🗺️ Madeira Activities - Interactive Map
Complete guide to hiking, biking, running, beaches, viewpoints & attractions
Trail status & fees checked: 31 Oct 2026 (against IFCN's list of 14 Sep 2026, Visit Madeira route pages and the official fee table) · Page content last updated: 31 Oct 2026 · Today's trail status (IFCN) →
Interactive Outdoor Activities Map
Explore Madeira's complete outdoor offerings: official PR hiking routes, free levada walks, biking paths, running trails, and top attractions. Click any marker to see details, driving times from our property, and get Google Maps directions.
• Activities Filter (top left): Toggle between hiking, biking, running, and attractions • Markers: Click any marker for details, driving time from property, and navigation options • Layers (top right): Switch between Streets, Outdoor, Terrain, and Satellite views • Fullscreen (top right): Expand map to full screen for better exploration • Navigation: Each location has "Directions from Property", "View on Google Maps", and "Copy GPS" options
Why Madeira is a Hiking Paradise
Madeira offers some of Europe's most spectacular hiking, combining dramatic mountain scenery, lush laurel forests (UNESCO World Heritage), coastal cliffs, and the unique levada irrigation channels that create trails through otherwise inaccessible terrain.
With thousands of kilometres of levadas and around 40 official PR (Percursos Recomendados) routes, there's a trail for every ability level—from easy family walks to challenging mountain climbs.
⚠️ Important: 2026 Booking Requirements
As of January 1, 2026, the official PR trails require advance booking and fees. (Exception reported: PR23 Levada da Azenha in Caniço is managed by the parish council and free; check SIMplifica.)
- Booking Platform: SIMplifica (government platform) - Book Here →
- Standard Fee: €4.50 per person per route
- PR1 Vereda do Areeiro: €10.50 per person, which also covers PR1.1, PR1.2 and PR1.3. Walking only from Pico do Areeiro to the Pedra Rija viewpoint and back costs €4.50.
- Time Slots: You book a timed entry slot (IFCN allows about 15 minutes' tolerance)
- Other IFCN fees hikers meet (non-residents; Portaria 48/2026): parking at Pico do Areeiro €4/hour (max €20/day) and Queimadas €2/hour (max €10/day), first 30 minutes free; Quinta do Santo da Serra park €3 (over 12); Madeira Botanical Garden €10 (€3 ages 6–12); scuba diving in the Garajau, Desertas or Selvagens reserves €7.50 per day; camping at designated sites €5 per tent per night.
- No refunds for weather: bookings can't be refunded or moved if you cancel for rain, illness or flight problems, only if IFCN closes the trail. Check the forecast first and book close to the day.
- Official Info: IFCN Website →
- Trail Status & Alerts: Check Current Status →
💡 Tip: Popular slots on PR1, PR6 (25 Fontes) and PR9 (Caldeirão Verde) fill up. Book as soon as the forecast for your day looks reliable, usually a few days ahead.
Also note: children aged 12 and under and Madeira residents pay nothing, but must still be included in the booking. Booking through a tour operator holding an IFCN protocol reduces the standard fee to €3.00. Multi-route passes cost €9.00 for one day, €22.50 for three days and €52.50 for seven days (these exclude PR1).
Official sources — check these fees yourself
- Fee table in law — Portaria n.º 801/2025 of 10 December, amended by
Portaria n.º 48/2026 of 13 February 2026, Anexo I:
Portaria 48/2026 (PDF) · Portaria 801/2025 (PDF) - Whether a trail is open today — IFCN trail notices (the authoritative status list):
IFCN — trail status & alerts - Official route descriptions, distances and maps:
Visit Madeira — hiking routes - Plain-language FAQ: IFCN fees FAQ (English)
Fees checked against the Portaria on 31 October 2026; trail status against IFCN's list updated 14 September 2026. Fees and closures change — please re-check before you walk.
