{"id":37146,"date":"2025-02-16T17:10:34","date_gmt":"2025-02-16T16:10:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/niet-gecategoriseerd\/hiking-in-madeira-island-loop\/"},"modified":"2026-06-25T16:26:11","modified_gmt":"2026-06-25T14:26:11","slug":"hiking-in-madeira-island-loop","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/en\/madeira\/hiking-in-madeira-island-loop\/","title":{"rendered":"Hiking in Madeira: Island Loop"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hiking in Madeira: A 8-Day Tour Around the Island<\/h1>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Madeira is the ideal destination for your hiking vacation all year round. What\u2019s more, it offers challenges for both beginner hikers and experienced hikers. Madeira has no fewer than 27 PR hiking trails. These are the official hiking trails recommended by the local government. Each trail showcases the island\u2019s diverse beauty, offering a unique experience for hikers.    <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At the end of January, my sister and I walked all the way around the island in 8 days. It was a fantastic and varied trip. Read about our experiences and tips here.  <\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" data-id=\"18383\" src=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/20250128_114421-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"Madeira - hiking - coastal views  \" class=\"wp-image-18383\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/20250128_114421-980x735.jpg 980w, https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/20250128_114421-480x360.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1024px, 100vw\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"18392\" src=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Kopie-van-IMG_9253-e1739889904919-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Madeira - bougainvillea\" class=\"wp-image-18392\" title=\"\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"18288\" src=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/IMG_9164-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Madeira - hike - sun and fog\" class=\"wp-image-18288\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/IMG_9164-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/IMG_9164-480x640.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 768px, 100vw\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Highlights of Hiking Around Madeira<\/h2>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Stunning cliffs and views<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Santana UNESCO Biosphere Reserve<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Forests and tropical rainforests<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tropical Plants and Flowers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Waterfalls and levadas<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Volcanic swimming pools<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Day 1 of hiking in Madeira: arrival in Porto da Cruz<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s a half-hour bus ride from Funchal Airport to Porto da Cruz. We\u2019ve already done a bit of walking today, although we won\u2019t really get started until tomorrow. Porto da Cruz is a small village compared to the capital, Funchal. There are a few restaurants right by the sea where you can enjoy a bite to eat and a drink while the wind and waves put on a beautiful show.   <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Overnight stay in Porto da Cruz<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Day 2: Machico \u2013 hike along the wild north coast to Porto da Cruz<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>15 kilometers | approx. 5 hours | 550 meters of elevation gain and loss<\/em><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We were picked up by the shuttle bus at 9 a.m. this morning. Within 15 minutes, we were at the starting point of our first hike. The day began with lovely sunshine and, fortunately, little wind. Our stamina was immediately put to the test by a steep climb. We quickly took off our jackets, and once at the top, we could even unzip the legs of our convertible pants. We took a moment to catch our breath and savor the phenomenal view of Machico and the ocean.     <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Truly a magnificent hiking trail along the northeast coast. The Boca do Risco offers a very varied route along cliffs and through forests and rainforest, with the landscape changing several times. A surprise around every corner. What views! We took our time and got back to the hotel around 3 p.m. We had a quick coffee on a patio, took a shower, grabbed a bite to eat, and slept very well.     <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Overnight stay in Porto da Cruz<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" data-id=\"18375\" src=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/20250125_092339-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"Madeira - Santana - cottages\" class=\"wp-image-18375\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/20250125_092339-980x735.jpg 980w, https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/20250125_092339-480x360.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1024px, 100vw\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"18283\" src=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/IMG_9067-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Madeira - hike - northeast coast\" class=\"wp-image-18283\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/IMG_9067-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/IMG_9067-480x640.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 768px, 100vw\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"18391\" src=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Kopie-van-IMG_9039-e1739889969741-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Madeira - banana plant\" class=\"wp-image-18391\" title=\"\"><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hiking in Madeira is more than just a physical challenge; it\u2019s also an opportunity to discover the local flora and fauna and take in the stunning views.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Day 3: Santana \u2013 Hike along the Levada do Rei \u2013 S\u00e3o Vicente  <\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>10 kilometers | approx. 3 hours | 350 meters of elevation gain and loss<\/em><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Levada do Rei hike on Day 3 is one of the highlights of hiking in Madeira, with waterfalls and tropical vegetation. This route\u2014the Levada do Rei hike\u2014was supposed to be only 10 km, but it turned out to be about 14 km. That\u2019s fine\u2014we enjoyed it again! This morning we first stopped at the traditional cottages in Santana\u2014really nice to see. Santana has been a UNESCO biosphere reserve since 2011. The triangular houses with thatched roofs are part of the area\u2019s historical heritage. Then we set out on the hike. It was completely different from yesterday. The vegetation was predominantly tropical, with bamboo and banana trees. That, combined with charming little streams and the impressive waterfalls of Ribeira Bonito.           <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One moment you feel like you\u2019re in an ancient, mystical forest, and the next you\u2019re in the rainforest. The trail also passes a waterfall twice, and you have to walk underneath it\u2014staying dry isn\u2019t an option. Luckily, the temperature is lovely, so you\u2019ll be dry again in no time. Around 3:00 p.m., we arrived at our hotel in the northwest of the island.     <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Overnight stay in S\u00e3o Vicente<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-3 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" data-id=\"18294\" src=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/IMG_9172-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"Madeira - views of fog and sunshine\" class=\"wp-image-18294\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/IMG_9172-980x735.jpg 980w, https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/IMG_9172-480x360.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1024px, 100vw\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" data-id=\"18380\" src=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/20250126_170118-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"Hiking in Madeira - Coastal Cliffs\" class=\"wp-image-18380\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/20250126_170118-980x735.jpg 980w, https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/20250126_170118-480x360.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1024px, 100vw\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"18297\" src=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/IMG_9185-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Madeira - Forest Trail Hike\" class=\"wp-image-18297\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/IMG_9185-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/IMG_9185-480x640.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 768px, 100vw\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Day 4: S\u00e3o Vicente \u2013 Paul da Serra hike \u2013 Porto Moniz  <\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>11 kilometers | approx. 4 hours | 150 meters of ascent, 350 meters of descent<\/em><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We\u2019re looking forward to the Paul da Serra hike, which will show us more of the diversity of the landscape as we hike through Madeira. Today, once again, a completely different world! A challenging hike, and an optional detour is available: after descending 1,000 steps, you\u2019re treated to a crystal-clear forest bath with 25 waterfalls. We only did part of it because it took a lot of extra time. We picked up the regular route again, with plenty of ups and downs. A stunning route, though there was a lot of fog and light rain, which meant the views weren\u2019t as far-reaching in some places.     <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But the fog also adds a touch of mystery. The weather is very changeable. One minute the sky is bright blue, and the next, suddenly, there\u2019s fog and rain. It changes by the minute. And from no wind at all to very strong winds. Sometimes we ride through a fairytale-like forest with massive boulders and moss-covered trees. Then again, deep valleys and open meadows. Here it resembles the Scottish Highlands; there, Costa Rica. And then southern England. It\u2019s truly beautifully varied.         <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We arrived in Porto Moniz around 3:00 p.m. It\u2019s a charming coastal town with beautiful volcanic pools. They\u2019re right on the ocean. It\u2019s very windy, and the waves crash spectacularly against the lava rocks. The villages are starting to come alive a bit.   <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Overnight stay in Porto Moniz<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-4 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"18284\" src=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/IMG_9070-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-18284\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/IMG_9070-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/IMG_9070-480x640.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 768px, 100vw\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" data-id=\"18300\" src=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/20250126_163434-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"Hiking in Madeira - Volcanic Pools\" class=\"wp-image-18300\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/20250126_163434-980x735.jpg 980w, https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/20250126_163434-480x360.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1024px, 100vw\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Day 5: Porto Moniz \u2013 Hike to Prazeres \u2013 Calheta  <\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>17 kilometers | approx. 5 hours | 50 meters of ascent and 650 meters of descent<\/em><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Day 5 takes us on an easy route along a levada, offering the perfect opportunity for a leisurely hike on Madeira. Today, we cover more kilometers and take more steps than on any other day. We hike mainly through the laurel forest. The scent is indescribable. Streams, waterfalls, and a few obstacles here and there. Most of the route is flat. We ended up walking 20.5 km and, after stopping for a cappuccino along the way, arrived at the hotel in Calheta.      <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can tell right away that you\u2019re in the south of the island\u2014it\u2019s much less windy and a lot warmer. It really feels like the height of summer here. The seawater is still really cold, though. Calheta is a charming little town with cozy restaurants. We had a delicious meal on the boardwalk.    <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Overnight stay in Arco da Calheta<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-5 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"496\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"18287\" src=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/IMG_9140-496x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Madeira - hike - waterfall\" class=\"wp-image-18287\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/IMG_9140-496x1024.jpg 496w, https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/IMG_9140-480x990.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 496px, 100vw\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"18390\" src=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Kopie-van-IMG_9017-e1739890038645-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Madeira - lilac flower - gerbera\" class=\"wp-image-18390\" title=\"\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"18286\" src=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/IMG_9115-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Madeira - levada - hiking trail\" class=\"wp-image-18286\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/IMG_9115-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/IMG_9115-480x640.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 768px, 100vw\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Day 6: Calheta \u2013 Levada da Norte hike \u2013 Funchal  <\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>15 kilometers | approx. 5 hours | 250 meters of ascent and 150 meters of descent<\/em><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Today we\u2019re enjoying the Levada da Norte hike, where the island\u2019s beauty is clearly visible as we walk through Madeira. Another long hike. Our driver, Miguel, was right on time at 9 a.m. at our hotel to drive us to the starting point. A beautiful hike with even more views than yesterday. There were a striking number of beautiful flowers along the trail.    <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Along the way, we came to a stunning viewpoint (Cabo Girao) with a glass floor. It\u2019s one of the highest cliffs on the island. And it was high. The route continues to a small village by the sea. A surprisingly charming fishing village with beautiful colorful boats\u2014Camara de Lobos. The drive there was also really nice. From there, we took the bus on to Funchal. Walking was also an option, but we\u2019d had enough for the day.         <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the evening, I took a quick walk into Funchal to grab a bite to eat. I took a quick photo by the statue of Ronaldo. He grew up in Funchal and even has his own museum.    <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Overnight stay in Funchal<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-6 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" data-id=\"18303\" src=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/20250129_124821-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"Monte Palace Tropical Gardens - Funchal - Aerial view of the sea\" class=\"wp-image-18303\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/20250129_124821-980x735.jpg 980w, https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/20250129_124821-480x360.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1024px, 100vw\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"18289\" src=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/IMG_9404-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Madeira - Monte Palace Tropical Gardens - Funchal\" class=\"wp-image-18289\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/IMG_9404-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/IMG_9404-480x640.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 768px, 100vw\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Day 7: Funchal and the Monte Botanical Gardens<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>8 kilometers | approx. 3 hours | 100 meters of ascent and 550 meters of descent<\/em><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Monte Botanical Gardens are a wonderful way to end our last day of hiking on Madeira, with an abundance of colorful plants. We took it a bit easier this morning\u2014no driver to pick us up. After a delicious breakfast, we walked to the boarding area for the cable car that goes up the mountain. It was very crowded, though&#8230;At the top, you have a stunning view of Funchal and the enormous tropical garden. Afterward, the plan was to go down on the traditional toboggan (basket carts), but it was very crowded again. The huge line made us decide to just walk back down instead. In the city center, we visited the local market hall, which had plenty of fresh fruit and souvenirs. After a relaxing afternoon, we\u2019ll be heading back to the Netherlands tomorrow.       <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Overnight stay in Funchal<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-7 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" data-id=\"18378\" src=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/20250126_141714-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"Madeira - Green Coast\" class=\"wp-image-18378\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/20250126_141714-980x735.jpg 980w, https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/20250126_141714-480x360.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1024px, 100vw\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"18387\" src=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/20250127_153129-e1739890125806-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Madeira - Pool by the Sea\" class=\"wp-image-18387\" title=\"\"><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Practical Tips for Hiking in Madeira<\/h2>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The hiking trails described here are manageable for people in average physical condition.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Want a slightly more challenging hike? <a href=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/portugal\/madeira\/hiken-madeira\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"8054\">Read about our hike across the island here<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The hiking trails are well marked. <a href=\"https:\/\/visitmadeira.com\/en\/what-to-do\/nature-seekers\/notice-to-walkers-and-list-of-walks\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/visitmadeira.com\/en\/what-to-do\/nature-seekers\/notice-to-walkers-and-list-of-walks\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Here<\/a> you&#8217;ll find more information about the official hiking trails on Madeira.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Note: Starting in 2026, you\u2019ll need to make a reservation and pay an admission fee for many hiking trails. Check <a href=\"https:\/\/simplifica.madeira.gov.pt\/services\/78\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/simplifica.madeira.gov.pt\/services\/78\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Simplifica<\/a> for more information. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>On the <a href=\"https:\/\/visitmadeira.com\/en\/what-to-do\/nature-seekers\/activities\/hiking\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/visitmadeira.com\/en\/what-to-do\/nature-seekers\/activities\/hiking\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Visit Madeira<\/a> website, you can also find up-to-date information about the accessibility of the various hiking trails.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It&#8217;s best to book hotels in advance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Make sure you&#8217;re well prepared for different types of hiking trails and varying weather conditions when hiking in Madeira.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It&#8217;s convenient to take public transportation from one trailhead to another. Taxis aren&#8217;t cheap, but they&#8217;ll take you close to your starting point. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Funchal is a somewhat busy city. Tip: Choose a place to stay just outside the city. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/portugal\/madeira\/natuur-madeira\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"5944\">Here<\/a> you can read our article about nature on the island of Madeira<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hiking in Madeira on the map<\/h2>\n\n<iframe src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/d\/u\/0\/embed?mid=1SwbNDtal2Uhkv-UWjzVKcFyFDbESZtk&#038;ehbc=2E312F&#038;noprof=1\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\"><\/iframe>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Hiking in Madeira: A 8-Day Tour Around the Island Madeira is the ideal destination for your hiking vacation all year round. What\u2019s more, it offers challenges for both beginner hikers and experienced hikers. Madeira has no fewer than 27 PR hiking trails. These are the official hiking trails recommended by the local government. Each trail [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":26,"featured_media":37147,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[306,189,191],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-37146","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-madeira","category-portugal","category-hiking-tours"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/37146","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/26"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=37146"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/37146\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":37148,"href":"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/37146\/revisions\/37148"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/37147"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=37146"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=37146"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=37146"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}