Find the best hiking spots, venues, and coworking spaces in Madeira, Portugal.
Rua de São Paulo, Ribeira Brava, Madeira, Portugal
Discover the small Sagrada Família chapel and recreation area in the hills of Ribeira Brava, Madeira. Decorative cement details, garden paths and views across the valley make this an unusual stop for photography and a quiet break. Visiting: Find the chapel on Rua de São Paulo. Check access and permission before planning a picnic or using any barbecue facilities.
P33W+8Q Funchal, Portugal
Head into the mountains above Funchal for walking trails and open landscapes at the Funchal Ecological Park. The welcome centre is a useful starting point for planning a route, while PR 3 Vereda do Burro connects the park with Pico do Areeiro. Check current trail status before setting out.
Pico do Facho, Porto Santo, Portugal
Explore the hills around Pico do Facho, the highest peak in Porto Santo at about 517 metres. Paths around the mountain open onto views of neighbouring peaks, the coast and the long southern beach. Plan your route using current local trail information, as marked walks around the peak and summit access differ.
PW78+9G Ponta do Sol, Portugal
Follow the levadas above Lombada da Ponta do Sol through cultivated slopes and a steep green valley. The Moinho and Nova paths can be combined for a walk past the waterfall shown in this gallery. Check municipal trail notices before setting out. The PR 7 map in the gallery refers to a separate route near Porto Moniz.
Q354+RP Curral das Freiras, Portugal
Watch the light move across jagged peaks and deep valleys at Pico do Areeiro, 1,818 metres above the Atlantic. This mountain viewpoint is a memorable stop for sunrise photography and sweeping views of central Madeira, with clouds sometimes gathering below the ridges. Visiting: Reach the summit area by road and bring warm layers for the exposed mountain setting. Check the forecast and current road and parking arrangements before travelling. Clear views depend on the weather. Planning: For any walk beyond the viewpoint, check the latest PR 1 trail status and booking requirements: visitmadeira.com/en/what-to-do/nature-seekers...
P267+85, 9325 Jardim da Serra, Portugal
PR 12 Caminho Real da Encumeada follows an old cobbled Royal Path through the mountains of Madeira. Starting at Boca da Corrida viewpoint, the route offers views towards Curral das Freiras and the surrounding peaks, with historic paving adding character to the mountain landscape. Hiking The full route to Encumeada measures 12.5 km and is rated moderate. Access checked on 4 November 2026: only the section from Boca da Corrida to kilometre 3.5 is accessible. Plan a return along the open section and do not continue beyond closure signs. Planning Check official trail status, weather and current booking requirements before setting out. Wear hiking shoes and carry water and weather protection. The full route distance does not describe the currently accessible outing. Official route information: visitmadeira.com/en/what-to-do/nature-seekers...
RRPC+F4 Levada Grande, Portugal
PR 14 Levada dos Cedros explores the Laurissilva forest of Madeira, connecting Fanal with Curral Falso. Ancient trees around Fanal and the shaded course of the levada make this a rewarding choice for hikers drawn to forest scenery and traditional irrigation channels. Hiking The official route covers 7.2 km, with moderate difficulty and an estimated walking time of three hours. It begins beside ER 209 at Fanal and finishes beside the same road at Curral Falso. This is a linear route, so arrange a transfer or allow additional time and distance for your return. Planning Check current trail status, weather and booking requirements before visiting. Wear shoes with good grip for damp paths, carry water and bring a waterproof layer for changing forest conditions. Official route information: visitmadeira.com/en/what-to-do/nature-seekers...
PXWG+R8 Lombo do Moleiro, Portugal
PR 17 Caminho do Pináculo e Folhadal combines Laurissilva forest, levadas and mountain scenery in Madeira. The route follows parts of Levada da Serra and Levada do Norte, with stone paths, tunnels and waterfalls adding variety to a demanding hiking experience. Hiking The full published route is 15 km and rated difficult. Access checked on 4 November 2026: the officially indicated passable itinerary runs between Encumeada, Folhadal, Caramujo and Bica da Cana. Confirm that itinerary before departure; the full published route from Lombo do Mouro should not be assumed accessible throughout. Planning Check official access updates, weather and booking requirements. Plan transport around the confirmed start and finish, and carry a headlamp for tunnels, water, sturdy footwear and weather protection. Allow enough daylight for the itinerary you choose. Official route information: visitmadeira.com/en/what-to-do/nature-seekers...
Q364+5J Curral das Freiras, Portugal
PR 1.3 Vereda da Encumeada crosses the central mountains of Madeira, linking rugged volcanic scenery with Laurissilva forest. The full 11.2 km route runs from near Pico Ruivo towards Encumeada, offering a mountain walking experience shaped by steep ridges and forested slopes. Hiking The full route is rated moderate, but it is not currently accessible throughout. Access checked on 4 November 2026: the section between Boca das Torrinhas and Encumeada remains closed. Do not plan an uninterrupted hike to Encumeada along PR 1.3. Planning Check the latest official access notice, weather and booking requirements before departure. Choose an itinerary using confirmed open paths and arrange transport for its actual finish. Carry water, layers and footwear suited to mountain terrain. Official route information: visitmadeira.com/en/what-to-do/nature-seekers...
Q3F7+PV Santana, Portugal
PR 9 Levada do Caldeirão Verde starts at Queimadas Forest Park near Santana and follows a historic irrigation channel through the Laurissilva forest of Madeira. Rock tunnels, steep green slopes and the waterfall at Caldeirão Verde give this walk its distinctive character. Hiking The route is rated moderate, with narrow sections and four tunnels on the approach to Caldeirão Verde. The published 17.4 km round trip includes the longer itinerary to Caldeirão do Inferno; it is not the distance to Caldeirão Verde alone. Official sources differ on access to the onward section, so confirm its status with IFCN before considering an extension. Planning Reserve through the official SIMplifica service and check current trail notices. Bring a headlamp, water, waterproof clothing and shoes with good grip. Respect barriers and allow time to return to Queimadas. Official route information: visitmadeira.com/en/what-to-do/nature-seekers...
P7VX+X9 Caniçal, Portugal
PR 8 Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço explores the eastern peninsula of Madeira, where volcanic cliffs and open Atlantic views replace the lush forest found elsewhere on the island. The exposed landscape offers views along both the north and south coasts. Hiking The official route is rated moderate and lists 4 km each way. Expect an undulating path with little shade. Access checked on 4 November 2026: the route has temporary diversions. Follow the marked arrows and all instructions on site. Planning Check trail status and reserve through the official SIMplifica service before departure. Bring water, sun protection and a windproof layer, and assess wind conditions before hiking. Allow time for the return walk. Official route information: visitmadeira.com/en/what-to-do/nature-seekers...
P6WG+MJ Machico, Portugal
Follow Vereda do Larano along the dramatic coastline between Machico and Porto da Cruz. Farmland gives way to the Boca do Risco viewpoint, then a cliffside path reveals sweeping Atlantic views and steep green slopes. Hiking: The municipal route guide lists 9.3 km and around four hours. Uneven terrain and exposed sections make this a walk for experienced hikers who are comfortable with heights. Check local conditions before setting out and arrange return transport. Planning: View the route details and guide information at visitmachico.com/sentir/natureza-terra/vereda....
