Active holidays in Madeira (walking)
This article will present a weekly route for those who like hiking and:
- 25 Fontes
- Pico do Arieiro
- Queimadas-Kaldeiran-Verde
- Levada to Rey
- Levada do Alecrim
- São Lourenço
- Levada dos cedros
These are maps of hiking trails that will help you find places to visit.
1. Walk 25 Fontesh / Rabasal Levada
Our number one recommendation is a walk through the Rabasal-Rishka Levadas and 25 natural springs. Why?
If you are looking for a magnificent walk along Levada, this is a hike for you. This is perhaps the most unique hike you can make in Madeira, and the most popular, because the trail opens up many landscapes, and along the way you can admire a wide variety of endemic species of flora and fauna of the region.
Many guidebooks say that this hike is mandatory, we also think so. You start in Rabasal and go to 25 fonts, where you will see waterfalls rushing to the magnificent lagoon.
You can book a tour here
2. From Pico do Areiro to the Pico Ruivo hike (the highest peaks).
Hike number 2 is Pico do Areiro, which leads to Pico Ruivo. And the reason is simple.
This is one of the most beautiful routes due to its location above the clouds, which connects the two highest peaks of Madeira through a network of tunnels and ledges.
Some people say that this is not only a difficult hike, but also the most impressive because of the stunning landscapes created by formidable rock formations and magnificent mountains of Madeira. On sunny days, you can have a 360-degree view, so you can see Madeira villages such as: Curral das Freiras, Porto Santo, Desertas and Ponta de San Lorenço.
You can book a tour here
3. Walk in Keymadas / Caldeiran Verde Levada
Our third advice is to go to Caldeiran Verde.
Day 3 will be another day of fantastic hikes to see some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Madeira. This is the most adventurous hike you can make on the island of Madeira, where the trail is surprisingly green, you pass through small waterfalls beating from the walls until you reach 4 tunnels, and at the end a fascinating huge waterfall falling into a crystal clear lagoon.
On the way you will have a magnificent view of the village of São Georges and the majestic mountains.
You can book a tour here
4. Walk of Levada do Rey "King."
Levada do Rey is the fourth walk through the Levadas, but also one of the most beautiful trails in Madeira.
What is there to say? All our walks through the levadas are number 1 because of our vegetation and natural waterfalls.
But this route is located in a special place in Madeira, in the Laurisilva forest, where you can enjoy the unique vegetation of this UNESCO natural heritage. Here you can get acquainted with fauna and flora. More good reasons? It remains the same as it was before its discovery more than five centuries ago.
You can book a tour here
5. Levada do Alekrim "Lakes"
Here we go for the fifth wonderful walk through the Levadas, which is called Levada do Alecrim.
It is also located in a privileged place in Madeira, in the center of the Laurissilva forest, where you can explore the mysterious Fanal forest. Travelers can again enjoy the vast vegetation, consisting mainly of Ursa, Erica wood and Uveira da Serra, as well as several species of local fauna, mainly birds and cows. This walk through the Levada still offers you stunning views of the Rabasal Valley and Ribeira da Janela, as well as the small lagoon, best known as the Dona Beja Lagoa.
You can book a tour here
6. Ponta de San Lorenço walk
The next route - Vereda da Ponta de San Lorenço - is different from all the others, completely different from vegetation.
It is located at the eastern tip of Madeira, where you will find peninsulas. In addition, exposure to strong winds in this region has led to a decrease in vegetation.
Despite the low vegetation, when you follow the trail, you will see stunning and unique landscapes with the islands of Desertas in the south and the islands of Porto Santo in the north, with a stunning coastal landscape and a black sand beach due to the volcanic nature of this area. Enjoy beautiful samples of unique species of fauna and flora, such as protected seabirds, such as Corey petrel, Madeir petrel, Boulver petrel and common tern.
You can book a tour here
7. Walk along Levada Dos Cedros.
Last but not least, it is located in Levada dos Cedros, and is considered one of the oldest buildings on the island built in the 17th century.
What do you see?
The beginning of Levada is the culmination of the beauty of this route. Waterfalls form a pond with clean and crystal clear water. Along the way, you will be surrounded by lush vegetation, although cedros stands out in many areas and mainly consists of wood heather and Madeiran blueberries.
You can observe the evolution of local species by finding tree samples from 30 to 40 m high, such as Loureiro (Laurus novocanariensis), Thiel (Ocotea foetens), Vinhatico (Persea indica).
Finally, you will arrive at the Levada surrounded by a lush forest, where you will find a beautiful waterfall, and, returning to the path, you will meet the path on the left, which will lead you to a small observation deck from which you can observe the surrounding area.