The Most Beautiful Hikes & Walks on Madeira
- savoryroads
- Jul 10
- 5 min read
Our first real hiking trip – and one to remember
Madeira was a first for us: the very first trip where hiking boots were the most important thing in our suitcase.
Normally, we go for vacations filled with pre-booked activities. But this time, we chose a different path — literally and figuratively.
We mapped out our own routes, researched trails, puzzled over timings… and of course: a detailed Excel file (thank you Larissa) that served as our digital guide.
That prep gave us structure, but once on the island, we left room for wonder, getting (a little) lost, and simply soaking up all the natural beauty Madeira has to offer. And trust us: every drop of sweat was worth it.
Here are our top 3 favorite hikes, along with practical tips to help you hit the trails feeling ready.
5 Hiking Tips for Your Madeira Adventure
1. Best Time to Go
If you want to experience Madeira at its best on foot, plan your trip between May and October.That’s when the weather is most stable: warm but not scorching – perfect for ridge walks without draining your water bottle in one go.
From November to March, the weather is less predictable. You might face rain, slippery paths, and occasional route closures due to landslides. Hiking is still possible, but it requires extra flexibility and up-to-date info.
Spring to early fall is peak season – think T-shirt hikes with views above the clouds. Yes please.
2. How to Know Where You’re Going
Hiking on Madeira doesn’t mean getting lost – quite the opposite! Official routes are well-marked with PR-numbers (short for Percursos Recomendados or “recommended routes”).
You’ll see yellow-red trail markers on rocks and posts along the way, guiding you easily from point A to scenic point B. Most trailheads have an info board with route details, distance, and elevation gain.
In short: Madeira makes hiking accessible. Keep your eyes open and follow the signs – you’ll be just fine.
3. What to Pack for a Madeira Hike
Madeira is stunning — and unpredictable. One minute you’re above the clouds, the next you’re walking a narrow path with waterfalls cascading at your feet. So come prepared.
Grippy hiking boots are a must. Cute sandals won’t cut it on wet rock.
A rain jacket or windbreaker – always. The weather in the mountains changes in minutes. (We’ve been caught mid-fog. It’s real.)
Water, sunscreen, and snacks. Your body will thank you.
A charged phone with an offline trail map like Maps.me or AllTrails.
Better a full backpack than a hungry, soggy hike with a dead phone.
4. Small Fee, Big Nature
As of January 2025, Madeira introduced a small €3 fee per person for about 30 of its most popular hiking trails. Don’t worry – locals hike for free, but as a visitor, your fee helps protect these amazing landscapes.
The fee is managed by the Institute for Forests and Nature Conservation (ICNF) and goes directly toward trail maintenance, nature preservation, and keeping the “wow factor” alive.
Skip the fee? You risk a €50 fine. Let’s be honest: a few euros for views this good?
Fair deal.
5. Early Starts = Better Hikes
On Madeira, the early bird doesn’t just catch the worm – it gets peace, cooler temps, and magical light.
Start your hikes as early as possible to avoid crowds and the midday sun. For routes like PR1 (Vereda do Arieiro), catching the sunrise is a real must.
Imagine walking above the clouds as the sun ignites the peaks in orange and gold. Goosebumps.
Also: don’t start too late. Some hikes are long and intense – and getting lost near sunset?Let’s just say… it’s a little too exciting.
Our Favorite Hikes
PR8 – Ponta de São Lourenço
Raw beauty, dramatic cliffs, and endless views
This trail leads to the easternmost tip of Madeira, where the scenery shifts from lush green to rugged, volcanic, and almost otherworldly. The wind howls, waves crash into cliffs, and every step brings you closer to a jaw-dropping view.
🔁 Distance: ~7 km (round trip)
⏱️ Time: 2.5–3 hours
📈 Level: Moderate – doable, but tough in wind or heat
🎒 Tip: No shade along the way – hat & water are essential
🎯 Highlight: The viewpoint at Ilhéu do Farol
PR1 – Vereda do Arieiro
Ridge hiking in the clouds – literally
Arguably Madeira’s most iconic hike. From Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo (the island’s highest point), you’ll walk through tunnels, along razor-edge ridgelines, and above the clouds. At times, it feels like you’ve stepped into a Lord of the Rings scene.
🔁 Distance: ~14 km (round trip – or take a taxi back)
⏱️ Time: 5–6 hours
📈 Level: Difficult – lots of stairs and steep climbs
🌅 Tip: Start at sunrise for epic light and quiet trails
💡 Note: Since 2025, this is a paid trail – booking ahead online is recommended
PR1.2 – Vereda do Pico Ruivo
A short but spectacular route to the top
Looking for a manageable hike with a big payoff? PR1.2 takes you directly to Pico Ruivo (1862 m) via a shorter, more accessible trail than the full PR1.
🔁 Distance: 6 km (round trip)
⏱️ Time: ~2 hours
📈 Elevation gain: ~300 meters
🥾 Level: Moderate – short, but still a climb
💡 Note: Also a paid trail as of 2025 – online reservation recommended
PR6 – Levada das 25 Fontes & Risco Waterfall
Enchanted forest, flowing water & hidden falls
This hike leads you through Madeira’s magical Laurisilva forest, following a levada (ancient irrigation channel) past mossy stones, ferns, and dripping rocks. It ends at the 25 natural springs and the dramatic Risco waterfall – a scene straight from a storybook.
🔁 Distance: ~9 km (round trip)
⏱️ Time: 3–4 hours
📈 Level: Moderate – narrow and occasionally slippery trails
🎒 Tip: Hiking boots & a poncho are smart additions
💧 Highlight: Lunch on a rock near the waterfall = pure zen
Our first real hiking trip became one we’ll never forget. Madeira didn’t just move our legs – it moved us. With its mountains, stillness, eucalyptus-scented air, and one stunning view after another.
We returned home with tired legs, full hearts, and a renewed love for hiking. What started with an Excel file and sturdy boots ended in memories perched on clouds, cliffs, and beside waterfalls.
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just dipping your toes into PR-trails, Madeira offers routes that stay with you – in your body, your camera roll, and most of all, in your mind.
Be prepared, leave room for wonder… and don’t forget to look back once in a while.
Obrigado, Madeira!
- Savory Roads
Comments