Hiking trails of Madeira

Madeira has 20 main hiking trails marked with symbols from PR1 to PR19. These range from easy, wide walking paths to difficult, climbing routes. The trails lead along levadas, waterfalls, laurel forests, and also to the mountain peaks of Madeira. This article contains descriptions of the trails, a map, essential equipment and clothing, distance to cover, and difficulty level markings. Enjoy reading!

Table of contents:

PR1 Vereda do Arieiro

A walk along the roof of Madeira, passing through the three highest peaks of the island. The trail starts at Pico do Arieiro, which unfortunately can only be reached by car. Up to the Pico do Gato tunnel, the path practically goes downhill the entire time. After the tunnel, the trail splits into two paths – the left side goes through a greater number of tunnels, while the right side runs along a steep cliff (often closed). Both routes pass by the second highest peak, Pico das Torres (1851 m above sea level). The trail has many steep ascents and descents, but the views make all the effort worthwhile. It is recommended to start early in the morning, as by noon, the clouds block the views from the summit.

From Pico Ruivo, you can return the same way, or descend to Achada do Teixeira (PR 1.2) or Boca da Encumeada (PR 1.3).

PR1.1 Vereda da Ilha

The trail starts at the hut on Pico Ruivo, the highest peak of Madeira. You can reach the summit via the trail: PR1 Vereda do Arieiro, PR1.2 Vereda do Pico Ruivo and PR1.3 Vereda da Encumeada. The trail passes through laurel forests, which are listed on the European Natura 2000 list. At the bottom, we reach a charming village with traditional thatched-roof houses.

Difficulty level: Medium

Distance: 8.2 km

Time: 3:00h

Equipment/Clothing: Warm clothing, water

Access: By car only

PR1.2 Vereda do Pico Ruivo

The easiest way to reach the highest peak of Madeira starts from Achada do Teixeira. The journey begins at the parking lot, which is often completely shrouded in fog. The entire trail follows a cobbled road. The steepest ascent to the summit begins at the Encumeada pass(PR1.3). The difficulty of the ascent to Pico Ruivo is rewarded by the views from the summit! You can return the same way or head towards Boca da Encumeada (PR1.3) or take the trail to Pico do Arieiro (PR1).

Difficulty level: Easy

Distance: 2.8 km (one way)

Time: 1:30h

Equipment/Clothing: Water, comfortable shoes, warm clothing

Access: By car only

PR1.3 Vereda da Encumeada

The trail, often chosen for descending from Pico Ruivo, is quite demanding, with numerous steep ascents and descents. The route runs along the ridge dividing Madeira into the southern and northern parts, sometimes along its summit. The trail allows for both descending and ascending Pico Ruivo, but good physical condition and prior preparation are required. The area also has the entrance to the PR17 Caminho do Pinaculo e Folhadal trail.

Difficulty level: Medium

Distance: 10.5 km (one way)

Time: 6h (one way)

Equipment/Clothing: Water supply, trekking shoes, warm clothing

Access: By car only

PR5 Vereda das Funduras

The trail begins right next to Portela Belvedere, a viewpoint overlooking Porto da Cruz and Faial. We walk along a forest path through the Funduras mountains, passing by a forest lodge called “Casa Das Funduras.” The entire trail runs through laurel forests, and along the way, we can enjoy beautiful panoramas of the highest mountain peaks of Madeira until we reach the village of Marocos. From the Portela viewpoint, there is a connection to PR10 Levada do Furado.

Difficulty level: Medium

Distance: 8.4 km (one way)

Time: 3-3:30 h

Equipment/Clothing: Water, warm clothing

Access: Buses line 20 and 53, by car

PR6 Levada das 25 Fontes

Levada des 25 Fontes is probably the most popular trail in Madeira, which also makes it the most crowded. The goal of this trail is a lagoon with 25 waterfalls, which actually looks a bit different from what you might imagine. At the end of the trail, there is a small lake with a few smaller cascades and one larger waterfall, but I wouldn’t really call it 25 waterfalls! With light rainfall, the lagoon looks quite average, so it’s worth checking the weather and visiting after heavy rains!

The trail goes down about 100-200 meters via stairs. While the descent isn’t too difficult, the ascent back can cause some minor difficulties.

The trail is located in the Rabacal Valley, more information can be found HERE!

Difficulty level: Easy

Distance: 4.8 km

Time: 2:30 – 3:00 h

Equipment/Clothing: Warm clothing, water

Access: By car only

PR6.1 Levada do Risco

The trail starts by following the same path as PR6 Levada Das 25 Fontes for a short distance. The route is very easy, with no ascents, short in length, and the reward is a waterfall falling from a cliff over 100 meters high! Another advantage is that it is not as popular and crowded as the previous trail, the lagoon with 25 waterfalls.

