Hiking in Madeira

Hiking in Madeira

Madeira is undoubtedly one of the best hiking destinations in the world. Not because it is easy, but because it has incredibly varied trails with some of the best views. The island rises steeply from the Atlantic Ocean, creating a landscape where mountains, forests, cliffs, and terraces exist within a small area. For hikers, this means constant change in the landscape every day. One day you may be walking above the clouds on a rocky ridge, and the next following a narrow levada through deep green forest, with water flowing beside you. It feels like walking in another world, and it’s often described as having a Jurassic Park landscape or as being Europe’s version of Hawaii.

Geographically, Madeira sits far from mainland Portugal, roughly level with North Africa in latitude. This gives the island a mild climate throughout the year, but it would be a mistake to think of Madeira as having predictable weather. It’s a hit or miss, and at any time of the year, you can have great weather or bad luck. The south coast around Funchal is often warm and dry, while the central mountains can be cold, windy, and wrapped in clouds. Rain that falls on the northern slopes feeds the levadas, while the southern side remains comparatively dry.

Hiking has long been part of everyday life on Madeira. Many trails follow routes that were once used for agriculture, water management, or travel between isolated settlements. Today, these paths make up a dense and well-marked network, officially classified as PR routes, Pequena Rotas, which means small/short routes. Combined with old levada maintenance paths, they make it possible to explore much of the island on foot without technical equipment.

What makes hiking in Madeira especially appealing is that the island is great for different types of hikers. Long-distance hikers can take on the Madeira Crossing thru-hike, while day-hikers can enjoy long days on levada paths.

Top 5 hiking trails in Madeira

Among the many routes on the island, a small number stand out as the best of the best for their scenery, variety, and overall experience.

For long-distance hikers, the Madeira Crossing is the most complete way to experience the island on foot. This thru-hike runs roughly coast to coast and crosses Madeira’s central mountain spine. Over the course of several days, you move through very different landscapes, from lower villages and agricultural paths to exposed ridges and high plateaus. The crossing requires careful planning, especially when it comes to accommodation between stages, as you will need to pack food and camping gear for the trail.

The PR 1 from Pico de Ruivo to Pico do Areeiro is Madeira’s most famous hike and for good reason. It links two of the island’s highest peaks and follows a narrow ridge with constant ascents and descents. Although the distance is relatively short, the trail demands that you be alert and have good stamina throughout the day. Long staircases, tunnels carved into rock, and steep drops on both sides make this a serious hiking trail, and it takes several hours. On a clear day, PR1 offers some of the most amazing views of the island.

The PR 6 Levada das 25 Fontes shows a different side of Madeira hiking. Instead of height and exposure, this route focuses on the forest and the many waterfalls. The path follows a levada into the Laurisilva, ending at a small amphitheatre of waterfalls. It is one of the busiest trails on the island, especially during the middle of the day, but its popularity is understandable. The walk is accessible, scenic, and fits easily into a half-day, making it an easy choice.

The PR 17 Caminho do Pináculo e Folhadal is longer and way quieter. This is a full-day hike that moves through more remote parts of the island. It combines forest paths with levada sections and broader views. It lacks the instant recognition of PR 1 or PR 6, but that is part of its appeal. The trail is quieter, longer, and will reward your efforts. If you prefer distance and solitude over highlights and viewpoints, PR 17 is one of your best options.

The PR 9 Levada do Caldeirão Verde is one of the longer levada hikes on Madeira. It is long, linear, and includes several tunnels that cut through the mountains. The path stays close to the water for most of the day, and you’ll get to experience a lot of the ecosystems of the island with this one.

The PR 13 Vereda do Fanal focuses less on dramatic terrain and more on mood. It crosses the Fanal Fores, an area known for open fields, ancient trees, and frequent fog. The landscape here feels very different from the rest of Madeira. When mist rolls in, visibility drops, the forest takes a spooky turn, and it feels almost magical. On clear days, the forest is a great place for a picnic and a slow afternoon.

Hiking the levadas of Madeira

Levadas are at the heart of hiking in Madeira. These irrigation channels were built over centuries to transport water from the wetter north of the island to the drier south. Maintaining them required access paths, and those paths are now some of the most well-known trails on the island.

From a hiking perspective, levadas give a very specific experience. The gradient of the paths is usually gentle, because the water needs to flow steadily. This means there are long distances without major elevation gain, which is unusual in such a mountainous landscape. At the same time, levadas often cling to steep slopes, which means you’ll almost always have a steep drop next to you.

That’s why you must always pay attention when hiking near levadas. Narrow sections, wet stone, and (very) occasional rockfall mean you need to be on guard at all times. Additionally, tunnels are a defining feature of many levada hikes. These were cut to keep water flowing through the mountains, and hikers now use them as part of the trail. Conditions vary. Some tunnels are short and well-lit by natural openings, while others are long, dark, and damp. A headlamp is essential for all of them.

The permit system and booking time slots in Madeira

In 2026, Madeira introduced a permit system for its officially classified hiking trails. This system applies mainly to PR trails and is managed through the regional SIMplifica platform. The goal is to protect sensitive natural areas and manage the increasing number of hikers on the most popular routes.

At present, most official PR hikes require a small fee per adult, while children under twelve and residents of Madeira are exempt from payment. This fee contributes to trail maintenance, conservation, and management.

From 1 January 2026, this system will begin to include mandatory time-slot reservations. Instead of simply turning up at a trailhead, you will need to reserve an entry time in advance. Each time slot has a limited capacity, designed to spread people out throughout the day and reduce congestion on narrow paths and exposed sections. For popular trails such as PR 1 or PR 6, the early slots are likely to fill quickly, particularly during high season.

Booking is done through the official SIMplifica platform, where you select the trail, check availability, choose a time slot, and complete payment if required. Proof of reservation is expected to be carried with you on the trail. Tour operators can book on behalf of clients, but independent hikers are responsible for their own reservations.

While it feels sometimes annoying, the intention behind the system is not to discourage hiking, but to manage it. Madeira’s landscapes are fragile, and most of the trails were never designed for large volumes of people moving in both directions at the same time. By limiting the number of arrivals and spreading them out, the government hopes to improve safety, reduce erosion, and preserve hiking on the island.

Best time to visit Madeira

Madeira can be visited all year, but the best time for hiking is usually spring and early autumn. During these months, temperatures are most comfortable and trail conditions are generally stable. Although it needs to be said that the weather year-round can change quickly, and also in the best months for hiking, you might be unlucky with rain, storms, and bad foggy weather.

Spring, from March – May, is especially good for levada walks, with plenty of flowing water and mild weather. Summer, from June to September, is drier and has better conditions in the high mountains, but popular trails can be busy, and the lower areas can feel hot. Autumn, from October through November, is often quieter and still pleasant, though storms and rain become more likely later in the season. Winter, from December to February, has fewer visitors but also more rain and wind, particularly in the mountains. Although you can be lucky and it will be the best experience with fewer crowds.