Close Menu
  • City trips
  • Destinations
    • Africa
      • Botswana
      • Egypt
      • Mauritius
      • Morocco
      • Namibia
    • Asia
      • China
      • India
      • Japan
      • Laos
      • Maldives
      • Oman
      • Philippines
      • Singapore
    • Australia
      • New South Wales
      • New Zealand
      • Queensland
    • Europe
      • Austria
      • Belgium
      • Bulgary
      • Croatia
      • Cyprus
      • Czech Republic
      • England
      • Finland
      • France
      • Germany
      • Greece
      • Iceland
      • Italy
      • Lithuania
      • Netherlands
      • Norway
      • Portugal
        • Azores
      • Russia
      • Spain
        • Ibiza
        • Lanzarote
        • Mallorca
      • Switzerland
    • South America
      • Argentina
      • Brazil
      • Chile
      • Mexico
  • Hotel tipps
  • Swiss hiking
Recent Posts
  • What to Do in Trieste: Explore Italy’s Coffee Capital One Cup at a Time
  • Madeira, the Island of Flowers: 19 Tips for Activities and Attractions.
  • Hiking in Madeira: discover the breathtaking beauty of the Island of Flowers
  • Sardinian Shores Unveiled: An Unforgettable Self-Guided Boat Journey Along the Rugged East Coast
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest RSS
  • Home
  • About us
  • Media kit
  • Contact
  • Privacy policy
travelmemo
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest
  • Home
  • Commendable hotels
  • Golf
  • Restaurants
  • Hiking
  • City Trips
travelmemo
You are at:Home»Portugal»Madeira»Hiking in Madeira: discover the breathtaking beauty of the Island of Flowers
Madeira

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

Katja BirrerBy Katja BirrerFebruary 10, 2024010 Mins Read
Madeira hiking tips
Share
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

Madeira, also known as the “Island of Flowers”, is a true paradise for hiking enthusiasts. The Portuguese island in the Atlantic Ocean offers spectacular landscapes with cliffs, lush forests, picturesque coastal paths, and breathtaking viewpoints.

Whether you’re an experienced hiker or an occasional hiker, Madeira has something for everyone. Here are our hiking tips for three of the best hiking trails in Madeira. And also three equipment tips to prepare you for your adventure.

Hikers on the Miradouro do Ninho da Manta viewing platform in Madeira
Spectacular viewing platform Miradouro do Ninho da Manta (Buzzard’s Nest) not far from Pico do Arieiro

3 hiking tips for Madeira from difficult to easy

On Madeira, you will find well-developed hiking trails and walks along levadas – the artificial irrigation channels that serve as hiking trails similar to those in Valais.

Different routes offer hikers the opportunity to discover the unique beauty of the island. Whether you opt for an easy hike along the coast or a levada or a more challenging mountain hike, you will be rewarded with spectacular views and unforgettable experiences.

Hiking in Madeira is a highlight for all nature lovers. So lace up your hiking boots, pack your rucksack, and get ready to explore the beauty of the flower island on foot!

Hiking trail sign PR 1.2 between Pico Ruivo and Achada do Teixeira in Madeira
PR 1.2: Pequenas Rotas. Hiking signpost between Pico Ruivo and Achada do Teixeira

 

The royal stage: from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo and Achada do Teixeira parking lot

Hikers below the Miradouro Pico do Arieiro in the direction of Pico Ruivo
Starting point: Hikers below the Pico do Arieiro viewpoint

Travel memo hiking tip:
From Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo and Achada do Teixeira

  • Distance: 7 km (not a circular route!)
  • Duration: approx. 4:00h
  • Ascent/descent: approx. 700 m, very, very steep in places!
  • Starting point: Pico do Arieiro
  • End point: Achada do Teixeira via Pico Ruivo
  • Difficulty/Condition: difficult hike. The route requires a good level of fitness and surefootedness
  • Equipment: Sturdy footwear (hiking boots!), sun protection, water, provisions, and camera/mobile phone. You should also have a headlamp or flashlight with you for the two long tunnels. Or a well-charged cell phone.

For adventurous hikers and summiteers, the royal stage on Madeira is an absolute highlight!