The trail is located in the Rabacal Valley, more information can be found HERE!

Difficulty level: Easy

Distance: 2.6 km (one way)

Time: 1:15h

Equipment/Clothing: Water, warm clothing, waterproof clothing (you may get wet near the waterfall)

Access: By car only

PR7 Levada do Moinho

The trail starts near the regional road 101, close to Ribeira da Cruz, a village between Porto Moniz and Calheta. Walking against the flow of the water, you can visit one of the sources of the levada (see map). Levada do Moinho is also known as Mill Levada, as several water mills were located along it. The ruins of three of these mills can be found further along the route.

Difficulty level: Medium

Distance: 12.7 km (one way)

Time: 4-4:30h

Equipment/Clothing: Warm clothing, water

Access: By car only

PR8 Vereda da Ponta de Sao Lourenco

Burnt by the sun, barren, abandoned, yet majestic – these descriptions best capture the Saint Lawrence Peninsula. Completely different from the lush vegetation of Madeira. The rocky coastline is often whipped by very strong winds, with no shelter in sight. At its edge, there is a viewpoint overlooking the ocean and two rocky islets.

The walk from the parking lot to the viewpoint and back takes about 2.5 to 3 hours. Before the final stretch, there is a shelter where you can sit, have a snack, drink coffee, and rest. The most difficult part is at the very end, as the ascent is quite steep. It took us over 4 hours to complete the round trip, including a stop for coffee (going off the trail to all the viewpoints).

You can reach the parking lot by car or by bus from Canical. The later you arrive, the further away you will have to park from the starting point of the trail.

Note! It is not possible to walk to the peninsula from Canical – the industrial zone located behind the town is completely closed to pedestrian traffic.

Difficulty level: Easy/Medium

Distance: 7.2 km (one way)

Time: 3h

Equipment/Clothing: Windproof/waterproof jacket, preferably with a hood (there may be occasional rain and strong winds), trekking shoes/approach shoes (rocky trail), hat/headband (not with a brim, as it may be blown away after a few meters in strong wind), sunscreen (strong wind and sun can quickly burn your face), water

Access: Bus 113 to Canical, car

PR9 Levada do Caldeirão Verde

The trail runs along an astonishing engineering feat from the 18th century. The Levada do Caldeirao Verde starts in the Queimadas forest and winds at an altitude of 980 meters above sea level. Built for agricultural purposes, the levada leads through the picturesque Ribeira de Sao Jorge valley, offering spectacular views of the mountainous part of the island. Along the trail, we encounter many species of trees and native bird species. The trail passes through 4 tunnels.

Difficulty level: Medium

Distance: 8.2 km (one way)

Time: 4h

Equipment/Clothing: Warm/rainproof clothing, non-slip shoes, water, flashlight

Access: By car only

PR10 Levada do Furado

One of the most popular trails in Madeira, mostly running along the Furtado levada. Along the route, you can encounter nearly everything that Madeira is famous for: heather trees, laurel forests, viewpoints overlooking the green valley, short tunnels and rock-cut passages, and small cascades. With some luck, you may spot the endemic bird species Columba trocaz, the Madeira pigeon. About three-quarters of the way, you’ll find tables and a stone hut/tower, which marks the beginning of the least attractive part of the trail. The remaining part of the trail no longer runs along the levada and is a descent to Portela. If you left your car in Ribeiro Frio, you can turn back at this point. From the beginning of the Levada do Furtado trail, you can also access the PR11 Verada Dos Balcoes.

Difficulty level: Easy/Medium

Distance: 11.3 km (one way)

Time: 4:30 – 5h

Equipment/Clothing: Non-slip shoes, flashlight, warm clothing, water

Access: Buses 56/103/138, car

PR11 Vereda dos Balcoes

An easy walking trail along the levada. Ideal for beginners, those without much fitness, or travelers with children. The trail has minimal elevation changes and passes through a laurel forest, often shrouded in mist. At the end, there is a viewpoint, Miradouro dos Balcoes, from which, in good weather, you can see the highest peaks of Madeira – Pico do Arieiro, Pico Ruivo, Pico do Gato, and Pico das Torres. From the viewpoint, you can also admire the ocean and Penha de Aguia, the Eagle Rock. From the starting point, you can also head towards PR10 Levada do Furtado.

Difficulty level: Easy

Distance: 3 km (round trip)

Time: 1-1:30h (round trip)

Equipment/Clothing: Water, warm clothing

Access: Buses 56/103/138, by car

PR12 Caminho Real da Encumeada

Caminho Real da Encumeada, also known as the Royal Road, is the longest of the three trails that begin at Boca da Corrida. The path runs through the center of Madeira and is considered one of the most scenic on the island. The route passes by one of the highest peaks, Pico Grande (1654 m above sea level). This trail was once used by locals to travel between the southern and northern parts of Madeira. Completing the entire route is not easy and requires prior preparation and good physical condition.

