Open
PR6
Moderate
Levada das 25 Fontes
Rabaçal
11 km
Distance
3-4h
Duration
324m
Elevation
25 natural springs, waterfall, Laurisilva forest
Paid (check SIMplifica) feeView details
Your complete Madeira hiking resource
Discover Madeira'sMost Beautiful Trails
Real-time trail conditions, verified local guides, and insider tips for levada walks and mountain routes across the island.
2025–2026 Update: trail access rules can change. For 2026 reservations and official links, use our guide.
Open the 2026 rules guide32+
Official Trails
14+
Verified Guides
365
Days Hikeable
€3
2025 Trail Fee
Explore
Featured guide
Madeira hiking rules for 2026
Mandatory reservations, updated fees, and what hikers must do — updated as official details change.
Getting Started
Plan Your Madeira Adventure
Madeira has levada walks (mostly gentle gradients) and veredas (mountain ridge routes). Use these resources to plan safely, understand the 2025 fee rules, and pick trails that match your fitness and vertigo tolerance.
Browse by Type
Find Your Perfect Trail
Not sure where to start? Browse trails by type to find routes that match your interests and comfort level.
Popular Routes
View All TrailsFeatured Hiking Trails
Discover the most popular and spectacular hiking trails in Madeira, with current status updates and detailed local information.
Open
PR8
Easy-Moderate
Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço
Baía d'Abra
7 km
Distance
2.5-4h
Duration
150m
Elevation
Volcanic coastal peninsula, red cliffs, Atlantic views
Paid (check SIMplifica) feeView details
Open
PR11
Easy
Vereda dos Balcões
Ribeiro Frio
3 km
Distance
0.75-1.5h
Duration
20m
Elevation
Quick mountain viewpoint, peaks panorama
Free entryView details
Looking for more options? Browse our complete collection of 32+ official PR trails with detailed information and real-time status updates.
Local Expert
Curated by Filipe Pereira — Madeira local guide & curator
Our content is curated with a safety-first approach and local trail knowledge — from levada walks and tunnel prep to weather-aware mountain routes.
Filipe is the founder and author of TrueMadeira.com. Born and raised in Madeira, he brings a background in digital marketing and a passion for travel to our planning guides. He also maintains a public Google Maps contributor profile.
Trusted Professionals
Verified Local Guides
All guides are RNAAT licensed and verified for your safety. Contact them directly via WhatsApp or phone for instant booking.
RNAAT Verified
5.0
Madeira Local Guide - Paulo Jesus
Individual Certified Guide
Private tours, certified mountain guide, nature tourism graduate, surf coach
Private only
3+ exp
PT/EN
Insured: Yes
From€66-114
Hotel PickupFree Cancel
RNAAT Verified
Excellent
Up Mountain Madeira
Premium Local Company
Small groups (max 8), Hall of Fame TripAdvisor, jeep tours + hiking combination
Max 8 people
12+ (since 2012) exp
PT/EN/DE
Insured: Yes
From€40-120
Hotel PickupFree Cancel
RNAAT Verified
Good
Explore Nature
Certified Company
Certified mountain guide, trail running tours, budget-friendly from €27
Small groups
5+ exp
PT/EN
Insured: Personal accident insurance
From€27-80
Hotel Pickup
RNAAT Verified
Good
Madeira Adventure Kingdom
Multi-Activity Company
Canyoning + levada walks combination, multi-activity packages
Standard groups
Unknown exp
PT/EN
Insured: Yes
From€44-95
Hotel Pickup
RNAAT Verified
Good
Madeira Explorers
Established Tour Company
Established 2003, scheduled group walks, fixed pricing €45 adults
Large scheduled groups
20+ (since 2003) exp
PT/EN
Insured: Yes
From€30-45
Hotel Pickup
RNAAT Verified
Excellent
Nature Meetings
Professional Guide Company
Professional certified mountain guides, safety-focused approach
Small professional groups
10+ exp
PT/EN
Insured: Yes
From€50-100
Hotel Pickup
Need Help Choosing a Guide?
All our guides are RNAAT licensed and verified. Contact them directly for personalized recommendations based on your fitness level and interests.
Expert Knowledge
Local Hiking Insights
Insider tips and local knowledge that only experienced Madeira hikers know. Make your hiking experience safer and more enjoyable.
Best Times to Hike
- Start early (7-8 AM) to avoid crowds on popular trails like PR1 and PR6
- Levada walks are better in morning when mist creates magical atmosphere
- Avoid weekends on PR8 (São Lourenço) - gets extremely crowded
- Winter months (Dec-Feb) offer fewer crowds but more rain
Weather Considerations
- Madeira has 7 microclimates - check weather for specific trail locations
- North coast trails (Caldeirão Verde) are often misty and wet
- High altitude trails (Pico Ruivo) can be 10°C colder than Funchal
- Trade winds are strongest in afternoon - morning hikes are calmer
Transportation Tips
- Rent a car for maximum flexibility - public transport is limited to main trails
- Book parking early for Pico do Areeiro (€20/day) - fills up by 9 AM
- Use Hotel Zone shuttle for Rabaçal area - saves €2/hour parking
- Some trails require 4WD access - check with rental company
Trail Conditions
- Always carry flashlight - many levadas have unlit tunnels
- Trails can be muddy year-round, especially after rain
- Some sections of PR1 closed due to rockfall - check IFCN status
- Levada walls are narrow - not suitable for those afraid of heights
Local Wildlife
- Trocaz pigeons are endemic - best spotted early morning on mountain trails
- Madeira wall lizards are harmless and curious - don't feed them
- Wild goats roam freely in high mountains - keep distance
- Monk seals occasionally spotted from coastal trails like PR8
Hidden Gems
- Fanal Forest (PR13) has 600-year-old laurel trees - mystical in fog
- Natural pools at Porto Moniz perfect after coastal hikes
- Ribeiro Frio trout farm - great lunch stop after Balcões trail
- Sunrise at Pico do Areeiro is spectacular but requires 5 AM start
Important Safety Reminders
Emergency: 112 (works from any phone)
Mountain Rescue: Contact via 112
Trail Fees: €3 required for most PR trails from Jan 2025
Weather: Check IPMA before hiking
Trail Status: Verify with IFCN (official source)
Safety Rule: Never hike alone, inform someone of your plans