Madeira Trail

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

The Algarve, located in the southern part of Portugal, is well-known to sun-seekers. Pleasant temperatures and beautiful surroundings ensure crowded beaches. However, besides beach relaxation, the region also offers magnificent hiking opportunities. Via Algarviana winds its way through the Algarve in fourteen stages, allowing you to savor tranquility, expansive vistas, and the scents of herbs and trees along the way. Are you ready to explore the other, quieter side of this region? You won't encounter popular beach resorts like Faro and Albufeira on this journey, but you will have the chance to explore serene villages, where you can unwind after a day of hiking. You'll get to discover local crafts and culinary delights, and along the way, you'll stay in small-scale accommodations. And as for your luggage? It will be transported for you. Vamos lá!

Nestled on the southwestern edge of Europe, Portugal boasts a unique blend of Mediterranean charm and raw Atlantic beauty, making it a dream destination for keen hikers seeking adventure and serenity. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a novice, there’s a hiking adventure for everyone. Portugal’s mainland has a number of long-distance hiking routes along its pristine coastlines and authentic slow paced interior. The Atlantic islands are all about spicy hikes across and around the forested mountain ranges while the ocean is never far away. We selected four fabulous hiking journeys that represent the best hiking Portugal has to offer. One of the most famous hiking routes in Portugal is the Fisherman’s Trail . This classic walk winds around the southwest coast with incredible sea views and stunning beaches. For those who crave an inland adventure, the Via Algarviana spans 300 kilometers across the Algarve, unveiling the region's rural landscapes, traditional villages and Portuguese hospitality. You can venture further to the island paradise called Madeira, where it's possible to cross the entire island through emerald-green levadas and ancient laurel forests on the Madeira Trail . The best kept secret is found in the Azores, smack bang in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, where you can circumnavigate the remote island of Santa Maria from hut to hut on the Grande Rota de Santa Maria . Whichever hiking adventure you choose, your journey through this enchanting and diverse country will be a treat for the senses. Come hiking in Portugal with us!