Travel Blog – Madeira – A Mountainous Paradise
Madeira isn’t your typical tropical island. This Portuguese island on the African tectonic plate is a mountainous paradise with history, culture and spectacular landscapes.
Renting a car is essential for exploring this beautiful island. Besides being the best way to travel, it gives you flexibility and freedom to explore Madeira at your own pace.
Pico do Arieiro
The third highest peak in Madeira, Pico do Arieiro is a spectacular spot that is often mentioned as the best sunrise viewpoint on the island. Obviously, this makes it one of the most popular hikes on the island.
The view is incredibly beautiful, especially on a clear day with a sea of clouds. However, it isn’t a view you can get every morning. You have to be lucky!
It’s a really good idea to wear proper hiking shoes. This is not your usual walk-in-the-park levada trail, it’s a real hike with steep inclines and muddy sections in some places.
I recommend booking a group tour (it’s also cheaper) and let your local guide take care of the hike for you. This way you don’t have to worry about the road conditions (especially when you go for sunrise) and can focus on enjoying the incredible views. There are many tour companies offering this option including Getyourguide and Viator.
25 Fontes
The Levada das 25 Fontes hike is one of the most famous levada walks in Madeira. Its name comes from the 25 waterfalls that you can see along its route. The trail is part of the Laurisilva forest and features a variety of interesting flora and fauna.
The hike is fairly easy and can be done year-round. However, it’s best to visit during the summer months of June, July and August when the weather is warm and the waterfalls are in full flow.
The Levada 25 Fontes & Risco Waterfall PR6 Hike With Transfers is an unforgettable experience that unites nature and adventure! This self-guided hike allows you to discover the stunning landscapes of Madeira at your own pace. Book your tour now to see why the 25 Fontes waterfall is a must-see in Madeira! Including transportation to and from your hotel. The experience also includes a delicious lunch. Learn more about the details of this tour by clicking here.
Ribeiro Frio Natural Park
With a rich diversity of wildlife species and endemic plants, Ribeiro Frio Natural Park is a natural treasure that showcases the beauty of Madeira’s native environment. In addition, the region is home to a variety of hiking trails that cater to visitors with diverse skill levels.
One of the best hikes to do in Ribeiro Frio is PR11 Balcoes, a short levada trail that leads to the beautiful viewpoint of Vereda dos Balcoes. This trail is less crowded than some of the other popular hiking trails on the island like PR6 Levada 25 Fontes and PR1 Pico do Arieiro.
Situated on the ER103 road, this viewpoint enjoys a privileged view over the green and imposing mountains characteristic of the north coast of Madeira. It is also surrounded by woods of endemic laurels and heather undergrowth, populated by native birds such as the trocaz pigeon and the chaffinch.
Funchal
Located in the center of Madeira, Funchal is a lively destination with tons to see and do. It’s the perfect place to stay as a base for exploring the rest of the island. You can find great hotels in Funchal and all of the main attractions are within driving distance.
You can take a taxi to get around the city, but it’s cheaper and more convenient to rent a car in Madeira. Just make sure you book in advance as prices can be high if you wait until the day of your trip.
There is a large South African community in Madeira, and it’s easy to spot their accents when you hear them speaking English. They love living in Madeira, especially because the weather is similar to Cape Town and there are a lot of things to do. The only downside is the low wages, but they do have a lot of benefits that make up for it.