PR19
OpenCaminho Real do Paul do Mar
Historic zigzag path, sea views, agricultural terraces, stone walls
1-1.5h1.8kmHardVereda (steep coastal descent)
€ Fee requiredView details →
Scenic Trails
Viewpoint Trails in Madeira
From quick walks to panoramic balconies to full-day peak hikes, these trails reward you with some of Madeira's most spectacular views. Perfect for photography and memorable moments.
Photography Tips
Best Light
Early morning (before 9am) or late afternoon. Midday can be harsh and hazy.
Cloud Timing
Clouds often roll in by noon at altitude. Start early for clear views.
Sunrise Hikes
PR1 from Pico do Areeiro is famous for sunrise above the clouds.
Viewpoint Trails (15)
View all trails →PR20
ClosedVereda do Jardim do Mar
Jardim do Mar and Paúl do Mar views, agricultural terraces (poios), historic path
1-1.5h1.9kmModerateVereda (coastal descent)
€ Fee requiredView details →
PR15
OpenVereda da Ribeira da Janela
Historic footpath, valley descent with sea views, connection to Fanal area
1-1.5h2.7kmModerateVereda (valley descent)
€ Fee requiredView details →
PR11
OpenVereda dos Balcões
Quick mountain viewpoint, peaks panorama
0.75-1.5h3kmEasyVereda (short viewpoint)
Free accessView details →
PR30
OpenVereda da Ponta do Sol
Coastal and valley views above the sunniest town
1.5-2h4kmModerateVereda
Free accessView details →
PR26
OpenLevada do Glória
Quiet eastern levada with views to the Desertas islands
1.5-2h4.5kmEasyLevada
Free accessView details →
PR4
Partially OpenLevada do Barreiro
Poço da Neve ice house (1813), Funchal panoramic views, high-altitude flora, Ribeira de Santa Luzia valley
2-2.5h5.2kmEasyLevada Walk
€ Fee requiredView details →
PR1.2
OpenVereda do Pico Ruivo
Shortest route to Madeira's highest peak
1.5-2h6kmEasy-ModerateVereda (peak ascent)
€ Fee requiredView details →
PR8
OpenVereda da Ponta de São Lourenço
Volcanic coastal peninsula, red cliffs, Atlantic views
2.5-4h7kmEasy-ModerateVereda (coastal)
€ Fee requiredView details →
PR3
ClosedVereda do Burro
Poço da Neve (1813 ice house), high-altitude flora, Ribeira do Cidrão valley views
2.5-3h7.2kmEasyVereda (mountain descent)
€ Fee requiredView details →
PR5
OpenVereda das Funduras
Penha d'Águia views, Laurisilva forest, green hills of Machico, less crowded alternative
3-4h8.7kmModerateVereda (coastal hills)
€ Fee requiredView details →
PR2
Partially OpenVereda do Urzal
South-to-north coast crossing, Boca das Torrinhas viewpoint, connects to PR1.3
4-5h10.6kmModerateVereda (mountain crossing)
€ Fee requiredView details →
PR12
Partially OpenCaminho Real da Encumeada
Historic cobbled royal path, central mountain massif, highest peaks panorama
4-5h12.5kmModerateVereda (mountain traverse)
€ Fee requiredView details →
PR1
Reopening April 27, 2026Vereda do Areeiro (Areeiro → Ruivo)
Madeira's most iconic ridge walk across the island's highest peaks
7-8h15.6kmHardVereda (mountain ridge)
€ Fee requiredView details →
PR17
Partially OpenCaminho do Pináculo e Folhadal
Jurassic Park scenery, jagged peaks, levada tunnels, cascading waterfalls, ridge walk
6-7h18kmHardVereda/Levada mix (loop)
€ Fee requiredView details →
Must-See Viewpoints
Pico do Areeiro
3rd highest peak. Accessible by road. Start of PR1.
Pico Ruivo
Highest peak at 1,862m. Reached via PR1 or PR1.2.
Balcões
Easy walk to mountain balcony. PR11, under 2 hours.
Ponta de São Lourenço
Dramatic coastal views. PR8, volcanic peninsula.