Popular PR Routes Near Petra's Hideaway
PR11 – Vereda dos Balcões (Ribeiro Frio – Balcões) OPEN
Short, nearly level walk to the Balcões viewpoint over the central mountains. The best first walk for families.
Drive from our place: about 25 min
Altitude: Max 880 m / min 870 m
Official route info → ⚠️ Current status (IFCN)PR10 – Levada do Furado (Ribeiro Frio – Portela) OPEN
Long laurel-forest levada from Ribeiro Frio to Portela, ending close to our place.
Drive from our place: about 25 min
Altitude: Max 880 m / min 645 m
Official route info → ⚠️ Current status (IFCN)PR5 – Vereda das Funduras (Portela – Maroços) OPEN
Starts at the Portela viewpoint (views of Penha de Águia) and descends through the Funduras forest to Maroços (Machico). One of the closest PR routes to our place.
Drive from our place: about 15 min
Altitude: Max 624 m / min 186 m
Official route info → ⚠️ Current status (IFCN)PR8 – Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço (Baía d'Abra – Casa do Sardinha) OPEN
Dramatic walk along the bare eastern peninsula, a nature reserve, with sea on both sides. Little shade and often windy.
Drive from our place: about 25 min
Altitude: Max 126 m / min 23 m
Official route info → ⚠️ Current status (IFCN)PR23 – Levada da Azenha (Caniço) OPEN
Short, little-known levada through gardens and small farms around the old water mill at Azenha, Caniço. About 20 minutes from our place.
Drive from our place: about 25 min
⚠️ Current status (IFCN)PR1 – Vereda do Areeiro (Pico do Areeiro – Pico Ruivo) OPEN
⚠️ Status: One-way only beyond the Pedra Rija viewpoint: you cannot walk back to Pico do Areeiro. Exit from Pico Ruivo via PR1.1 (to Ilha) or PR1.2 (to Achada do Teixeira), so arrange transport. Areeiro – Pedra Rija and back stays two-way (€4.50 ticket).
The classic high-mountain crossing from Madeira's third-highest peak to its highest, Pico Ruivo (1,862 m). Exposed ridge sections, steps and tunnels.
Drive from our place: about 30 min
Altitude: Max 1,857 m / min 1,491 m
Official route info → ⚠️ Current status (IFCN)PR1.2 – Vereda do Pico Ruivo (Achada do Teixeira – Pico Ruivo) OPEN
The shortest way up Madeira's highest peak (1,862 m), on a paved path from the Achada do Teixeira car park. Also an official exit from PR1.
Drive from our place: about 50 min
Altitude: Max 1,857 m / min 1,592 m
Official route info → ⚠️ Current status (IFCN)PR9 – Levada do Caldeirão Verde (Queimadas – Caldeirão Verde) OPEN
⚠️ Status: Reopened 29 May 2026 (Queimadas – Caldeirão Verde). Check IFCN for the Caldeirão do Inferno section.
Famous laurel-forest levada through four tunnels to a high waterfall in a natural amphitheatre. Bring a torch.
Drive from our place: about 40 min
Altitude: Max 1,020 m / min 872 m
Official route info → ⚠️ Current status (IFCN)PR18 – Levada do Rei (Quebradas – Ribeiro Bonito) OPEN
Quiet levada above São Jorge on the north coast, through farmland into laurel forest, ending at the Ribeiro Bonito stream.
Drive from our place: about 45 min
Altitude: Max 573 m / min 535 m
Official route info → ⚠️ Current status (IFCN)PR6 – Levada das 25 Fontes (Rabaçal – 25 Fontes) OPEN
⚠️ Status: One-way circulation: walk out along the Levada das 25 Fontes and return by the signed "Bypass" path (IFCN).
Madeira's best-known levada walk, ending at a lagoon fed by many small springs. Very popular: book an early slot.
