You used to be able to hike this route there and back (we were lucky to hike that way – see our route below!), but the full PR1 hike is now one-way only from Pico do Areeiro toward Pico Ruivo.

A short, first section from Pico do Areeiro to Miradouro da Pedra Rija viewpoint (about 1 kilometer) can still be walked both ways, so that is an option if you only want to take a look and walk the famous Stairway of Heaven (that iconic narrow mountain staircase!).

But if you continue all the way to Pico Ruivo, you can’t just turn around and hike back to Pico do Areeiro the same way anymore.

After reaching Pico Ruivo, you need to exit via another trail. Most hikers use PR1.2 Vereda do Pico Ruivo to Achada do Teixeira, which adds about 2.8 km (1.7 miles) after Pico Ruivo.

Another option is PR1.1 Vereda da Ilha, but that is a much, much longer exit and not as convenient for most first-time visitors. But if you’re a full-day adventure hiker, then you can certainly check out this route, too.

So, in practice, you need to plan this as a point-to-point hike. Do not just park your car at Pico do Areeiro and assume you can walk back after reaching Pico Ruivo.

You’ll need to arrange a transfer, taxi, guided hike, shuttle, or some kind of transport from the end point. This is the part that can make or break the day, so don’t leave it as a “we’ll figure it out later” situation.

Some travelers rent two cars and park at each end of the hike. But there usually are some taxis available at the Achada do Teixeira parking lot (or you can call for a taxi there), so it’s not that bad.

The easiest option? Just book a transfer! They drop you off at the start and pick you up at the finish line.

The official PR1 route from Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo is around 6 km (3.7 miles), but if you descend to Achada do Teixeira afterward, your full hike will be around 9 km (5.6 miles).

This is a proper mountain hike with lots of stairs, exposed sections, steep climbs, and tired legs by the end. It is not just a scenic little stroll with a cute summit photo.

You can combine this hike with sunrise at Pico do Areeiro, which is something many travelers do. 5 AM hikes are not really my thing, so we went around midday like normal people. 😄

I don’t know why it has become such a thing in Madeira to hike this route at sunrise. I love actually seeing the views, so I’d personally rather start later and then maybe enjoy sunset after the hike, but to each their own.

And many visitors probably book transfers and have no choice, because transfers are only for morning time slots.

That said, this is one of the most popular hikes in Madeira, so there will be people anyway.

Bring water, snacks, proper hiking shoes, layers, and a flashlight. There are tunnels along the trail, plus the weather can change fast up here.

It can be sunny, windy, chilly, and sweaty all in the same hike, because Madeira clearly likes to keep things interesting, haha.

Also, check the official trail status before you go. PR1 has had closures, maintenance works, and changing access rules, so this is not the kind of hike where I’d just show up with snacks and big hiking dreams.

Also, you need to pay an entry fee to hike PR1 Vereda do Areeiro (click on the Request button). The full hike costs 10.50 EUR (while the short 1-kilometer two-way section from Areeiro to Pedra Rija viewpoint and back costs 4.50 EUR).

But, I have to say, it is totally worth it!

Location: PR1 Vereda do Areeiro

7. Levada do Caldeirão Verde + Caldeirão do Inferno

If Levada das 25 Fontes is the classic Madeira levada hike, think of Levada do Caldeirão Verde as that same experience turned up to maximum – bigger views, bigger waterfalls, longer trail, and tunnels.

This hike follows a levada deep into the green mountains of the north near Santana town. The path goes through dense forest, steep valley views over the Ribeira do Caldeirão valley, and dark levada tunnels carved straight through the rock.

It is definitely one of those hikes that sticks with you.

Now, about the hike variations.

Most people do the Levada do Caldeirão Verde hike. It starts next to the parking lot and continues for 6 km (3.7 miles) until you reach the majestic Caldeirão Verde waterfall. Then most hikers turn around and head back.

And I recommend that you do the same. A 12 km (7.5 miles) round trip is a really great day out with dense forests, levadas, tunnels, and amazing views along the way. And the 100 m (328 ft) waterfall is the cherry on top.

But if you want the full adventure, you can keep going on the Caldeirão do Inferno route.

By the Caldeirão Verde waterfall, you just keep going instead of turning back. That’s what we did, and the full route ended up around 16 km (10 miles) – about 4.5 hours total. Clear your schedule for this one – it’s a proper full-day hike.

The extra section is more demanding, with more tunnels, more stairs, and more ups and downs. But the valley views from that part of the trail are honestly some of the best on the whole hike, so it’s worth it if you have the legs for it.

The final waterfall at Caldeirão do Inferno is actually not that impressive compared to everything you’ve already seen. But that’s kind of the point – this hike is about the whole journey, not just the finish line.

On the full route, you’ll pass through 24 tunnels total – 12 on the way there, 12 on the way back. Some are long, wet, and completely dark.

Bring a flashlight or a fully charged phone, because this is really not the moment to be at 7% battery. 😅

My Garmin started glitching from all the tunnels, haha, so don’t believe those elevation stats – they are wrong, because there were only a few short inclines during the whole hike.

We started the hike later in the day, at 2 PM, and it wasn’t too crowded. This is a well-known hike but doesn’t get as busy as 25 Fontes or Ponta de São Lourenço. You’ll still see other people, just not masses of them.

Bring water, snacks, a jacket, and proper shoes. The trail gets wet and slippery in places, especially around the tunnels and waterfall sections. If you’re doing the full route, pack more food than you think you need.

You need to pay an entry fee to hike the PR9 Levada do Caldeirão Verde. The section between Caldeirão Verde and Caldeirão do Inferno can close due to landslides or bad weather, so always check their status before going.

Location: Levada do Caldeirão Verde

Things to know before hiking in Madeira

Before you hit the hiking trails in Madeira, here are a few practical tips that will save you time (and some stress):

FAQs about hiking in Madeira

Read more about traveling in Madeira

It is hard to imagine a trip to Madeira without hiking. It was one of my favorite parts of our trip. There’s just so much variety – from easy levada walks to proper mountain trails and coastal paths.

You just have to pick the ones that fit your trip, and I think this curated list of the best hiking trails in Madeira will help a lot. We actually did way more hikes in Madeira, but these are by far the best ones, in my opinion.

What I liked most is that you don’t have to be a hardcore hiker to enjoy Madeira. Some of the best views in Madeira come with surprisingly little effort, while others definitely make you work for it.😅

If you’re planning your trip to Madeira, I’d really recommend mixing a few easier walks with one or two more challenging hikes.

If you’re looking for more Madeira travel tips and ideas, check out my other guides:

• 20 best things to do in Madeira, Portugal
• 17 iconic Instagram spots in Madeira, Portugal
• 10 must-see waterfalls in Madeira, Portugal
• 10 most beautiful villages in Madeira, Portugal
• 17 best viewpoints in Madeira, Portugal

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