The Madeira walks guide
Madeira has over 53 named walks, split between mountain PR hikes (PR1 Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo is the classic) and flat levada walks along historic irrigation channels (Levada do Caldeirão Verde and Levada das 25 Fontes are the two must-do routes). This guide ranks every one by difficulty, distance, elevation and crowd level, with live trail-closure status, permit prices and trailhead detail on every entry.
Source: IFCN PR trail list and SIMplifica portal · checked 13 September 2026
What are the best walking trails in Madeira?
The best walking trails in Madeira are PR1 Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo (the island's two highest peaks, hard, 7 km one way / ~14 km return), PR6 Levada das 25 Fontes (waterfalls in laurel forest, moderate, ~8.6 km return) and PR9 Levada do Caldeirão Verde (tunnels to a hidden cauldron, moderate, ~17.4 km return). For an easy family walk with a real view, do Vereda dos Balcões (1.5 km, flat, free). The island has roughly 53+ marked routes split between the official PR network (yellow-and-red waymarked, PR1–PR18) and levada walks along historic irrigation channels, popular PRs require a paid online ticket since 2024; most other levadas remain free.
Below: every trail we have detail on, ordered so you can pick by difficulty.
Quick pick: Madeira's best hiking trails by difficulty
The trails most visitors ask about, ranked so you can pick one and stop scrolling.
| Trail | Difficulty | Distance | Time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vereda dos Balcões | Easy | 3 km | 1 h | First walk / families |
| Vereda do Fanal | Easy | 5 km | 1.5 h | Laurel forest in mist |
| PR18 Levada do Rei | Moderate | 10.6 km | 3.5 h | Levada walk with no crowds |
| PR6 Levada das 25 Fontes | Moderate | 8.6 km | 3 h | The classic waterfall walk |
| PR9 Levada do Caldeirão Verde | Moderate | 17.4 km | 5.5–6.5 h | Tunnels & hidden amphitheatre |
| PR8 Ponta de São Lourenço | Moderate | 6 km | 2.5 h | Coastal, no tree cover |
| PR1 Pico do Areeiro → Pico Ruivo | Hard | 14 km rtn | 6–7 h | The signature high-ridge day |
| PR1.2 Vereda do Pico Ruivo | Hard | 5.6 km rtn | 2 h | Summit without the full ridge |
Levada hiking trails in Madeira
Levada hiking trails follow Madeira's 18th–20th century irrigation channels, so they stay almost flat while crossing terrain no normal path could reach: laurel forest, cliff ledges and hand-cut tunnels. There are roughly 3,100 km of levadas on the island and about 25 are waymarked for walking. The three most-hiked are PR9 Levada do Caldeirão Verde (17.4 km, four tunnels, ends at a waterfall amphitheatre), PR6 Levada das 25 Fontes (8.6 km, the classic waterfall route) and PR18 Levada do Rei (10.6 km, the quiet alternative). PR-coded levadas need a paid online ticket; unnumbered levadas such as Balcões and Levada Nova are free.
Hiking levadas specifically? The full guide is Levada Walks in Madeira: Best Levada Hiking Trails Ranked , 20+ levada hiking trails ranked, with live IFCN closure status, €4.50 permit booking, tunnel and headlamp detail and trailhead parking.
| Levada trail | Distance | Ticket | Tunnels | Exposure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Levada dos Balcões | 3 km rtn | Free | None | None: railed viewpoint |
| PR18 Levada do Rei | 10.6 km rtn | Paid PR ticket | Short, lit-free | Low, some narrow ledges |
| PR6 Levada das 25 Fontes | 8.6 km rtn | Paid PR ticket | One optional | Moderate: drops beside the channel |
| PR9 Levada do Caldeirão Verde | 17.4 km rtn | Paid PR ticket | Four: torch essential | Moderate to high in places |
Ticket prices and booking steps: trail booking and fees. Free, unticketed options: free walks in Madeira. Current channel and path status: live levada conditions.
