All 41 Madeira Trails, Live Status
Check before you drive. Permits, closures, and mountain weather for every trail. Updated February 2026.
42 of 42 trails
Central Mountains
The most spectacular ridge walk in Madeira, connecting Pico do Areeiro (1818m) to Pico Ruivo (1861m) - the island's highest peak. Currently closed for trail works; expected to reopen April 2026 with a raised permit fee of €10.50. Exposed rocky paths with tunnels, chains, and breathtaking views above the clouds. Book at least a week ahead - this is the fastest-selling trail on the island.
⏰ Parking fills by 07:30 in summer
Central Mountains
Short, rewarding out-and-back to Pico Ruivo from Achada do Teixeira. Less demanding than PR1 but reaches the same summit at 1861m. Often above the clouds with spectacular 360° views.
⏰ Parking fills by 09:00 in summer
Central Mountains
A classic traverse of the central mountain range, crossing from Encumeada pass over the high ridge to Boaventura on the north coast. Stunning views of both coasts on clear days. Requires good fitness and weather awareness.
⏰ Parking fills by 10:00
Paul da Serra
A magical walk through ancient laurisilva forest in the Fanal area of Paul da Serra plateau. Ancient til trees draped in moss create an ethereal atmosphere, especially on misty mornings. One of Madeira's most photographed landscapes.
⏰ Parking fills by 10:00 on weekends
Southwest
A historic cobbled path descending from Prazeres to the fishing village of Paul do Mar. The old royal road offers spectacular coastal views and a glimpse of traditional Madeiran life.
Central Mountains
Challenging high-altitude route to Pico Grande (1654m) through laurisilva and heath. Requires scrambling sections and good navigation skills. Solitary and wild - one of Madeira's most adventurous trails.
Rabaçal
The most popular levada walk in Madeira, combining the dramatic Risco waterfall (100m drop) with the enchanting 25 Fontes (25 springs) lagoon. Flat levada walking through laurisilva with two spectacular destinations.
⏰ Parking fills by 08:00 in summer
Northeast
The King's Levada runs through native laurisilva in the Queimadas forest park. Dark tunnels, narrow paths, and lush tropical vegetation characterise this north-coast gem. Torch required for tunnels.
⏰ Parking fills by 11:00 on weekends
Northeast
One of Madeira's most dramatic levada walks, culminating at the magnificent Caldeirão Verde waterfall with its 100m drop into a circular green pool. Four dark tunnels (up to 200m) require a torch. Outstanding laurisilva along the way.
⏰ Parking fills by 09:00 in summer
Northwest
A scenic levada walk in the São Vicente valley, passing through vineyards, orchards, and traditional Madeiran farmland before reaching the Fajã do Rodrigues area with stunning valley views.
West
A gentle levada walk near Ponta do Sol, following the old irrigation channel through banana plantations, terraced gardens, and traditional mill houses. Wonderful introduction to Madeiran levada culture.
West
Combines two levadas in the Ponta do Sol area, offering an extended walk through varied landscapes of sugar cane, bananas, and coastal views. Suitable for families and beginners.
East
An easy levada walk in the arid eastern tip of Madeira, near Ponta de São Lourenço. Passes through the unique dry landscape with vineyards and sea views. The eastern end of Madeira has a distinctly different, sunnier character.
East
The iconic peninsula trail at Madeira's eastern tip. Rocky paths along dramatic sea cliffs, ochre and rust-coloured geological formations, and spectacular Atlantic views. Utterly different from the lush west - like hiking on Mars. The most dramatic coastal walk on the island.
⏰ Parking fills by 10:00 in summer
East
A pleasant easy walk in the Machico area to the Bishop's Spring, passing through traditional farmland and woodland. Good for families and those wanting a relaxed introduction to Madeira's trails.
Southwest
A levada walk in the rugged southwest, offering spectacular views of the sea cliffs between Ponta do Pargo and Paul do Mar. Currently restricted to a shorter section due to path maintenance.
West
A long but easy levada walk along the southwest coast. Ideal for those wanting a full day's walking with views over the Atlantic. The quiet, uncrowded western end of Madeira at its finest.
Paul da Serra
An easy levada walk on the Paul da Serra plateau through heather moorland and laurisilva. The Levada do Alecrim (Rosemary Levada) offers a peaceful high-plateau experience with distinctive Atlantic flora.
Central Mountains
A challenging climb from Ilha levada to Pico Ruivo hut, through towering heather and heath. Less travelled than PR1 or PR1.1 but equally rewarding with excellent summit access.
