Gentle coastal path along Madeira's scenic shoreline

16 trails

Low Risk Hikes

Safe, well-maintained trails perfect for families, beginners, and anyone who prefers secure paths with no vertigo-inducing sections

Not every hike in Madeira involves narrow paths above sheer drops. These trails have been selected for low hazard ratings, minimal exposure, and solid footing throughout — suitable for families with older children, walkers returning after a break, or anyone who prefers the forest to the ledge. They share the same lush surroundings as Madeira's famous trails without the vertiginous sections. Most follow well-maintained levada channels or forest tracks with clear signage. A few have short steeper sections — check the cardio rating if fitness is a concern — but none require scrambling or nerves on drops. Good footwear and water remain essential on any trail here.

Caminho do Norte

Short descent from Encumeada to Ribeira Grande through verdant forest. Connects to PR22 for extended routes.

easy walkModerate

3.2 km680m1.5-2h

Caminho Real da Encumeada

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.

mountainHard

12.5 km400m5-6h

Glaciar de Planalto

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.

mountainEasy

4.5 km150m1.5-2h

Levada do Barreiro

seasonal

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.

levadaEasy

5.2 km150m2.5-3.5h

Levada do Norte through forest valley with cloud inversion, Madeira

Levada do Norte (Estreito de Camara de Lobos)

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

levadaEasy

6.5 km150m2-3h

Levada do Paul

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.

levadaEasy

11 km150m2.5-3h

Levada do Rei

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

levadaEasy

10.6 km72m2.5-4h

Risco waterfall plunging over the cliff face, Rabacal, Madeira

Levada do Risco

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

levadaEasy

3 km50m0.5-1h

Caldeirões waterfall and levada in northeast Madeira

Levada dos Caldeiroes

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.

levadaEasy

8.4 km280m2.5-3.5h

Levada dos Cedros

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.

levadaEasy

7.2 km250m3-3.5h