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Madeira Trail including hotel before & after
Duration: 7 days
Trails: T3 trails
Distance: 15 - 20 km per day
Ascent per day: More than 1000 m ascent per day
> 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
>Including hotel before & after
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. It's a strenuous walk with lots of climbing and descending, but each night you will stay in a comfortable accommodation surrounded by mountains. If walking through a primary cloud forest, bagging high peaks and epic ocean views are your thing, join us on the Madeira Trail!
Important Notice: The Madeira Trail has been adjusted from the 2024 route due to recent wildfires and overgrown vegetation.
Itinerary
Day
1
Arrival day
Welcome to Portugal, you will arrive in Machino and you will be warmly welcomed at Dom Pedro Madeira. Your stay here will allow you to relax after your travels and before the start of your adventure on the Madeira Trail. Enjoy!
Dom Pedro Madeira (Machico)
Day
2
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.
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.
Casa do Ribeiro Frio (Santana)
Day
3
Ribeiro Frio - Casa do Ruivo
Duration: 06:40 h
Distance: 15.3 km
Ascent: 1270 m
Descent: 320 m
The forest fires in Madeira have modified this stage slightly, but don't worry: all the highlights remain included and it will be a day full of spectacular views and challenging climbs.
The day begins with a climb to the breathtaking Cabeço da Lenha viewpoint. Along the way, you will trek through the tranquil Parque Ecológico do Funchal and join the popular PR3 trail. This trail leads you to one of the island's most iconic peaks: Pico do Arieiro.
With an altitude of 1818 meters, Pico do Arieiro is the third highest mountain in Madeira. Here you can not only enjoy the impressive views, but also relax with a cup of cappuccino at the Casa do Areeiro restaurant. For the more adventurous, there is a small side trail that leads to Miradouro do Juncal, a viewpoint known for perhaps the most spectacular mountain panoramas on the island.
Unfortunately, the path towards Pico Ruivo is closed due to the recent forest fires. Therefore, from Casa do Areeiro take a cab to Achada do Teixeira to continue the adventure.
From Achada do Teixeira, 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. You will spend the night in a unique location, just 15 minutes from the summit: Casa de Abrigo do Pico Ruivo, a mountain hut that offers you a resting place in the midst of the mountains.
Casa de Abrigo do Pico Ruivo (Pico Ruivo)
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