Madeira, this gem of an island located 1000 kilometers southwest of continental Europe, is like that cool friend who’s got a bit of everything up their sleeve. Whether you’re craving some Relax, chasing waves on a surfboard, or ready to conquer hiking trails, Madeira serves up an interesting mix. I won’t go in much details in this article but I’ll give you a quick overview of my highlights, special thanks to @pasqualerizzello, architecht of the journey.

Now – my time on this Portuguese island was absolute magic, and I’m already planning my comeback. To truly visit all Madeira has to offer, I say a week is the minimum. Now, I’m not one to back down from a challenge, but I had to squeeze the magic into a mere 4 days (yeah, I’ve not unlimited days off 🙃). Let me share how I made every moment count.

Initially, I had plans of riding waves. But guess what? Madeira had other ideas for me. The scenery on day one blew my mind so much that I opted for some serious hiking instead. Don’t worry, I’m saving the surfing for a longer vacation – yep that’s coming.

Up in the northern area of the island, we set up camp in this adorable village, Arco Da Calheta. A villa with a cool pool – and can we talk about the price? Wallet-friendly vibes all the way.

Why not Funchal, the big city? We were all about that remote village life, and let me tell you, it was the jackpot. Dive into that village magic – you’ll thank me later.

Now, let’s lace up our boots and dive into the diverse world of hikes on Madeira. There are mainly two types of trails:

– levadas, intricate networks of narrow irrigation channels. These aren’t your average trails; they’ll be guiding you through forests and along mountainsides with a gentle flow of water as your hiking companion.

-Veredas. These trails go through historical pathways, Imagine walking in the footsteps of those who came before, surrounded by the symphony of nature.

So, whether you choose levadas or the historical narrative of revedas, each hike on Madeira is a chance to connect with the island’s soul.

The hikes

Day 1- PR8- Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço Hike

We rose at 5 am with the goal of witnessing the sunrise during the morning. Despite the initial weather conditions, we managed to appreciate the sun during the latter part of the sunrise, all while trekking. In summary, it was a rewarding hike, taking just 3 hours to cover a 380m elevation gain, offering a breathtaking view. Check out the gallery below.

Day 2- PR9 Levada do Caildeao (plan) PR18 Levada do Rei (Actual)

We initially planned PR9, to discover the day before it was closed due to safety risks. We opted for PR18, very easy.

During the entire trail you’re surrounded by all sorts of greenery. And get this – Levada do Rei used to be part of the royal water system.

The trail’s about 10 kilometers of chill vibes, showing off the island’s biodiversity and giving you plenty of excuses to snap some Instagram-worthy pics. Risco waterfall? You’re gonna want your camera for that one. Plus, there are views of the valleys that’ll make you feel on top of the world.

Take it easy, enjoy the nature🌿✨

Day 3- PR1 – Vereda do Areeiro

PR1 Hike Madeira offers a trekking experience that quickly became my personal favorite. The adventure unfolds along a summit-to-summit trail, commencing at the parking lot of Pico do Areeiro (1818 m) and winding through Pico das Torres (1851 m) before culminating at Pico Ruivo (1862 m). I recommend reaching the summit of Pico do Areeiro at least 30 minutes before sunrise, allowing you to immerse yourself in the magical dawn

The trail itself is an ideal balance of challenge and accessibility, classified as intermediate in difficulty. The entire journey takes approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes one way. As you navigate the path, you’ll encounter the striking beauty of Madeira’s rugged terrain

Upon completing the trek, you’re faced with a choice – either savor the return journey on foot or, for those seeking a more leisurely option, consider a convenient 45-minute taxi ride back to the initial starting point. Whether you relish the challenge of the trail or prefer the convenience of a taxi ride, PR1 Hike Madeira promises an unforgettable exploration of the island’s stunning landscapes.

Day 4- PR13 Vereda do Fanal

Vereda do Fanal is a Unesco Natural World Heritage Site– it’s basically nature’s VIP spot in Madeira. This place is like the cool kid at the island party.

Imagine rolling hills, and the trees? Next level, like a scene from a fantasy movie. It’s a legit sanctuary for anyone craving a break.

Pro tip: catch it during sunset. We are not pro and we didn’t though lol.

Closing thoughts

In summary, I enjoyed this getaway. There’s so much more to share, from the fantastic restaurants to the bars we explored, but I’ll save those stories for a second update – they deserve their own spotlight. Feel free to reach out for more information because, of course, what I’ve shared here is just a glimpse of the highlights!

Take care! 🌟