The Trails Guide

Hiking & levada trails in Madeira

Madeira is one of the great walking islands. More than 30 official PR routes braid across it — from level levada paths that follow hand-cut water channels at a stroll, to the knife-edge PR1 between Pico do Arieiro and Pico Ruivo, the island's two highest peaks. Below: the routes by region and difficulty, a balanced first-timer's week, and exactly what to pack for an island of four microclimates in one day.

By region

Find your trail

Madeira's 30+ official PR routes range from boardwalk strolls to ridge scrambles. Pick a region, then a difficulty — the island does the rest. The north is wet, green and dramatic; the central massif holds the high peaks; the south is sunnier and gentler; the east peninsula is bare, volcanic and wind-carved.

A week on the island

Seven days, well spent

A balanced first-time route — peaks, forest, levadas, coast and capital, paced so you're never driving more than you're walking. Tap a day to expand it.

    Pack right

    The packing list

    Madeira's microclimates mean layers win: it can be 25 °C on the Funchal seafront and 8 °C with horizontal cloud on Pico do Arieiro an hour later. Tick what you've got — it saves to this device.

    Packed

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