Hiking trails and levada walks in Madeira are like a rollercoaster ride for your legs. They take you on a wild ride through lush forests, along steep cliffs, and over babbling brooks. But unlike a rollercoaster, you don’t have to wait in line for hours and there’s no chance of getting motion sickness.
Hiking trails are like the “big dipper” of Madeira’s outdoor adventures. Some are sharp, challenging, and will leave you feeling like you’ve accomplished something. The trails wind through dense forests, offering breathtaking views of the island’s rugged landscapes. You’ll see everything from towering cliffs to cascading waterfalls.
Levada walks are akin to the “tea cups” of Madeira’s alfresco exploits. They’re more leisurely, but still offer plenty of sights and sounds to enjoy. Levadas are a popular spot for walking, with easy-to-follow trails that take you through lush green valleys and past picturesque villages. Just be sure to bring a camera, because the views are nothing short of spectacular.
Rabaçal 25 Fountains Levada walk
If you’re looking for a unique and off-the-beaten-path hiking experience, look no further than the 25 Fountains Levada walk in Rabaçal. This picturesque trail takes you through lush vegetation, past flowing waterfalls, and to 25 stunning fountains that will take your breath away.
The trail begins at the Rabaçal parking lot and takes you through a dense forest of eucalyptus and laurel trees, which provide a cool and refreshing canopy overhead. As you walk, you’ll hear the sound of water flowing in the distance, and soon you’ll come upon the first of the 25 fountains. Each one is unique and captivating, with crystal-clear water gushing out of rock formations and spilling into small pools below.
One of the highlights of the Rabaçal 25 Fountains Levada walk is the final fountain, which is known as the “Fountain of Youth.” This fountain is said to have healing properties, and many people believe that drinking the water will give you eternal youth and vitality. Whether you believe in its mythical powers or not, it’s a beautiful and peaceful spot to rest and take in the natural surroundings.
Levada do Caldeirão Verde
What sets this walk apart from others on the island is the unique blend of nature and nostalgia that can be found along the way. The trail begins at the quaint village of Ribeira Brava, where the sights and sounds of the traditional Madeiran culture will greet you. The winding streets are lined with colorful houses and the aroma of freshly baked bread wafts through the air, taking you back in time.
As you make your way up the trail, the peaceful serenity of the natural landscape replaces the village’s sights and sounds. The Miradouro do Alecrim viewpoint is a top highlight of this trail. It provides a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape, including the Ribeira Brava village and the Atlantic Ocean in the distance.
It’s a perfect spot to take a break and soak in the beauty of the island.
Levada do Rei “King” walk
Levada do Rei, also known as the “King’s walk,” is a hidden gem that winds its way through verdant forests and past sparkling waterfalls. There’s more to the trail than just a hike. It’s a journey through time, taking visitors back to the days when Madeira was ruled by a powerful monarchy.
The trail is named after King Carlos I, who reportedly enjoyed taking long walks along the levada that crisscross the island.
The true crown jewel of the Levada do Rei is the stunning panoramic view of the island that awaits you at the end of the trail. Standing atop the hill, you’ll feel like the king of the world, with the entire island laid out before you.
Levada do Alecrim walk
Nestled in the lush landscape of the island, the Levada do Alecrim walk offers awe-inspiring views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
The trail begins at the small village of Ribeira Brava and finding its way through dense vegetation and over narrow bridges, providing a true taste of Madeira’s rugged beauty. As you make your way along the path, you’ll be surrounded by the sweet scent of wild herbs and the sound of trickling water.
The Alecrim Tunnel, a long and narrow passageway that takes you deep into the heart of the island, characterizes this trail. The tunnel is dimly lit, but the natural light that filters in creates a magical and ethereal atmosphere.
As you emerge from the tunnel, the stunning vistas of the Ribeira da Janela Valley will greet you. The valley is a verdant oasis, with terraced fields and small farms dotting the landscape. It’s a peaceful and tranquil place, and you’ll find yourself lingering here for a while, taking in the beauty of the surroundings.
