The top 5 hiking routes in Madeira

Have you already picked the destination for your next escape? Here's one that's unrivalled. If you've never considered going on a road trip to the island of Madeira, it might be the time to learn more about Cristiano Ronaldo's home turf. This Atlantic archipelago, with its subtropical climate, offers a mosaic of magnificent and stunning scenery that is home to everything from wild seascapes full of cliffs and rocky beaches to green mountains that conjure up images of places like Hawaii.

In the past few years, Madeira has become one of Europe's top destinations for nature. In this post, we've put together the 5 best hiking routes that you can discover during your stay. Ready?

PR 4 - Levada do Barreiro

In Madeira, hiking trails are called “levadas”, given that the majority of them pass through channels that, back in the day, were created to supply water to the south of the island. The Levada do Barreiro is an easy, linear trail of just 5 kilometres that is a steady decline.

The route allows you to appreciate the spectacular views of the valley of Ribeira de Santa Luzia, as well as the nearby city of Funchal, capital of the archipelago. Upon reaching the “Miradouro do Barreiro”, you're blessed with a picture perfect view, thanks to its height of 975 metres above sea level.

PR 6 - Levada das 25 fontes + PR 6.1 - Levada do Risco

This is a circular route and it stretches along 4.6 kilometres (9.2 there and back). Of intermediate difficulty, it is characterised by its numerous springs that mark the route (giving it its name) and they make it perfect for lovers of nature and photography.

You can add the icing on the cake by continuing along the PR 6.1, which culminates in 1,000 metres in altitude at Levada do Risco and from this spot, you can marvel at an impressive waterfall.

PR 8 - Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço

This is a circular hike, practically at sea level, that takes in the east side of the island of Madeira. Of intermediate difficulty, it stretches along 3 kilometres (6 there and back), offering a completely different route to the others due to its dry, arid scenery. Along the route it's common to spot various bird species, which is perfect for animal lovers. The route will guide you to the quayside of Sardinha where you can take a dip.

PR 1.2 - Vereda do Pico Ruivo

This route will take you up to the highest tip of the island: Pico Ruivo, at 1682 metres in altitude. It's a route comprising 2.8 kilometres in length (5.6 there and back) and, due to its superb location, if the skies are clear you can make out other nearby mountains in all their glory.

Despite being of intermediate difficulty, you'll feel up for the hike and you can connect up with other routes that take you to nearby peaks such as the Areeiro or the whole central range.

PR 10 - Levada do Furado

At 11 kilometres in length, it's an intermediate route despite its adverse vertical drop. Cross an ancient channel and areas of lush woody vegetation. A great opportunity for tree and plant lovers, who can find everything from laurel and lime blossom trees to beautiful marguerites and eyecatching orchids.

If you've no plans, maybe after getting to know these routes, we've convinced you that Madeira has to be added to your must-see destinations for your next holiday. What's more, many of these trails are simple and suitable for all ages, even kids. You can discover countless more routes on the island, not just for hiking, but also for road trips.

Hiring a car in Madeira makes it much easier, as it's difficult to reach the starting points to all the trails that we've talked about without private transport. Book your car with Centauro at our offices located in the immediate vicinity of the airport in Madeira.