Madeira, the stunning Portuguese island off the coast of Africa, offers an abundance of dramatic landscapes, towering cliffs, and scenic hiking trails that make it a hiker’s paradise. But there’s more to discover—whether it’s through ancient levadas (irrigation channels), volcanic beaches, or charming towns. For those planning a trip to Madeira, here’s a 2-3 week itinerary that takes you through the best hikes of the island.
Note: The following is how we planned our 3-week stay in Madeira after lots of researching what to do. Unfortunately, we could not go because of an injury just before the trip. We hope to make up for it and visit later. We still hope this itinerary is useful to you and are happy to hear any feedback.
Our Madeira hiking itinerary is split into three roughly equal parts, starting in the west of the island and going counter-clockwise. It is based on our 3-week itinerary, i.e., staying roughly one week at each location, but it can easily be shortened or extended. If you stay much shorter, it probably makes sense to only stay in one or two places rather than three. For getting around, we planned to rent a car from Just Drive Madeira based on their excellent ratings.
Part 1: Western Madeira
Accommodation: Calheta Glamping Pods

Arriving in Madeira, take the first day to chill and adjust to the island’s rhythm. Afterward, get ready to explore some of the island’s most iconic hikes and natural wonders on the west side.
- Cascata dos Anjos On your way to the west, stop by this picturesque waterfall that falls directly onto the road. A quick but beautiful detour! Google Maps Location
- 25 Fontes (Tour PR6) This popular trail leads you to a stunning collection of 25 waterfalls. It’s often busy, so aim to start early to enjoy the serenity. It takes about 2:45 hours. Google Maps Location
- Risco Waterfall & Lagoa do Vento (Tour PR6.1) Just a short distance from the 25 Fontes, this hike takes you through lush greenery to another gorgeous waterfall. The whole trek takes around 2 hours. Google Maps Location
- Levada da Bica da Cana A slightly longer hike (about 2:50 hours) through beautiful landscapes and often misty surroundings. It’s ideal for early mornings or sunsets. Google Maps Location
- Levada da Ribeira da Janela A bit longer (3 hours) but worth every step for its stunning views. Google Maps Location
- Fanal Forest and Witch Tree If you’re lucky, the mist will create an eerie atmosphere, especially around the Fanal Witch Tree. Don’t miss the viewpoint with panoramic views. This short hike (1:20 hours) is perfect for a quick escape. Google Maps Location
- Piscinas Naturais do Porto Moniz After the misty forests, unwind in natural lava pools at Porto Moniz. Go early to avoid crowds. Google Maps Location
- Seixal Beach A black sand beach where you can relax and enjoy the stunning backdrop of volcanic cliffs. Google Maps Location
Part 2: Southern Madeira
Accommodation: Dona Apartments

The south side of Madeira offers dramatic mountain views and some of the island’s most famous hikes. Don’t forget to explore Funchal’s charming old town and vibrant markets.
- Pico Arieiro to Pico Ruivo (Tour PR1) One of the island’s most famous hikes, this challenging 6-hour trek connects the island’s two highest peaks. Start early for the best experience. Check out this video for insights into the trek: YouTube Link
- Pico Grande A 4-hour hike that offers breathtaking views. The final summit can be a bit tricky, but it’s optional, as ropes are available for those who want to reach the top. Stop by the Boca da Corrida viewpoint along the way. Google Maps Location
- Tail of Madeira / São Lourenço (Tour PR8) This 3-hour coastal hike is best experienced early in the morning when it’s cooler, as there is little shade. It’s also accessible from the north if you prefer a different starting point.
- Funchal: Take a break from hiking Take a breather in Funchal, the island’s capital. Wander through the Old Town, visit the market (Mercado dos Lavradores), and find the famous painted doors. If you’re feeling adventurous, take the Monte Cable Car and perhaps even try a traditional basket sled ride!
- Vereda do Larano A beautiful coastal trail (approximately 2-3 hours) that offers stunning views of cliffs and the ocean. Perfect for those looking for a scenic, less strenuous hike. Google Maps Location
Part 3: Northeastern Madeira
Accommodation: Villa Alta Vista

The northeastern side of Madeira is lush and less explored, offering great hikes through forests, volcanic valleys, and breathtaking cliffs.
- Pico Ruivo (Tour PR1.2) A more relaxed hike compared to others on the island, this 2-hour hike takes you to one of Madeira’s highest peaks. Aim for sunrise to enjoy the view in peaceful solitude.
- Levada Caldeirão Verde This 3.5-hour hike takes you through an enchanting laurel forest and past waterfalls. A must-see for nature lovers. Google Maps Location
- Levada do Rei A more relaxed 2:30-hour hike through lush forests, making it a perfect introduction to Madeira’s levadas. Google Maps Location
- Ribeiro Frio to Portela If you’re up for more, this 3.5-hour hike follows a quieter levada. Alternatively, if you’re short on time, try the shorter 40-minute alternative on Tour 41.
- Vereda dos Balcões (Tour PR11) A short but sweet hike with an incredible viewpoint, perfect for those who are short on time but want a classic Madeira experience.
If you haven’t done so already (in part 2), this is also the time to explore the Tail of Madeira or the Vereda do Larano from the north side.
We hope this Madeira hiking itinerary was useful. Madeira is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Whether you’re hiking through lush forests, scaling dramatic peaks, or relaxing by the sea, this itinerary will allow you to experience the full range of what this beautiful island has to offer. Make sure to bring good hiking boots, a camera for the stunning views, and most importantly, a spirit of adventure!
Disclaimer: As an experiment, the featured image (at the top) and large parts of the text were generated by ChatGPT based on the notes we took for planning the itinerary. The hiking itinerary itself was researched and compiled by us in many hours of human work :) All previous posts are also hand-written.