> 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.
Important: The PR5 trail has only recently reopened and some sections are still affected by fallen trees and uneven terrain. This can slow down your walking pace more than expected. Please proceed with caution and allow extra time for this stage. If at any point you feel unsure about the conditions, we recommend taking a taxi to safely reach your final destination of the day.
The Madeira Trail begins at PR5, located on the northwestern edge of the charming town of Machico. From the starting point, a steep climb takes you through a lush fern forest to the top of a ridge, where you are rewarded with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding area.
The trail then continues west and reaches the first levada of the trek, Levada da Portela. Walking along this historic irrigation canal, you can enjoy the tranquility of the landscape. Upon arrival in Portela, a quaint village, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the rugged north coast and the town of Porto da Cruz. Portela is also an excellent spot for a break, and if you’re feeling hungry, Restaurante Portela À Vista is a great option for lunch.
From Portela, the route normally continues along PR10. However, due to a recent landslide, the Furado area is currently not accessible. After Lamaceiros, you will therefore follow an alternative trail that climbs uphill towards the southwest. This path may be less clearly marked in some sections, so careful navigation is essential. After crossing Estrada Regional 202, the trail leads briefly through woodland before joining Camino Real 24 heading north, which will take you to your destination, Ribeiro Frio.
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.
Note: Please inform our taxi driver in advance whether you would like to be picked up at the end of the day or if you plan to walk to Ilha. You can reach the taxi driver at +351 969 716 933 or +351 960 191 818.
Today's trek follows 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, where you can unwind and take in the stunning views of the valley.
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. Besides the distance, this day also includes more challenging terrain, a river crossing, and sections where you may get wet feet.
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. Keep in mind that after heavy rainfall, levadas can overflow and tunnels may be wet or partially flooded.
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. Along the way, you may need to cross a stream. Water levels can vary and are hard to predict; after periods of rain, this crossing can be significantly higher and may reach knee level. In some sections, the trail may also be less clearly marked or harder to follow due to rain or overgrown vegetation, so using your navigation tools is essential to stay on track. 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.
The final day of the Madeira Trail offers two options. You can choose a shorter alternative route that starts with a more demanding ascent over T3 trails right after leaving Seixal. It’s a tougher start, but it cuts down on overall time and takes you straight into the heart of the wild landscape.
This route climbs over the Vereda das Voltas, leading you through a beautiful, old-growth forest. It's a challenging section, but the serene surroundings make every step worthwhile.
The trail then joins the PR13, Vereda do Fanal, where your legs can rest for a while as you hike along an almost flat route. The rest stop at Fanal, with its iconic old laurel trees, is the perfect place to take a short break and enjoy the atmosphere of this special area.
After Fanal, follow the Levada dos Cedros (PR14), which takes you downhill to the rugged northwest coast. 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!
