Central Madeira

Central Madeira is full of mountain trails, beautiful ravines, terrifying cliffs, stunning peaks, and above all, incredible views and walks above the clouds.

It’s hard to believe that just 50 years ago, the central part of Madeira was practically inaccessible. Few trails, narrow and winding, carved into the vertical slopes of the mountains. Over the years, the island has developed significantly, and tunnels passing through the mountains have made it possible to travel from one end of the island to the other in just a few minutes. However, if you want to see the true Madeira, you must leave the asphalt road and head into the island along the trail!

The map with marked locations is at the very bottom! (click here)

Table of contents:

1. Curral das Freiras ***
2. Eira do Serrado
3. Pico do Arieiro, the easiest summit in the world ***
4. Addition: Trails worth walking (description + map)
   • Boca da Corrida – Pico Grande – The trail to the summit of Pico Grande.
   • Boca da Corrida – Curral das Freiras – Trail with a view of the highest mountains.
   • Eira do Serrado – Curral das Freiras – The former path of the nuns.
   • Caldeirão Verde – Caldeirão do Inferno – Trail to the “Devil’s Cauldron”.

Curral das Freiras ***

A village located in a valley resembling a crater – Curral Das Freiras, literally the Nuns’ Enclosure or Nuns’ Farm.

The Nuns’ Enclosure is one of the island’s mysteries. Until recently, only a few could admire the charm of this place, as access to the village was very limited. The trail was known only to local shepherds and fugitives seeking a safe place. The first settlement was established here at the end of the 15th century, and the surrounding lands belonged to the Monastery of St. Clare in Funchal. In 1566, nuns from Funchal, fleeing from pirate raids, settled here. The village, surrounded by mountains and invisible from the sea, was the perfect refuge for the fugitives. It was at that time that this place was named the Nuns’ Valley.

When in Curral Das Freiras, it is worth visiting the Church of Our Lady and trying the famous local chestnut delicacies.

Eira do Serrado

Located at an altitude of 1095 meters above sea level, the Eira do Serrado viewpoint is the best place to admire the beauty of the Nuns’ Valley and one of the most beautiful viewpoints on the entire island!

At the summit, there is also a souvenir shop, a spa, and a hotel. It is an ideal place for those who enjoy getting away from the crowds and relaxing in peace and quiet!

Pico do Arieiro, the easiest summit in the world ***

Pico do Arieiro is the third highest peak in Madeira. The mountain stands at 1818 meters, and a beautiful but challenging trail leads to its summit. However, it’s better to save your energy for conquering other peaks, especially since you can drive to the top of Pico do Arieiro… by car! This makes the mountain the easiest peak to reach.

Kate’s Trail:

The start of the trail is at the summit of Pico do Arieiro (sounds strange :D), from there I headed to the Miradouro do Juncal viewpoint, located just a few meters from the main viewpoint. Of course, the fog temporarily obscured the whole view, but after just a few minutes, I knew it was worth the walk. Then, I headed to the Miradouro do Ninho da Manta viewpoint, about a kilometer from the summit. The descent towards it is pleasant, and I think even someone with weaker fitness could manage to get there. Once at the Miradouro do Ninho da Manta viewpoint, it’s worth walking an additional 200-300 meters to Pedra Rija, probably the most beautiful place in Madeira I’ve seen. There is a sheer drop on both sides, and the view is indescribable with words!!

The most difficult part of the trail is the return, constantly uphill on uneven steps. Fortunately, there are places to stop along the way!

You can find descriptions of other Madeira trails HERE!

Addition: Trails worth walking (description + map)

In the central part of the island, besides the main trails, there are also several side routes worth visiting. These are paths to lesser-known peaks, between the highest summits, the nuns’ road, or lesser-known levadas. I ran out of time, but I hope you will have the chance to explore them!

Boca da Corrida – Pico Grande

The trail to Pico Grande (1654 m above sea level) requires trekking experience and minimal climbing skills, as part of the route is completed with the help of ropes to aid the ascent. The highlight of the summit is the “peak” in the form of a rock on the rounded mountain top, as well as the panoramic view of the central massif and the Paul da Serra plateau. Due to the difficulty level of the trail, it is recommended to attempt it only in good weather!

You can find descriptions of other Madeira trails HERE!

Difficulty level: Difficult

Distance: 4.7 km (one way)

Time: 2:30-3:00h (one way)

Boca da Corrida – Curral das Freiras

A very diverse trail, full of steep ascents and descents, traversed in full sunlight, covered with small shrubs and tufts of grass. The trail is usually quite wide, sometimes running along the slopes, and is not always secured! While walking the trail, we can admire views of the highest mountains of Madeira!

You can find descriptions of other Madeira trails HERE!

Difficulty level: Medium

Distance: 8.6 km (one way)

Time: 4-4:30h

Eira do Serrado – Curral das Freiras

The walk along the old nuns’ path is one of the routes once used to reach the village. The trail is not long or demanding, but the continuous steep descent can be quite tiring (the ascent on the way back can be challenging).

You can find descriptions of other Madeira trails HERE!

Difficulty level: Easy/Medium

Distance: 3 km (one way)

Time: 1:30 h (one way)

Caldeirão Verde – Caldeirão do Inferno

The trail to the “Devil’s Cauldron” is an extension of the PR9 Levada do Caldeirao Verde trail. As the name suggests, its passage is not the easiest. The trail is very narrow, wet, slippery in many places, and unprotected. Waterfalls pour down on your head, there are plenty of dark tunnels, and the path and surroundings are often shrouded in fog. This expedition is only for experienced individuals (the trail is often closed due to landslides).

You can find descriptions of other Madeira trails HERE!

Difficulty level: Difficult

Distance: 2.5 km (one way)

Time: 1:30h (one way)

Clothing: Waterproof/flashlight necessary

Map:

If my article helped you plan your route and gather the necessary information, I would be grateful for your support in making my dreams come true by buying me a coffee!