Madeira is strongly associated with nature and wonderful walks.
Lots of nice routes offer different environments and experiences. Many believe that on Madeira you can experience some of the world’s best hikes.
The most famous are the Levada hikes. During the 15th century, enormous work began to carve out channels and tunnels through the mountain. The aim was to divert water from the most rain-proof areas in the middle of the island towards agricultural areas.
At first, the canals were built of wood, but then they switched to more advanced technology with masonry.
Many convicts and slaves had to die during the work. The artificial channels are called levadors.
In the 1980s, interest in hiking arose in the area, and you who choose to base your hike here will experience fantastic views through the larch forest and along high cliffs.
There are hiking trails of varying difficulty, ranging from easy hiking to really challenging.
Levada do Castelejo
A relatively easy hike that takes about 3 hours goes along a levada called Levada do Castelejo.
You will, among other things, pass through the gardens of the locals and thus get close to everyday life on the island.
During the hike, you will experience, among other things, growing passion fruit, avocados and the African blue lily that grows among winding vines and eucalyptus leaves.
At the end of the walk there is a bar where you can sit down for a bite to eat or wine.
Levada de Risco
Levada de Risco is a hiking trail of just over 12 km with magnificent views where the adventure takes you through rainforest with waterfalls and beautiful viewpoints.
The difficulty level is easy to medium and takes up to 5 hours to get around.
You can walk the entire loop and come back to the starting point.
Levada Portela
This is a medium-difficulty hiking trail where you walk about 17 kilometers and either start further into the island and go out towards the coast or vice versa.
This stretch gives you both mighty mountain sections and magnificent coastal scenery.
Pico Areeiro-Pico Ruivo
Areeiro-Pico Ruivo in Madeira is a grand challenge!
You will reach a height of 1,869 meters during the 15 kilometer hike.
As an experienced hiker, you can count on a full day and you need to have the right equipment with you.
This tour is not recommended for the absolute beginner in hiking.
Cabo Girão
Cabo Girão offers loops of easy to medium difficulty hiking.
It is perfect for those who want to walk along canals, look out over the sea and enjoy impressive flowers and other vegetation.
The hike is perfect if you’re up for hiking, but even the experienced hiker will naturally benefit from the beautiful surroundings.