The PR 1.2 (Pequenas Rotas) route takes you from Pico do Arieiro (1818 m), the third highest peak in Madeira, via the highest peak, Pico Ruivo (1862 m), to the restaurant and car park at Achada do Teixeira.

It is a challenging but also very impressive hike with spectacular views and a variety of scenic highlights. Some are quite daunting, such as the Stairway of Death! But you are secured by handrails everywhere.

You still need to be free from giddiness, otherwise you won’t get far.

Flower lovers get their money’s worth, especially in May, June and July.

For bird lovers, there is unfortunately not so much to see, as Madeira has very few insects: They don’t like the frequent smell of eucalyptus and accordingly, there is little bird food… So you don’t come to Madeira for birding.

The hike begins at Pico do Arieiro, where you will be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountain landscape. The onion principle for clothing protects you from the stiff wind.

From here, follow the well-signposted PR 1.2 path, which soon descends on steps and then quickly becomes steeper and steeper.

Air force radar station on Pico do Arieiro - starting point of the hike
Starting point: Air Force radar station on the Pico do Arieiro
Stairs of the hiking trail to Miradouro do Ninho da Manta
Hiking trail to the Miradouro do Ninho da Manta
Viewing platform of the Miradouro Ninho do Manta
Exposed viewing platform of the Miradouro Ninho do Manta (Buzzard’s Nest) and Faja da Nogueira valley
View from Miradouro do Ninho da Manta on steep face with hikers
View from the Miradouro do Ninho da Manta of the cliff face with hikers (white dots above the center)
Hikers on the hiking trail in the secured steep face
Hiker on the steep face on the path secured with ropes
Hiker on a viewpoint in Madeira
Alex, Katja and Gabi at one of the many viewpoints
Hikers on a ridge on the Pico hike
Alex on one of the cretes secured everywhere
Stairway of Death: Ladders in the steepest part of the hike
Stairs of death: Ladders in the steepest part of the hike

The steepest section of this summit hike is tackled via a steep metal staircase, which offers no room for crossing or tripping.

Dramatically, it is called the “Stairs of Death“. After all, there is the  “Stairway to Heaven” elsewhere.

Because that’s not enough, the hiking trail also leads through several unlit tunnels. There are five in total. The longest is 150 meters long.

We cross the tunnels with our cell phone flashlights. If you have a small torch or headlamp, this would be ideal, as some relatively large puddles and rocks are in the way.

After around three hours, we reach the Mountain hut Casa de Abrigo Pico Ruivo. Toilets are available here (there are none on the way). You can also refill your drinking water bottle or buy drinks (this is all the hut offers).

The peak of Pico Ruivo is already close by. However, the final ascent to Madeira’s highest peak involves a lot of stairs – and is therefore a bit of a leg-breaker.

Once at the top, climbers are treated to a panoramic view of the entire island and the surrounding sea. A wonderful moment and an unforgettable experience!

After admiring the spectacular panorama, we make the gentle descent to the Achada do Teixeira restaurant and parking lot, where cab driver Agostinho is waiting for us.

Hiking in Madeira: discover the breathtaking beauty of the Island of Flowers 1 | travel memo
View from Pico Ruivo to the shelter below the summit
Restaurant and parking lot Achada do Teixeira
Redeeming sight: Achada do Teixeira restaurant and parking lot


Secured hiking trail in a steep face in Madeira

Safe hiking trail on a steep face

A word of warning: The royal stage is not a walk in the park, but a challenging hike that requires good physical fitness and stamina.

You also need to be sure-footed and have a head for heights. Hiking poles are a great help on the high steps.

Our tip for getting to the Pico:
Many visitors complete the hike from Pico do Arieiros to Pico Ruivo and back – in other words, as a circular hike.

However, we advise you not to: firstly, you need to be in top physical condition for this. And secondly, it is difficult to cross the hikers coming towards you on the narrow ridge in some exposed places.

It should also be noted that the parking spaces at Pico do Arieiro are limited. The cars of hikers who park their rental cars suboptimally at the side of the road are often towed away! (At least that’s what our cab driver claims…)

So it’s better to take a cab or a shuttle to Pico do Arieiro and then get picked up again at the large parking lot of Achada do Teixeira.

