Madeira best hiking: discover the top trails

With stunning beaches of natural volcanic sand and a coastline perfect for surfing, it’s no wonder the Portuguese island of Madeira draws in thousands of tourists each year. There are a wide variety of hikes on the island too, some 3000km in total, which take you through a dense interior of trees as well as up the steepest of cliffs. Situated just off the northwestern coast of Africa, Madeira has something for everyone, but it’s especially favoured by hikers who want to get up close and personal with the island’s peaks. We’ve picked out the top 3 routes in Madeira that will give you not only panoramic views, but beautiful routes around the lush island.

Top 3 must-do hikes in Madeira

The best hiking in Madeira guides you up mountains, through valleys, and into forests that will make you think you’re on a different planet thanks to the sheer diversity of plant life you’ll encounter. There’s nothing quite like climbing cliffs and making your way along trails with an elevation gain when hiking in Madeira, and these three routes should be on the list of any hiker seeking to take photos of the most popular scenery the island has to offer. There are many levada walks, which are gently sloping and follow ancient irrigation channels, taking you through the full range of landscapes which Madeira is known for.

Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo

This is one of the most iconic hikes in Madeira and the distance of 11km will take you along a trail with both easy and difficult sections. The viewpoints from the top of the highest peaks on the island make the climb worthwhile, and you can expect to travel along steep paths to reach the top. There are tunnels you’ll have to go through, and always plan your clothing in layers, with rain jackets and t-shirts as essentials because the weather can change quickly.

Levada do Caldeirão Verde

When you think of the best hiking in Madeira, this route has everything to make your trip a memorable one. Weave your way through cliffs and tunnels, and through the verdant forests of Madeira before ending up at the huge Caldeirão Verde waterfall. You’ll encounter wet sections so be sure to have suitable waterproof clothing and hiking boots that give you the grip you need to power your way along the route from start to finish. This path is one of the most popular so don’t be surprised if you see fellow hikers at any time of the year.

Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço

One of the must-see hikes of your visit to Madeira, this walk is not as long as the other two and has a moderate steepness. You’ll still need a decent pair of walking boots as the trails can be slippery, and a windbreaker that you can pack away easily as parts of the trail are exposed. This trail takes you through the more arid areas of Madeira, but you’ll also get to see magnificent cliff views and the Atlantic Ocean, especially if you go at sunrise or sunset. There isn’t much protection from the sun on this trail, so be sure to pack a hat on this hike too. With lots of places to stop for a bite to eat, this trail allows you to take in everything rather than simply passing it by, so be sure to get stain-repellent clothing for sitting down.

Seasonal hiking: when to visit Madeira

Avid hikers are known to take to the trails of Madeira all year round, as the climate is quite temperate, but if you’re planning on hiking in Madeira, here are the best times to go. For a forest trail that is filled with plants bursting into life, choose anytime between March and May, but for lower mountain routes aim to visit in December, January and February. June and July are the busiest months, but if you’re planning a coastal hike it won’t be as drizzly this time of year. For a comfortable hike whatever the weather, September to November is an ideal time to visit, but you’ll need to bring waterproof clothing and a water-resistant backpack.