Madeira Island is a paradise for nature lovers, offering a wide range of breathtaking walks and hikes that showcase the island’s stunning landscapes. From the famous Levada das 25 Fontes to the challenging path from Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo, each trail presents unique experiences and magnificent views. Whether you’re exploring the Laurissilva forest, admiring lagoons formed by waterfalls, or observing endemic flora and fauna, these hikes offer an incredible opportunity to connect with nature and immerse yourself in the beauty of Madeira Island.
In this article, we will explore some of the most popular and awe-inspiring walks on the island, providing essential information and recommendations for a memorable and enjoyable experience.
Levada 25 Fontes
Photo by VisitMadeira
The Levada das 25 Fontes in Madeira Island earns its reputation as both a popular and breathtaking walk. This captivating journey spans a distance of 4.3 km and commences in Rabaçal, typically taking around 3 hours to complete. As you embark on this adventure, you will accompany a historic irrigation canal, adding to the charm of the experience. The trail cuts through the awe-inspiring Laurissilva Forest, offering mesmerizing views that are sure to leave you in awe. The remarkable walk culminates in a picturesque lagoon formed by an impressive collection of 25 springs—a truly unique setting that will undoubtedly captivate your senses. We highly recommend planning an early visit, wearing suitable clothing, and fully immersing yourself in observing the wonders of nature along the way. Get ready to indulge in this incredible experience and create lasting memories!
Levada do Norte
Levada do Norte is one of the largest and most important Levadas on Madeira Island, with around 50 km in length. Built-in the 18th century to irrigate crops, it offers incredible views of the parishes of Câmara de Lobos and Campanario, green fields and typical houses. A popular stretch connects Cabo Girão to Ribeira Brava, with 8.9 km of distance and easy difficulty. Enjoy the natural wonders of northern Levada, observing birds and flora endemic to Madeira.
Vereda Ponta de São Lourenço
Photo by VisitMadeira
The trail to Ponta de São Lourenço truly stands out as one of the most impressive and unique walks on Madeira Island. With a length of 3 km (6 km round trip), it typically takes approximately 2h30 to complete. Setting off from Baía d’Abra, the trail guides you across the volcanic peninsula that shares the same name, representing the easternmost end of the island. Also, this remarkable peninsula is predominantly composed of basalt, interspersed with limestone sedimentary formations. Upon reaching the tip of the peninsula, you will be greeted by the captivating presence of the islets of Cevada and Farol. The semi-arid climate and exposure to north winds in this region contribute to distinctive low-lying vegetation, creating a fascinating contrast with the rest of the island.
To fully enjoy this experience, it is crucial to wear appropriate clothing and footwear and carry water, food, sunscreen, and a hat. Additionally, exercise caution in narrow sections, avoiding proximity to cliffs or deviating from the marked trail.
Levada das Queimadas to Caldeirão Verde
The Levada das Queimadas to Caldeirão Verde is not only a popular hike in Madeira Island but also a breathtaking one. Spanning 6.5 km (13 km round trip), it promises an estimated duration of 4 to 5 hours, making it a moderate-to-low difficulty level adventure. The journey begins at Parque Florestal das Queimadas, where the trail closely follows an 18th-century irrigation canal. Along the way, you will be treated to the awe-inspiring sights of the Laurissilva forest, which holds the prestigious title of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As you traverse the path, magnificent views of the Ribeira da Janela valley and the majestic mountains of Madeira will unfold before you.
Vereda Pico do Areeiro ao Pico Ruivo
Photo by VisitMadeira
The path from Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo is one of the most challenging and spectacular walks on Madeira Island. 7 km long (14 km round trip), it is a trail that connects the three highest peaks on the island: Pico do Areeiro (1818 m), Pico das Torres (1851 m) and Pico Ruivo (1862 m). Located in the Massif Montanhoso Central, the walk offers incredible panoramic views of the island, including Curral das Freiras and Ponta de São Lourenço. However, it requires physical preparation, resistance and adequate equipment, such as clothing, shoes, water, food, sunscreen and a hat. <
Vereda dos Balcões
The path of Balcões is undeniably an easily accessible and charming walk on Madeira Island. With a length of 1.5 km (3 km round trip), it provides a delightful experience that can be completed in approximately 1h30. As you embark on this journey, commencing at Estrada Regional n.º 103 in Ribeiro Frio, you will find yourself following the course of the Levada da Serra do Faial – an irrigation canal that plays a vital role in supplying water to the southern part of the island.
Crossing the Laurissilva forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is possible to observe endemic species of flora and fauna of Madeira, such as the laurel, tilde, chaffinch and bis-bis. The final destination is a viewpoint with a spectacular view of the mountains and valley of Ribeira da Metade, including the highest peaks of the island on clear days.
Levada do Alecrim e Lagoa do Vento
Photo by VisitMadeira
Levada do Alecrim and Lagoa do Vento trail, both situated in the Rabaçal area, can be combined to explore the breathtaking beauty of the region. Levada do Alecrim, measuring 3.4 km in length (6.8 km round trip), offers an easy difficulty level and an estimated duration of 2 hours. On the other hand, the trail leading to Lagoa do Vento spans 1.6 km (3.2 km round trip), with a medium difficulty level and an estimated duration of 1h30. Both walks originate in Rabaçal and follow an irrigation canal that leads towards the Calheta area.
Moreover, they provide a unique opportunity to traverse the Laurissilva forest, which holds the esteemed status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As you make your way through these trails, you will have the chance to witness the incredible endemic species of flora and fauna that thrive in the Madeira region. The Levada do Alecrim ends in a lagoon formed by the Ribeira do Alecrim, while the Lagoa do Vento path descends to the spectacular Lagoa do Vento, where a waterfall falls from a cliff about 100 m high.
Levada do Rei
The Levada do Rei, being a stunning and accessible hike in Madeira Island, offers a circular route that follows the direction of the water. Not only does it have a length of 5.3 km (10.6 km round trip) and an estimated duration of 3h30, but it also presents a medium difficulty level, making it a rewarding experience. Starting at the Quebradas Water Treatment Station in São Jorge, the path leads you along an irrigation channel that serves to supply sugarcane and banana crops to the southern part of the island. Moreover, as you traverse the route, you will have the opportunity to cross the Laurissilva forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Also, this enchanting forest allows you to marvel at the endemic species of flora and fauna that are unique to Madeira.
Conclusion about the best Hikes in Madeira Island
Madeira Island is an absolute paradise for nature lovers, offering a multitude of awe-inspiring walks and hikes that showcase its breathtaking landscapes. Whether you embark on the famous Levada das 25 Fontes, the challenging path from Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo, or any of the other remarkable trails mentioned in this article, you are guaranteed a memorable and immersive experience in nature.
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