Experience the ultimate adventure on Madeira with a hike from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo. This iconic mountain path, built over 50 years ago, connects the three highest peaks of the island, offering jaw-dropping views and a thrilling trek. If you’re a fan of mountain hiking, this route is a must-do for anyone visiting Madeira.


Begin your journey at Pico do Arieiro, 1818 meters above sea level. You can reach it by car or taxi via Poiso to the parking area. It’s recommended to start early, as clouds often cover the summits by midday, obscuring the fantastic views.


This hike is demanding, with steep ascents and exposed sections along cobbled and stony mule tracks. Some areas are secured with wire cables for safety, but it’s essential to be fit and prepared. Bring a flashlight for the tunnels and ensure the weather is dry and stable before attempting the hike.


You’ll find a cafeteria at Pico do Arieiro to grab a bite before your hike. Midway through the route, the Casa de Abrigo, near the base of Pico Ruivo, offers snacks, drinks, and even potable water.


The hike begins with a short ascent to the summit column at Pico do Arieiro. From here, descend slightly to follow the PR1 path, which will take you past Miradouro Ninho da Manta, a viewpoint offering stunning views of the Ribeira da Fajã da Nogueira valley.

Continue along the ridge, secured by wire cables, to the Pedra Rija viewpoint. After passing through several tunnels, the trail ascends to Pico Ruivo, Madeira’s highest peak at 1862 meters. Once you reach the summit, the panoramic views in every direction are nothing short of breathtaking, with highlights including the wind turbines of Paul da Serra.


If you’ve arranged transport, you can descend from Pico Ruivo via Walk 37 to Achada do Teixeira. For long-distance hikers, continue onward to Encumeada pass (Walk 39).


Before you set out, check the weather conditions via live webcams, such as those available at 

. If the mountains are shrouded in mist, consider postponing your hike for clearer conditions.

Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo: Hiking the Highest Peaks of Madeira

São Lourenço Peninsula: Spectacular Rocky Coast in the Furthest Eastern Corner of the Island

On the incoming flight path to Madeira, as you fly over this peninsula, your first impressions will likely contrast with the cliché of the island being an evergreen floating garden. After rainy winters, the finger-like peninsula, which juts into the sea, is covered in a green, grassy fluff. However, in summer, the terrain becomes arid except for the undemanding carpet weeds (Aizoaceae). Nevertheless, the wild and idyllic rocky coastline makes this a highly popular destination—during peak season, 1,000 to 1,500 walkers traverse this path daily! For a quieter experience along the route, it’s best to finish your breakfast quickly and arrive by 9 a.m. at the large car park at the start of the walk.

: Baía d'Abra, 77m. From Machico, take the VR 1 until the motorway ends at the free-trade port (Zona Franca) at Caniçal; from here, follow the signs toward Ponta São Lourenço for 5km, where the road ends at the car park above Baía d'Abra. You can also reach Baía d'Abra via bus no. 113.

: Easy walk, sometimes along stony paths; exposed sections are protected. The short but steep ascent to Morro do Furado is somewhat strenuous. Expect occasionally fierce winds on the São Lourenço peninsula, and remember: there’s no shade! Don’t forget your swimwear!

: There’s a cafeteria in the Casa do Sardinha, a mobile kiosk at the car park (seasonal), and a beach bar in Prainha along the approach route.

: If the sea is calm, you can book a daily boat tour from Cais do Sardinha to the lighthouse isle Desembarcadouro with Madeira Sea Emotions (tel. +351 910 308 804, 

). This offers a chance to experience the peninsula from the sea. Afterward, if you use the shuttle service, you can return by boat from Cais do Sardinha to Marina Quinta do Lord (bus stop for the SAM bus no. 113).

: Halfway between Caniçal and Baía d'Abra, you’ll find Prainha (bus stop). This natural beach of fine sand offers one of the best swimming experiences on Madeira.

