Guest Story: Hiking in Madeira | Eurohike Hikingblog

Our First Day on the Island of Flowers

After already completing a hiking tour along the Lechweg earlier this year, I was lucky enough to go on another hiking adventure—this time with my partner. It didn’t take us long to agree that we wanted to head somewhere warm, so we ultimately chose the Around Madeira Hiking Tour. The photos we’d seen looked incredibly promising, so we were full of anticipation for our journey through Madeira. Fun fact: this tour is also available as a Hiking Tour with Charm!

We finally arrive in Madeira around 1:00 a.m. After landing in the middle of the night, we take it easy the next day—enjoying a relaxed morning and spending some time resting on the terrace of our room at Hotel Costa Linda in São Vicente. In the afternoon, we venture out for a short walk to explore the mountainous surroundings. The highlight of the day, however, is dinner: we savor Madeira’s famous black scabbardfish with grilled banana, served with vegetables and sweet potato. The fish soup to start is equally delicious, and the Bolo do Caco, the island’s signature garlic bread, is simply outstanding.

Rundwanderung an der wilden Nordküste

Am nächsten Tag geht es so richtig los mit der Wanderreise, die erste Etappe steht an. Nach einem Transfer machen wir uns zu Fuß wieder zurück auf den Weg nach São Vicente. Dabei wandern wir entlang der wilden Nordküste, die einiges an Abwechslung zu bieten hat. Unter anderem folgen wir einem Höhenweg mit phänomenaler Aussicht auf die schroffe Küste, aber gehen auch an mit Blumen gesäumten Levadas entlang, die einen Blick auf das bergige Landesinnere offenbaren. Überall ist alles wunderbar grün. Als wir erschöpft, aber glücklich wieder im Hotel ankommen, sind wir gespannt, was die nächsten Tage uns noch bieten werden.

Madeira and Its Unique Levadas

The next day, our route leads us along one of Madeira’s most iconic features: the Levadas. On both the second and fourth hiking days, the trails follow these historic irrigation channels from start to finish. We venture deep into the forest, with the Levadas running beside us—flanked by rugged rock faces on one side and dense, lush vegetation on the other. At one point, we even pass beneath a small waterfall, adding a splash of adventure to the day. The Levadas are a wonderful way to experience Madeira’s incredible plant life. In spring, the trails burst with color as everything is in full bloom. During our autumn visit, the vegetation is still exotically beautiful, though not quite as varied, as most of the blooming season has come to an end.

The Capital City Funchal and Its Stunning Surroundings

On the second-to-last stage of our tour, we hike from Cabo Girão—the highest sea cliff in Europe at 580 meters (1,903 feet)—down to Madeira’s capital, Funchal. Not long after we set off, we catch our first glimpse of the city in the distance. The trail leads us down countless stairs and steep streets toward the coast, eventually bringing us to the charming fishing village of Câmara de Lobos. From there, we continue along the shoreline toward Funchal. One thing that especially impressed us here was the beach, with its striking black sand made of volcanic rock.

On the final day of our hiking tour, we head up into the mountains one last time. A scenic cable car ride takes us to the top of Monte, where we’re rewarded with breathtaking views over Funchal and the surrounding peaks. On our descent back into the city, we make a stop at the botanical garden—a visit that’s well worth it. Towering cacti, some several meters (over 6 feet) tall, display stunning blossoms, and the garden itself offers plenty of peaceful spots to sit back and soak in the atmosphere.

We look back on our Madeira adventure with deep fondness. Each stage of the journey revealed a new facet of the island’s remarkable diversity, and the outstanding food was a highlight all its own.

My favorite Spot

My favorite spot is in Camâra de Lobos, right in the heart of town. A rocky hill there offers stunning views—not just of the village itself, but all the way to Cabo Girão. The area is beautifully landscaped, making it the perfect place for a relaxing break. Even the walk up is a delight, winding through narrow streets lined with charming, traditional Madeira-style houses.

Longing for the Sea?

Curious to discover more about the enchanting island of Madeira? Be sure to explore the travel stories from our travel experts. They’ve journeyed across the island and share their personal highlights with you. Let their experiences inspire your next adventure!