Olà travelers! If, like you love the charm of nature, and mountain hiking is your passion, you’re in the right place. In this article, we will talk about Madeira trekking and everything you need to know and discover for tireless walkers like you.
The island of Madeira enjoys a mild climate all year round; therefore, it can be visited in every season. However, if you’re coming just for trekking, the best time is undoubtedly spring and autumn.
Madeira is covered by lush vegetation. The Laurisilva, for example, the typical evergreen forest that covers the northern part of Madeira, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. Due to the abundance of trees, and thus nature, Madeira in Portuguese means wood. From this alone, we can get an idea of how many natural areas we will enjoy during our trekking.
It should be noted that such rich and lush vegetation requires a lot of rain to maintain itself, so don’t be surprised if the weather is quite changeable during your trek. On this note, within the articleyou will find a section with all the tips regarding the right gear for your trekking.
As already mentioned in previous articles where we talked about trekking, if you don’t have an active travel companion for an activity like this in Madeira, we recommend checking out the and we organize in your area. These will allow you to meet new people who, like you, love trekking, share passions and common interests, and many other wonderful experiences.
Madeira Trekking: An Overview
In Madeira, there are ancient and mysterious trails that weave through the Levadas, leading you to impressive breathtaking waterfalls. These have always been considered the most spectacular, yet the most crowded. In any case, these trails are very easy to walk and therefore suitable for all kinds of “feet.”
The opportunities for good trekking in Madeira are so many that you can also take less-traveled paths, which are therefore much more charming and evocative, because you will embark on a true exploration of the island. These trails are a great idea for the more curious souls, as they will let you fully enjoy Madeira trekking and lead you to the Valley of the Mimosas and to Porto Cruz.
For the more fearless hearts, there are also more difficult and challenging hikes. This includes the unmissable Pico Ruivo, at 1800 meters above sea level, which offers a 360° panorama of the entire island.
Ultimately, regardless of your preferences and physical condition, what matters to start trekking in Madeira is the mode of transport you choose once you arrive on the island. If you have a rental vehicle, you can go beyond the routes served by regular buses. These usually drop you off at the starting points of the most famous treks. With a car, you can independently choose where to start. If you want to avoid worrying about transport, don’t worry.
Rely on our team of experienced travelers and the . We will explore the city of Funchal and trek the surrounding mountains, taste Poncha and other typical sweets, and even spot whales!
The Trek from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo
One of the most beautiful routes to take if you’re thinking about Madeira and trekking is the trail from Pico Arieiro to Pico Ruivo. It is one of the most challenging routes due to its altitude, 1800 meters above sea level, and its elevation gain, about 800 meters. But without a doubt, it is the most evocative. You will enjoy all the beauty of the island, a breathtaking panorama to carry forever in your memories.
Once you reach Pico Arieiro, take the trail that starts behind the small souvenir shop, near the parking lot and the air force radar station. Continuing the trek along the mountain ridge, you will face the first panorama of the day, the Ninho da Manta. Then, a downhill section will lead you to the entrance of Pico do Gato. It is a fairly bright tunnel, but after that, a series of quite dark tunnels begin; in this section, we in the community recommend bringing a flashlight.
The trail here skirts the side of Pico da Torres. So you will be fully exposed to the void, facing a goosebump-inducing panorama, made as safe as possible thanks to guardrails along the outer edge of the trail. From here, the ascent begins via some steps: the recommendation is to proceed at a comfortable pace, because from this point on there will be many climbs, so good energy management is essential.
The steps form a fairly narrow passage, but once finished, a trail opens up that extends along the side of the mountain which, not too long ago, was devastated by a fire. You will notice some charred and skeletal tree stumps contrasting with the intense green of the surrounding vegetation.