From the car park above Baía d'Abra, there’s an information board detailing the São Lourenço peninsula. A walking path (PR 8) begins toward Cais do Sardinha, descending into a small valley and continuing along a well-marked log-paved path. Look across the peninsula to see a circular rock arch over the water and the notable peak of Morro do Furado ('the perforated'), at the foot of which stands the Casa do Sardinha surrounded by a small palm grove. After about 15 minutes, you will cross another path. You can descend the stepped path to the stony beach in the bay or go left to reach a spectacular viewpoint, showcasing the bizarrely shaped coastline.

Back on the main path, you’ll begin a short steep ascent. Soon, you'll climb a stepped cobbled path, secured by a heavy metal cable, along a rocky ridge to another viewpoint. Here, enjoy impressive views of a steep rock face with dyke intrusions. The path arches around Abra bay on the south side of the peninsula. At the same height as the round fish farm floating in the sea, the path crosses a land bridge just a few meters wide, with sheer cliffs dropping almost 100m on either side. The narrowest point of the peninsula is protected by a fence. You’ll get close to Casa do Sardinha, which is surrounded by date palms and stands out like an oasis in the rust to curry-yellow landscape.

A good way before the house, the environmental authorities have built a circular route that you should follow to the left. Before the path swings around to the house, enjoy a beautiful view of the northern side of the peninsula. The path then runs above and past Casa do Sardinha. Leave the circular path and start the steep ascent to Morro do Furado (160m). In the upper section, the ascent path is secured with a cable fence. Once at the summit, take in a spectacular panorama of the lighthouse on the Ilheu do Farol, the easternmost point on Madeira. The neighboring Desertas islands seem just a stone's throw away, and if the weather is clear, you can even see Porto Santo. This is a fabulous spot to take a rest, provided it’s not too windy.

Descend back to the circular route and Casa do Sardinha, where a cafeteria and picnic area may tempt you to take a break (a WC is available here). From there, a cobbled trail descends to Cais do Sardinha, a tiny pebble beach. If the sea is calm, you can dip your feet in the water or take a swim. At the picnic benches above the little bay, bear left to cross the wooden walkway and then climb back up to the starting point of the circular route.

From there, retrace your steps back to Baía d'Abra.

Spectacular rocky coast in the furthest eastern corner of the island

On your way to Madeira, as you fly over this peninsula, your first impressions will certainly not live up to the cliché of the island as an evergreen floating garden. It's true that after rainy winters, the finger-shaped peninsula pointing out into the sea is covered with green grassy fluff, but still in summer the area is utterly arid, with the exception of unpretentious carpet weeds (Aizoaceae).
However, the wild and idyllic rocky coastline makes this tour of the island very popular and frequented - between 1000 and 1500 walkers pass here every day during the high season! If you prefer to enjoy peace and quiet, at least on the initial route, you should quickly finish your breakfast at the hotel and arrive at the large car park at the starting point of the walk no later than 9 am.


The Ultimate Guide to São Lourenço Peninsula: Discover Madeira's Stunning Coastal Trails

Thorough the UNESCO World Heritage reserve into the green basin.

Walking into this "green cauldron" is one of the most spectacular levada routes on the island and therefore the most crowded. The water has created here not only impressive gorges, but also jungle-like evergreen vegetation. The levada is mostly carved into the rock, and it seems incredible that trees and bushes manage to cling to the vertical slopes. At the end of this beautiful walk, an extraordinary waterfall plunges into a small pool, where the most hardy can cool off.

 Easy to moderate
At the beginning, the levada path is wide and pleasant to walk, it gets narrower later on and sometimes you have to walk along the 30 cm, small and narrow wall. In late autumn and winter the trail can be wet and slippery due to running streams. There is a small to moderate risk of dizziness, although very exposed areas are protected by wire fencing. A torch light is required for tunnels.

 no facilities along the way, only small cafeteria in Queimadas

Levada do Caldeirão Verde: Everything You Need to Know

If you’re searching for one of the most scenic and serene levada hikes in Madeira, look no further than 

. This stunning trail, also known as the “King’s Levada,” takes hikers through the UNESCO-listed laurisilva forest, offering lush greenery, waterfalls, and breathtaking views. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or simply looking for a peaceful escape, this 

 will give you all the information you need for an unforgettable adventure.

