During the Easter holidays, we spent 10 days with the family in Madeira as we were looking for a destination suitable for hiking. So, we did a lot of walking during this holiday! Hikes of all levels that I wanted to describe here to help you choose among the many trails on the island. For those who don’t know us yet, I should mention that our children are good walkers with quite a bit of experience. At the time of this trip to Madeira, our Ticoeur was 13 years old and our Titpuce 11 years old. Here is the detail of our 12 family hikes in Madeira:

Hiking in Madeira: the classics

These hikes are must-dos and real classics because they allow you to discover the island’s most beautiful landscapes and their diversity. They are all quite different in terms of scenery and in terms of the walking level required. They are the most popular hikes with tourists visiting Madeira, so this is where you will encounter the most people. Hence the importance of getting up early or starting them late in the afternoon (I’ll give you the details below). Avoiding peak season is always a good choice as well. We were in Madeira at the beginning of April, which was quieter than during the French Easter holidays and quieter than at the time of the famous Flower Festival in May.

1/ From Pico Ariero to Pico Ruivo – very sporty hike – duration: 4h50 – 1250 metres elevation gain

We did this hike at the start of our stay in Madeira because I knew it would require quite a bit of energy. On the first sunny day, we set off for this sporty hike. It is important to check the weather as there can be quite a few clouds and uncertainties around the island’s highest peaks. This is not a loop but an out-and-back between the two peaks. If you get tired along the way, you can turn back before reaching Pico Ruivo. I would say the first half of the route is the most beautiful, and the big climb before Pico Ruivo is long and tiring! We met people who were very exhausted and out of breath. No need to push yourself. Turn back if needed, and you will still enjoy very beautiful scenery. Also, it is possible to go to Pico Ruivo another day with a shorter hike. Returning to the trail from Pico Ariero to Pico Ruivo: it’s the essential hike that will suit families used to hiking without any problem. I classify this hike as sporty because even though the two peaks are roughly at the same altitude (just over 1800m), between the two summits you have to descend and ascend a total of +1250m and -1250m. It’s tough! We took 2h20 to go there, then 1 hour break at Pico Ruivo, then 2h30 for the return. The trail is very well maintained and very safe. You can buy drinks and a few snacks at Pico Ruivo, to recharge your sugar levels and enjoy a cold drink before setting off again.

For parking, we were parked in the large car park below Pico Ariero, about 15 minutes from the start of the hike.

2/ Mirador de Sao Lourenço – easy hike – duration: 2h30 round trip – elevation gain: 430m

The most beautiful hike in eastern Madeira! A real favourite! We started it late in the afternoon, at 4 p.m., and it was really ideal because the other hikers were finishing, leaving the area deserted. In addition, the light was magnificent. We recommend this time of day. No problem finding a parking space since tourists were leaving. This is an out-and-back hike to the tip of a peninsula. There are numerous stops with panoramic views and a small climb towards the tip. The trail is very well maintained and marked. In summary, it’s an easy hike for families who enjoy walking.

3/ Mirador des Balcoes – very easy hike – duration: 40 minutes round trip – flat

A very popular place but in the early morning, there was almost no one! Walking along an old levada is short and very easy. We were there at 9 a.m. and stayed for an hour, waiting for the clouds to leave the peaks. In the meantime, we were accompanied by Madeira’s blue chaffinches.

We parked at the roadside near John’s Poncha bar.

4/ The Fanal – very easy – duration variable according to your wishes.

The Fanal is an area located in the highlands in the west of the island, in the heart of the primary forest. There is a group of laurels dating back to prehistoric times. These ancient trees inspire the imagination. This laurel forest is often misty, making it even more mysterious. It is more of a long walk than a hike. In any case, it’s very easy and family-friendly. We stayed there for a good two hours. At weekends, locals come here for picnics. There is a large car park on site.

Be aware of very changeable weather!

5/ Levada das 25 Fontes – easy, with optional variants adding some elevation – duration: 2h30 round trip to the 25 springs (4h if you include the Alecrim levada variant).

The 25 Springs is the hike I had heard a lot about in terms of crowds. Once again, by arriving at 8:30 a.m. at the car park (on ER 105), we hardly met anyone. However, since it’s an out-and-back along a levada, the risk was passing people on the return leg. To avoid this, Papa Voyage decided to extend the hike by combining it with the Levada do Alecrim via Paul da Serra. This allowed us to see other landscapes and be alone on the link between the two trails. At the end, we looped back to return to the car park at the start of the 25 Springs hike.

The 25 Springs waterfall, the main goal of the hike, is really very beautiful, surrounded by primary forest. We reached it in 1h15. We stayed to admire the large waterfall for quite some time before the first groups arrived. So clearly, it’s worth it, and we just advise being early risers. From the waterfall, you can simply retrace your steps along the same route or take a variant. There is no difficulty on the 25 Springs levada or the Alecrim levada, but there is a greater elevation gain (400 m steep climb) if you want to link the two.

