I spent 7 days hiking 160 km across Madeira, Portugal with @PaddyDoyle. walking coast-to-coast from Porto Moniz to Ponta de …
Madeira is an excellent destination for a beginner hiker, offering a huge variety of trails, many of which follow the unique, relatively flat irrigation channels called levadas.
Here is a sample 7-Day hiking-focused itinerary for a complete beginner, focusing on easy to moderate routes (Levadas and Veredas with minimal steep sections), and mixing in some essential sights:
7-Day Beginner Hiking Itinerary in Madeira
| Day | Focus Area | Recommended Hike/Activity | Difficulty & Notes |
| Day 1 | Funchal & Relaxation | Explore Funchal Old Town, take the Cable Car to Monte Palace Tropical Garden, and enjoy the views. | Easy. A gentle start to acclimatize. Consider the Lido Promenade for an easy coastal stroll. |
| Day 2 | Easy Levada Walk | PR11 – Vereda dos Balcões (Ribeiro Frio) | Easy. Only about 3 km round trip and mostly flat along the levada path to a stunning viewpoint of the central mountains. Great first Levada experience. |
| Day 3 | Coastal Views | Vereda do Larano to Boca do Risco (from Porto da Cruz) | Easy/Moderate. Approximately 10 km round trip. This scenic coastal path is mostly flat and offers stunning cliff-side views. Turn back at Boca do Risco for the easier option. |
| Day 4 | Fanal Forest & Northwest | Stroll in the Fanal Forest (PR13 – Vereda do Fanal) and visit Porto Moniz Natural Pools. | Very Easy. The Fanal forest (part of the Laurisilva UNESCO site) can be explored with a relaxed walk through the park rather than the full, longer trail. Follow up with a dip in the pools! |
| Day 5 | Popular Levada | PR6.1 – Levada do Risco | Easy. A flat, 3 km round trip detour from the Rabaçal area that takes you straight to the Risco waterfall. The main PR6 (25 Fontes) is more popular but involves a steep downhill/uphill section, which you can skip by only doing PR6.1. |
| Day 6 | The Dragon’s Tail | PR8 – Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço (Eastern Peninsula) | Moderate. About 7.2 km round trip. A beautiful hike with dramatic, arid landscapes. It’s an out-and-back trail with some steep climbs near the end, but you can turn back at any point. Start early to avoid the sun and crowds. |
| Day 7 | Final Levada or Departure | PR18 – Levada do Rei (São Jorge) OR Levada do Alecrim (PR6.2) | Easy/Moderate. A tranquil 10.6 km out-and-back walk through lush greenery. Alternatively, the shorter, lovely Levada do Alecrim (PR6.2) is another excellent beginner levada walk. |
Essential Beginner Hiking Tips for Madeira
- Levadas vs. Veredas:
- Levadas are walks alongside the water channels. They are generally flat but often narrow and can have drops on one side.
- Veredas are dry paths, often connecting peaks or towns, and usually involve more significant elevation changes (up and down). Stick mostly to easy Levadas for a beginner trip.
- Gear: You absolutely need sturdy walking shoes/boots with good grip, as paths can be wet and slippery, especially on Levadas.
- Tunnels: Some Levada walks involve walking through short, unlit tunnels. Always bring a headlamp or flashlight (a phone light will work for short, single-file tunnels, but a dedicated light is better).
- Weather: Weather changes quickly in Madeira! Always pack layers and a waterproof jacket/poncho. You might be in the sun one moment and in a foggy cloud the next.
- Transport: Renting a car gives you the most flexibility, as bus routes to trailheads can be limited. The driving is on steep, winding roads, so be prepared.
- Water & Snacks: Carry sufficient water and energy snacks for your chosen hike. There are often no shops near the trailheads in the national park areas.
- Acclimatization: The famous Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo (PR1) is considered the most challenging hike and is not recommended for a complete beginner, as it involves long distances, significant elevation change, and sheer drops. Stick to the routes above to build confidence first.
