By Jan Bakker
Walking through a primary cloud forest? Yes, please! Bagging the highest mountain in the meantime? For sure! What about epic ocean views while you’re at it? Hell yeah! Welcome to Madeira, an island paradise that has it all. This tiny green dot in the vast Atlantic Ocean is a hiker’s dream come true. The island is divided by a rugged mountain range that soars up to a dazzling height of 1862 metres, Madeira’s highest mountain Pico Ruivo. The peaks and ridges are connected by a vast network of ancient trails, making it possible to cross the entire island coast to coast in less than a week. What are you waiting for?
Madeira is a sub-tropical Portuguese island off the coast of North Africa and is often dubbed as the Hawaii of the Atlantic Ocean. The island is essentially one big mountain that rises steeply from the ocean floor. While the coastal areas are populated, the interior is truly wild with jagged peaks covered in lush primary laurel forests and it's listed a UNESCO conservation area. Centuries ago the Madeirans started building an ingenious network of waterways and aqueducts called levadas to irrigate the fields on the southern coast. Combine these with the veredas, Madeira’s mountain trails, and you’ve got yourself the ultimate way to go walking in Madeira: the Madeira Trail
Madeira hiking offers a diverse range of trails that cater to all levels of hikers. Whether you're exploring the famous levadas or trekking to the island's highest peaks like Pico Ruivo, the stunning landscapes are sure to captivate you. The island's unique blend of lush forests, rugged mountains, and breathtaking ocean views makes it a hiker's paradise. With well-maintained paths and a rich natural heritage, hiking in Madeira is an adventure you won't want to miss. Plan your Madeira hiking trip and immerse yourself in this Atlantic gem.
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