Drive from our place: about 1h15
Altitude: Max 1,288 m / min 964 m
Official route info → ⚠️ Current status (IFCN)Complete PR Routes Directory
Madeira has around 40 official classified walking routes (PR, "Percursos Recomendados"), managed by IFCN, the regional forestry and nature authority. Below is every route, grouped by its current IFCN status. Names, distances, times and grades come from Visit Madeira's official route pages; status from IFCN's trail notices (updated 14 September 2026). Click a route name for its official page.
✓ Open (30)
Open per IFCN. All need a SIMplifica booking and fee (see Booking & Fees) unless noted. PR6.7 Vereda da Câmara de Carga do Rabaçal (Rabaçal – Túnel do Cavalo) is also open; IFCN has not yet published its description.
8.2 km one way • 3 hours • Moderate
2.8 km one way (5.6 km return) • 1:30 hours • Moderate
10.6 km one way • 4:30 hours • Moderate
7.2 km one way • 2:40 hours • Easy
4.2 km one way • 2 hours • Moderate
5.2 km one way • 2:10 hours • Easy
8.7 km one way • 3 hours • Moderate
4.3 km one way (8.6 km return) • 3 hours • Moderate
1.5 km one way (3 km return) • 2 hours • Easy
3.5 km one way (7 km return) • 2:30 hours • Easy
1.8 km one way (3.6 km return) • 1:30 hours • Easy
5 km one way • 2 hours • Not rated
3.8 km one way • 1:30 hours • Not rated
2.3 km one way • 45 minutes • Not rated
1.2 km one way • 30 minutes • Easy
4 km one way (8 km return) • 2:30 hours • Moderate
About 13 km return to Caldeirão Verde (official route 8.7 km one way to Caldeirão do Inferno) • 4–5 hours to Caldeirão Verde and back • Moderate
1.9 km one way • 45 minutes • Easy
11 km one way • 5 hours • Moderate
1.5 km one way (3 km return) • 1:30 hours • Easy
10.8 km one way • 4 hours • Moderate
1.8 km one way • 45 minutes • Not rated
7.2 km one way • 3 hours • Moderate
2.7 km one way • 1:30 hours • Moderate
3.9 km one way (7.8 km return) • 3:30 hours • Moderate
5.3 km one way (10.6 km return) • 3:30 hours • Moderate
1.8 km one way • 1:20 hours • Moderate
3.2 km one way • 1:30 hours • Moderate
1.9 km circular • 45 minutes • Easy
1.3 km one way (2.6 km return) • About 1 hour return • Easy
◐ Open with restrictions (4)
Open, but only partly or under special rules. Read the note before you book.
6.1 km one way • 3 hours • Moderate
One-way only beyond the Pedra Rija viewpoint: you cannot walk back to Pico do Areeiro. Exit from Pico Ruivo via PR1.1 (to Ilha) or PR1.2 (to Achada do Teixeira), so arrange transport. Areeiro – Pedra Rija and back stays two-way (€4.50 ticket).
11.2 km one way • 5 hours • Moderate
Partially open: only Pico Ruivo – Boca das Torrinhas (about 3.9 km) since 18 June 2026. Boca das Torrinhas – Encumeada remains closed.
12.5 km one way • 5 hours • Moderate
Partially open: only from Boca da Corrida to km 3.5 (IFCN).
15 km • 6:30 hours • Hard
Partially open: only between Encumeada and Bica da Cana (IFCN).
✗ Closed (4)
Closed by IFCN for maintenance or safety. Do not attempt closed routes; bookings are not possible.
10.5 km one way • 3:30 hours • Moderate
1.9 km one way • 1:30 hours • Easy
4.6 km one way • 1:30 hours • Not rated
10.8 km one way • 4 hours • Not rated
Popular Non-PR Trails & Levada Walks
Beyond the official PR routes, Madeira has hundreds of unofficial levada walks and trails that don't require booking or fees. These paths follow irrigation channels and offer beautiful hiking experiences.