Cedros Levada walk
The Cedros Levada Walk provides spectacular natural beauty and a foretaste into the island’s rich cultural heritage as you’ll pass by ancient terraces, traditional houses, and even a restored windmill. These cultural highlights add an extra layer of depth to the hike, making it an experience that will stay with you long after you’ve returned home.
The trail begins in the charming village of Cedros, locals eager to share their stories and traditions await.
As you make your way along the trail, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the rugged landscape, including lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and jagged cliffs. Along the way, you’ll spot different local wildlife, including rare birds, and wild goats.
Ribeiro Frio to Portela
Are you ready for a hike that will knock your socks off? Look no further than the Ribeiro Frio – Portela trail in Madeira. This trail is not for the faint of heart, or for those who are afraid of a little (or a lot) of uphill climbing. But for those brave souls who are up for a challenge, this trail will reward you with some of the most magnificent views on the island.
The trail starts innocently enough, with a gentle incline and a peaceful stream running alongside. But don’t let that fool you, because before long you’ll find yourself scaling steep cliffs and scrambling over rocky terrain. But fear not, dear hikers, for the views are truly to die for.
But the real highlight of the Ribeiro Frio – Portela trail is the people you’ll meet along the way. You’ll encounter fellow hikers who are all too happy to share an encouraging word or lend a helping hand. And let’s not forget about the friendly local goats who call this trail home.
Levada do Furado
Finally, we have the Levada do Furado – the hike that sounds like a fancy brand of laundry detergent, but is a scenic trail.
The hike begins in the charming village of Ribeira Brava, where hikers can fuel up with a traditional Madeiran breakfast before setting off on their journey. As they make their way along the levada, or irrigation canal, hikers will pass through a variety of landscapes, from dense forests to open meadows.
One of the most striking features of the hike is the levada itself, which is built into the side of the mountain and offers stunning views of the valley below. Along the way, you’ll encounter several tunnels and bridges, adding an element of adventure to the hike.
As the trail reaches its highest point, you’ll enjoy a panoramic view of the island, including the famous Pico Ruivo, the highest peak in Madeira. This viewpoint is a perfect place to stop and take in the natural beauty of the island and is a popular spot for photographers looking to capture stunning scenery.
The hike concludes at the Furado waterfall, where hikers can take a refreshing dip in the cool waters and enjoy a picnic before making their way back to Ribeira Brava.
While most hikes have boring old birds and squirrels, Levada do Furado has… sheep. Yes, that’s right. Sheep. And not just any sheep, but sheep with the most ridiculous haircuts you’ve ever seen. They look like they just walked out of a hair salon and are ready to take on the world.
Others
Some of the other hiking trails and levada walk you could consider in Madeira include;
Levada da Ribeira da Janela
The Levada da Ribeira da Janela is a tranquil trail that winds through the lush green landscape. This levada, or irrigation channel, takes you on a journey through the heart of the island, offering glimpses of cascading waterfalls and verdant vegetation. The trail is relatively easy and is suitable for all levels of hikers.
Vereda do Fanal
Next up is the Vereda do Fanal, a more challenging trail that takes you to the highest point of the island. The trail is steep and rocky, but the rewards are well worth the effort. The panoramic views from the summit are truly awe-inspiring, with the entire island spread out before you. This trail is not for the faint of heart, but it is one for the bucket list.
Levada dos Tornos – Boaventura
For a more leisurely hike, the Levada dos Tornos – Boaventura is a perfect choice. This trail takes you along the tranquil waters of the levada, offering a peaceful and serene experience. The trail is easy and flat, making it perfect for a family outing or those looking for a more relaxed hike.
Lagoa do Vento
The Lagoa do Vento trail takes you through a dense forest, with the sound of the wind whispering through the trees. The final destination is a stunning lagoon, surrounded by towering cliffs and lush vegetation. This trail is relatively easy and is perfect for a picnic or a refreshing swim.
Conclusion
Madeira is a great place to go hiking because it has a wide variety of trails, from easy levada walks to hard mountain hikes. With its lush vegetation, breathtaking views, and rich cultural history, the island has a unique landscape that makes hiking there an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a first-timer, Madeira has something to offer everyone. So pack your bags, lace up your boots, and head out to discover the beauty of Madeira on foot. Your feet (and your Instagram followers) will thank you.