Top Madeira Nature Walks - page 2

"Ribeiro Bonito" (Beautiful River) is the name given to the torrential stream that feeds the Levada do Rei. This enchanting walk along the "King´s Levada" leads through a fairly pristine laurel forest (world heritahe by UNESCO since 1999) penetrating deep into the delightful valley of the Ribeiro Bonito. This amazing hike take place in the north of Madeira Island.

Embark on one of Madeira’s most famous levada walks on a full-day tour of Levada do Caldeirão Verde. Beginning at the fairy tale village of Queimadas, you’ll walk through ancient forests and past streams and lagoons, stopping to enjoy Santana and the enormous Caldeirão Verde waterfall along the way. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

On this full-day guided walk along the Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço trail, you’ll get a first-hand experience of the island’s most stunning natural sights. Discover a protected natural park, filled with volcanic rock formations, evergreen paths, and panoramic views over Desertas Islands and Porto Santo. Tours include pickup from your Funchal hotel and an optional dip in the ocean.

A hop-on hop-off bus tour is the ideal way to combine the flexibility of independent sightseeing with the convenience of a guided tour. With a choice of a 48-hour or 5-day ticket, this great-value deal offers full access to three routes—the highlights of Funchal, the village of Câmara de Lobos, and the Skywalk of Cabo Girão.

With this half-day tour, you can boost your knowledge of Madeira’s natural wonders—and in particular the flowers of Palheiro Gardens. Don’t worry about hiring a car and finding a parking space, as private transport is included. Then, once inside Palheiro Gardens, enjoy a scenic walk, followed by a visit to Palheiro Golf viewpoint—the perfect spot for panoramic photos over Funchal.

Experience one of Madeira’s UNESCO-listed levada walks through the ancient Laurisilva forest with a guide who knows the area best. You’ll embark on the Levada do Alecrim walk without having to worry about losing your way. Plus, you’ll learn about how the landscapes were formed over millions of years.

One of the most popular hikes in Madeira is the challenging trek between the Arieiro and Ruivo mountain peaks. Take the guesswork out of getting there by booking a transfer service to easily get to and from the hike. This is not a guided tour but an easy way for visitors who don't have cars to access the hike.

Hike through the Madeira highlands on a half-day walk that follows the historic Levada da Serra do Faial, a century-old irrigation canal, through lush forest. You’ll cover 3.4 miles (5.5 km) of trail, earn views of Madeiran villages, and see a wide range of plants in a scenic, natural environment. This 4-hour, guided walking tour includes pickup and drop-off at Funchal hotels.

Discover the eastern landscapes of Madeira with ease on an 8-hour tour from Funchal, ideal for lovers of natural landscapes. Ascend to Pico de Arieiro, Madeira’s third-highest peak, and admire the famous Laurissilva Forest, which dates back to prehistoric times. Plus, you’ll enjoy lunch in the colorful town of Santana, visit Machico, and admire panoramic views from Ponta de São Lourenço. Hotel pickup and drop-off in Funchal are included.

Check out the center of Madeira Island, where you'll find the Valley of the Nuns. This is a half day small group tour, that runs twice weekly at 9:30am. You’ll stop at Miradouro Pico Dos Barcelos for a wonderful view of Funchal, and later at Eira do Serrado viewpoint for some gorgeous surrounding nature. You'll then spend time in the Valley of the Nuns with layers of white clouds among the mountain peaks.

A challenging and authentic walk, perfect for those looking for an experience outside the most famous scenarios. We started by the sea at 200 meters, and gradually climbed to about 700 meters, always with the ocean as the background. Along the way, we enjoy spectacular views of the sea, imposing cliffs, deep valleys and mountains. In the middle of the route we enter the forest, where the local fauna and flora are always present, bringing tranquility and pure contact with nature. In the final part we return again to the coast, with the ocean accompanying us to the end. The walk is calm, without crowds, ideal for those who value unique landscapes and authenticity. Led by me, Paul Jesus, certified mountain guide, born and resident on the island. In the end, there is the possibility of a diving in the sea.

On this trek we will have the perspective of exuberant beauty of the northeast coast of the island, where the contrast between the land and the Atlantic Ocean makes this landscape simply unforgettable. Along the way, there are incredible views surrounding the city of Machico with its, landscaping, houses and buildings. Then we will pass through the path of Boca Da Risco where we will reach a viewpoint that offers a wonderful view of the north coast of the island.

This walk is one of the most beautiful of all the Island. A magical walk full of magnificent waterfalls and lagoons, which blend with the forest and the rock formations of this area. In the first part enjoy the wonderful views of the Rabaçal, which come up along the way and enjoy the diversity of regional flora and fauna that exists here. The vegetation, sometimes dense, is combined with the sound of birds and running water, creating an extraordinary surrounding.