The trails compared
Distance, ascent, walking time, ticket price, route shape and trailhead detail for every classified PR route and coastal walk in this guide, in one table. A dash means we have not confirmed that detail ourselves, we would rather leave it blank than guess.
| Trail | Distance | Ascent | Time | Difficulty | Ticket | Route | Parking | Bus | Status today |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PR-LR Vereda do Larano | 11 km | 350 m | 4 h | Moderate | Free | – | – | – | – |
| PR-PG Pico Grande | 13 km | 900 m | 6 h | Hard | Free | – | – | – | – |
| PR1 Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo | 7 km | 590 m | 3.5 h | Hard | €10.50 | One way | – | – | – |
| PR1.2 Vereda do Pico Ruivo (Achada do Teixeira) | 5.6 km | 290 m | 2 h | Easy | €10.50 | – | – | – | – |
| PR1.3 Vereda da Encumeada | 11.4 km | 1050 m | 6 h | Hard | €4.50 | – | – | – | – |
| PR2 Vereda do Urzal | 9 km | 750 m | 4 h | Hard | Free | – | – | – | – |
| PS3 Levada do Pico Castelo (Porto Santo) | 4.1 km | 130 m | 1.5 h | Moderate | Free | – | – | – | – |
| PR4 Levada do Barreiro | 12 km | 200 m | 4 h | Moderate | Free | – | – | – | – |
| PR5 Vereda das Funduras | 9.4 km | 350 m | 3.5 h | Moderate | Free | Loop | – | – | – |
| PR6 Levada das 25 Fontes | 8.6 km | 250 m | 3 h | Moderate | €4.50 | – | Coordinates listed | – | – |
| PR6.1 Levada do Risco | 3 km | 80 m | 1.5 h | Easy | €4.50 | – | – | – | – |
| PR6.2 Levada do Alecrim | 6.6 km | 450 m | 4 h | Hard | Free | Loop | – | – | – |
| PR6.3 Vereda da Lagoa do Vento | 9 km | 450 m | 4 h | Hard | Free | – | – | – | – |
| PR7 Levada do Moinho | 10.5 km | 80 m | 3.5 h | Moderate | Free | – | – | – | – |
| PR8 Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço | 6 km | 320 m | 2.5 h | Moderate | €4.50 | – | – | – | – |
| PR8.1 Ponta de São Lourenço Extended | 11 km | 450 m | 4 h | Moderate | Free | – | – | – | – |
| PR9 Levada do Caldeirão Verde | 17.4 km | 150 m | 6.5 h | Moderate | €4.50 | – | Coordinates listed | – | – |
| PR9.1 Levada do Caldeirão do Inferno | 18 km | 300 m | 7 h | Hard | Free | – | – | – | – |
| PR10 Levada do Furado | 11 km | 300 m | 4 h | Moderate | Free | – | – | – | – |
| PR11 Vereda dos Balcões | 3 km | 50 m | 1.5 h | Easy | €4.50 | – | – | – | – |
| PR12 Caminho Real da Encumeada | 13 km | 700 m | 5 h | Hard | Free | – | – | – | – |
| PR13 Vereda do Fanal | 10.8 km | 200 m | 4 h | Easy | Free | – | – | – | – |
| PR14 Levada dos Cedros | 7.2 km | 180 m | 3 h | Moderate | Free | – | – | – | – |
| PR15 Levada da Ribeira da Janela | 17 km | 300 m | 6 h | Hard | Free | – | – | – | – |
| PR16 Levada Fajã do Rodrigues | 5 km | 884 m | 3 h | Hard | Free | Loop | – | – | – |
| PR17 Caminho do Pináculo e Folhadal | 11 km | 250 m | 4 h | Moderate | Free | – | – | – | – |
| PR18 Levada do Rei | 10.6 km | 200 m | 3.5 h | Moderate | €4.50 | – | Coordinates listed | – | – |
| PR20 Vereda do Jardim do Mar | 1.9 km | 0 m | 1.5 h | Easy | Free | One way | – | – | – |
| PR27 Glaciar de Planalto | 4.6 km | 130 m | 1.5 h | Moderate | Free | – | – | – | – |
| PR28 Levada da Rocha Vermelha | 10.8 km | 120 m | 4 h | Hard | Free | – | – | – | – |
| PR14+PR13 Levada dos Cedros + Vereda do Fanal | 10.4 km | 1043 m | 5 h | Hard | Free | Loop | – | – | – |
Ticket prices are the official IFCN fee per non-resident; residents and under-12s walk free but still register. Status today is read from the official IFCN closure list.
How to use this guide
- First time in Madeira? Start with Levada dos Balcões: 1.5 km, flat, free, real view.
- Fit hiker with one big day? Do PR1 Pico do Areeiro → Pico Ruivo: the island's signature ridge.
