Then we will recommend 5 walks you have to do in Madeira, they are some of the best wikes that are practically mandatory if you want to discover the best landscapes that Madeira has to offer.
Madeira is literally a paradise for nature lovers, as it has a very complete mountainous constitution full of valleys, plains, plateaus, peaks, and viewpoints as well as an immense forest that covers about 70% of its total area full of endemic species, of both plants and animals. In short, an ecosystem that sometimes envies some tourist destinations.
Obviously, walks are not far behind, as everything that has been said above can be appreciated in detail in Madeira, from walks along the coast smelling the sea to walks within the dense forest with the presence of beautiful peaks and viewpoints.
Levada das 25 Fontes e Levada do Risco
We start our list with this suggestion for the beauty it conveys. These two routes have an average of 11km round trip where they start at the Rabaçal viewpoint and walk through the beautiful Plateau of Paul da Serra.
You will also be able to observe the majestic Laurissilva Forest as you travel. There is no shortage of things to see with excellent photo opportunities, lagoons, and small waterfalls, all while feeling the mild climate.
Location: It is located precisely in Estreito da Calheta, in the municipality of Calheta. Here you will be able to know and appreciate fantastic things.
Hike Distance: The total walking distance is 3 kilometers for the round trip route or just 1.5 kilometers if you prefer to do the one-way trail.
Hike Duration: In this walk has a total duration of 2 hours in a round trip and 1 hour of just one way walking at a more or less fast pace.
Difficult: Despite the difficulty of this walk is easy, it is always good to come minimally prepared, as the change in temperature and climate can happen.
Height Difference: The highest point will be at 1288 m while the lowest will be at 1000 m. Making the difference is approximately 288 m for both descending and ascending.
Vereda do Areeiro to Vereda do Pico Ruivo
Many believe that this route is the best or the king trail of Madeira Island. And honestly, it’s not for more. With mountain valleys, paths above the clouds, pleasant breezes, and diverse mountain formations.
Excellent views to see the sunset and sunrise abound. But of course, this walk has its challenges, which include unstable weather, steep slopes, going through tunnels and even narrow corridors carved into the rocks. This route connects the highest peaks in Madeira, with Pico do Areeiro with an altitude of 1818m and Pico Ruivo with an altitude of 1862m. The overall difficulty of this hike is tough.
Location: Located in the highest mountain range in Madeira, with main points such as Pico do Areeiro and Pico Ruivo, passing through Pico das Torres.
Hike Distance: The total walking distance is 14 kilometers for the round trip route.
Hike Duration: The duration of the walk has a total duration of 7 hours in a round trip.
Difficult: The difficulty of this walk is moderate, due to the fact that there are no stable weather conditions, terrain with several ascents and descents, as well as people who may suffer from respiratory problems, as this walk is always to be minimally prepared physically.
Height Difference: The highest point will be at 1857 m while the lowest will be at 1491 m. Making the difference is approximately 366 m for both descending and ascending.
Levada do Alecrim
The trail starts at Levada do Alecrim, in the Rabaçal area. You can always follow the Levada until you reach the detour to the path that will take you to Lagoa do Vento.
When he enters the path he changes radically, he ventures into the heart of nature. The floor is mostly uneven, and you will have to be careful as the floor is slippery, obviously it is advisable to use shoes with firm soles. Feel and get involved in the nature that surrounds you and enjoy a completely different and unique walk!
Appreciate the quality panoramic views from the various existing viewpoints that are found along the walk. Continuing downhill until you reach the spectacular Lagoa do Vento. The immensity and beauty of this Lagoon, with colors and absolute serenity, the place looks like a magical place! Here you will find yourself at the top of the Risco waterfall.
Location: It is located precisely in Estreito da Calheta, in the municipality of Calheta. Here you will be able to know and appreciate fantastic things.
Hike Distance: The total walking distance is 7 kilometers for the round trip route or just 3.5 kilometers if you prefer to do the one-way trail.