Sea, Mountains, and Fluffy Clouds: The Trail to the “Casa do Abrigo” Refuge
Madeira trekking is also enchanting for the trail leading to Casa do Abrigo. It is the only refuge on the entire island, standing small and charming like a gem of nature. After the refuge, the Pico Ruivo won’t be far. Once at the top, you can enjoy the breathtaking landscape that will open before your eyes and start daydreaming. At this point, it’s best to have a windproof jacket, especially if you decide to have your lunch or take a break here.
To return and end the trek, take the trail leading to Achado de Teixeira, where minibuses will take you back to the base. If you want to return on foot, you will have to retrace the entire route. Why not? It would be a way to double your experience of this wonderful island and enjoy Madeira trekking twice.
Before setting off for the island of eternal spring, for your hikes. Trekking with the right backpack will save you unnecessary discomfort that could spoil the pleasure of mountain exploration.
Trekking at La Vereda do Larano and in the Valley of the Mimosas
For Madeira trekking, recommend a little-known but equally wonderful area not to be missed, the Valley of the Mimosas. The advantage of lesser-known areas is having an entire natural zone all to yourself. Imagine the peace and serenity that will fill your spirit during this hike, without lines of visitors coming and going. Certainly, not an everyday situation.
During this trek, you will feel embraced by imposing blooming mimosa trees. This species is quite different from the one we are used to seeing in our gardens; it has paler yellow flowers and a more delicate scent. You will be fascinated because wherever your curious gaze lands, you will see mimosa flowers everywhere. You will feel like being in a magical valley and walking inside a dream from which you will never want to wake up.
After crossing the valley, you can climb to the top of a hill and, after your eyes sparkle with emotion facing the ocean, you will be ready to descend a steep panoramic trail toward the deep blue ocean. You will never forget arriving at Porto da Cruz: the roar of the sea waves from afar and the scent of salt will take you on a sensory journey until you step on the soft beach.
At the end of this trek, you can visit the rum factory on the road; entrance is free, and the sweet essence of the liquor will be a special signature to the emotions you just experienced by the beach. Yes, right there, where you already sensed its fragrance on the wings of the wind.
Hike from Achada do Cruz to Porto Muniz
For Madeira trekking, we definitely recommend the hike from Achada do Cruz to Porto Muniz. You will cross a wonderful eucalyptus forest and be enveloped in their fresh scent.
It is a less frequented area of the island, so peace will reign. The vegetation is very dense and a vibrant green; it will feel like you are in the middle of a tropical jungle.
At the end of the hike, you can reach the island’s last stronghold, Porto Muniz. It is an area rich in lava pools that, if the sun is generous and warms the air, you can also enjoy a refreshing dip. if the sun is generous and warms the air, you can also enjoy a refreshing dip.
If you’re interested in Madeira trekking but don’t have a travel companion adventurous enough to join you, we organize in your area, as they will allow you to meet people who love mountain hiking like you.
Levada do Venticinque Fontes
This is one of the most popular treks on the entire island. The trail forks in a forest that seems to have come out of a fairy tale book; enchanted beauty. The trunks and trees are covered by a soft blanket of moss. Along the Levada, you will encounter various waterfalls and streams, until you reach the most evocative one. In this part of the island, you can take a break, snap some photos, and have your packed lunch. Once your eyes are filled with pure natural wonder, you can head to Risco, where you can admire another magnificent waterfall.
Before setting off for Madeira trekking, near your area. These will help you find groups of travelers to join for unforgettable experiences immersed in nature, and engage in the best mountain activities to disconnect from routine.
Ponta de São Lourenço
This is the most interesting point on the island also from a historical perspective. Here, ancient sailors and explorers moored their war galleons. Ponta de São Lourenço is a promontory where the trade winds blow strongly, winds that blow from Europe toward America. These are very intense currents, so be careful with your clothing and hold your electronic devices tightly if you don’t want them to take a plunge into the ocean.
In this part of the island, the terrain shows its volcanic identity. The vegetation becomes sparse and dry; the forest almost disappears, giving way to red rocks which, contrasted with the blue sea, create an amazing color mix.
