The 15 Best Hikes in Madeira

1.Pico do Arieiro Sunrise Transfer Self-guided Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 2,798 reviews · from $37Our pick

Start before dawn with a shared transfer from Funchal or Caniço to Pico do Arieiro, watch the sunrise, then hike toward Pico Ruivo and Achada do Teixeira. Your host explains the route, timing, and trail signs, while drivers such as Nuno, Pedro, and Henrique are praised for clear instructions and punctual service.

“The trip to Pico do Arieiro was amazing, I would highly recommend this trip. Pedro was our driver and he was absolutely delightful. He was very punctual picking us up and expertly navigated the drive to pick up 3 other groups and then up to the top. He provided us with a nice orientation and excellent suggestions for viewing the mountain sunrise. The hike at Pico do Arieiro was congested but manageable. The second hike down from Pico do Arieiro to Ribeira das Cales was challenging, it was a mostly downhill and with rocky footings and paths that made reaching the bottom at the meeting place quite tight. The last…”

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2.Pico Do Arieiro Pico Ruivo Sunrise or Morning Hike Transfers

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,169 reviews · 8 - 8.5 hours · from $37

Travel by minivan from Funchal or Caniço to Pico do Arieiro for a self-guided sunrise or morning hike. Driver Radko, Ciro, Carlos, or another English-speaking local provides route details, then collects you at Achada do Teixeira after up to five hours on the mountain.

“Good communication, timely arrival. Explained the possible routes and options. Then due to terrible weather, allowed us to change our options and be picked up earlier instead of continuing with the pr3 hike.”

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3.Rabaçal: 25 Fontes & Risco Levada Transfer Self-guided Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 841 reviews · from $38

Travel from Funchal or nearby towns to Rabaçal for five hours on your own, following Madeira’s famous 25 Fontes and Risco levadas. Your English-speaking host explains the route, then leaves you free to walk, pause, eat, and photograph at your own pace. The 6:30 a.m. departure is best for quiet trails.

“A trip with the money..! We had 5 hours and we not only did the PR6 and PR6.1, but we managed the PR6.3 and 6.2 in it. 6.3 was beautiful but quite a steep walk. It was rushed for 5 hours and In the end we had to catch the shuttle back to the start to be in time. All worth the rush but wouldn’t recommend doing 4 waterfalls but 3 can be accommodated if your an experienced hiker. Adriana is not only a skilled driver but a lovely person. Very knowledgable and did give us some great tips to travel in Madeira. Overall 10/10. Highly recommended.Read more”

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4.Caniçal Ponta São Lourenco Hiking Transfer

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 756 reviews · 6 hours · from $35

Take a shared transfer from Funchal, Caniço, Santa Cruz, São Gonçalo, or Machico to PR8 Ponta São Lourenço. Your English-speaking driver explains the route, then you hike independently for about four hours. Expect volcanic cliffs, views of both coasts, optional swimming, and a return ride.

“It was good, losts of time, great views and some extra trail for ambitious people:)”

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5.Caldeirão Verde: Queimadas PR9 Transfer and Self-Guided Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 668 reviews · from $38

Walk 15 km through Madeira's Laurissilva Forest on a self-guided PR9 hike from Queimadas. Your driver handles the transfer, explains the route, and collects you afterward. Expect waterfalls, four tunnels, narrow levada paths, changing weather, and about 5.5 hours on foot.

“Since there is no guide you can finish it on your own pace, there is more than enough time and you can have additional for snack/coffee and photos. Very good communication over WhatsApp - team is very helpful and patient. Driver was on time and he was very knowledgeable - all necessary information for the hike was provided. Overall it was a nice experience and I would do it again in the future.”

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6.PR 9 – Levada do Caldeirão Verde Hike Transfer

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 620 reviews · 7 hours · from $47

Join a small-group transfer from Funchal, Caniço, or Garajau to PR9. Your English or Portuguese-speaking driver, such as Vitor, Fabio, Roberto, or Cristiano, explains the route before you walk independently through Laurissilva Forest, tunnels, and waterfalls.

“really recommend this walk, gorgeous scenery and not too busy. our driver Fabio was prompt and friendly and everything went smoothly. recommend booking this trip!”

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7.Sunrise at Pico do Arieiro & Hike Larano trail

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 516 reviews · from $45

Start before dawn with a drive from Funchal to Pico do Arieiro, optional PR1 hiking, and a sunrise above the clouds. Continue to Guindaste’s glass platform and walk 7 km of the Larano coast. Guides such as Roberto, Rosbert, Chris, and José are praised for safe driving and island insight.

