{"id":38001,"date":"2024-04-05T17:37:22","date_gmt":"2024-04-05T15:37:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/niet-gecategoriseerd\/hiking-in-madeira-from-east-to-west-across-the-peaks\/"},"modified":"2026-06-25T18:21:37","modified_gmt":"2026-06-25T16:21:37","slug":"hiking-in-madeira-from-east-to-west-across-the-peaks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/en\/portugal\/madeira\/hiking-in-madeira-from-east-to-west-across-the-peaks\/","title":{"rendered":"Hiking in Madeira: From East to West Across the Peaks"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Hiking in Madeira: 6 Beautiful Mountain Trails<\/h1>\n\n

When winter casts its gray veil over Europe, you can head to a place where the sun shines and nature blooms all year round: Madeira. Thanks to its rugged volcanic mountain landscape, fertile green valleys, and pleasant, humid climate, it\u2019s often called the \u201cHawaii of Europe.\u201d I took this wonderful trek from eastern to western Madeira in six stunning hikes. <\/p>\n\n

I booked this trip with a reputable Dutch hiking tour specialist. You can book the same 8-day trip (7 nights) with this specialist. Go to “Request a quote.”<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n

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\"Madeira<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Madeira<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Madeira<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n

This adventurous, non-stop trek takes in almost everything this fascinating island has to offer. Over the course of six hikes and a few taxi rides, you can hike across the island from east to west. <\/p>\n\n

The hikes described are suitable for experienced hikers. I completed the route while staying at three different hotels and using a luggage transport service from hotel to hotel. I\u2019ve also included some practical tips for your trip. <\/p>\n\n

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\"Madeira<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Madeira<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Madeira<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n

Hiking in Madeira: 6 Trips from East to West<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n

Rugged cliffs to the east and the spectacular PR1<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n

The trek begins on the eastern side of the island, where the high cliffs of Boca do Risco, with their breathtaking views, immediately set the tone for this challenging 6-day trek. The challenge is particularly noticeable around Boca das Torrinhas, where you\u2019ll pick up the spectacular PR1 trail. <\/p>\n\n

This trail winds across the central ridge of Madeira, flanked by sheer cliffs and deep gorges of Pico do Arieiro (1,818 m) and Pico Ruivo (1,862 m). At the Boca das Torrinhas mountain pass, you\u2019ll be rewarded with a panoramic view of the Atlantic Ocean on both sides of the trail. <\/p>\n\n

Hiking in the Sunny Southwest of Madeira <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n

As you continue, you\u2019ll reach the sunnier southwestern side of the island, where you\u2019ll be treated to a spectacular panoramic view from Pico da Urze. The hike eventually takes you to Calheta, where the sunset over the Atlantic Ocean provides the perfect ending to this magnificent hike. <\/p>\n\n

At 1,862 meters, Pico Ruivo is the highest point on Madeira. From the summit\u2014which can only be reached on foot\u2014you\u2019ll enjoy an impressive 360-degree view, provided it isn\u2019t shrouded in mist. <\/p>\n\n

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\"Madeira<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Madeira<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Madeira<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n

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Levades in Madeira <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This unique volcanic mountain landscape is responsible for the various microclimates on Madeira, which can cause the weather on the north and south sides of the island to differ surprisingly. This has led to the creation of the man-made Levadas. These ingenious irrigation channels have been channeling the abundant water from the wet north to the drier southern part of the island for three centuries. These networks of levadas, which together span some 3,000 km, form a crucial part of the island\u2019s heritage and landscape and are now rewarding and beautiful hiking trails. <\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Levada hike from Maro\u00e7os to Porto da Cruz<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n

A short taxi ride will take you from your hotel in Santo da Serra to the village of Maro\u00e7os. Here, you\u2019ll join the first levada trail, following the contours of Madeira\u2019s rugged northeast coast. After Boca do Risco, which offers a great viewpoint, you\u2019ll walk along a path halfway up the nearly 400-meter-high, sheer cliff face. Everywhere you look, there\u2019s beautiful green vegetation; you\u2019ll spot salamanders and butterflies and enjoy endless views of the sea. In the distance behind you, you can just make out the Ponta de S\u00e3o Louren\u00e7o peninsula. That\u2019s where the beautiful PR8 hiking trail is located\u2014something to save for another time! <\/p>\n\n

After Espigao Amarelo, you\u2019ll leave the deep cliffs behind you, and a winding footpath will take you to the harbor village of Porta da Cruz. It\u2019s a real surf spot. There\u2019s a newly built promenade and several surf hostels. There\u2019s also a natural swimming pool right next to the ocean. <\/p>\n\n

What if the weather isn’t great on the day you want to go on this hike? Don’t worry\u2014there’s a shorter route starting from Ribeira de Machico. <\/p>\n\n

You can take a taxi back to Santo da Serra. There\u2019s a weekly Sunday market there. This is where the locals do their weekly shopping and wrap up the afternoon at one of the market bars. You\u2019ll also find a few food stalls here and the occasional stray tourist. <\/p>\n\n

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Hiking from Maro\u00e7os to Porto da Cruz<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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