From the parking lot, before starting Madeira trekking, you will find a 3.5 km trail that, with various elevation changes, leads to Casa do Sardinha. Here you will find a picnic area equipped with tables and enriched by palm trees where you can rest and relax before returning.
After the rest, continue along an ascent that will take you to the most panoramic point of the promontory: the high steep cliffs that jut into the ocean, the waves crashing against them, and themusic of the seawill give you miraculous sensations.
Before returning and ending Madeira trekking, on the trail you will notice a small detour that leaves the main path and immerses into the vegetation. If you follow it, it will lead you to astretch of very white beach where you can relax, soak up the sun, and enjoy a nice swim.
Curiosities About Madeira Island: A Resilient Island
When explorers first arrived on the island, because of the dense green forests, they named it Ilha da Madeira, meaning the island of wood. Then, to clear space and explore it for colonization, they set fires to start the first constructions. Unfortunately, the fire became uncontrollable, destroying all the nature for seven years. Yes… humans never stop moving their hands. However, the ash that settled on the ground acted as fertilizer, and the vegetation was able to regrow lushly once again. From there, they began the first vineyards, from which the famous Madeira wine was born.
Levada do Caldeirão Verde
If you’re thinking about Madeira trekking, we in the community recommend the one in the Queimadas Forest Park. It is a perfect hike for anyone wanting to relax. The babbling waters, which also flow from the surrounding rocky walls, will fill you with a peace never felt before throughout the walk.
In some parts of the trail, you will pass through tunnels where a flashlight is essential. Watch your head once inside the caves, as the ceiling lowers and you will have to crouch and walk carefully. Just outside the mountain’s belly, you will face the Caldeirão Verde, a waterfall 91 meters high that will keep you gazing upward for a long time, enchanted by its beauty.
If you love mountain walking but your only problem is company, find out about . The best way to share extraordinary emotions is undoubtedly with people who share your passions and interests.
Imagine your mountain outings, its peaks, the clean fresh air, its ups and downs; the song of nature to contemplate in silence and the discovery of new territories. Then, when you need it, you immerse yourself in sharing these moments because you are in the company of a group of people who, like you, have a passion for hiking.
Also discover all the and all the ideas for other evocative destinations you can reach beyond Madeira.
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Strategic Ideas for Trekking Gear
Some practical tips to help you fully enjoy Madeira trekking seemed more than appropriate and necessary to us in the community. Regarding Madeira Island, therefore, you won’t need a large backpack . A 20-liter one is enough, as these are day hikes. Besides a good amount of water and food, here are some clothing items that should never be missing:
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light gloves and windproof jacket;
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sunscreen and sunglasses;
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warm fleece and neck warmer;
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bandana and cap;
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spare t-shirt and rain jacket (K-way);
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flashlight;
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backpack cover in case of rain;
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Gore-Tex hiking boots and trekking pants.
Bonus: So far, we have provided ideas and gear to fully enjoy trekking in Madeira. We are aware that if you have reached this article, you are probably passionate about mountains and outdoor activities. That’s why we have gathered for you a . You can see photos and read advice from others who have already done the routes, so you can start well informed to plan your next walk.
Conclusions
We have reached the end of this article. Our goal was to guide you in the best possible way to discover Madeira trekking since, probably, it’s a thought growing stronger in your mind and pulsing with eager desire in your heart. Let yourself be carried away by the sensations: the mountain is freedom, peace, and well-being; trekking is physical activity that makes you feel good, but is it also fun?
To make sure you also have fun, we thought you might be interested in all the events we organize in your area. These will allow you to meet new people and, once you’ve connected enough with them, you can propose to set off for Madeira. At events, you always meet new people who share your passions and the desire to escape routine and their comfort zone. Who knows, a nice group heading off for Madeira trekking is certainly not out of the question.
On that note, we inform you about the group trip to Madeira; only the last two spots remain. We can’t wait for the group to form and the trip to be confirmed. So don’t waste any more time, and make your choice: or go all out with the