The Ultimate Hiking
Getaway in Madeira

Your adventure begins as you arrive in Portugal, where transport will be arranged to collect you from Funchal Airport and take you to the accommodation. On the first day you’ll have time to settle in and it’s a great opportunity to meet your fellow adventurers. We can also recommend accommodation for the night before if you plan to arrive earlier. Funchal will be the base for the whole trip, which is great because you don’t need to carry all your stuff around and after a long day walking you know your warm shower and bed is awaiting you.

Click for Route Map : 📏 10-11 km ⏱️ 4-5 h ⬆️ ~1150 m 💪 ●●●○○ — Moderate

The Vereda do Larano hike in Madeira is a stunning coastal trail that offers some of the most dramatic ocean views on the island. Starting near Machico, the path follows an old levada before opening up to a breathtaking cliffside route, where towering green slopes drop steeply into the crashing Atlantic below. The trail winds along the rugged coastline, with sweeping views of the Ponta de São Lourenço peninsula in the distance and the occasional salty sea breeze keeping things cool. While not too steep, the narrow path and exposed sections make it feel like a true adventure. The hike finishes in the small village of Porto da Cruz, where you can reward yourself with a taste of Madeira’s famous sugarcane rum or a refreshing dip in the ocean.

Click for Route Map : 📏 7 km ⏱️ 2–3 h ⬆️ ~400 m 💪 ●●○○○ — Easy–Moderate

The Vereda da São Lourenço is one of Madeira’s most iconic walks, tracing the narrow peninsula at the island’s eastern tip. The trail follows a rugged volcanic landscape where sheer cliffs drop into the Atlantic on both sides, creating spectacular views throughout.

The path undulates across barren headlands and red-and-black rock formations, contrasting sharply with the deep blue ocean. Along the way, wind-sculpted cliffs, hardy coastal plants, and seabird colonies highlight the peninsula’s wild character. At the far end, a short climb leads to the viewpoint above Cais do Sardinha, overlooking the Desertas Islands and, on clear days, Porto Santo. A café near the viewpoint offers a place to pause before retracing the same route back along the peninsula.

Click for Route Map : 📏 4 km ⏱️ 2 h ⬆️ ~250 m 💪 ●●●○○ — Moderate

The second hike of the day links the fishing town of Caniçal with the historic harbour of Machico, crossing the eastern ridges of Madeira along the way. From Caniçal the you follow the levada towards Pico do Facho, a panoramic summit once used for beacon fires to warn of approaching ships.

The ascent rewards with sweeping views over the Desertas Islands, the São Lourenço peninsula, and inland across Madeira’s central mountains. From Pico do Facho the trail descends along old footpaths towards Machico, the island’s first settlement, framed by a wide bay and golden sandy beach.

The walk ends by the seafront in Machico, where there is time to relax and swim in the sheltered waters or enjoying a drink at the waterfront cafés.

Click for Route Map : 📏 14 km ⏱️ 5 h ⬆️ ~250 m 💪 ●●●●○ — Challenging

The Vereda do Fanal hike is a captivating experience that unveils the mystical charm of Madeira’s ancient Laurisilva forest. Starting near the lush plateau of Paúl da Serra, the trail takes you through a landscape steeped in natural wonder and atmospheric beauty. As you descend towards the enchanting Fanal forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site, you’ll find yourself surrounded by centuries-old til trees shrouded in mist, creating a magical and otherworldly ambiance. Along the way, the path offers breathtaking views of verdant valleys and rolling hills, while showcasing Madeira’s rich biodiversity. This tranquil hike is perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in the island’s serene wilderness, where every step reveals a deeper connection to Madeira’s timeless natural heritage. The hike then heads down to the black sand beach of Seixal where you can take a refreshing swim.

A chance to explore the town, rest your legs or go on another hike. Funchal, nestled on Madeira’s southern coast, invites visitors to immerse themselves in its unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Wander through the town’s charming streets lined with historic buildings and vibrant markets, where you can sample local delicacies like Bolo do Caco and Espetada. Explore Funchal’s rich maritime heritage at the Madeira Story Centre or relax in the tranquil surroundings of the Monte Palace Tropical Garden. For outdoor enthusiasts, Funchal serves as a gateway to further adventures, whether you’re exploring Levada walks through lush landscapes, ascending to panoramic viewpoints on the Monte cable car, or simply enjoying a leisurely stroll along the waterfront promenade. With its captivating blend of urban charm and natural wonders, Funchal promises a memorable experience for every traveller seeking to discover the essence of Madeira.

Click for Route Map : 📏 10 km ⏱️ 4 h ⬆️ ~450 m 💪 ●●○○○ — Easy–Moderate

This hike above Ponta do Sol combines two of Madeira’s most scenic levadas in one route. Starting near the church at Lombada, the trail first follows the historic Levada do Moinho, contouring through farmland and valleys with wide views across the south coast.

A steep link path leads up to the Levada Nova, where the highlight awaits: a dramatic waterfall cascading over the path, with the trail cut directly behind the curtain of water. The levada also passes through a short tunnel and along sections of cliffside carved into the rock, adding a sense of adventure without significant climbing.

The final stretch takes you to Tabua, making this one of the most varied levada walks on the island, combining rural scenery, lush forest, and spectacular natural features.

Click for Route Map : 📏 13 km ⏱️ 6–7 h ⬆️ ~1,200 m 💪 ●●●●○ — Challenging

This spectacular traverse links Madeira’s third-highest peak, Pico do Arieiro (1,818 m), with its highest, Pico Ruivo (1,862 m). Starting from the summit viewpoint at Arieiro, the trail immediately launches into a world of jagged ridges, steep staircases, and sheer volcanic cliffs.

The path undulates across exposed ridgelines, with several tunnels cut through the rock and constant views over the cloud-filled valleys below. Sharp ascents and descents mark the way, but the scenery remains unforgettable throughout, with soaring pinnacles and deep gorges on both sides.

After a final sustained climb, the trail emerges on the summit of Pico Ruivo, the highest point on Madeira, offering panoramic views across the entire island. The descent leads to Achada do Teixeira, where cafés and transport connections provide a natural end to the hike.

It’s time to pack your bags and move onwards. We arrange transport back to the airport so you can catch your flight home or continue to explore this majestical island.  We have lots of recommendations if you’re going to spend more time in Portugal.