The 10 most beautiful hikes to make in Madeira • Wanderlix

For those who are looking to explore new wild paradises, here are the most beautiful hikes to do in Madeira!

Sometimes nicknamed “the island with flowers”, Madeira is a treasure of lush and preserved nature. Indeed, on this corner of earth off the Portuguese coast, nature is everywhere present and always spectacular. Moreover, it has long reigned as a single mistress, since the island and its archipelago were discovered lately by browsers.

Unlike other volcanic islands, Madeira has the peculiarity of being very green. Thus, vegetation cohabits in harmony with the dark rock and turquoise water to compose an idyllic painting. And you may be one of the lucky ones who have the privilege of exploring its paths, many and varied! To guide you, we present here the most beautiful hikes of Madeira.

Find your drop point near your hike in Madeira:

1. Pointe de São Lourenço

This exploration of the tip of São Lourenço is one of the most unmissable hikes in Madeira. Indeed, it will take you to discover a spectacular peninsula. This language of earth takes place in the waters of a deep blue and will offer you a superb view of the ocean.

Moreover, the show is even more magical at the end of the day, under a golden light. And you are advised to avoid hot hours as the path, at times quite physical, is completely uncovered.

Don’t forget to bring you sun cream and a good amount of water! But the restaurant located at the end of the road will also be an opportunity to refresh you if necessary.

2. Pico do Arieiro – Pico Ruivo

Now go to discover the mountains of Madeira with this particularly spectacular altitude hike. In about ten kilometers, you will have the privilege of exploring the three highest peaks on the island. In doing so, it is quite possible that you walk over the clouds, which will make the experience even more impressive!

This mountain hike requires a minimum of physical preparation and equipment. But you will be greatly rewarded by the breathtaking panoramas that will offer you. And once in Pico Ruivo, you can relax your legs while enjoying a little snack at the shelter.

3. Levada do Caldeirão Verde

After the sea and the mountains, this hike in Madeira will make you discover another aspect of the landscapes of the island. Indeed, here you will feel like you are in the heart of the jungle, thanks to lush vegetation. But also because places are often wet! Thus, the vertiginous cliffs often deny a mist that makes the scenery more mysterious.

As you walk, with a moderate difficulty, you will have the opportunity to discover several pepits. The main one, probably, is the superb cascade of the end. In addition, it should be noted that you will borrow several tunnels. Therefore, we can only advise you to have a flashlight.

4. Vereda do Pico Ruivo

If you want to limit your efforts but still enjoy the most beautiful landscapes of Madeira, this hike is made for you. Indeed, it is an ascent of the highest peak of the island, the Pico Ruivo. After a few kilometers of climbing on a well-appointed path, an incredible panorama will open to you.

Moreover, it is quickly felt on the roof of the world, above the clouds and with the sea on the horizon. And to experience an even more unforgettable experience, make this hike out of peak hours. The ideal being in the early morning, when the scenery nestled with a soft light is even more magical.

5. Levada do Canical – Vereda do Larano

Because of its length and its important denivelé, this hike in Madeira is reserved for the seasoned walkers. But the game is definitely worth the candle! Indeed, this path will give you an overview of the diversity of the landscapes of Madeira.

So you will discover beautiful coastal cliffs, but also green mountains. In addition, you will certainly cross some amazing samples of Madeira's fauna and flora.

And if this hike tempts you, but you seem too difficult, know that it is possible to only go. Indeed, a bus or taxi can then take you back to your starting point.

6. Levada do Alecrim

In the heart of Madeira's lands, this easy and quiet hike will especially delight families. It will take you a pleasant, uncommon path, mainly undergrowth. But she will take you especially to discover a beautiful waterfall. Moreover, you may be marvelled by the little paradise lake that forms at its feet.

In addition, this is a perfect hike in Madeira for the days of great heat. In fact, with a moderate difficulty, it takes a shady path and offers the opportunity to swim.

7. Monte – Camacha via Levada dos Tornos

Through this long walk, you will alternate between wild nature and civilization. You will leave Monte village and start exploring its spectacular botanical gardens.

You will then go along Levada dos Tornos , testimony if it is of the agricultural tradition of the island. Indeed, levadas are small irrigation channels typical of Madeira. Finally, you will arrive in the pretty village of Camacha, from where you can go on the reverse road by bus.

8. Caminho do Pinaculo e Folhadal

Rather difficult, this route has the advantage of being quite uncommon. Yet this is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful hikes in Madeira. Indeed, it will offer courageous walkers a superb selection of varied landscapes. Mountains to waterfalls through tunnels and levadas It's all there.

Alternating pretty wooded segments and technical passages on mountain sides, the path is rich in emotions. But the hardest ones also like it for footballing!

9. Pico Grande

The Pico Grande is, as its name suggests, one of the great peaks of the island, and is about 1,654 metres away. Its ascent is thus part of Madeira's must-see for mountain lovers.

From the volcanic peaks, you will discover breathtaking landscapes. The shredded rock and vegetation form an impressive array that opens onto beautiful valleys.

Furthermore, it should be noted that if the walk is generally of a moderate difficulty, it can reserve some surprises. First of all, a passage to the top requires to cling to a metal cable to climb a steep slope. Then, the itinerary is not always well marked, and the ideal is to be accompanied by a person who knows it.

10. Vereda do Balcoes

To finish this selection, here is one of the most accessible hikes in Madeira. Indeed, this walk is particularly short and without any difficulty. And yet she will give you access to Balcões , from where you enjoy a beautiful view.

Indeed, it is not necessarily necessary to walk kilometers to admire the beautiful mountains of Madeira! Be careful, however, to avoid cloudy days, not to risk seeing the panorama ruined by a large cumulus.

Between ocean, mountains and wild jungle, Madeira has a lot to offer motivated hikers. But on the island, nature has so beautiful that it is enough a small walk to discover breathtaking landscapes. However, the more sporty routes will allow you to access hidden treasures while avoiding the crowd.