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BEST HIKES OF MADEIRA

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One of Madeira’s main tourist attractions is the spectacular landscape. Nature can still run its course on Madeira. Century old forests, colourful flowers, fierce rivers and waterfalls and rugged mountains: it’s all there! Not surprising that so many nature lovers go hiking on Madeira. Furthermore, Madeira has an incredible walking network: its levadas!

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LEVADAS?

In order to provide the more dry areas of the island with water, some centuries ago a vast network of narrow irrigation canals was built: the levadas. Next to these levadas lie narrow foot paths, constructed so the levadas could be maintained. The walks past these levadas are very diverse and a perfect way to discover the ‘true’ Madeira. In areas near villages you’ll walk past people’s houses and gardens. You’re allowed a peek into the lives of the villagers: walking amongst their crops and laundry hanging out to dry. On the other hand, in the mountains, you’ll be able to walk for hours without seeing anyone and you’ll walk through untouched nature, meanwhile enjoying splendid views.

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WALKING GRADES

The level of difficulty of the walks varies. Generally, the levada walks are more easy, since these walks have little change in altitude. This is different for the many mountain walks on the island. These are as a rule much harder and more suited for experienced walkers. But, whether you chose a light, moderate or strenuous walk: you’re sure to enjoy the walk. Up until now we have not found one trail to disappoint us!

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A SELECTION OF TRAILS

Here we will share a selection of trails we have walked. You’ll read more information about the walk by clicking the photo of the trail in question.

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BOAVENTURA COAST

[vc_separator type=’small’ position=’center’ color=’#ffffff’ thickness=’1′ up=’6′ down=’6′] In the direct area of Boaventura you’ll find some very nice and more unknown trails. Unlike on some of the more crowded trails on Madeira, on these ones you’ll be able to enjoy your surroundings in complete peace.

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FANAL

[vc_separator type=’small’ position=’center’ color=’#ffffff’ thickness=’1′ up=’6′ down=’6′] Fanal is located in the Laurisilva forest on Paúl da Serra and it’s fabulous. Several beautiful walks can be made in the area of Fanal, be sure to enjoy at least one!

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LAGOS DA MADEIRA

[vc_separator type=’small’ position=’center’ color=’#ffffff’ thickness=’1′ up=’6′ down=’6′] Another magnificent trail in Rabaçal area! You’ll walk next to a river, encountering many small lakes and waterfalls. 

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LEVADA DO ALECRIM

[vc_separator type=’small’ position=’center’ color=’#ffffff’ thickness=’1′ up=’6′ down=’6′] Rabacal is the start of some of Madeira’s most beautiful and popular walks. This walk following Levada do Alecrim is much more quiet than 25 Fontes and offers some spectacular views on the Paúl da Serra plateau.

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CALDEIRÃO VERDE

[vc_separator type=’small’ position=’center’ color=’#ffffff’ thickness=’1′ up=’6′ down=’6′] A walk through the fabulous green of the Laurisilva forest to the 100m high waterfall Caldeirão Verde. A green cauldron is exactly what you’ll find at the end of this marvellous walk: the waterfall crashes down along intense green rocks. 

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LEVADA DO CASTELEJO

[vc_separator type=’small’ position=’center’ color=’#ffffff’ thickness=’1′ up=’6′ down=’6′] Many of the walks on Madeira pass through uninhabited and pristine areas. Madeira really has many faces though, and this walk is a nice surprise. Following the Levada do Castelejo you will pass through gardens and agricultural fields and end up in a wilderness.

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PICO DO ARIEIRO

[vc_separator type=’small’ position=’center’ color=’#ffffff’ thickness=’1′ up=’6′ down=’6′] This trail between Pico do Arieiro and Pico Ruivo, Madeira’s most famous mountains, is an absolute must for every mountain lover!

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PONTA DE SÃO LOURENÇO

[vc_separator type=’small’ position=’center’ color=’#ffffff’ thickness=’1′ up=’6′ down=’6′] Ponta de São Lourenço is totally different from the levada walks through green forests. On this walk you’ll pass jagged cliffs in a desert like landscape. Madeira is a volcanic island, and on this peninsula you will see volcanic rock formations in many colours. 

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CURRAL DAS FREIRAS – NUNS VALLEY

[vc_separator type=’small’ position=’center’ color=’#ffffff’ thickness=’1′ up=’6′ down=’6′] An old, steep cobblestone path will lead you from Eira do Serrado to Curral das Freiras, offering great views along the way down.

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CASCALHO

[vc_separator type=’small’ position=’center’ color=’#ffffff’ thickness=’1′ up=’6′ down=’6′] Reading the descriptions of Cascalho in my Madeira hiking guides, this place should be some kind of waterfall fata morgana.

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ONE LAST PIECE OF ADVICE

Although walking on madeira is very, very amazing, Madeira walks also are the scene of several accidents each year. And sadly, some of these are fatal. Read this blog for tips on having a fun ánd safe hike on Madeira.

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