We book the taxi driver and private tour guide Agostinho José Abreu via our hotel. He provides interesting background information about the island on the way and picks you up on time. Book him early, as he is very popular with his regular customers and is often booked!

Agostinho speaks excellent English and also some German.

Email: [email protected]
Tel. +351 917 233 590 or +351 291 782 713

Alternatively, there are also GetYourGuide transfers and even excursions with a guided hike to book.

 

Coastal hike to Ponta de São Lourenço on the east cape of Madeira

View from Miradouro de Abismo to the East Cape
View of the Eastern Cape from the Miradouro de Abismo

Travel memo hiking tip:
Coastal hike to Ponta de São Lourenço on the east cape of Madeira

  • Distance: 8 km
  • Duration: approx. 3:00h
  • Ascent/descent: 405 m
  • Start and end point: at the Baia d’Abra parking lot (near Machico) – see signs for Ponta São Lourenço
  • Difficulty/condition: moderately difficult hike, some parts are steep and require surefootedness
  • Equipment: sturdy footwear, sun protection (there is hardly any shade along the route), and water
  • Food/toilet: The Casa do Sardinha restaurant is available towards the end of the peninsula

This coastal hike to Ponta de São Lourenço is an absolute must for nature lovers who want to explore the rough and spectacular beauty of Madeira’s coastline.

The eastern cape of the island offers a unique landscape with scarpy cliffs, brown/red rocks, crystal-clear water, and a variety of plant species.

The hike begins in Baía d’Abra, a small nature reserve in the east of Madeira. From there, you follow a well-signposted path along the coast. The path winds through dry scrubland, past fascinating rock formations on the cliffs.

During the hike, you will repeatedly have breathtaking views of the turquoise-blue Atlantic and the impressive cliffs. The variety of colors reflected in the rocks is impressive.

This unique combination of rugged coastline, lush vegetation, and the sound of the sea makes the coastal hike to Ponta de São Lourenço an unforgettable experience.

View from Miradouro do Caniçal with Miradouro de Abismo and Gorilla Rock
View from the starting point Miradouro do Caniçal
Katja photographs the Gorilla Rock
Katja takes a photo of Gorilla Rock (left in the sea)
Gorilla Rock in front of Madeira's East Cape
Fierce Gorilla Rock in front of the east cape of Madeira

Tip: We don’t start the hike from the well-filled Baia d’Abra parking lot like most people, but instead park the car at the little-visited Miradouro (viewing platform) de São Lourenço and set off from there.

Although this means another small loop, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the rugged cliffs and the entire peninsula from the Miradouro de Abismo viewpoint.

The Casa do Sardinha restaurant offers hot meals during the hike. You can also book boat trips here.

Bay below the Miradouro de Abismo
No wonder the viewpoint is called Miradouro de Abismo (white dot on top left). Those standing at the top don’t realize it like this
Hiking in Madeira: discover the breathtaking beauty of the Island of Flowers 2 | travel memo
It’s worth getting up early: the Eastern Cape hike is very popular

This mountain formation looks like an elephant holding its trunk in the sea. However, the actual “Elephant Rock” is located behind it and is much smaller.

Elephant Rock on Madeira's East Cape
“False” Elephant Rock on the east cape of Madeira

Levada hike to the 25 Springs and Risco waterfall

Travel demo hiking tip:
Levada hike to the 25 Springs and Risco waterfall

    • Distance: 11.6 km
    • Duration: approx. 3:00h
    • Ascent/descent: 385 m
    • Start and end point: at the parking lot on the ER 110 road (turn-off towards Rabaçal)
    • Difficulty/condition: moderately difficult hike
    • Equipment: Parts of the trail can be slippery. It is therefore advisable to wear good shoes with a profile

One of the most popular levada walks in Madeira leads to the 25 Springs, also known as “Levada das 25 Fontes“.

This idyllic canal path through lush landscapes with erica bushes and laurel forests leads past waterfalls and is one of the most popular levada routes on the island.

The hike begins in Rabaçal, a charming village in the western part of Madeira. From there, you follow the Levada path through dense forests and along steep cliffs.

The levada itself is an artificial irrigation channel that has been used for centuries to irrigate fields and generate energy.

