Watch: Walking Madeira's Levadas, Peaks and Coastline

Closer to Africa than Europe, Madeira is one of the world's great walking destinations. A volcanic island rising abruptly from the Atlantic Ocean, its rugged interior reaches over 1,800 metres, its coastline is dramatic and wild, and its extraordinary network of levadas (ancient irrigation channels) provides walkers with thousands of kilometres of trails through a landscape unlike anywhere else on earth. Our film captures it beautifully.

Madeira Walking Itineraries

We offer four carefully designed itineraries covering different parts of the island, from a fully guided group experience to self-guided adventures spanning the full length of Madeira. Here is a brief overview of each.

Madeira Guided Walk

This 8-day guided itinerary is led by an experienced local mountain guide and takes in some of the best walks the island has to offer. Summit Pico do Arieiro (1,818m) and Pico Ruivo (1,862m), walk to the famous Witch Trees of Fanal, follow the levadas to spectacular waterfalls and visit the volcanic lava pools at Porto Moniz. With private transfers throughout and a small international group, this is the most supported and sociable way to explore Madeira's mountains. Graded moderate to challenging.

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Madeira Island Walking

This popular 8-day self-guided itinerary covers the eastern half of the island, from the historic landing point of Machico to the dramatic levada walks of the Madeira Natural Park. Highlights include the coastal path to Porto da Cruz, the classic Monte to Camacha levada walk and a summit of Pico Ruivo. A mix of 4-star hotels and traditional guesthouses provides character throughout. Graded moderate.

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Western Madeira Hiking

This 8-day self-guided itinerary focuses on the quieter north, west and central parts of the island, including areas rarely visited by most travellers. Walk the historic Caminho Real to the fishing village of Paul do Mar, explore the abandoned farmsteads of Fajã da Quebrada Nova, swim in the natural lava pools at Porto Moniz and follow one of the island's most celebrated levada routes through ancient laurel forest. Graded moderate to challenging.

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Madeira Island Walking: East to West

For those who want to experience the full diversity of the island, this 15-day self-guided itinerary combines the best walks from both the eastern and western itineraries into one complete Madeira experience. Beginning in Machico and travelling westward across the island, it takes in levada walks, high-altitude ridge walking, Atlantic coastline, volcanic rock pools and the full range of Madeira's extraordinary landscapes. The most comprehensive way to discover the island on foot. Graded moderate to challenging.

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