ℹ️ About Non-PR Trails
These trails are NOT officially classified by IFCN, meaning:
- No booking required - hike anytime
- No fees to pay
- Less maintained than PR routes
- May have closures without official notice
- Exercise extra caution and self-responsibility
Levada Nova (from our door)
We are in the middle of the Levada Nova, a 2-minute walk from your door, so you can set off in either direction. One way leads up towards Santo António da Serra; published loops on that side are about 12.5 km and moderate, with one section reported without a railing. The other way leads towards Machico and Santa Cruz; the published Levada Nova de Santa Cruz route is about 7.3 km and moderate. The levada path itself is level: walk out as far as you like and come back the same way.
Levada da Serra do Faial
Gentle forest levada passing Santo da Serra and running towards Camacha. A popular easy section is around Vale Paraíso (Camacha); walk it there and back rather than returning along the road.
Levada dos Maroços (Santo da Serra – Maroços – Caniçal)
Visit Machico's municipal route: a flat agricultural levada that starts in Santo António da Serra and runs through the Maroços valley (orchards, terraces, flowers) to Caniçal. Several road access points allow short walks. The municipal page notes vertigo exposure in places.
Official route info →Levada do Caniçal
Quiet, open levada above Caniçal with sea views. Start at the ER214 by the Caniçal tunnel exit (most walk there and back from here) or at the ER109 by Caniçal cemetery.
Official route info →Vereda do Larano (Machico – Boca do Risco – Porto da Cruz)
One of Madeira's finest coastal paths: from the old Caniçal tunnel road (Machico) up to the Boca do Risco pass, then along the north-coast cliffs to Porto da Cruz. Beyond Boca do Risco the path is narrow with unfenced drops: not for anyone uneasy with heights. Arrange a taxi or bus back.
Levada da Referta (Porto da Cruz)
Visit Machico's municipal route: an open, rural levada above Porto da Cruz with vegetable gardens, sea views and Penha de Águia. Rated moderate by the municipality, with some exposure to heights.
Official route info →Levada do Castelejo (Porto da Cruz)
Municipal route from Porto da Cruz through farmland into laurel forest. A full moderate outing rather than a short stroll.
Levada dos Tornos
Long historic levada running east from above Monte (Curral dos Romeiros) past Camacha. Walk any section and return the same way, or link with the Levada da Serra do Faial.
Levada da Morena (Santa Cruz)
Local levada from Ribeira de João Ferino down to Santa Cruz, linking with the Levada dos Tornos. Unofficial; one route catalogue rates a section as difficult, so check conditions locally.
Levada Nova de Machico (Portelinha – Landeiro)
Medium-difficulty section near Machico with some vertigo-inducing stretches and uneven ground (altitude 289–347 m). Check conditions before going.
Levada da Portela
Mostly flat levada from the Portela area. May be overgrown in places. Not independently verified; check locally.
Levada Poço do Arvoredo
Quiet unofficial levada in the Porto da Cruz / Machico hills with moss-covered walls. Not independently verified; check locally.
Levada do Caniço (Camacha – Caniço)
Local levada between Camacha and Caniço. Not independently verified; check the section and footing locally.
Levada do Blandy
Levada in the Camacha area. Not independently verified; check locally.
Levada do Norte (Estreito de Câmara de Lobos)
Long levada (about 62 km) that carries water from the north of the island to farmland in the south (Ribeira Brava and Câmara de Lobos). The popular walk runs from Estreito de Câmara de Lobos towards Boa Morte through vineyards and terraces.
Levada dos Piornais (Funchal)
Levada in Funchal's São Martinho district, starting near Barreiros Stadium with access from the hotel zone.
Levada Nova (Ponta do Sol) & Levada dos Moinhos
Circular walk combining two levadas above Ponta do Sol (start at Lombada), with valley views and old watermills. A different levada from the Levada Nova at our place. Some exposed sections reported.
