Madeira is a true paradise for nature lovers. This Portuguese island offers an unparalleled mix of mountains, cliffs, forests, and exotic flowers. Whether you’re looking for impressive walking and hiking trails or want to discover the unique flora and fauna, Madeira’s natural beauty has it all.
In this article, I’ll share the most beautiful natural spots on Madeira, the best hiking trails, and practical tips to help you make the most of your visit.
Starting in 2026, Madeira has introduced fees for all levadas and mountain hikes. In addition, you must register your visit in advance. The standard fee is €4.50 per trail, but may vary depending on the route. You can reserve a time slot and pay via the Simplifica website. Note: You cannot pay in cash on site.
This is done to preserve nature and prevent overcrowding at certain times.
Madeira’s natural landscape is exceptionally diverse: from dense primeval forests to rugged coastlines and high mountain peaks. The Laurisilva Forest, a remnant of prehistoric laurel forests, covers a large part of the island and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Madeira’s Nature: What Should You Not Miss?
Madeira offers more than 200 hiking trails for all skill levels. In the spring, nature is at its most beautiful, and the “Island of Flowers” truly lives up to its name, but the island is actually perfect for exploring on foot all year round. Be sure to bring good hiking shoes and dress in layers. A sweater and a windbreaker are definitely worth packing.
Distance: 10 km | Duration: 4–5 hours | Difficulty: difficult
One of the most popular hikes on Madeira. The trail connects the peaks of Pico do Arieiro and Pico Ruivo. The hike is challenging but breathtakingly beautiful, with views of deep valleys and rugged mountain peaks.
Distance: 9 km | Duration: 3 hours | Difficulty: moderate
This hike follows a levada (irrigation canal) through the Laurisilva forest and ends at the spectacular 25 Fontes waterfalls. Along the way, you’ll hear the constant murmur of flowing water and pass countless small waterfalls.
Distance: 7 km | Duration: 2.5 hours | Difficulty: easy to moderate
At the very eastern tip lies Ponta de São Lourenço, an area of barren cliffs and breathtaking views of the ocean. The landscape here is completely different from the rest of the island: drier and more desert-like.
Madeira is known for its lush flora and unique wildlife. The Laurisilva Forest is one of the last remaining areas of native laurel forest in Europe and is home to rare species such as the laurel dove and the Madeira wood partridge.
Highlights:
You can choose to hike in the mountains, along the coast, in the city, or on “levada hikes.” Levadas are former irrigation channels that were used for agriculture. It rains more in the north than in the south, and the levadas carried rainwater from the wetter north to the drier south. Some levadas are as old as 300 years, and there are a total of about 3,000 kilometers of levadas, which today form beautiful hiking trails.
1. Casas da Levada in Calheta: a charming place to stay in the Laurisilva forest, with comfortable cottages and a beautiful view of the valley.
2. Quinta do Furao in Santana: located on the north coast with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, surrounded by vineyards and gardens.
3. Eira do Serrado Hotel in Curral das Freiras: located at an elevation of 1,000 meters, with spectacular views of the Curral das Freiras valley. Ideal for hiking.
Madeira’s natural beauty is a must-see for every nature lover. From the impressive peaks of Pico Ruivo to the peaceful hiking trails through the Laurisilva forest, this island has everything it takes to capture your heart. Take the time to explore the diverse landscapes and let yourself be surprised by the versatility of this beautiful island. Do you have a favorite nature spot in Madeira? Let us know.
This charming fishing village is located just west of Funchal, and its colorful fishing harbor appears in many photos. It’s a cozy place in this “Chamber of the Wolves”; you’ll see plenty of street art made from recycled materials on doors and windows. Be sure to visit the town’s churches as well: the Igreja Matriz de São Sebastião and the São Sebastião Church from 1426 in the center, both built in the Baroque style.
Câmara de Lobos is certainly also known for its high rocks and cliffs. Just to the west, at an elevation of about 580 meters above sea level, you can look down on the fields from the Cabo Girão skywalk. Accessible only by boat and, these days, also by cable car—the Teleférico das Fajãs do Cabo Girão.
Funchal is easily accessible from Câmara de Lobos by A RODOESTE buses, so you can use Câmara de Lobos as an excellent base for a visit to the capital.
About a 45-minute drive west of Funchal (36 km) lies the village of Calheta on the south coast. The village dates back to 1430, when the first settlers of Madeira established themselves here.
Attractions here include Engenho de Calheto, the rum distillery where you can take a tour, and the Museu de Arte Contemporânea (Mudas), which features modern Portuguese art and offers stunning views thanks to its location on a high cliff.
Calheta is best known for the two man-made sandy beaches at Calheta Beach, the only sandy beaches on Madeira. You can also enjoy water sports here, such as windsurfing. On Komoot, you’ll find a variety of hiking trails in Calheta and the surrounding area.
Porto Moniz is located at the northwesternmost tip of Madeira; it’s best known for the Piscinas Naturais Velhas. Both tourists and locals come to cool off in the volcanic rock pools. Porto Moniz isn’t large—everything is within walking distance. Here, visit the historic Fort of João Batista or enjoy local specialties, such as black swordfish with banana, at one of the restaurants. If you’re driving down from the mountains, a stop at Miradouro da Santa is definitely worth it. The view of Porto Moniz and the coast is fantastic.
About 14 km inland, you’ll find Fanal Forest, part of the Laurissilva (laurel forest) in northwestern Madeira. In this primeval forest, the dense fog sometimes makes it impossible to see your hand in front of your face, which lends a sense of mystery to a visit. Here, you have a choice of hikes, varying in length and difficulty.
The best time to visit is from April through October. Temperatures reach a maximum of 26⁰C during this period, and there is little to no rain. That said, Madeira is also a wonderful place to visit during the winter months. The north receives the most rain, while the south of the island enjoys the most hours of sunshine.
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Ben je op zoek naar de mooiste wandel- en fietsroutes? Of wil je informatie over reizen met de trein of advies voor de mooiste roadtrips door de natuur. Laat je inspireren voor je volgende reis in het groen; ideeën om je eigen reis te plannen of te kiezen voor een georganiseerde reis.