, at an elevation of 535 meters. From São Jorge, follow the ER 101 westward for about 3 kilometers. You’ll see a sign for 

, leading you through the small village of 

, a convenient place for refreshments before you start.

, the drive takes about an hour, while the bus (no. 103) takes around 2 hours, followed by a short 15-minute walk to the starting point.

 is considered easy, making it suitable for all skill levels. The trail is mostly flat, well-shaded, and offers spectacular views of the 

: You’ll walk through one of Madeira’s most iconic landscapes, the laurisilva forest, which is filled with native plant species and considered a World Heritage Site.

: A short, fun 5-meter-long tunnel (1.6 meters high) requires a slight duck, adding an adventurous element to the hike.

: Depending on the season, a gentle waterfall cascades directly onto the levada. Be cautious, as the slabs near the waterfall can become slippery.

While the trail is easy, there are a few sections where the path runs close to steep rock faces, so hikers prone to vertigo should take care. After heavy rainfall, the path near the waterfall can become slippery, so it’s advisable to wear rain gear and shoes with good traction.

, a breathtaking spot where the levada is fed by the rushing waters of the Ribeiro Bonito stream. This point marks the turnaround of the hike, where you can take a well-deserved rest before retracing your steps back to 

An Alternative Route: Circular Walk Option

For those who want to add a bit more to the adventure, you can turn this levada hike into a short circular walk. About 15 minutes past the tunnel, leave the levada and follow a forestry trail that leads to a forest station. From here, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the Ribeiro Bonito Valley before heading back to the starting point.

: Easy, with moderate vertigo risks in some sections

: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and heat

: Sturdy hiking shoes, water, rain gear, and a camera to capture the beauty of the trail

: From Funchal, take the motorway towards 

, and from there, it’s a short drive to the 

: Take bus no. 103 from Funchal to the snack bar 

, followed by a 15-minute walk to the start of the trail.

Levada do Rei: Your Complete Guide to One of the Best Levada Hikes in Madeira

You will not only see the walkers on the “Levada do Norte” - for many residents, the irrigation channel is the only access to their houses and for many children a playground. The best Madeira wines are produced on the slopes of “Estrito de Camara de Lobos”, a climatically prime location. The vineyards are lined up on both sides of the levada like a patchwork rug and are especially beautiful in late autumn when the vine leaves turn copper-red. The impressive coastal cliffs on the “Cabo Girao” are the destination for this walk.

Easy. A beautiful leisurely levada walk but you need to be dizzy-free for some of the precipitous spots.



 Levada do Norte, 540m.
From Funchal with no. 96 bus to Estrei to de Câmara de Lobos as far as the Le vada do Norte bus stop, about 600m after the church. You can also take a taxi or come by car.


 from Cruz da Caldeira to Funchal no. 4, 7, or 154 bus. No. 7 also runs express from Cabo Girão to Funchal (Mon-Sat 13.00 and 18.00) or to Ribeira Brava (16.20). Or take a taxi from the rank at Cabo Girão to return to Estreito de Camara de Lobos (about 15 €).

 snack bars above Gara chico, on the Cabo Girão, and in Cruz da Caldeira.

Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo: Hiking the Highest Peaks of Madeira

Images

Route elevation

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The Ultimate Guide to São Lourenço Peninsula: Discover Madeira's Stunning Coastal Trails

Levada do Caldeirão Verde: Everything You Need to Know

Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo: Hiking the Highest Peaks of Madeira

Levada do Rei: Your Complete Guide to One of the Best Levada Hikes in Madeira

The Ultimate Guide to Hiking Levada do Norte in Madeira