Madeira's Hardest Hikes

Madeira's most iconic ridge hike, from Pico do Areeiro (1,818 m, the island's third-highest peak) to Pico Ruivo (1,862 m, the highest) across exposed ridges, stairs and tunnels.

The PR9 Levada do Caldeirão Verde is a 17.4 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.

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.

Extension of Caldeirão Verde reaching a wilder, deeper amphitheatre, long, exposed sections, several tunnels.

Historic royal road across the central mountain pass linking Boca da Corrida to Encumeada, with views into Curral das Freiras.

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.

A long, remote levada walk of about 10.8 km dropping from the Fanal road (ER209) to the canal keepers' house above Lombo da Atouguia, well away from the busy Rabaçal routes. Check the live IFCN status before planning it.

Long, gently sloping levada around the eastern flank of the central massif. Many entry points, good for half-day walks.

Off-trail scramble to Madeira's second-highest peak, only for experienced mountaineers; no marked path.

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.

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.

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.

Short out-and-back from PR1 to a side-summit of the central massif, same exposed ridges, fewer hikers.