Hiking in Madeira

A subtropical volcanic island paradise

Rising out of the North Atlantic, some 430 miles (700 km) west of Africa, the Portuguese island of Madeira is an adventurer’s dream. Effectively, the zenith of a gigantic shield volcano that rises 20,000 feet (6,000 m) from the ocean floor, it is a lavish botanical paradise where almost anything grows from the fertile volcanic soil.

Many walks in Madeira venture into the island interior’s lush, subtropical Laurisilva forest, characterised by evergreen and glossy broadleaved trees. The naturalist in you will revel in the endemic species found here, such as the colourful Madeira firecrest and the Madeiran wall lizard. Such is the importance of this beautiful habitat, it has been afforded UNESCO World Heritage status.

Veredas and levadas

The besthiking trails in Madeira, or veredas, are those that explore the unforgettable beauty and cooler air of the mountains at the island’s centre. High-point Pico Ruivo, at 6,109 feet (1,862 m), makes for a challenging but spectacular hike from neighbouring Pico Arieiro, itself an awesome, jagged rock tower. The views across the shimmering, neighbouring islands and the ocean stretching away indefinitely are absolutely awesome.

Not all hikes in Madeira’s high places are strenuous though. The island is criss-crossed by around 200 historic irrigation channels called levadas and many of them are accompanied by wonderful, flat trails. The levadas allow you to access truly inspirational scenery without the attrition usually associated with such spectacular situations.

Meanwhile the experience of Madeira’s coastal trails will leave you stunned. Some are pleasant, scenic ambles, others are vertigo inducing cliff-huggers. Towering 1,900 feet (580 m) above the blue, Cabo Girao boasts Europe’s highest cliff top skywalk. Whilst in the very east of the island, the gorgeous Ponta de Sao Lourenco peninsula stretches out to the cerulean sea.

In the know and when to go

Scheduled buses transport you to the main trails from the island’s major centres and routes are clearly signposted and easy to follow. Madeira enjoys a very mild climate, with extremely dry, warm summers. In the still relatively mild winter months, the island’s north west and its mountains see a large amount of rainfall, sheltering the south east, which sees little. However, the weather can be unpredictable any time of year, so always be prepared for rain.