Madeira Hiking Trails: The Complete Ranked List

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 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.

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 10.6 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.

Shortest route to Madeira's highest summit (1862 m) starting from Achada do Teixeira, paved path, accessible to most fit walkers.

Unclassified two-levada circuit 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. Not the classified PR7 Levada do Moinho in Porto Moniz. 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.

The PR20 drops 1.9 km down the old cliff path from Prazeres to the surf village of Jardim do Mar, through stone-walled terraces and past a restored water mill. Officially closed at the moment, check the live status before planning it.

A 4.6 km geological route across the Paul da Serra plateau from Bica da Cana, tracing the marks of the ice field that covered the plateau 25,000 years ago, a glacial valley, a cinder cone, moraine boulders and the Fajã Redondo cirque. Officially closed at the moment.

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. Officially closed at the moment.

A 10.5 km levada walk across the north-west corner of the island, from Ribeira da Cruz down to Junqueira, through farming terraces, tunnels and water tanks well off the tour-bus circuit. Officially closed at the moment.

Porto Santo's levada walk: 4.1 km of shaded channel path from Camacha, through Ribeiro Formoso to the Graça Chapel, under the pines planted to green the island's driest slopes. Officially closed at the moment.

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