A circular hike on Madeira is wild & adventurous: Madeira, the "island of eternal spring", offers an impressive variety of circular walks that lead through lush laurisilva forests, spectacular coastal landscapes and breathtaking mountain ranges. On 30 circular hikes you can discover the island's diverse flora and fauna and enjoy the untouched nature to the fullest.
Contents
1. Overview
2. The 30 most beautiful circular hikes
3. My 5 favorites
4. The 20 trekking camps
5. Conclusion
Circular walks madeira: Overview
Whether you're an experienced hiker or just want to enjoy nature, Madeira has something to suit all tastes and fitness levels. You can set off on adventurous trails, hike to remote heights, or choose more leisurely routes that pass through picturesque villages and green valleys. Each walk is marked on the map below to help you plan your trip.
circular hike <- Slide -> | length | difficulty |
6.9 km | medium | |
11.2 km | difficult | |
6.7 km | medium | |
5 km | medium | |
13 km | light | |
14.5 | difficult | |
6 km | light | |
13 km | difficult | |
12 km | medium | |
9 km | light | |
3 km | light | |
23 | difficult | |
3 km | medium | |
6 km | medium | |
13 km | difficult | |
11 km | medium | |
6 km | light | |
6 km | light | |
8 kilometers | medium | |
8 kilometers | medium | |
12 km | medium | |
7 km | medium | |
9 km | difficult | |
12 km | medium | |
15 km | difficult | |
15 km | difficult | |
11 km | medium | |
13 km | medium | |
9 km | medium |
The most beautiful circular hiking trails on Madeira
Actually, all the circular hiking trails are beautiful and worth seeing. Nevertheless, I would like to introduce you to my favorites.
Vereda da Ponta de Sao Lourenco (PR 8)
The Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço (PR 8) is a spectacular circular walk on the easternmost tip of Madeira. It leads through a rugged, barren landscape with impressive rock formations and offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic. The path is about 8 kilometers long and requires a good level of fitness as there are some steep climbs to be overcome. The vegetation here is sparse, which makes the volcanic landscape appear even more dramatic. At the end of the tour, a wonderful view of the Ilhas Desertas awaits you.
Length: 7km
Duration: min 2-3 hours
Difficulty level: medium
Top highlight: bizarre rock formations
Accommodation: Hotel/Apartment and campsite
GPX: Find it here!
Pico de Ariero - Pico Ruivo - Pico de Ariero
The circular hike from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo and back is one of the most impressive on Madeira. It takes you along narrow paths and steep steps through a dramatic mountain landscape, past rugged cliffs and deep gorges. At the highest peak, Pico Ruivo (1,862 m), you will be rewarded with breathtaking views over the entire island. The route is challenging, around 13 kilometers long, and requires good fitness and surefootedness. The changing weather conditions make this hike an unforgettable experience.
Length: 12 km
Duration: min 4-5 hours
Difficulty level: medium (sure-footedness still required)
Top highlight: sunrise and sunset
Accommodation: Hotel at the parking lot or hut at Pico Ruivo
GPX: Find it here!
Ponta do Pargo, along the cliffs
The Ponta do Pargo circular walk along the cliffs offers spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and the impressive cliffs of Madeira. The trail takes you along secluded paths, past green meadows and rocky sections that lie directly above the sea. On the way you pass the Ponta do Pargo lighthouse, one of the westernmost points of the island. The hike is about 9 kilometers long and moderately challenging, ideal for nature lovers who want to explore the rugged coastal landscapes of Madeira.
Length: 5 km
Duration: 5 hours
Difficulty level: medium
Top highlight: Levada Nova and views of the wild rocky coast
Accommodation: Hotel/Apartment
GPX: Find it here!
Levada do Rei (PR18) - King's round
The Levada do Rei (PR18) , also known as the King's Circuit, is a scenic circular walk through lush laurel forests and along one of the most beautiful levadas in Madeira. The 10-kilometer trail starts in São Jorge and takes you through dense vegetation, past small waterfalls and impressive views of the valley. The hike is easy to moderate and offers a great opportunity to experience the island's rich flora and fauna. It ends with a fascinating waterfall at the end of the levada.