This circular route has as its starting and ending point at the Forest Park of Ribeiro Frio, an area widely visited by tourists and residents. Enjoy pickup from your accommodation or the Port of Funchal and head to the Forest Park of Ribeiro Frio, an area widely visited by tourists and residents. Follow an easy and accessible path and enjoy the unique landscapes surrounding the trail.  Continue along the trail to reach the bridge, where you will ascend to Chão das Feiteiras. This irregular and somewhat slippery section of the trail have open spaces that allow you to enjoy the surrounding landscape, as well as some ponds and waterfalls that supply the Levada. The climb continues until reaching Chão das Feiteiras, a leisure area used by many Madeirans to enjoy time outdoors with family and friends. The route then descends down a section of stone path to Ribeiro Frio.

Delve into the spectacular landscapes of Madeira’s northwest coast on an explorative full-day tour from Funchal. Accompanied by your guide, travel through scenery of outstanding natural beauty, gazing at landmarks like Paul da Serra and Porto Moniz. Head deep into the mysterious forest on a guided hike; gain an insightful glimpse into Portuguese culture; and, weather permitting, sink your toes into the silky sands of the black sandy beach of Seixal.

Plunge into Madeira’s lakes and waterfalls on an 8-hour levada walking tour from Funchal, a moderate excursion designed for first-time visitors. Alongside your guide, you’ll follow one of Madeira’s famous levadas past waterfalls and rock pools, and through ancient forest. Plus, you’ll ascend to lookout points around the island’s highest mountain. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included. A nature fee is payable on the day of the walk.

Don’t get lost while exploring new trails on this guided hiking tour in the Paradise Valley (Vale do Paraíso), one of Madeira’s top hiking destinations. It’s an easy and scenic hike through forests, farmland, and cultivated terraces to the village of Rochão. Along the way, listen to your guide tell stories about local traditions, agriculture, and wildlife.

Begin your day watching the sunrise over the clouds and mountains on this early morning adventure from Funchal. Join a small group and head to the summit of Arieiro, Madeira’s third highest peak, to watch the sky change from night to day. After, enjoy a “levada” walk through the lush forests before the crowds set in.

It is one of the most emblematic and most visited pedestrian walks on the island of Madeira. An authentic gift for our senses. Along the trail enjoy centurial laurel and heather beyond its unforgettable waterfalls and fountains, 25 in all respects living up to its name. The use of a walking stick, proper footwear and water is recommended.

This is a relaxing walk along one of the beautiful levadas on the neighbourhoods of Funchal, mixture of sea and mountains views is going to delight you. You will observe spectacular views over the village of Camacha. Throughout the walk we will have the opportunity to see the cultivated fields and learn more about Madeiras´ traditions and agriculture.

Experience the natural beauty and contrasts of eastern Madeira on a full-day guided tour through mountains, forests, and coastal landscapes. Start with a convenient hotel pickup in Funchal and enjoy scenic viewpoints overlooking the city. Travel high into the mountains to Pico do Arieiro, Madeira’s third-highest peak, and take in breathtaking views. Continue to Ribeiro Frio to visit a traditional trout farm and enjoy an easy levada walk to the Balcões viewpoint within the Laurissilva forest. Discover Santana’s iconic thatched houses and stop for lunch in the north of the island. Afterward, follow the coast to Faial’s skywalk viewpoint and Porto da Cruz for a local rum tasting. End the day with impressive views of Ponta de São Lourenço, Machico, and nearby islands before returning to Funchal. ✔ Pico do Arieiro panoramic mountain views ✔ Levada walk in Ribeiro Frio Laurissilva forest ✔ Santana thatched houses and lunch stop ✔ Faial Skywalk, Porto da Cruz rum tasting

The Balconies Levada hike in Madeira is ideal for those who want a beautiful walk without committing to hours of hiking. Join a private guide and begin your hike in Ribeiro Frio, where you can take in the views of several of the island’s mountain peaks, including Ruivo and Arieiro. This tour is suitable for most travelers with pickup points from several parts of the island.

Explore one of Madeira’s most popular hikes, the 25 Water Springs Walk, on this full-day tour. Join a small group in the Rabaçal Valley for the hike that winds through the lush forest. See the Risco Waterfall, observe the local flora and fauna, and conclude at the 25 Fontes lagoon that is surrounded by vines and greenery.

Spend a day immersed in Madeira’s lush forests on this hike through the Alecrim Levada. Join a small group and hike to Vento Lake, which is fed by several waterfalls. Then walk along the Alecrim Levadas, man-made channels used to transport water to various parts of the island, and explore the valley.