- One free day, want the classic levada? Caldeirão Verde for the waterfall amphitheatre, or Levada do Rei if the crowds put you off.
- Rainy or cloudy day? The laurel-forest walks: Fanal, Caldeirão Verde: are at their best in mist.
- Walking with kids? Balcões, Fanal loop, or the lower stretch of Levada do Furado. Skip PR1 and Caldeirão Verde until they're older.
Best months for hiking in Madeira
The best months for hiking in Madeira are May, June, September and October: long daylight, dry trails and the central peaks usually clear of cloud. Hiking in summer (June to September) is the most reliable window for the high ridge routes like PR1 Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo: temperatures up top stay a comfortable 15–22 °C even when Funchal sits at 28 °C, and rain on the south side is rare. The trade-off in July and August is heat haze, busier trailheads and a real fire-risk closure window: always check live closures before driving out. Laurel-forest levadas (PR9 Caldeirão Verde, Levada do Rei, Fanal) stay walkable all summer and are the ones to do when the peaks are baking. Winter (December–February) is fine for low-altitude levadas but the high PRs get ice, fog and short daylight: skip PR1 unless conditions are confirmed dry.
"PR" stands for Pequena Rota, short routes marked with yellow-and-red stripes. PR1, PR6 and PR9 are the famous three; the rest are quieter and often more interesting.
Find a walk for today
Filter every walk in this guide by difficulty, distance and today's official status.
53 of 53 walks
Official PR trails
Vereda do Larano
Coastal cliff walk from Porto da Cruz toward Larano with sweeping Atlantic views, narrow ledges and a long tunnel near the end.
Pico Grande
Steep ridge ascent to one of Madeira's most striking peaks, with 360° views over Curral das Freiras.
Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo
Madeira's most iconic ridge hike, connecting the island's second and highest peaks across exposed ridges, stairs and tunnels.
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.
Vereda da Encumeada
Long, demanding traverse from Encumeada to Pico Ruivo, exposed ridges, no shelter, requires good weather.
Vereda do Urzal
Steep descent from the central plateau to the north-coast hamlet of Boaventura through laurel forest and old farming terraces.
Levada do Pico Castelo (Porto Santo)
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.
Levada do Barreiro
Quiet high-altitude levada walk on the southern slopes of the central massif, with views over Funchal.
Vereda das Funduras
Forest loop above Machico through the Funduras protected area, quiet, easy and rarely busy.
Levada das 25 Fontes
Walk through Rabaçal's laurisilva to a lagoon fed by 25 springs. One of the most popular routes, go early.
Levada do Risco
Short, easy walk from Rabaçal to the Risco waterfall through laurel forest. Often combined with PR6 25 Fontes.
Levada do Alecrim
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.
Vereda da Lagoa do Vento
Quiet branch off the 25 Fontes route descending steeply to a hidden waterfall and lagoon, slippery, not signposted.
Levada do Moinho
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.
Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço
The arid eastern peninsula. Volcanic colours, dramatic sea cliffs, almost no shade. A complete contrast to the green interior.
Ponta de São Lourenço Extended
Extended version of PR8 including the descent to Casa do Sardinha, extra 2 km of dramatic cliff exposure.
Levada do Caldeirão Verde
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.
Levada do Caldeirão do Inferno
Extension of Caldeirão Verde reaching a wilder, deeper amphitheatre, long, exposed sections, several tunnels.
Levada do Furado
Classic point-to-point levada from Ribeiro Frio to Portela through dense laurisilva, one of Madeira's most popular all-day walks.
Vereda dos Balcões
Short, mostly flat levada walk from Ribeiro Frio to the Balcões viewpoint, panoramic balcony over the central massif.
Caminho Real da Encumeada
Historic royal road across the central mountain pass linking Boca da Corrida to Encumeada, with views into Curral das Freiras.
Vereda do Fanal
Short walk through the otherworldly Fanal laurel forest, best in fog. Often photographed for its ancient til trees.
Levada dos Cedros
Atmospheric levada from Fanal to Curral Falso through ancient laurel forest, often shrouded in mist.
Levada da Ribeira da Janela
Long, wild levada through dense laurisilva on the north-west plateau. Multiple tunnels, headlamp required.
Levada Fajã do Rodrigues
Short, dramatic levada from Ginjas (São Vicente) ending at a cliff-pierced tunnel above a green ravine.
