Every Trail on
the Island

Extreme levada with tunnels up to 900m, some of them waist-deep in water. Closes for long stretches; check the trail status before planning around it.

An old royal road between Boca da Corrida and Encumeada, contouring the flank of the central massif with Curral das Freiras opening up below. Long but steady, with far less climbing than its length suggests.

Short historic royal path descending from Prazeres to Paul do Mar coastal village.

A short walk out from Bica da Cana to the Pinaculo rock, high on the western plateau edge. Rocky underfoot and quick to do, with a long view over the Ribeira Brava valley when the cloud sits below you.

A long, quiet levada running out from Fanal towards the red rock the channel is named for. Little climbing for the distance, but remote enough that turning back late leaves you walking the same hours again.

Most popular levada walk ending at 25 waterfalls; optional 800m tunnel route reduces elevation. Extremely crowded with tour groups; one-way system implemented.

Easy levada walk from Rabacal to the Lagoa Dona Beja spring, 3.5 km each way on a near-level channel through laurel forest. Often combined with the 25 Fontes and Risco walks from the same car park.

Gentle levada from Poço da Neve to Casa do Barreiro, high on the central plateau. Sections can be closed for maintenance, so check the trail status before you set out.

Laurisilva forest levada with 4 tunnels (some low ceilings) leading to 100m waterfall. Extension to Caldeirão do Inferno adds 4.4km.

One of oldest levadas with tunnels and narrow cliffside sections. Point-to-point route creates logistics challenge for transport.

Scenic loop on two parallel levadas with unique waterfall you walk BEHIND. Family-friendly, tested with baby carrier. Starting point: Lombada Church.

Northern levada accessible from coastal village with gentle terrain and peaceful forest sections. Popular accessible walk featuring traditional water channel engineering through cloud forest.

A near-level canal walk across the Paul da Serra plateau on wide, modern levada path. Open moorland rather than forest, which makes it one of the few walks here that stays clear when the laurel valleys are under cloud.

Wide, accessible levada through UNESCO Laurisilva forest to Ribeiro Bonito spring. Beginner-friendly with minimal vertigo risk.

Short extension to PR6 leading to 100m+ Risco waterfall. Often combined with 25 Fontes as loop.

Scenic levada walk through laurel forest to cascade waterfalls with classic Madeiran infrastructure and water channel views. Well-graded trail suitable for intermediate hikers with multiple waterfall viewing points.

UNESCO Laurisilva through mystical Fanal Forest to waterfall. ALWAYS damp/foggy/muddy; proper boots essential. Loop option via Fanal adds 4.8km and 150m elevation.

Lush jungle levada with THREE tunnels including 1200m darkness tunnel (20-25 min). Very low ceilings require crouching; problematic for tall hikers. Headlamp MANDATORY.

Hidden gem levada best hiked downhill one-way with guide. Serene laurel forest with sunlight filtering through canopy. Off-beaten-path alternative.

Descent from Pico Arieiro to Encumeada along historic mountain path with panoramic views and exposed sections. Well-maintained trail with significant elevation loss and exposed ridge segments requiring sure footing.

The long way onto Pico Ruivo: a high traverse from Encumeada over the western shoulder of the massif, climbing steadily through heath and bare rock. Committing, exposed in places, and the least crowded approach to the summit.

Long one-way descent from the Pico Ruivo shelter down to the village of Ilha, losing about 1,270 m over 8.2 km through high heath and then laurel forest. Ends far from the trailhead, so arrange transport before you start.

Short connector trail from PR13 to 25 Fontes area. Starts at Louro da Gota on ER209.

Volcanic peninsula with no shade, extreme wind exposure, and unprotected cliff edges. Requires €3 advance permit via SIMplifica; dangerous in high winds.

Historic footpath descending through terraced farms from Fanal forest to coastal village. Can be hiked uphill, downhill, or out-and-back.

Scenic trail starting from Portela Viewpoint. Easy-moderate difficulty with panoramic views.

Madeira's iconic peak-to-peak traverse with narrow ledges, tunnels and vertigo-inducing drops. Reopened in 2026 after the wildfire reconstruction, and still closes often in bad weather.

Easy circular trail through UNESCO Laurisilva forest with viewpoint over Ribeira Grande valley. Connects to PR21.

Ridge traverse through mystical Fanal Forest with ancient twisted trees. Minimal elevation but fog common; navigation difficult in low visibility.

Stunning rugged coastline trail with EXTREME exposure. Narrow cliffside paths, vertiginous sections for experienced hikers with no fear of heights. One of most scenic in Madeira.

Shortest route to Madeira's highest peak (1862m). Mostly stairs, suitable for families but weather changes rapidly at altitude.

Mountain traverse from Nun's Valley to north coast with 931m descent. Connects to PR1.3 at Boca das Torrinhas; views of Pico Ruivo and valley peaks.

Easiest trail in Madeira; flat, wide, family-friendly path to fenced mountain viewpoint. Stroller-accessible with minimal exposure.