Madeira is a Portuguese island in the Atlantic Ocean, known for spectacular mountains, lush valleys, dramatic cliffs, and an extensive network of levada walking trails. It is an excellent destination if you enjoy scenery and sightseeing rather than simply relaxing on beaches. We spent 5 days here and absolutely loved it, one of our all time favorite places. We hiked each morning and then explored the island.
We hiked 5 different trails here or often called Levadas. They were all great, but PR1 and PR 8 were our favorites. Parking at all of them is very difficult, get there early and due to the crowds, all the hikes needs a permit purchased in advance.
PR 1 Pico do Areeiro – We had hiked PR 1.2 earlier in the day, so we drove around and hiked the beginning portion of PR 1.1 to over over the stairway to heaven. It did not disappoint. Parts were scary and difficult, but well worth it. The views are just amazing.
PR 1.2 is the Vereda do Pico Ruivo, the hike to Madeira’s highest mountain. Loved, Loved, this hike.
PR 8 – Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço
PR 6 – Levada das 25 Fontes / Levada do Risco
PR 11 – Vereda dos Balcões
All the hikes are great, but PR1 & PR8 were our favorites. Get there early to park, have a permit/reservation. Many of the trails have no facilities and you may see used paper along the way. Not the prettiest of things to see.