During the hike, you will experience the beauty of nature in all its splendor. You will pass several waterfalls cascading down from the surrounding mountains.

After a hike of around three hours, you will finally reach the 25 springs.

3 tips regarding hiking equipment

  • Regardless of whether you’re doing an easy levada hike or the royal stage: Good footwear (we recommend hiking boots for the royal stage!) is essential
  • You should also always have sun protection and plenty of water and snacks with you, as there are hardly any refreshment options along the way.</li
  • As the weather in Madeira can change quickly, we recommend packing a sweater or jacket and a rain jacket. Early mornings on the Pico do Arieiro are very chilly. A windstopper will do you good service.</li

Now I wish you a happy lacing up your hiking boots and good weather!

We link further travel tips for hotels and restaurants in the Madeira destination article.

Madeira is a true paradise for hiking enthusiasts. The Portuguese island offers spectacular landscapes with steep cliffs, picturesque coastal paths, and breathtaking viewpoints.

Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
Previous ArticleSardinian Shores Unveiled: An Unforgettable Self-Guided Boat Journey Along the Rugged East Coast
Next Article Madeira, the Island of Flowers: 19 Tips for Activities and Attractions.
Katja Birrer
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn

Katja is travelmemo.com’s destination research and booking expert. She always has the upper hand on itineraries and travel details. When not on the road, Katja is a corporate communications manager.

Related Posts

Madeira, the Island of Flowers: 19 Tips for Activities and Attractions.

February 10, 2024
Add A Comment
Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

Travel along to inspiring destinations
Welcome to our travel blog! Katja & Walter are passionate about one-of-a-kind travel experiences.



We aim at inspiring you to travel, too, and see your own world with new eyes. Check out more about us here!

Travel blog on one-of-a-kind travel experiences.

About us
About us

Katja and Walter are passionate travel bloggers that care about design and boutique hotels and the personalised experience they offer. Their travelogues cater to discerning couples interested in a stylish atmosphere and romantic hideaways.

Walter & Katja founded the travel blog back in 2010.

Read more about us here!

Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest YouTube RSS
Our latest travelogues

What to Do in Trieste: Explore Italy’s Coffee Capital One Cup at a Time

Madeira, the Island of Flowers: 19 Tips for Activities and Attractions.

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

Sardinian Shores Unveiled: An Unforgettable Self-Guided Boat Journey Along the Rugged East Coast

Southern Sardinia Uncovered: From Cagliari’s Charms and Chia’s Flamingos to the Beaches of Costa Rei

Sardinia’s Eastern Shores: Discovering Orosei and the Hidden Beaches from Cala Liberotto to Cala Goloritzé

Northern Sardinia’s Luxurious Coast: A Guide to Porto Cervo and Beyond

Blausee – Trip tip for a mountain lake in Bernese Oberland

Our travel topics
Alps (54) Animals (15) Architecture (37) Beach (33) Boutique Hotel (73) City Trip (38) Contributions (30) Country House (17) Culture (26) Design (69) Dinner (23) Experience (38) Flight (9) Golf (18) Gourmet (34) Hiking (21) Itinerary (9) Lake (16) Landscape (74) Lodge (24) Luxury (63) Masseria (9) Mr and Mrs Smith (15) Museum (9) Nature (102) Puglia (13) Relais & Châteaux (16) Relax (13) Rental Car (26) Resort (31) Restaurant (41) Road Trip (9) Rural (23) Safari (21) Shopping (9) Singapore (9) Spa-Wellness (47) Summer (8) Swiss Deluxe Hotels (16) Sydney (11) Tour (28) Wilderness Safaris (8) Winter (22) Zermatt (12) Zurich (13)
Join us in inspiring destinations!

Welcome to our travel blog!

Katja & Walter are passionate about one-of-a-kind travel experiences.

We aim at inspiring you to travel, too, and see your own world with new eyes. Check out more about us here!

© travelmemo.com by Walter Schaerer & Katja Birrer
  • Home
  • About us
  • Media kit
  • Contact
  • Privacy policy
© 2010 - 2025 Travelmemo, Zurich, Switzerland
  • Home
  • About us
  • Media kit
  • Contact
  • Privacy policy

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.