Discover Madeira’s Best Hiking Spots: Waterfalls, Coastal Walks, and Mountain Peaks

So you’ve booked a hiking holiday in Madeira and now you are wondering where to go?

Well here is a breakdown of our favourite hikes on the island. A mixture of Levada walks with all the waterfalls, coastal hikes and mountain peak hikes. So what are you waiting for, read on and get planning!

1. Levada Nova & Levada do Moinho

Our first hike is probably the easiest one listed here. It is a circular hike which uses two different Levada trails.There is therefore very little elevation change. This hike is doable in half a day. There is parking available at the start of the hike with a snack bar and free toilet (a rarity on the island).

We would suggest following Levada Nova (the higher path) first as this will give you the best view of the waterfall. From the parking area outside of the church (the end of Levada do Moinho), you’ll need to follow the signs up the hill to find Levada Nova. Once on the trail follow this until you reach a tunnel, pass though the tunnel to find the fabulous waterfall. Walk behind the waterfall and follow the trail.

After a few hundred metres take the steps down to find the return path. There is also a picnic area here if you fancy a half way stop. Return on Levada do Moinho to your car.

2. Rabacal, Levada do Risco & 25 Fontes

Our second hike recommendation is a popular one and the car parking fills up quickly so we recommend getting there early. This is an easy hike to follow, from the car park follow the track down the small cafe before picking up the Levada, then follow this to the waterfall (25 Fontes). Retrace your steps to just before the cafe and take the other path to the Risco Waterfall. Return to the cafe, there is a picnic area just above the cafe (take the short cut path). Then return back up the road to the car park.

Note there are some closed paths in this area but this trail is currently open. There are also tame bird that you shouldn’t feed. The road in and out is steep it is possible to get a minicab shuttle one or both ways for a charge.

3. Pico do Areiro to Pico Ruivo

Sunrise hike! Probably the hardest hike listed here. This is an out and back hike but it is possible to do one way if you arrange a taxi. It’s the most popular one on the island too so be aware it will be busy.

The sunrise from Pico do Areiro is stunning if you are lucky you will see the sun rise above the clouds and a cool cloud inversion. Note it will be cold up here early in the morning so bring plenty of layers.

Once you have watched the sun rise follow the trail down the steps. There is quite a few ascends in descends during this trail, most are on steps. There a a few tunnels to so come prepared for these too.

Just before you reach Pico Ruivo there is a small cafe, pass this and head up to the peak. From here you can just see Pico do Areiro. Now return on the same trail to Pico do Areiro.

4. Baia d’Abra & Ponta da Sao Lourenco

Now for a coastal walk on the island. This one is located at the East of Madeira and sometimes is named the dragons back. Its a out and back walk and takes most of the day.

There is a cafe and toilet just before the end and there is the option to get a boat one way, although we didn’t do this so can’t comment on that.

This is a nice hike with some climbs and different to anything else on the island.

5. Levada do Caldeirão Verde from Pico das Pedras

Finally, another Levada hike, this time on the North of the island, accessed from Santana. This hike starts at the cutest houses and follows the Levada to a waterfall. Note the last section of this hike is currently closed due to rockfall.

There are a few tunnels, some with limited head room, so mind your head. The waterfall is impressive and we would recommend this hike if you are exploring the north east of the island.

We hope you enjoyed this blog post and helps you find the best hikes on Madeira.

Until next time,

Happy travelling,

Katherine x