Hike Duration: In this walk has a total duration of 2 hours and 30 minutes in a round trip and 1 hour and 15 minutes of just one way walking at a more or less fast pace.
Difficult: Despite the difficulty of this walk is easy, it is always good to come minimally prepared, as the change in temperature and climate can happen.
Height Difference: The highest point will be at 1288 m while the lowest will be at 1000 m. Making the difference is approximately 288 m for both descending and ascending.
Levada do Caldeirão Verde
A green paradise that seems told in a fairy world that begins in the house of Queimadas. Until reaching the incredible waterfall, the walk overflows with the strong green color in the surroundings. There are beautiful views over the village of São Jorge and the immense mountains.
Throughout the walk, the presence of water is constant. You can see it on the walls, running serenely along the levada, falling from the sky on rainy days. It is a trail of another level and very safe to be done at any time of the year.
You can find some handmade tunnels along the way, so it is recommended to bring a flashlight and protect your head. When you arrive at the Caldeirão Verde waterfall, let yourself be carried away by the magnificent view of the immense waterfall falling over the cold and crystalline lagoon, literally a paradise. Relax to the sound of falling water.
Location: It is located in the municipality of Santana. Here you can find beautiful landscapes and good views to take pictures.
Hike Distance: The total walking distance is 13 kilometers for the round trip route.
Hike Duration: In this walk has a total duration of 5 hours and 30 minutes in a round trip.
Difficult: The difficulty of this walk is moderate, due to the fact that there are no stable weather conditions, terrain with some ascents and descents.
Height Difference: The highest point will be at 1020 m while the lowest will be at 877 m. Making the difference is approximately 177m for both descending and ascending.
Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço
How about a walk along the coast? That’s exactly what you heard. This 8km round trip is a huge contrast to the rest of the Island. With shallow vegetation and some palm trees, marked by cliffs and different rocks of brownish, orange, and reddish color.
it is due to the enormous exposure of the winds that come from the northern part of Madeira as well as the semi-arid climate. On this hike, you can easily observe Porto Santo Island and the Desertas Islands if you have a clear day or good visibility.
At the end of the walk, you will find the iconic site “Cais da Sardinha”, where you could take a dip and a small house called “Casa da Sardinha” to rest and eat whatever you brought. The difficulty of this hike is moderate.
Location: It is located in the municipality of Machico. Here you can find beautiful landscapes and good views to take pictures.
Hike Distance: The total walking distance is 8 kilometers for the round trip route.
Hike Duration: In this walk has a total duration of 5 hours in a round trip.
Difficult: The difficulty of this walk is moderate, due to the fact that there are no stable weather conditions, terrain with some ascents and descents.
Height Difference: The highest point will be at 126 m while the lowest will be at 23 m. Making the difference is approximately 103m for both descending and ascending.
What ti pick up for your walk
When it comes to packing, you will want to keep your hiking bag as light as possible without leaving anything you need behind.
Comfortable shoes – In the trail there can be tree roots or slippery stones.
Warm clothes – There, up in the mountains, temperatures are cooler and the weather is changeable.
Snacks – You will enjoy a small picnik looking at 25 Fontes. Energy bars, nuts and the sandwiches are the best snacks.
Water – There is no other source of water except the cafe.
Camera – You are not going to hike all that way and not get at least a photo or two of that landscapes, are you?
Rules to consider
Although these walks can be done by everyone regardless of their race,
gender, ideology, body, there are some rules that must be followed.
- Stay inside the track with or without a guide;
- Avoid noise and attitudes that disturb the environment;
- Do not collect or damage plants;
- Do not disturb the animals;
- Do not leave any type of rubbish on the routes;
- Make no fire;
- If you are a smoker, don’t throw the butts on the floor, save them to put in the trash can;
- Do not destroy or modify the signs in the places, as they are necessary for the orientation of the routes.