Caminho do Pináculo e Folhadal
Wild north-facing levada from Encumeada through tunnels to a hidden laurel forest, one of the lushest walks on the island.
Levada do Rei
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.
Vereda do Jardim do Mar
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.
Glaciar de Planalto
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.
Levada da Rocha Vermelha
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.
Levada dos Cedros + Vereda do Fanal
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.
Other classic walks
Caminho das Cascatas da Levada Nova
Short waterfall walk above Ponta do Sol following the Levada Nova past several cascades, including the iconic shower-through-the-waterfall section.
Pico Castelo hill loop (Porto Santo)
The unclassified forested loop up Porto Santo's conical hill, easy, family-friendly, island-wide views. Not PS3 Levada do Pico Castelo, which is the classified levada path on the same hill.
Levada do Paul
Wide, easy levada across the Paul da Serra plateau, open moorland with endemic flowers and panoramic skies.
Levada do Caniçal
Easy, low-altitude levada from Maroços to Caniçal across the dry eastern foothills, mostly in open sun.
Levada dos Tornos (Monte to Camacha)
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.
Levada do Moinho & Levada Nova circuit
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.
Levada da Serra do Faial
Long, gently sloping levada around the eastern flank of the central massif. Many entry points, good for half-day walks.
Vereda da Boca do Risco
Cliff-edge coastal walk from Maroços above the north coast to Porto da Cruz, windy, panoramic, exposed.
Vereda do Chão da Ribeira
Forested valley walk through Seixal's Chão da Ribeira, known for chestnut groves and the January 'Cozido nas Caldeiras' festival.
Levada do Norte
One of Madeira's longest levadas, 60 km total, most walked between Cabo Girão and Boa Morte through banana and vine country.
Vereda do Folhadal
Branch of PR17 reaching one of Madeira's densest laurel forests, moss-covered til trees, constant drip from the canopy.
Vereda do Pico Branco (Porto Santo)
Climb Porto Santo's highest peak (450 m) through the only patch of indigenous forest left on the island.
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.
Garajau to Caniço de Baixo Coastal Walk
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.
Pico do Facho Viewpoint Walk
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.
Pico das Torres
Off-trail scramble to Madeira's second-highest peak, only for experienced mountaineers; no marked path.
Vereda da Penha de Águia
Steep, demanding climb up the iconic 'Eagle Rock' between Faial and Porto da Cruz, short distance, brutal gradient.
Levada da Central da Ribeira da Janela
Tunnel-heavy levada along the wild Ribeira da Janela valley, five long tunnels, requires a headlamp and waterproofs.
Vereda da Achadas da Cruz
Short, very steep descent (or cable-car) to a tiny farming fajã on Madeira's western tip, 450 m below the cliff.
Vereda do Trompica
Forgotten footpath linking Curral das Freiras to Boaventura over the central ridge, wild, faint trail for experienced walkers.
Pico do Areeiro to Pico das Torres
Short out-and-back from PR1 to a side-summit of the central massif, same exposed ridges, fewer hikers.
Practical notes
- Most popular PR routes (PR1, PR6, PR8) now require a paid online ticket: see trail booking.
- Check live closures before driving out: landslides shut individual levadas often.
- Carry a torch for the tunnels on PR1 and PR9. Phone lights are not enough.
- The laurel-forest walks (PR9, PR10, Fanal) are the ones to do when cloud sits on the peaks.
- Public buses reach most trailheads but are infrequent, plan returns carefully or pre-book a transfer.
Planning a longer trip around the walks? Browse hiking-friendly holiday homes in Madeira close to the main trailheads.
Walks, hikes & levadas: what's the difference?
Which levada trails are best for hiking in Madeira?
Are levada walks hiking, or just flat walking?
What's the difference between walks, hikes and levadas in Madeira?
Are levada walks the same as PR trails?
Which is the easiest walk in Madeira?
Which is the hardest hike in Madeira?
Do I need a guide to hike in Madeira?
Plan the rest of your trip
- → Things to do in Madeira: the full guide
- → First-timer travel tips for Madeira
- → 3, 5 and 7-day Madeira itineraries
- → Where to eat after a hike, by area
- → Live trail closures & conditions
- → Pico do Arieiro vs Pico Ruivo: which peak to hike
- → 25 Fontes vs Caldeirão Verde: which levada walk
- → Weather month by month