Best of Madeira's North Coast

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.

Official 10.8 km route (about 4 h) from Assobiadores on the Paul da Serra plateau down through laurel forest to the Fanal forestry post, famous for its ancient til trees in the fog.

Volcanic-rock pools naturally filled by the Atlantic on Madeira's north-west tip. The signature swimming spot of the island.

Natural black volcanic-sand beach on the dramatic north coast, framed by green cliffs.

Roadside viewpoint on the old north road overlooking the 'Bridal Veil' waterfall.

Clifftop lookout above Santana on Madeira's north coast, gazing down on the Rocha do Navio marine nature reserve and the 94 m Ilhéu da Viúva sea stack. The reserve, created in 1997, takes its name from a Dutch ship wrecked here in the 19th century. A steep rock path and a five-minute farmers' cable car drop from here to the fajãs below.

A proper north-coast arraial in the village of Faial, Santana: the parish church square and surrounding streets fill with grilled-meat and poncha stalls, folklore groups, a religious procession and open-air concerts running late into the night. 2026 edition: 11–12 September.

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.

UNESCO laurisilva plateau famous for its ancient til trees, otherworldly when fog rolls in.

Madeira's highest peak at 1862 m. Above the trade-wind cloud layer most mornings.

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, mostly flat levada walk from Ribeiro Frio to the Balcões viewpoint, panoramic balcony over the central massif.

Wild north-facing levada from Encumeada through tunnels to a hidden laurel forest, one of the lushest walks on the island.

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.

Levada from Ginjas (São Vicente) to the Ribeira do Inferno, 3.9 km each way (7.8 km return, about 3 h 30), with tunnels and views over the São Vicente valley. Almost level: the official sheet gives 600 to 630 m altitude.

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.

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. Check the live IFCN status before planning it.

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.

Long, demanding traverse from Encumeada to Pico Ruivo, exposed ridges, no shelter, requires good weather.

Lava-rock saltwater pools on the wild north coast at São Vicente, calm even when the sea is rough.

Pebble beach in Seixal on the north coast, sheltered below dramatic cliffs with clear Atlantic water.

Pass viewpoint at 1007 m linking the north and south coasts, on clear days you can see both seas at once.

High-altitude trailhead and viewpoint at 1592 m, gateway to Pico Ruivo and home to the 'Homem em Pé' rock formation.

Cliff-edge platform looking back at Santana's traditional houses and the green Faial coastline.

High roadside viewpoint on the old ER103 at the entrance to Santana, looking across Faial, Penha de Águia and the bay of Fajã do Mar.