Levada do Curral
Levada in the Curral das Freiras area with waterfalls and lush vegetation. Not independently verified; check locally.
Levada do Juncal
North-side levada with coastal and mountain views. Not independently verified; check locally.
Levada da Bica da Cana
High levada on the Paul da Serra plateau (about 1h15 drive from our place). Not independently verified; check locally.
Levada da Fajã do Penedo
Remote levada near Boaventura to a waterfall. Not independently verified; check locally.
Levada do Lombo do Mouro
Forest levada near the Lombo do Mouro area above Serra de Água. One route catalogue rates it difficult; check conditions locally.
Ponta do Clérigo (coastal)
Coastal hike near Faial/Santana with steep climbs and ocean views. Tiring despite the short distance.
Penha de Águia (Eagle Rock)
Steep municipal trail to the top of Penha de Águia, about 435 m of climbing. Spectacular views from the summit.
⚠️ Important Safety Note for Non-PR Trails
Unofficial trails are NOT maintained by IFCN and may have:
- No safety barriers or railings
- Overgrown vegetation blocking paths
- Unmarked dangerous sections
- Sudden closures without notice
- No emergency services coverage guarantee
Recommendation: If you're new to Madeira hiking, start with official PR routes. Once experienced, explore unofficial levadas with a local guide or experienced hikers.
Essential Hiking Information
What to Bring
- Footwear: Hiking boots or trail runners with good grip (paths can be wet)
- Clothing: Layers (temperature changes with elevation), rain jacket
- Flashlight: Headlamp or flashlight essential for tunnel routes (PR9, etc.)
- Water: 1-2 liters per person minimum
- Food: Snacks, energy bars, lunch for longer hikes
- Navigation: Phone with downloaded offline maps or GPS device
- First Aid: Basic kit with blister treatment, pain relief
- Sun Protection: Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses
Safety Tips
- Check weather forecast before departing—avoid trails during heavy rain or fog
- Start early (by 9 AM) to avoid crowds and afternoon weather changes
- Stay on marked paths—levada edges can be slippery and dangerous
- Tell someone your hiking plans and expected return time
- Mobile coverage varies—don't rely on it in remote areas
- Turn back if conditions become unsafe—trails will still be there tomorrow
- Respect trail closures and warning signs
Best Time for Hiking
- Year-round hiking: Madeira's climate allows hiking 12 months a year
- Best months: April-October (dryer, clearer weather)
- Winter (Nov-Mar): More rain, but still hikeable with proper gear
- Best time of day: Early morning (6-9 AM start) for fewer crowds and better light
- Avoid: Midday heat in summer, afternoon clouds on mountain trails
Our Personal Recommendations
- From the door: Levada Nova runs past our place: walk towards Santo da Serra or towards Machico / Santa Cruz, no car, booking or fee
- Start with PR11 (Balcões): Perfect introduction to Madeira hiking—short, easy, stunning views
- Closest PR routes: PR5 Vereda das Funduras (about 15 minutes), then PR8 São Lourenço, PR10 Levada do Furado and PR11 Balcões (about 25 minutes each)
- Most iconic: PR1 Vereda do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo (one-way: plan your exit and transport) and PR9 Caldeirão Verde
- Less crowded gem: PR18 Levada do Rei offers beauty without the crowds
- Parking: Arrive early for popular trails—parking fills up by 10 AM on weekends
- Lunch stops: Ribeiro Frio has great trout restaurants after PR11
- Guided tours: Consider a guide for your first challenging trail or tunnel route
Trail Etiquette & Conservation
- Leave no trace—pack out all trash (including fruit peels and cores)
- Stay on marked paths to protect fragile ecosystems
- Yield to uphill hikers on narrow sections
- Keep noise levels down—respect the tranquility
- Don't pick plants or disturb wildlife
- Close gates behind you when crossing farmland
- Respect private property boundaries
- Support local businesses in trailhead communities