The path to reach the 25 Springs is very easy:

However, on our return variant, we had a good climb to this viewpoint (Paul da Serra) before joining the Alecrim levada.

Easy hikes to continue exploring Madeira with the family:

6/ Levada Ribeira da Janela – easy – duration: 2h15 round trip.
A typical Madeira hike, flat along a levada with eucalyptus trees. You pass through a few tunnels, but they aren’t too long. Very classic. Not our favourite hike, and the small waterfalls didn’t have much water, but it’s nice if you’re in the area (northeast) and looking for an easy route. There were beautiful green walls. This combines well with a visit to the pools of Porto Moniz.

7/ Lombada da Ponta do Sol: the Nova and Moinho levadas – easy – duration: 2 hours round trip.

Another very easy and very safe hike, similar to the previous one, with a small waterfall along the way.

Levada Faja do Rodrigues – moderate difficulty – duration: 2h round trip
Compared to the previous levadas, I rated this as moderate difficulty because the tunnels are really long, dark, narrow, and damp! You need to concentrate to avoid falling into the canal. And above all, you must not be claustrophobic! Normally, I have no problems, but here I must admit I was really looking forward to seeing the end of the tunnels, especially the one over a kilometre long! Another issue with a long tunnel is that it’s very difficult to pass other people. We only met three couples, but passing each other along the canal edge was tricky!
Finally, in this part of Madeira (the north), the climate is wetter, so the weather does not always make this hike easier! In short, it’s more for the adventurous, even if the terrain is flat! The brave will be rewarded with extremely lush vegetation, a jungle-like atmosphere!

As often in Madeira, you walk through eucalyptus forests! They smell so good!

In the next photo, you can get an idea of the inside of a tunnel, and even then, there are passages where the edge is narrower. You need to watch your balance. I sometimes had to steady myself by putting my hand on the opposite wall.

When you’re not in a tunnel, there are beautiful views 🙂

La Ponta do Poiso – very easy – duration: 30 minutes round trip

It’s a mini hike on a maintained path offering views of the Veil of the Bride waterfall. Not essential, but if you happen to be nearby along the north coast, why not!

Hiking in Madeira: off the beaten track

Camino Real Mirador de Sao Cristovao Boaventura – duration: 2 hours round trip.

I classify it as “off the beaten track” because we were alone there! Perhaps this hike is further from tourist spots. We started at the Sao Cristovao restaurant, where we had a light lunch and left the car. The view from the restaurant terrace is very beautiful. Then, we climbed onto the trail along the sea, up to the café-restaurant O Arco.

Loop near Paul do Mar – sporty hike – duration: 5-hour loop.

A beautiful hike in southwest Madeira. It was highly recommended by our Airbnb host. The difficulty is the elevation gain and exposure to the sun. Additionally, from our accommodation, we almost started at the highest point (in Faja da Ovelha), so the beginning was easy with a steep descent to Paul do Mar. It’s tricky when you start with the easiest part! Once at Paul do Mar, by the sea, you have a tough, very sporty climb. We didn’t meet anyone on this route. A bit long and exhausting but with varied, beautiful viewpoints. Normally, we would have found snack bars at several points on the route, but we had forgotten that everything was closed on Good Friday!! We had enough water and a few biscuits but were starving at the end!

When it’s time to climb back…

Verada do Lorano hike – moderate – duration: variable round trip
A very beautiful coastal path, perched on a cliff. The views are incredible! But this hike is not that easy and clearly off the beaten track. We started just above Porto da Cruz and followed the fairly narrow and unsecured path for an hour before turning back. It’s not narrow enough to be risky, but you have to watch your step, so it’s not suitable for young children who wouldn’t be careful. Ticoeur and Titpuce are attentive and careful. We mostly walked in single file. The panorama is worth it, but take care! From what I read online, some hikers go much further along the coastal path and take a taxi back to their starting point.

What equipment for hiking in Madeira?

In addition to the usual hats, water bottles, and sunscreen, it is important to have with you:

• Head torches: crucial! An essential accessory for hiking in Madeira as there are so many tunnels! For short tunnels, visibility is enough, but for long tunnels, you are in total darkness, and a mobile phone is not enough as it doesn’t illuminate well and could fall into the water if you lose your balance along a canal (which is entirely possible!).
• Hiking shoes: trainers are fine; hiking boots are better as they are often more waterproof.
• Windbreaker: important as the risk of rain, especially in the north, is significant.
• Change of clothes: If caught in a shower, having dry clothes in the car is important and at the very least always have a spare pair of dry socks 🙂
• The Rother Madeira guide is really the bible for hiking in Madeira!

So? Tempted by a hiking holiday in Madeira?