The Complete Guide to Hiking Madeira: The Flower Island
Madeira Island is packed with lush landscapes, dramatic cliffs, and a unique forest with iconic paths making it a hiker’s paradise. The island is situated in the Atlantic Ocean, a Portuguese gem that offers a huge range of trails that cater to all levels of adventurers. From easy levada walks to challenging mountain treks, Madeira has it all.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the best hikes on Madeira, one of the best walking holidays in Portugal, ensuring you’re well-prepared for your island exploration.
Table of contents
Why Madeira for a Walking Holiday?
There’s a high chance that you have already learned about the island but it’s important that before we lace up our hiking boots, we get acquainted with Madeira.
Madeira is often referred to as the “Pearl of the Atlantic,” and it is a captivating island that invites travelers with its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Nestled in the Atlantic Ocean, this flower-filled paradise is packed with UNESCO-listed Laurissilva forests, consistent cloud inversions, and jaw-dropping views.
As you immerse yourself in Madeira’s vibrant tapestry, let the scent of blooming flowers and the sound of crashing waves guide you. From the rugged cliffs of Cabo Girão to the serene levadas, every step reveals a new side of this enchanting island.
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a novice, Madeira makes the perfect walking holiday.
Best Hikes in Madeira
While you can visit Madeira by booking a walking holiday, and get all the hikes, paths, and preparations taken care of, there’s always the chance that you want to explore something by yourself.
In those cases, is best if you know which ones are the best hikes, and here’s is a list of my favorites:
- San Lourenco Peninsula (4.5 miles / 7.5 km): The San Lourenco Peninsula trail offers breathtaking coastal views, rugged cliffs, and endemic flora. Don’t forget your camera!
- Levada do Canical to Porto da Cruz (7.75 miles / 12.4 km): Follow the levada (irrigation channel) through lush greenery, passing charming villages along the way.
- Levada do Caldeirao Verde (8.5 miles / 13.7 km): Discover the mystical Caldeirao Verde waterfall as you hike through tunnels and dense forests.
- Paul da Serra—Levada do Norte-Encumeada (8.4 miles / 13.4 km): This trail combines levadas and mountain paths, offering panoramic views of Madeira’s interior.
- Faja Escura Walk (7.9 miles / 12.7 km): Explore the secluded Faja Escura, where misty forests meet the Atlantic Ocean.
- Boa Morte to Cabo Girao and Camara do Lobos (9.3 miles / 15 km): From towering cliffs to charming fishing villages, this hike showcases Madeira’s diversity.
Practical Tips for Hiking in Madeira
Maderia is not different from any other hike location, besides the stunning landscapes and breathtaking views, the island trails are standard when it comes to difficulties. Of course, some of them are harder than others.
So, following standard hiking or traveling tips is useful in this case, but here are some of my favorites:
- Apps for Navigation: Download the WalkMe App (or other similar apps) for offline trail guidance. AllTrails and Wikiloc are also handy for discovering lesser-known routes.
- Webcams for Weather Checks: Check island webcams to gauge cloud cover, rain, and visibility before embarking on a hike.
- Local Guides: Consider hiring a local guide who knows the hidden trails and adds depth to your experience.
Remember, never travel without travel insurance! And never overpay for travel insurance!
I use HeyMondo. You get INSTANT quotes. Super cheap, they actually pay out, AND they cover almost everywhere, where most insurance companies don't (even places like Central African Republic etc!). You can sign-up here. PS You even get 5% off if you use MY LINK! You can even sign up if you're already overseas and traveling, pretty cool.
Also, if you want to start a blog...I CAN HELP YOU!
Also, if you want to start a blog, and start to change your life, I'd love to help you! Email me on johnny@onestep4ward.com. In the meantime, check out my super easy blog post on how to start a travel blog in under 30 minutes, here! And if you just want to get cracking, use BlueHost at a discount, through me.
Also, (if you're like me, and awful with tech-stuff) email me and my team can get a blog up and running for you, designed and everything, for $699 - email johnny@onestep4ward.com to get started.
Do you work remotely? Are you a digital nomad/blogger etc? You need to be insured too.
I use SafetyWing for my digital nomad insurance. It covers me while I live overseas. It's just $10 a week, and it's amazing! No upfront fees, you just pay week by week, and you can sign up just for a week if you want, then switch it off and on whenever. You can read my review here, and you can sign-up here!
As you know, blogging changed my life. I left Ireland broke, with no plan, with just a one-way ticket to Thailand and no money. Since then, I started a blog, then a digital media company, I’ve made more than $1,500,000 USD, bought 4 properties and visited (almost) every country in the world. And I did it all from my laptop as I travel the world and live my dream.