Don your hiking boots and get ready to explore every inch of this enchanting island. From leisurely levada walks to mountainous meanders, Madeira’s hiking trails are a real treat!

Remember – Mother Nature is unpredictable, so always come well prepared with suitable clothing, shoes and snacks and be sure to check the weather on the day. So, without further ado, here are the best hiking trails in Madeira...

Vereda do Chão dos Louros (north coast)

This circular route through the Laurissilva forest is great for beginners, or for those wanting a go-slow saunter through the island’s leafy surroundings. The path is open all year and provides some well-needed shade in the summer months, especially if you’ve got the kids in tow!

For most of the walk, you’ll be encompassed by vibrant vegetation, but keep your eyes peeled for a natural viewpoint where you’ll be able to enjoy sweeping views across the São Vicente valley. Scenic stomps don’t get better than this!

Distance: 1.9 km
Difficulty: easy
Duration: 45 minutes
Start/End: Chão dos Louros / Chão dos Louros

Min. Altitude / Max. Altitude: 830m / 890m

Levada Fajã do Rodrigues (north coast)

No trip to Madeira is complete without a walk along the island’s lush levadas. These purpose-built water channels date back to the 15th century and still serve a multitude of purposes today, such as agriculture and energy.

This northern levada trail takes you through São Vicente valley, where your peepers will be blessed with sprawling views across the emerald-green mountains below. Tunnels are common along the route, which adds to the mysticism – but it might be an idea to bring a torch along! Levada Fajã do Rodrigues is lesser-known than Levada das 25 Fontes, so an ideal choice if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the most-trodden trails.

Distance: 3.9 km (7.8 km round-trip)
Difficulty: moderate
Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
Start/end: Ginjas / Ribeira do Inferno

Min. Altitude / Max. Altitude: 600m / 630m

Vereda das Funduras (east coast)

This family-friendly favourite, on the east coast of the island, begins at Portela Viewpoint before heading into the indigenous Laurissilva forest, where you’ll find diverse flora and fauna around every corner.

The trail continues to trace the mountains of Funduras, with views down to the majestic valley of Machico, before continuing through the traditional terraced fields that characterise the island. Your mountain meander ends in Maroços, where, if you're lucky, you might be able to pick up a small token of local produce from one of the nearby farms.

Distance: 8.7 km
Difficulty: moderate
Duration: 3 hours
Start/End: Miradouro da Portela / Maroços

Min. Altitude / Max. Altitude: 186m / 624m

Levada das 25 Fontes (west coast)

Nestled in a lush valley, the Levada das 25 Fontes trail has rightly earned its reputation as the best levada hike in the whole of Madeira. It leads you through forests with twisting trees and past rocks with tumbling waterfalls, taking around three hours in total. The highlight has to be the Fontes Waterfall, where the water pours over leafy flora and spiralling vines into the lagoon below.

Take a little time to cool off in the water, snap some pictures or simply admire the nature around you. Then, it’s time to retrace your steps back along the levada.

Distance: 4.3 km (8.6 km round trip)
Difficulty: moderate
Duration: 3 hours
Start/End: Rabaçal (E.R. 105) / 25 Fontes

Min. Altitude / Max. Altitude: 964m / 1288m

Vereda do Pico Ruivo (central mountain range)

Take on the walk to the highest peak in Madeira, Vereda do Pico Ruivo, and you’ll be rewarded with unforgettable panoramic views as you stand a whopping 1,862 metres above sea level. It’s a well-liked route with plenty of pit stop points and signage along the way, so it’s ideal for varying preference and pace.

It’s no surprise that this mist-shrouded mountain is a popular point to see the sun sink into the horizon. As day turns to dusk, the skies surrounding Vereda do Pico Ruivo turn into a swirling sea of orange and pink, and the evening clouds waltz around your toes. Just make sure to bring your torch when descending in the dark!

Distance: 2.8 km (5.6 km round-trip)
Difficulty: moderate
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Start/end: Achada do Teixeira / Pico Ruivo

Min. Altitude / Max. Altitude: 1592m / 1862m

Vereda do Urzal (central mountain range)

The route to Vereda do Urzal starts at Fajã dos Cardos and follows an ancient path that connects the south and the north coast of the island, once used by the locals. It’s quite hilly as you make the climb up towards Boca das Torrinhas, but the area that encompasses you is one of vibrant and verdant vegetation.

The route is awash with epic peaks and a leafy landscape and it’s well worth a stop for a moment of contemplation before the route heads downhill to Lobo do Urzal.

Distance: 10.6 km
Difficulty: moderate
Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes
Start/end: Curral das Freiras / Lombo do Urzal

Min. Altitude / Max. Altitude: 1450m / 519m

Vereda do Areeiro (central mountain range)

Fancy ticking off the three highest peaks on the island? Look no further! This moderate to hard route begins at Pico do Areeiro, before crossing Pico das Torres and ending at Pico Ruivo, Maderia’s highest peak.

This is one of the most famous hiking trails in Madeira, so the path, formed from man-made stones, is well maintained and has handrails either side. During the ascent, you’ll pass through volcanic tunnels and climb steep steps, but the trek rewards your efforts with some seriously sublime sights.

Distance: 6.1 km (VW) | 7km (VE)
Difficulty: moderate - difficult
Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
Start/End: Pico do Areeiro Viewpoint / Pico Ruivo

Min. Altitude / Max. Altitude: 1491m / 1857m