“I think best trip of my life, beautiful sunrise, and hiking I would like to mension was even for not experienced turists, even child could do it. For sure must. Thank you ♥️”

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8.PR1 Sunrise Pico do Arieiro Self-Guided Hiking Transfer

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 299 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $39Top rated

Start before dawn with pickup in Funchal or Caniço, reach Pico do Arieiro for sunrise, then hike at your own pace. Drivers such as Pedro, Filipe, and Adriana explain the route, weather, closures, and pickup point before leaving you to walk PR1 or the PR3 alternative.

“Amazing experience - make sure you have the correct clothing & footwear, it’s bitterly cold up there!”

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9.Ponta de São Lourenço/Caniçal Full-Day Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 262 reviews · 8 hours · from $50

Walk Madeira’s dry, windswept eastern peninsula with a multilingual guide such as Rubi, Sergio, or Charlotte. Expect volcanic rock, cliffs, views toward the Desertas and Porto Santo, free time near Casa do Sardinha, and a possible swim. Bring sturdy shoes, water, lunch, and a swimsuit.

“Beatiful place and the best guide on Madeira. I recommend!”

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10.Pico Ruivo Guided Sunrise Hike with Hotel Pickup

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 257 reviews · 5 hours · from $68

Join a small group of up to eight for a pre-dawn hike from Achada do Teixeira to Pico Ruivo. Guide Carlos is often praised for steady pacing, astronomy tips, frequent breaks, and warm tea at the summit. Hotel pickup, head torch, snack, and return transport are included.

“someone who had just done done the tour a few days earlier recommend me the tour. and I have to say it was the highlight of my trip to Madeira. the sunrise was majestic. and our tour guide was simply perfect. great communication (for instance clearly indicated how long the hike was in km and elevation, he stated along the way how far along we were). he also made enough stops but in time to see sunrise. he even had carried up a hot tea and snack for us. he motivated us during the hike, was knowledgeable and even offered to lend not only headlamp, but also jacket and scarf…”

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11.Morning Transfer To Pico Do Arieiro, Hike To Pico Ruivo & Return From Teixeira

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 243 reviews · 7 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $37

Ride from Funchal or Caniço to Pico do Arieiro, then hike independently through tunnels and steep stairways to Pico Ruivo. Drivers such as Radko, Carlos, Michael, and Ciro provide trail instructions and collect you at Achada do Teixeira. The 11-kilometer route takes about 4.5 hours.

“Great service. Picked up at our Airbnb. Interesting conversation with driver. Made Pico to Pico easier and more enjoyable”

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12.Sunrise Transfer To Pico Do Arieiro, Hike To Pico Ruivo & Return From Teixeira

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 233 reviews · 7 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $42

Travel in a small group of up to eight from Funchal or Caniço to Pico do Arieiro before sunrise, then hike toward Pico Ruivo and finish at Achada do Teixeira. You walk independently at your own pace, with pickup and return transport arranged by Pico Transfers.

“Excellent driver. Very informative and considerate. Would recommend. On time pick up and beautiful drive back. Clear guidance and instructions”

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13.Machico to Porto da Cruz Larano Cliff Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 189 reviews · 8 hours · from $50

Join a guide such as Charlotte or Sara for a 12-kilometer coastal walk from Machico to Porto da Cruz. Expect farm paths, levadas, narrow cliff sections, views of São Lourenço and Porto Santo, and a full day out with pickup from Funchal.

“Excellent tour and guide. Very beautiful landscapes. I highly recommend it.”

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14.25 Fountains Levada: Hiking Tour in Madeira Rabaçal Valley (PR6)

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 187 reviews · 7 hours (approx.) · from $52

Walk Madeira’s PR6 trail through the UNESCO-listed Laurisilva forest with a local guide such as Ruben, Daria, Marta, or Samuel. Expect waterfalls, levada paths, steps, slippery ground, and an 800-meter tunnel. Hotel pickup from Funchal or Caniço, transport, insurance, and a small nature fee are included.

“Amazing walking tour and great host plenty of information about everywhere. Very well looked after by the host Reuban”

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15.Sunrise Guided Hike PR1 Pico do Areeiro Pico Ruivo small group

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 133 reviews · 6 to 8 hours (approx.) · from $120

Start before dawn from Funchal or Caniço and hike Madeira’s famous mountain route with a guide such as David or Ronaldo. Expect steep steps, changing weather, sunrise views, Pico Ruivo, and a stop at Santana’s traditional homes. The group is limited to eight people.

“I am not an athletic person so this climb was really difficult for me but David our guide was so supportive and patient. He was very calm during the whole journey encouraging us to go at our own pace. I am glad that I have booked this tour with UpMountain Madeira. Will highly recommend to my friends!”

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