Central Valley
A levada circuit above Curral das Freiras (the Nuns' Valley), offering spectacular views into one of Madeira's most dramatic inland valleys. The village of Curral das Freiras itself is worth a visit for local chestnut cuisine.
⏰ Parking fills by 11:00 on weekends
Northeast
A challenging ascent from the north coast village of Ilha to the high ridge. Steep cobbled paths through terraced farmland give way to open heath and spectacular views of the north coast.
Northwest
A peaceful levada walk in the Ribeira da Janela valley, passing through native cedar and laurisilva forest. The valley is one of the most unspoiled in Madeira with excellent birdwatching.
Northeast
The shortest classified trail on the island and possibly the most rewarding for its length. The Balcões viewpoint offers a jaw-dropping panorama of the Ribeira da Metade valley with Pico Ruivo and Pico do Areeiro as a backdrop. Birds flock here to be fed.
⏰ Parking fills by 11:00
Southwest
An easy coastal levada walk at the western tip of Madeira near Ponta do Pargo lighthouse. Beautiful sea views with Ponta do Pargo's distinctive lighthouse prominent throughout. Quiet and uncrowded.
East
A moderate levada walk in the Machico area, passing through banana and sugarcane terraces to the Torninho levada viewpoints. Good views over Machico bay and the eastern coast.
Southeast
An easy walk along a pine forest levada south of the central mountains. Popular with local families on weekends. Good for a half-day walk with picnic opportunities in the pine forest.
East
A short but steep climb to Pico do Facho above Machico, offering panoramic views of Machico bay, the airport, and the eastern tip of Madeira. Excellent for photography.
West
A levada walk in the Calheta municipality through vinegar tree woodland (vinageiros) and terraced farmland. The trail descends to a coastal fajã with sea access - refreshing after the walk.
Northeast
A pleasant levada walk along the Serra do Faial ridge northeast of Funchal. Good views of the north coast and access to the Faial viewpoint (miradouro). Popular weekend walk for Funchal residents.
⏰ Parking fills by 10:00 on weekends
Central
Currently closed for path restoration. One of the classic levada walks connecting Ribeiro Frio to Portela on the north coast. Passes through outstanding laurisilva with waterfalls and tunnel sections.
Central Mountains
A challenging ridge hike from Encumeada to the Folhadal valley, through impressive high heath and heather moorland. Exceptional views of the central massif and both coastlines on clear days.
Central Mountains
Alternative route to Pico Ruivo from Achada do Teixeira via a different path through heath and volcanic rock. Slightly longer and less-used alternative to PR1.1 offering quieter conditions.
⏰ Parking fills by 09:00 in summer
Central Mountains
A demanding expert-level circuit taking in the Pináculo peak and the Folhadal valley. One of the most challenging and rewarding walks in Madeira, requiring excellent navigation and fitness. Stunning wild terrain.
South
An easy levada walk south of the central mountains, passing through banana plantations, vineyards, and traditional farm estates. Good views of Funchal and the south coast.
Northeast
A short easy walk above Santana through heather and heath to the Pico das Galinhas viewpoint. Good panorama of the north coast and Santana's famous triangular houses.
Northeast
A classic one-way traverse from Porto da Cruz on the north coast down to Machico via the Larano path. An ancient route used by locals for centuries, with dramatic coastal and mountain views throughout.
Northeast
A levada walk to the Fajã da Nogueira (Walnut Flat) hydroelectric station in the heart of the Ribeira Grande valley. Long tunnel sections (torch required) and dramatic valley scenery.
Northeast
The extended version of PR8, continuing beyond Caldeirão Verde to the even more remote and dramatic Caldeirão do Inferno (Hell's Cauldron). Currently restricted - the Inferno section requires a permit from IFCN. One of the most remote and spectacular hikes on the island.
⏰ Parking fills by 09:00
Southeast
An easy levada walk near Caniço on the south coast, passing through banana plantations and offering views of the Garajau nature reserve. Suitable for beginners and families; good birdwatching on the coastal section.
Northwest
A full-day epic descent from Pico do Areeiro summit all the way to the isolated hamlet of Achadas da Cruz on the northwest coast. 1800m of descent through every ecosystem in Madeira. One of the island's great adventure hikes.
⏰ Parking fills by 07:30 in summer
Paul da Serra
A moderately challenging levada walk on the Paul da Serra plateau descending to the Ginjas area with panoramic views over the southwest coast. The plateau landscape is dramatic, especially in autumn when heather blooms.
Southeast
The most accessible levada walk from Funchal - easily reached by bus and starting near Monte. Follows the Levada dos Tornos with views of Funchal bay, exotic gardens, and the Monte Palace tropical garden nearby. Perfect first walk for visitors staying in Funchal.