---
type: "Article"
title: "Hiking in Madeira: discover the breathtaking beauty of the Island of Flowers"
description: "Madeira is a true paradise for hiking enthusiasts. The Portuguese island offers spectacular landscapes with steep cliffs and picturesque coastal paths."
resource: "https://travelmemo.com/portugal/madeira/hiking-madeira-island-of-flowers"
author: "Katja Birrer"
publisher: "Travelmemo"
tags: ["Experience", "Hiking", "Nature", "Madeira"]
entities:
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/places/madeira"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/places/pico-do-arieiro"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/places/achada-do-teixeira"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/places/pico-ruivo"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/places/pr-1-2-pico-arieiro-pico-ruivo"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/places/ponta-de-sao-lourenco"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/places/risco-waterfall"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/places/levada-25-fontes"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/places/wallis"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/topics/experience-travel"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/topics/hiking"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/topics/nature-tourism"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/topics/restaurant"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/topics/culinary-tourism"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/topics/landscape"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/topics/itinerary"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/topics/peak-hike"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/organizations/getyourguide"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/author/katja-birrer"
timestamp: 2026-07-04T13:45:53+00:00
---

# Hiking in Madeira: discover the breathtaking beauty of the Island of Flowers

> Madeira, a Portuguese island in the Atlantic Ocean known as the 'Island of Flowers', is a paradise for hikers offering cliffs, lush forests, levada canal paths, and breathtaking viewpoints ranging from easy coastal walks to challenging mountain summits.

## Destination
Madeira, a Portuguese island in the Atlantic Ocean.

## When to go
Flower lovers get the most from the mountain trails in May, June, and July. Early mornings at Pico do Arieiro are very cold, so warm layers are recommended.

## Why visit
Madeira offers spectacular and varied hiking landscapes — from rugged coastal cliffs and laurel forests to high mountain ridges and levada irrigation channels — suitable for hikers of all levels.

## What to see
- **Pico do Arieiro** — Third highest peak in Madeira at 1818 m; starting point of the royal stage hike with panoramic mountain views.
- **Pico Ruivo** — Madeira's highest peak at 1862 m, offering a panoramic view of the entire island and surrounding sea.
- **Miradouro do Ninho da Manta (Buzzard's Nest)** — Spectacular exposed viewing platform near Pico do Arieiro overlooking dramatic cliff faces.
- **Ponta de São Lourenço** — Eastern cape of Madeira featuring scarped cliffs, red and brown rocks, and crystal-clear Atlantic waters.
- **Miradouro de Abismo** — Viewpoint on the eastern cape offering breathtaking views of the rugged cliffs and the entire peninsula.
- **Levada das 25 Fontes (25 Springs)** — Popular levada destination in western Madeira surrounded by erica bushes, laurel forests, and cascading waterfalls.
- **Risco Waterfall** — Waterfall visited along the Levada das 25 Fontes route near Rabaçal.

## What to do
- **Royal Stage Hike: Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo and Achada do Teixeira (PR 1.2)** — Challenging 7 km mountain hike (approx. 4 hours) traversing unlit tunnels, steep metal staircases, and secured ridgelines.
- **Coastal Hike to Ponta de São Lourenço** — Moderately difficult 8 km round hike (approx. 3 hours) from Baía d'Abra along dramatic cliffs on Madeira's eastern cape.
- **Levada Hike to 25 Springs and Risco Waterfall** — Moderately difficult 11.6 km circular levada walk (approx. 3 hours) starting near Rabaçal through forests and past waterfalls.

## Good to know
Hiking boots are strongly recommended for the royal stage; sturdy shoes with grip are advised for levada walks as paths can be slippery. Always carry sun protection, plenty of water, and a jacket or rain layer as weather can change quickly. For the PR 1.2, bring a headlamp or torch for five unlit tunnels (the longest is 150 m). Parking at Pico do Arieiro is limited and cars parked improperly may be towed; taking a taxi or shuttle is recommended. Private taxi-guide Agostinho José Abreu (agostinho_1045@hotmail.com, +351 917 233 590) is noted as popular and should be booked in advance. The royal stage is recommended as a one-way hike rather than a round trip.