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Madeira Trail

Name: Madeira Trail
Brand: Bookatrekking
Price: 380.00 EUR
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.4 (1611 reviews)

Duration: 5 days

Trails: T3 trails

Distance: 15 - 20 km per day

Ascent per day: More than 1000 m ascent per day

Overview
Itinerary
What's Included
FAQ
Reviews

> Cross the entire island on foot on the Madeira Trail
> Spend your nights in comfy places surrounded by forest and mountains
> Climb Madeira's highest peak Pico Ruivo

The Madeira Trail is a 5-day trek across the Portuguese island of Madeira. This remote sub-tropical island is situated in the Atlantic Ocean, about 500 kilometres from the African continent. The hiking route runs from the east to the northwest coast of the island via a network of pathways that connect the ridges and mountain peaks. The trek includes a climb up the highest summit of Madeira, Pico Ruivo (1862m).

We created the Madeira Trail by connecting the most scenic levadas (walkways along irrigation channels) and veredas (mountain paths) to cross the island in less than one week. This trek is best suited for intermediate hikers with a good level of fitness. The route includes long stages and significant elevation gain and loss each day. It’s a demanding hike, but each night you’ll stay in comfortable accommodations surrounded by mountains. If walking through a primary cloud forest, bagging high peaks and soaking in epic ocean views are your thing, join us on the Madeira Trail!

Important Notice: The Madeira trails are reopening in 2026, but Casa de Abrigo do Pico Ruivo remains closed for renovations with no reopening date. Because there are no alternative accommodations in this area, the original itinerary is still unavailable. This trek uses a modified route until the refuge reopens.

Itinerary

Day

Machico - Ribeiro Frio

Duration: 06:45 h

Distance: 19.9 km

Ascent: 1150 m

Descent: 480 m

The Madeira Trail begins at PR5, located on the northwestern edge of the charming town of Machico. From the starting point, a steep climb leads you through a fern forest to the top of a ridge. Here you will be rewarded with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding area.

The trail continues west and arrives at the first levada of the trek, Levada da Portela. As you walk along this historic irrigation canal, enjoy the tranquility of the surrounding landscape. Upon arrival in Portela, a quaint village, you will be treated to breathtaking views of the rugged north coast and the city of Porto da Cruz. Portela is also a great place for a break — and if you're hungry, consider grabbing lunch at Restaurante Portela À Vista.

From Portela, the trail continues along PR10, a path that lets you ascend gradually as you walk along the serene Levada do Furado. This part of the trek takes you through one of Madeira's most pristine forests, where nature shows itself at its best. At the end of the day you will reach Ribeiro Frio (the "Cold River") where you will spend the night.

Day

Ribeiro Frio - Pico Ruivo - Ilha

Duration: 02:15 h

Distance: 5.66 km

Ascent: 360 m

Descent: 360 m

Today, a taxi will take you from Santana to Achada do Teixeira. From here, the second part of the day begins with a tough climb. In about an hour you will reach Madeira's highest point, Pico Ruivo (1862 meters). This summit offers 360-degree views that make every effort worthwhile. After enjoying the summit, you'll walk back down the same way to Achada do Teixeira, where a taxi will be waiting to take you to Ilha. There, you'll spend the night in a peaceful village setting, a perfect place to rest after a big day in the mountains.

Ilha & Montanha, Turismo Rural Lda (Ilha)

Day

Ilha - Boca da Encumeada

Duration: 03:40 h

Distance: 10.4 km

Ascent: 560 m

Descent: 560 m

Today's trek had to be adjusted due to recent forest fires. But no worries — we’ve got a beautiful alternative planned: the PR18 Levada do Rei in São Jorge.

In the morning, a taxi will take you to the starting point of the trail. The PR18 Levada do Rei is an easy-going hike that follows an old levada through the lush, green heart of Madeira. Along the way, you’ll pass through dense forests full of ferns and laurel trees, with views over valleys and waterfalls. The trail ends at a peaceful spring, the perfect spot to take a break before heading back via almost the same path.

After the hike, a taxi will bring you to your accommodation for the night: Estalagem Encumeada Valley View Hotel, where you can unwind and take in the stunning views of the valley.

Day

Encumeada - Seixal

Duration: 09:10 h

Distance: 22.5 km

Ascent: 1040 m

Descent: 1930 m

Today is the toughest stage of the trek: long, demanding, and absolutely unforgettable. Expect to walk for around 9 hours (not counting breaks), so it’s essential to start early and take your time throughout the day.

The route begins with the Levada do Norte (PR17), a section known for its long, pitch-black tunnel. Make sure to bring a good headlamp! You'll walk past small waterfalls, mossy rock walls, and stretches of peaceful nature as you ease into the day.

Once you reach Chão das Poças and its larger waterfall, the trail gets steeper. A solid climb leads you up to the CR28 and higher ground. Here comes the biggest challenge of the day: the ascent of Pico Ruivo do Paul. At 1640 meters, it's not only one of the highest points, but also a true highlight—both physically and visually.

After reaching the top, you’ll begin a long descent toward the northern edge of Seixal, where you’ll spend the night. The final part includes a particularly steep and tricky section—so watch your step. This is a long, tough day, but the combination of landscapes, levadas, and rewarding views make it one you’ll never forget.

Day

Seixal - Ribeira da Janela

Duration: 06:40 h

Distance: 15.4 km

Ascent: 1070 m

Descent: 1180 m

Today you’ll start in Seixal and begin with an uphill climb through lush laurel forest. Along the way, you’ll get amazing views over Seixal—well worth taking your time for. The first part of the ascent can be a bit tough, so pace yourself.

Since the PR14 is still closed due to past forest fires, you’ll follow an alternative route for a few kilometers. Don’t worry—it’s scenic too. Eventually, you’ll reconnect with the PR15, which leads you down to Ribeira da Janela.

At Ribeira da Janela, with its impressive cliffs and ocean views, you can celebrate your successful thru-hike of the Madeira Trail. A spectacular conclusion to an unforgettable adventure!

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Included

Accommodation

We will arrange your accommodation on the Madeira Trail in hotels, inns, and guesthouses. Accommodation will be private in single, double or twin rooms and with en-suite bathroom where possible.
Full travel guide

You’ll receive access to our trekking app, which serves as your complete digital travel guide for the Madeira Trail. Inside, you’ll find everything you need for your trek: route descriptions, hiking maps, navigation support, payment information, and all the key details specific to your journey.
Breakfast at Estalagem Encumeada

After you wake up in Estalagem Encumeada a good breakfast will be waiting for you, so you can start the hiking day well. So for this day you do not need to bring your own breakfast.
Taxis on day 2 and day 3

Due to the recent forest fires in Madeira, the original route is not fully accessible on Day 2 and Day 3. Where a cab is required, it is included.
Navigation support

Our trekking app also includes built-in navigation support. With GPS-based maps and offline access, you can follow the trail confidently and stay on route even without mobile signal.

Excluded

Traveling to and from

You have to make your own way to the starting point. The total amount does not include personal transport. This also applies to any transport from the end point of your trail.
Transfers

If you require any form of public or local transport during the trek, it is not included in the package unless stated otherwise. This applies to taxis, buses, cable cars, gondolas, and similar services.
Travel Insurance

Your international travel insurance is your own responsibility. Discuss your itinerary with the insurance company before your trek.
Meals

Meals are not included in the price on the Madeira Trail unless otherwise indicated in the inclusive list. Along the way, there are several places to stock up on food and restaurants that lend themselves to a delicious lunch or dinner. These locations are indicated in our travel guide.