Walking and hiking is an increasingly popular activity and Madeira Island has plenty of trails to explore.
Madeira Island has a network of waterways, levadas, made by man since the beginning of the settlement of the island by the Portuguese, back in the XV century. These waterways were used primarily to transport fresh water from the mountains to the sugarcane plantations located mainly in the south side of the island.
Along these levadas you can find a lot of Madeira Hiking Tours to follow through the beautiful Laurissilva forest (the ancient european rainforest that survives only in the Macaronesian islands) or the highest mountains.
The numerous mountain trails in the mountains of Madeira make for an adventurous activity fit for people of all walks of life.
Let’s take a look at the best guided walks in Madeira Island, so you can explore the nature of this gorgeous island with the best guided walks!
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Caldeirão Verde Guided Levada Walk
Photo credits @Visit Madeira
Definitely one of the best walks in Madeira, Caldeirão Verde is a classic and for good reason! A walk of roughly 12 km taking 5 hours in total to complete in both directions, it starts in the Queimadas Forest Park and follows a XVIII century levada. Here you will feel like you just stepped onto the Old Forest of Lord of The Rings!
Great views off the mountain site covered with dense vegetation make for a green feast for the eyes. You can find several tunnels along the way through this walk, so be sure to take a flashlight. The great culmination is a big waterfall plunging into a green lagoon or “caldeirão”. Don’t skip this one, one of the very best Madeira guided walks!
You can book Caldeirão Verde guided Levada Walk here: BOOK NOW
Transfer Caldeirão Verde Self-guided walk: Get your transfer for Caldeirão Verde walk selg guided hike and be amazed by this stunning Jurassic forest and unique waterfalls! BOOK TRANSFER
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Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo Guided Walk
Photo credits @Visit Madeira
Starting from Pico Arieiro, this marvelous guided Madeira mountain walk offers impressive views of rock formations covered in white fluffy clouds here and there. This walk is 6 km, usually done only in one direction.
This mountain trail is made of quite a few climbs and declines, so it is recommended to people with a good level of condition, as you’ll mostly be exposed to the elements.
On clear days you can get an almost 360º view of the island. Don’t miss your chance to walk above the clouds!
You can book Caldeirão Verde guided Levada Walk here: BOOK NOW
Book a Private Transfer to Pico do Areeiro Hike and return from Achada da Teixeira: If you're looking for just a transfer to do the hike between the two peaks on your own, look no further! BOOK TRANSFER
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Rabaçal/25 Fountains Guided Levada Walk
Photo credits @Visit Madeira
The most popular guided walk in Madeira Island with its 11 km, it is accessible to most visitors. Nevertheless it takes 4 hours to complete and it will take you through the beautiful endemic forest of the Northwest of the island.
The path is mostly flat with the exception of a few stairs at the end, at some points of the walk you will be 1000 meters above sea level and surrounded by lush vegetation.
The ex libris is of course the 25 Fountains lagoon fed by 25 springs of the clearest water. On a hot day don’t miss the opportunity to take a dip and refresh!
You can book Caldeirão Verde guided Levada Walk here: BOOK NOW
Private Transfer to Rabaçal 25 Fountains for self-guided walk: If you want to do this walk by yourself, this transfer is the right option for you. BOOK TRANSFER
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Ribeiro Frio Guided Levada Walk
Photo credits @Visit Madeira
A little less known guided Madeira levada walk to newcomers to the island than the others on this list, but definitely worth it!
This levada dates back to the beginning of the XIX century and emcompasses a distance, in one way, of 11 km in total. This walk starts from Ribeiro Frio, where you can find a little trout garden. The trail follows all the way to Portela in Porto da Cruz and along the way you can enjoy the amazing endemic vegetation and birds like the Madeira firecrest and the Madeira chaffinch, occasionally bathed in diffused light, giving this walk an ethereal quality. You will find a few tunnels on this walk, so please bring a torch.
You can book Caldeirão Verde guided Levada Walk here: BOOK NOW