The 15 Best Hikes in Madeira

1.Pico do Arieiro Sunrise Transfer Self-guided Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 2,798 reviews · from $37Our pick

Hike Madeira’s high peaks at sunrise with a Funchal transfer, clear trail instructions, and a backup route when mountain weather or closures intervene.

“Really enjoyed the whole day. We didn’t have the best weather but could still appreciate how magical the place was. Pedro our guide was just brilliant, so pleasant and informative. Really enjoyed the little museum at the end which gave us more information on the area.”

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2.Pico Do Arieiro Pico Ruivo Sunrise or Morning Hike Transfers

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,169 reviews · 8 - 8.5 hours · from $37

Review of Madeira’s Pico do Arieiro sunrise transfer, self-guided hike, costs, trail closures, timing, gear, and who should book.

“Very good communication from the company and the driver r.e. pickup times. The sunrise was unreal, with a fabulous and manageable hike afterwards.”

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3.Rabaçal: 25 Fontes & Risco Levada Transfer Self-guided Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 841 reviews · from $38

Hike Madeira’s famous 25 Fontes and Risco levadas with early shared transport, clear trail advice, and five hours to explore.

“Our guide Petro was great. The transfer was smooth, he engaged with everyone, was knowledgeable on a lot of topics and overall ensured we had a great time. The hike itself was very easy, the waterfalls were amazing, though I liked Risco better. Overall, I recommend this activity, it was very well organized.”

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4.Caniçal Ponta São Lourenco Hiking Transfer

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 756 reviews · 6 hours · from $35

Review of Madeira’s PR8 Ponta São Lourenço hike, with shared transfers, trail advice, costs, timing, crowds, swimming, and honest practical tips.

“Great experience and a very friendly and knowledgeable guide Nuno, would definitely recommend to other travellers, advisable to arrive early to avoid the crowds”

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5.Caldeirão Verde: Queimadas PR9 Transfer and Self-Guided Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 668 reviews · from $38

Review of Madeira’s Caldeirão Verde PR9 hike, with shared transfers, waterfalls, tunnels, forest tips, timing, and honest value advice.

“Since there is no guide you can finish it on your own pace, there is more than enough time and you can have additional for snack/coffee and photos. Very good communication over WhatsApp - team is very helpful and patient. Driver was on time and he was very knowledgeable - all necessary information for the hike was provided. Overall it was a nice experience and I would do it again in the future.”

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6.PR 9 – Levada do Caldeirão Verde Hike Transfer

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 620 reviews · 7 hours · from $47

Review of Madeira’s PR9 Caldeirão Verde hike transfer, with pickup, safety briefing, tunnels, waterfalls, trail tips, and honest value advice.

“The transfer to the hike was very well organised. Cristiano was our driver and he was very friendly and gave us all the necessary information about the hike. I would definitely recommend booking with this company.”

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7.Sunrise at Pico do Arieiro & Hike Larano trail

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 516 reviews · from $45

Watch sunrise above the clouds at Pico do Arieiro, then hike Madeira’s Larano Trail and visit a glass viewpoint with hotel transport.

“Couldn’t have been better, the guide was extremely knowledgeable on the area and very friendly. The tour was great and the transport was really clean.”

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8.PR1 Sunrise Pico do Arieiro Self-Guided Hiking Transfer

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 299 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $39Top rated

Hike Madeira’s famous peaks at sunrise with hotel transfers, clear trail guidance, and time to tackle PR1 or an alternate route at your own pace.

“It was a great hike but conditions were less than perfect!! High winds, rain and fog! It was freezing and we were not prepared for the cold and wet! We didn’t do PR1 as it was too windy and we couldn’t see a thing but we took the extra time coming down PR3, which was pretty cool, great views when the cloud and fog cleared. But no one warned us about the 5 streams you need to walk through!! The cafe at the end was amazing - great food and comfy to rest! Amazing adventure! Also shoutout to Christiano, our driver, great guy! He said he’d done PR1 in worse…”

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9.Ponta de São Lourenço/Caniçal Full-Day Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 262 reviews · 8 hours · from $50

Hike Madeira’s rocky Ponta de São Lourenço peninsula from Funchal, with cliff views, volcanic formations, island scenery, and time to swim.

“Beautiful day, gray walk and very contrasting scenery, we had the choice of walking back or speed baiting back but we walked as it was so beautiful.”

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10.Pico Ruivo Guided Sunrise Hike with Hotel Pickup

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 257 reviews · 5 hours · from $68

Hike Pico Ruivo before dawn with hotel pickup, a local guide, head torch, tea, and a granola bar, then watch Madeira’s sunrise from its highest peak.

“Carlos was a great and caring driver and guide, extremely friendly and hospitable. Although we couldn't sea the sunrise because of a sudden change in weather, it was an unforgettable experience”

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11.Morning Transfer To Pico Do Arieiro, Hike To Pico Ruivo & Return From Teixeira

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 243 reviews · 7 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $37

Review of Madeira’s Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo hike, with Funchal pickup, clear trail instructions, and return from Achada do Teixeira.

“Sometimes you’ve just got to give credit to the team that organise these excursions! Our driver was fantastic gets up early every morning and they must be tired but there Professionalism of picking us up and being informative is a credit to them. Our driver who was from Ireland was really warm and welcoming and made our trip really Pleasant.”

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12.Sunrise Transfer To Pico Do Arieiro, Hike To Pico Ruivo & Return From Teixeira

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 233 reviews · 7 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $42

Hike Madeira from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo at sunrise with small-group transfers, flexible timing, and pickup from Funchal or Caniço.

“very nice views all the way perfect weather very good driver definitely need outdoor winter schoes for the hike”

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13.Machico to Porto da Cruz Larano Cliff Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 189 reviews · 8 hours · from $50

Hike Madeira’s Larano Cliff from Machico to Porto da Cruz, with ocean views, local history, hotel pickup, and a friendly multilingual guide.

“Amazing experience! Our guide, Charlotte was great (not to forget our driver Nunu, sorry if I spelt it wrong). Beautiful and a very informative and friendly guide.”

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14.25 Fountains Levada: Hiking Tour in Madeira Rabaçal Valley (PR6)

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 187 reviews · 7 hours (approx.) · from $52

Review of Madeira’s 25 Fountains Levada hike, with forest trails, waterfalls, an 800-meter tunnel, guide tips, price, crowds, and fitness advice.

“Really great hike, not too difficult for those who are moderately active. Martha was fantastic super motivated and made the hike enjoyable. It took around 2.5 hours and we had around 30 minutes to see the water fall. Luckily we went off peak and the views were fantastic. Martha explained things incredibly well along the hike! Carlos was fantastic tooo”

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15.Sunrise Guided Hike PR1 Pico do Areeiro Pico Ruivo small group

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 133 reviews · 6 to 8 hours (approx.) · from $120

Hike Madeira’s Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo at sunrise with a certified guide, small group, hotel pickup, and a Santana visit.

“It was an early start but worth it … the tour was well planned we saw a stunning sunrise through the clouds. Our guide David was super friendly and knowledgeable and paced everything really well. Thanks for a great tour ….”

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