Madeira's most iconic ridge hike, connecting the island's second and highest peaks across exposed ridges, stairs and tunnels.
The PR9 Levada do Caldeirão Verde is a 13 km out-and-back walk from Queimadas Forest Park above Santana, following an 18th-century laurisilva levada to a 100 m waterfall dropping into a green rock amphitheatre. Almost flat, four unlit tunnels, moderate exposure — one of the two most famous levada walks on the island.
The arid eastern peninsula. Volcanic colours, dramatic sea cliffs, almost no shade. A complete contrast to the green interior.
Walk through Rabaçal's laurisilva to a lagoon fed by 25 springs. One of the most popular routes — go early.
Short walk through the otherworldly Fanal laurel forest — best in fog. Often photographed for its ancient til trees.
Coastal cliff walk from Porto da Cruz toward Larano with sweeping Atlantic views, narrow ledges and a long tunnel near the end.
Quiet 10.4 km out-and-back levada walk from São Jorge on Madeira's north coast to the spring of Ribeiro Bonito. Deep laurel forest, one short unlit tunnel, and a fraction of the crowds of 25 Fontes for a very similar green-wall payoff.
Steep ridge ascent to one of Madeira's most striking peaks, with 360° views over Curral das Freiras.
Long, wild levada through dense laurisilva on the north-west plateau. Multiple tunnels — headlamp required.
Vereda do Pico Ruivo (Achada do Teixeira)
Shortest route to Madeira's highest summit (1862 m) starting from Achada do Teixeira — paved path, accessible to most fit walkers.
Two-levada loop above Ponta do Sol linking Levada Nova and Levada do Moinho — banana terraces, two waterfalls you can walk under, and a short head-torch tunnel. Mostly flat concrete edge-path with steep drops; easy underfoot but exposed.
Extended version of PR8 including the descent to Casa do Sardinha — extra 2 km of dramatic cliff exposure.
Short waterfall walk above Ponta do Sol following the Levada Nova past several cascades — including the iconic shower-through-the-waterfall section.
Classic point-to-point levada from Ribeiro Frio to Portela through dense laurisilva — one of Madeira's most popular all-day walks.
Extension of Caldeirão Verde reaching a wilder, deeper amphitheatre — long, exposed sections, several tunnels.
Short, easy walk from Rabaçal to the Risco waterfall through laurel forest. Often combined with PR6 25 Fontes.
Short, mostly flat levada walk from Ribeiro Frio to the Balcões viewpoint — panoramic balcony over the central massif.
Forest loop above Machico through the Funduras protected area — quiet, easy and rarely busy.
Quiet high-altitude levada walk on the southern slopes of the central massif, with views over Funchal.
Wild north-facing levada from Encumeada through tunnels to a hidden laurel forest — one of the lushest walks on the island.
Historic royal road across the central mountain pass linking Boca da Corrida to Encumeada, with views into Curral das Freiras.
Atmospheric levada from Fanal to Curral Falso through ancient laurel forest, often shrouded in mist.
Loop link-up combining PR14 Levada dos Cedros and PR13 Vereda do Fanal — a full circuit through the ancient Fanal laurel forest, often wrapped in mist.
Short, dramatic levada from Ginjas (São Vicente) ending at a cliff-pierced tunnel above a green ravine.
Long, gently sloping levada around the eastern flank of the central massif. Many entry points — good for half-day walks.
Cliff-edge coastal walk from Maroços above the north coast to Porto da Cruz — windy, panoramic, exposed.
Forested valley walk through Seixal's Chão da Ribeira — known for chestnut groves and the January 'Cozido nas Caldeiras' festival.
Off-trail scramble to Madeira's second-highest peak — only for experienced mountaineers; no marked path.
Forested loop up Porto Santo's iconic conical hill — easy, family-friendly, with island-wide views.
Long, demanding traverse from Encumeada to Pico Ruivo — exposed ridges, no shelter, requires good weather.
Steep descent from the central plateau to the north-coast hamlet of Boaventura through laurel forest and old farming terraces.
One of Madeira's longest levadas — 60 km total, most walked between Cabo Girão and Boa Morte through banana and vine country.
Wide, easy levada across the Paul da Serra plateau — open moorland with endemic flowers and panoramic skies.
Steep, demanding climb up the iconic 'Eagle Rock' between Faial and Porto da Cruz — short distance, brutal gradient.
Quiet branch off the 25 Fontes route descending steeply to a hidden waterfall and lagoon — slippery, not signposted.
Loop from Rabaçal along the rosemary-lined Levada do Alecrim with a steep descent to the Lagoa do Vento waterfall and lagoon — quieter alternative to the 25 Fontes crowds.
Tunnel-heavy levada along the wild Ribeira da Janela valley — five long tunnels, requires a headlamp and waterproofs.
Branch of PR17 reaching one of Madeira's densest laurel forests — moss-covered til trees, constant drip from the canopy.
Short, very steep descent (or cable-car) to a tiny farming fajã on Madeira's western tip, 450 m below the cliff.
Forgotten footpath linking Curral das Freiras to Boaventura over the central ridge — wild, faint trail for experienced walkers.
Easy, low-altitude levada from Maroços to Caniçal across the dry eastern foothills, mostly in open sun.
Short out-and-back from PR1 to a side-summit of the central massif — same exposed ridges, fewer hikers.
Climb Porto Santo's highest peak (450 m) through the only patch of indigenous forest left on the island.
Long, almost-flat unclassified levada walk linking Monte and Camacha above Funchal, passing the famous Hortensia and Jasmin tea houses. Free to walk — no IFCN booking.
Parque Ecológico do Funchal — Ribeiro Frio Trail
Network of reforested mountain trails in Funchal's municipal ecological park above Monte. Unclassified — free entry, no Simplifica ticket required.
Cliff-edge coastal walk past the Cristo Rei statue at Ponta do Garajau down to Caniço de Baixo. Mostly paved, big Atlantic views, no booking required.
Short, steep walk from Machico marina up to the 322 m Pico do Facho viewpoint, with views over Ponta de São Lourenço. Unclassified, free, no ticket.
Ponta do Pargo Coastal Walk (Boa Morte to the Lighthouse)
Unclassified clifftop walk along Madeira's western tip from Boa Morte viewpoint down to the Farol da Ponta do Pargo lighthouse. Big skies, terraced pasture, no IFCN ticket required.