Length: 12 km
Duration: 2-3 hours
Difficulty level: easy
Top highlight: small tunnels and a waterfall
Accommodation: Hotel/Apartments
GPX: Find it here!
Levada do Caldeirao Verde (PR 9)
The Levada do Caldeirão Verde (PR 9) is an impressive circular walk that takes you through dense forests and along narrow levadas. The 13-kilometer route starts in Queimadas and offers spectacular views of Madeira's green valleys. The trail goes through several tunnels and ends at the Caldeirão Verde, a stunning waterfall that plunges into a natural pool. The walk is of moderate difficulty and requires surefootedness, especially in the dark tunnels and narrow passages. It is one of the most beautiful walks in Madeira.
Length: 13 km
Duration: 6 km
Difficulty level: medium (sure-footedness required)
Top highlight: steep slopes and jungle-like vegetation
Accommodation: Hotel/Apartment
GPX: Find it here!
Further information: Find it here!
Permission: Find it here!
Video: Find it here!
Map with all campsites on Madeira
On the map below I have marked all the campsites, the mountain hut at Pico Ruivo and other bookable accommodations (Booking.com and Airbnb). Alternatively, you can also visit the official website for campsites on Madeira . I have listed the campsites in detail with some additional information below.
Here you can find all campsites and trekking camps
Fonte do Bispo – Calheta
Hiking on Madeira Tips: More information
Money: ATMs and credit cards are available in many places. However, you should still take cash with you on your trip.
Animals or vermin: There are practically no vermin on the island and it is free of dangerous insects and beetles. Be careful when setting up your tent, though. I found a really big spider in the undergrowth. It was a bit of a scary moment.
Water: Unfortunately, you won't always find it. Make sure your water container is always full. I usually had around 2.5 liters with me. You should only drink the water from the lavedas in an absolute emergency. This is water used for agriculture. I drank it, but I put it through a water filter first. There are also waterfall pools or fountains along the way. You should definitely use a water filter, though. No matter how clear the water is, it can still contain impurities, such as animal excrement or dead animals. You can also boil the water.
Attention: Don't forget to take an emergency bivouac with you. It consists of an emergency blanket that is cold-resistant, a whistle and a mini compass. It should be in your rucksack on every hike anyway.
As the old Scottish proverb goes, "There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing!"
Because of the mountain and jungle landscape as well as the challenging mountain trails, I would like to recommend my beloved Salewa trekking shoes:
• Salewa MS Raven 3 GTX (Available for men and women)
"Give your woman the right shoes and she can conquer the world." Quote by Marilyn Monroe
Circular walks from funchal madeira
Circular walks from Funchal Madeira offer a great starting point for exploring the island’s stunning landscapes. Funchal serves as the perfect base for many scenic circular walks from Funchal Madeira, with some of the most beautiful routes located nearby. These circular walks from Funchal Madeira are easily accessible by bus or taxi, making them a convenient choice for hikers looking to experience Madeira’s diverse nature without complicated travel logistics.
Long-distance hiking trails: The 200 most beautiful long-distance hiking and trekking trails in the world!
Long-distance hiking trails Europe: 90 routes, all countries
safety instructions
Madeira circular hike: Conclusion
In conclusion, circular walks Madeira offer a fantastic way to explore the island’s diverse landscapes, from lush forests to dramatic coastlines. Whether you choose scenic Madeira circular hikes or relaxing circular walks from Funchal, each trail provides breathtaking views and unique experiences. With well-marked routes, circular walks Madeira let you discover the island’s beauty without retracing your steps, making every hike an unforgettable adventure.
As always, I would be very happy to receive feedback via one of my channels.
You are also welcome to leave me a comment here.
A warm hello, I am Christian, chief globetrotter of this site and enthusiastic adventurer, hiker and filmmaker. I love to explore new paths and inspire people with them and I like to share my acquired hiking knowledge with you! You can also find my videos on YouTube! On my blog you will find tips for beginners and professionals on the biggest and most beautiful hiking tours there are. I want to encourage people to explore the world as hikers, whether in the country, through the forest or in the mountains. True to the motto: If you don't hike, you haven't seen the world yet.
On my blog I also write about hiking gear, proper summit training and nature conservation as well as tips and information on hiking.
Comments