Madeira Hiking Guide
Explore the best Levadas & Veredas by Car
⚠️ WARNING (IPMA)
Due to landslides, some trails are still closed
Madeira is a hiker’s paradise, but many of the best trails are hidden deep in the mountains. Rent a car to discover the real Madeira at your own pace.
PR 1 Pico do Arieiro
Status: Passable only from Pico do Areeiro to Miradouro da Pedra Rija (1.2km). The East path (via Pico das Torres) is CLOSED.
Read Guide & AccessPR 1.1 Vereda da Ilha
Descend from the highest peaks through the lush Laurisilva forest to the parish of Ilha.
Read Guide & AccessPR 1.2 Pico Ruivo
The easiest way to the highest peak (1,861m). A paved path with a steep finish and 360° views.
Read Guide & AccessPR 1.3 Encumeada
Status: CLOSED. A challenging high-altitude hike connecting Pico Ruivo to Encumeada.
Read Guide & AccessPR 2 Vereda do Urzal
Status: Passable only from Boaventura (Lombo do Urzal) to km 6.2. The full crossing is compromised.
Read Guide & AccessPR 3 Vereda do Burro
A fascinating journey from the high peaks of Areeiro, passing the Snow Well, down to the Ecological Park.
Read Guide & AccessPR 3.1 Caminho Real do Monte
A historical cobblestone path used by aristocracy, connecting the gardens of Monte to the Ecological Park.
Read Guide & AccessPR 4 Levada do Barreiro
Status: Partially Passable. Some sections may be obstructed. Proceed with caution.
Read Guide & AccessPR 5 Vereda das Funduras
A walk through the deepest Laurisilva forest starting from the iconic Portela Viewpoint.
Read Guide & AccessPR 6 25 Fontes
The classic “Madeira Levada.” Journey to the 25 Fountains lagoon and the massive Risco Waterfall.
Read Guide & AccessPR 6.1 Levada do Risco
An easy, flat trail leading to the base of the massive 100m high Risco Waterfall.
Read Guide & AccessPR 6.2 Levada do Alecrim
The “Lakes of Madeira.” An easier, sunnier alternative in Rabaçal leading to crystal clear swimming lagoons.
Read Guide & AccessPR 6.3 Lagoa do Vento
Discover the massive, serene lagoon that sits at the very top of the Risco Waterfall.
Read Guide & AccessPR 6.4 Levada Velha
The “Forgotten” Route. A quieter, higher alternative to 25 Fontes with open valley views.
Read Guide & AccessPR 6.5 Pico Fernandes
A panoramic descent from the plateau down to the Rabaçal valley floor. Great for loops.
Read Guide & AccessPR 6.6 Túnel do Cavalo
The secret shortcut to Rabaçal via the dark “Horse Tunnel”. Torch essential!
Read Guide & AccessPR 6.7 Câmara de Carga
Visit the massive loading chamber tank and see the vertical pipes dropping to the power station.
Read Guide & AccessPR 6.8 Levada do Paul II
Um Caminho Para Todos. A fully accessible, flat trail on the high plateau for wheelchair users.
Read Guide & AccessPR 7 Levada do Moinho
Status: CLOSED. A sunny south coast levada loop in Ponta do Sol.
Read Guide & AccessPR 8 São Lourenço
Explore the “Dragon’s Tail.” Rugged volcanic cliffs, ocean views, and the easternmost point of Madeira.
Read Guide & AccessPR 9 Caldeirão Verde
Status: The path to Green Cauldron is OPEN. However, the connection to Hell’s Cauldron (Caldeirão do Inferno) is CLOSED.
Read Guide & AccessPR 9.1 Caminho Para Todos
A fully accessible, flat path through the Laurisilva forest. Perfect for families.
Read Guide & AccessPR 10 Levada do Furado
Status: CLOSED. Currently unsafe due to landslides. The connection between Ribeiro Frio and Portela is compromised.
Read Guide & AccessPR 11 Balcões
A short, flat walk through magical forest to a stunning balcony. Famous for friendly birds you can feed.
Read Guide & AccessPR 12 Encumeada
Status: Passable only from Boca da Corrida to km 3.5. Full trail is not accessible.
Read Guide & AccessPR 13 Fanal Forest
Discover the magical ancient Laurel trees in the fog. A photographer’s dream location on the plateau.
Read Guide & AccessPR 13.1 Palha Carga
A geological journey across the golden high-altitude plateau connecting Rabaçal to Fanal.
Read Guide & AccessPR 14 Levada dos Cedros
Walk among the ancient Madeira Cedars in the mystical Fanal forest. A true primeval experience.
Read Guide & AccessPR 15 Ribeira da Janela
Follow the path of the longest river in Madeira, descending from Curral Falso through terraced fields.
Read Guide & AccessPR 16 Fajã do Rodrigues
Into the darkness. Famous for its extremely long tunnels leading to a hidden waterfall canyon.
Read Guide & AccessPR 17 Pináculo e Folhadal
Status: Passable between Encumeada – Folhadal – Caramujo – Bica da Cana.
Read Guide & AccessPR 18 Levada do Rei
The King’s Levada. A lush rainforest walk ending in a spectacular waterfall gorge in São Jorge.
Read Guide & AccessPR 19 Paul do Mar
A historic zigzag path descending the sunny cliffs from Prazeres to the surf village of Paul do Mar.
Read Guide & AccessPR 20 Jardim do Mar
Status: CLOSED. Stairway to the ocean descending to Jardim do Mar.
Read Guide & AccessPR 21 Caminho do Norte
A section of the old royal paths connecting Encumeada to São Vicente with striking valley views.
Read Guide & AccessPR 22 Chão dos Louros
A relaxing family-friendly loop through a beautiful Laurel forest park with picnic areas.
Read Guide & AccessPR 23 Levada da Azenha
A short cultural walk past old watermill ruins (azenhas) in the rural north.
Read Guide & AccessPR 27 Glaciar de Planalto
Status: CLOSED. Explore the volcanic history and “glacier” landscapes of Paul da Serra.
Read Guide & AccessPR 28 Rocha Vermelha
Status: CLOSED. The “Red Rock” Levada in Rabaçal.
Read Guide & AccessLevada do Castelejo
A peaceful, rural levada walk in Porto da Cruz offering fantastic views of the Eagle’s Rock.
Read Guide & AccessVereda da Penha de Águia
The “Eagle’s Rock.” A steep, challenging scramble up the massive coastal rock formation.
Read Guide & AccessVereda do Larano
A dramatic cliffside coastal path connecting Machico to Porto da Cruz.
Read Guide & AccessVereda do Pesqueiro
A hidden gem in Ponta do Pargo. Descend steep cliffs to the ocean and climb back up.
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