Travel Dates: March 2019 for 1 week
Madeira is an archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean southwest of Portugal. It was discovered by Portuguese explorers in 1419 when their ship ran aground during a storm. Sugarcane production became the main commercial crop as the island’s climate was perfect for growth and the demand was high in Europe. This highly profitable industry allowed Madeira to grow into the island it is today. In 1976, Madeira was granted political autonomy from Portugal. Now technically known as the Autonomous Region of Madeira, it has its own government and legislative assembly (unlike the Azores islands, which is the other autonomous region of Portugal). Today, around 270,000 people live on the island, and tourism makes up about 20% of the economy.
A quick online image search of Madeira will leave any outdoor enthusiast with a desire to visit Madeira. It’s varied and extreme landscapes, combined with generally pleasant year-round temperatures, make it the perfect spot for rewarding hikes. Flights to the island are quick and cheap from mainland Europe, however Madeira doesn’t have much for public transportation. While there are various tour groups that can take you to hiking trail heads, I highly recommend renting a car. You can get one for around $10/day and it gives you flexibility. We really enjoyed being able to stop whenever to stare at a view. One thing to note is that Madeira is surprisingly hilly and reaches heights of 6,000 feet only a few miles from the ocean. Because of this, many of the roads are narrow, very steep and have tight switchbacks. Our rental Fiat Punto was screaming in first gear up some of the hills! The roads are well maintained but If you’re not comfortable driving a manual car in these situations, possibly consider tour options.
While there are many interesting facets of Madeiran culture, I want to focus this post on the hiking opportunities. There are over 20 official hikes on Madeira, all numbered starting with “PR”, that are well maintained and well signed. We were able to do 4, and were blown away by not only how beautiful they were, but how different the landscapes could be on one small island. For a full list of hikes, click HERE.
PR1 – Verada do Areeiro
This epic hike takes you between the two highest peaks on Madeira, Pico do Areeiro and Pico Ruivo. Starting at 6,000 feet at Pico do Areeiro, the hike begins with breathtaking scenery in all directions (on a clear day). The hike descends roughly 1,000 feet taking you on steep cliff faces, and through tunnels, before ascending back up to Pico Ruivo at 6,100 feet (then repeating to return). While the hike has many sections with steep drops on each side, there are ample guardrails that give a sense of protection. Even I who hate heights found it to not be too knee-trembling. My tip would be to start early before the crowds and the clouds roll in. Even with the clouds it provides for some hauntingly beautiful scenery, but when it’s clear you can see for miles in every direction.
PR6/PR6.1 – Lavada das 25 Fontes / Levada do Risco
This hike takes you through the lusher side of the island, viewing waterfalls, springs, and historic levadas. Levadas are small aqueducts that were originally built to bring water for agriculture to dryer parts of the island. Today they also bring water to the Calheta Hydroelectric Dam before heading to the fields. It is a fun experience following the levadas through the forest.
PR 8 – Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço
This hike takes you to the eastern tip of the island and provides nothing but vast ocean and cliff views. The landscape is rocky with little vegetation, so different than the rest of the island. Again, go early to avoid the crowds.
PR 19 – Caminho Real do Paul do Mar
This hike has such rewarding views that you’ll forget how much your knees hurt afterwards. The hike starts up high overlooking the ocean, and takes you down 1,500 feet in 1 mile to the small charming town of Paul do Mar. The hike is basically one big staircase and you’ll be surrounded by beautiful flowers and bees. Once you get to the bottom, take some time to explore the town and have a coffee at an oceanfront cafe. You’ll need the caffeine to hike the 1,500 feet back up to your car at the top!
Madeira proved to be a place of plentiful natural beauty. We would recommend spending 1-2 weeks here.