Difficulty level: Medium

Distance: 12.8 km (one way)

Time: 6-6:30h

Equipment/Clothing: Water, warm clothing, non-slip shoes

Access: By car only

PR13 Vereda do Fanal

Vereda do Fanal runs through the area of the ancient Macaronesian laurel forest, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site and is also part of the Natura 2000 program. The trail ends at Fanal, near the forest ranger station. At the summit, there is a small volcanic crater from which you can enjoy views of Madeira and the ocean. The area is part of Madeira’s National Park. The trail is often shrouded in mist, so be careful not to stray off the path! From the Fanal area, you can also start the trails: PR14 Levada Dos Cedros and PR15 Vereda da Ribeira da Janela.

Difficulty level: Medium

Distance: 10.7 km (one way)

Time: 4h

Equipment/Clothing: Warm clothing, non-slip shoes, water

Access: By car only

PR14 Levada do Cedros

This is another trail that runs through the extraordinary Macaronesian laurel forest, around the magnificent Fanal area and a small volcanic crater. The route starts at the Paul da Serra plateau, along regional road 209. The trail follows the Levada dos Cedros until Curral Falso. In the opposite direction to Levada dos Cedros, the PR15 Vereda da Ribeira da Janela trail runs.

Difficulty level: Medium

Distance: 5.6 km (one way)

Time: 2:30-3h

Equipment/Clothing: Water, comfortable shoes, warm clothing

Access: By car only

PR15 Vereda da Ribeira da Janela

The trail starts at the same point as PR14 Levada Dos Cedros, but it runs in the opposite direction. For most of the time, the route goes downhill, along a path that was once used by locals to travel to southern settlements. Along the trail, we may encounter Madeira pigeons (an endemic species), white herons, and mallard ducks. In the nearby area, there is also PR13 Vereda do Fanal.

Difficulty level: Medium

Distance: 2.6 km

Time: 30min-1h

Equipment/Clothing: Water, comfortable shoes

Access: By car only

PR16 Levada da Faja do Rodrigues/Ribeira do Inferno

The route starts in the village of Ginjas, from where we can walk along the sidewalk to the beginning of the Levada da Faja do Rodrigues trail, which leads us to the source of the Ribeira do Inferno levada. Along the trail, we will encounter many tunnels, so it’s advisable to bring flashlights and warm clothing. Between the tunnels, we can admire the beautiful panorama of the town of São Vicente.

Difficulty level: Medium

Distance: 7.6 km (round trip)

Time: 4-4:30h (round trip)

Equipment/Clothing: Flashlight, warm clothing, non-slip shoes, water

Access: By car only

PR17 Caminho do Pináculo e Folhadal

One of the longest trails in Madeira, starting at regional road 105. The route passes through the areas of Bica do Cana, Caramujo, and Monte de Trigo, ending at Boca da Encumeada by road 228. The trail goes through two levadas – da Serra and do Norte, passing through laurel forests. Along the way, we are greeted with beautiful views of São Vicente, Ribeira Brava, Pico Ruivo, and Pico do Arieiro. From Boca da Encumeada, we can also head to Pico Ruivo via the 1.3 Vereda da Encumeada trail.

Difficulty level: Medium/Difficult

Distance: 15.5 km

Time: 6:30-7h

Equipment/Clothing: Flashlight, water, food, non-slip shoes, warm clothing

Access: By car only

PR18 Levada do Rei

The trail starts in São Jorge, near the water treatment station, and runs along the Levada do Rei. The route passes through dense laurel forests and surrounding farmlands. The trail leads to the source of the levada, Ribeiro Bonito. The forest is dense, and it is easy to stray from the path.

Difficulty level: Medium

Distance: 10 km (round trip)

Time: 6:30 – 7h (round trip)

Equipment/Clothing: Water, non-slip shoes, warm clothing

Access: By car only

PR19 Caminho Real do Paul do Mar

A short, pleasant trail, mostly going downhill, between farmland. The route runs from Prazeres to Paul do Mar. The paved path, winding in zigzags down the steep slope from Assomadouro do Paul do Mar, is a true heritage of Madeira, showing the hard work the locals had to put in to navigate this extraordinary island. Along the trail, we will encounter waterfalls, beautiful views of Jardim do Mar, and rare plant species.

Difficulty level: Medium

Distance: 1.8 km

Time: 45min – 1h

Equipment/Clothing: Comfortable shoes, water

Access: Bus 142, by car

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!