The Madeira Island Crossing is wild & adventurous: A true Eldorado awaits hikers on Madeira - an evergreen paradise of absolute beauty. On this long-distance hiking trail, you will experience Madeira's most impressive views and marvel at the mystical, mist-covered landscape in the midst of pure nature. I found the tour magnificent - Chapeau!
Content
1. Journey
2. Route
3. Accommodation
4. Weather and best time to travel
5. Further information
6. Recommended stages
7. Packing list
8. GPX and map information
9. Conclusion
Madeira thru hike
Are you perhaps just starting your annual holiday planning? Then this is the opportunity for one of the most beautiful long-distance hikes in Africa. The archipelago of Madeira is an archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean, located about 600 km off the north-west coast of Africa and 1000 km south-west of Lisbon. It is a colourful all-rounder for botanists, hikers and pleasure-seekers. The rugged volcanic landscape is criss-crossed by levadas, old irrigation channels with footpaths that are now used as hiking trails. The high mountains, narrow valleys and steeply sloping coasts of Madeira form a wonderful backdrop for extensive hikes.
Madeira long-distance hike Arrival
Flight: The best option is to take a flight to Funchal, to Madeira Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport (FNC).
Taxi: You can take a taxi directly from the airport to the starting point, the small roundabout in Ponta de São Lourenço (Baía d'Abra). The journey with a Bold taxi cost around 15 euros.
Bus: There is also a bus from the airport to Caniçal. You then have to walk about 15-20 minutes to the roundabout.
Footpath: You can also walk to the starting point. Leave the airport via the stairs and follow the pavement next to the motorway to the Caminho da Fonte do Seixo roundabout and continue to Machico or Caniçal. Allow an extra day for this.
Tip: If you still need food or a gas cartridge, I recommend the ‘Modelo Continente Machico’ supermarket in Sitio da Queimada de Baixo, 9200-017 Machico, Portugal. The friendly Bold driver made a shopping stop there with me. Before starting your tour, please check for yourself whether a gas cartridge is in stock. There are also some outdoor shops in Funchal.
As always, I recommend my video of the tour:
Maeira trekking Route
You have to cover around 105 kilometres and 6,000 metres in altitude. I needed a total of five days for the tour - quite a sporty pace. For connoisseurs, I recommend planning 6 to 7 days. On this long-distance hiking trail, you will experience all of the island's major highlights: the impressive peaks of Pico do Arieiro and Pico Ruivo, numerous magical waterfalls, a 1-kilometre tunnel through a mountain and the mystical laurel forest of Fanal. The route also takes you across the plateau, along the cliffs at Caniçal and through the levadas of Rabacal. Traditional villages and unspoilt nature make Madeira's island crossing an incomparable experience.
Recommended stages for the island crossing
Stage 1: Roundabout Ponta de Sao Lourenco - Canical approx. 15km (alternatively use the campsite in PONTA DE SÃO LOURENÇO or rooms in Canical, Machico or Porto da Cruz)
Stage 2: Canical - Ribeiro Frio approx. 20km (campsite available)
Stage 3: Ribeiro Frio - Pico Ruivo approx. 18km (campsite and mountain hut available)
Stage 4: Pico Ruivo - Seixal approx. 29km and approx. 1200 metres in altitude (note: very long stage, but can be shortened). Alternatively, you can book a room in Boca da Encumeada or use one of the two campsites nearby. The campsites are called CHÃO DOS LOUROS and BICA DA CANA.
Stage 5: Seixal - Port Moniz approx. 20km (campsite available)
Campsites: Detailed information on the campsites can be found further down in the article under the section ‘Accommodation’.
Madeira Trekking Guide
Day 1: As already mentioned, the tour starts at the small roundabout in Ponta de São Lourenço (Baía d'Abra) on the east coast of Madeira. I really liked the atmosphere there. There were hikers and nature-loving people everywhere. I had a real sense of adventure there! The path in São Lourenço is easy but very beautiful. Enjoy the rugged rock formations and the breathtaking views.
Tip: You can use the trekking camp in ‘Ponta de São Lourenço’. Alternatively, you can book a room in Caniçal, Machico or Porto da Cruz.
Due to the long distance and the sweaty altitude difference, I would like to recommend my ultra-light hiking gear at this point:
I would also like to recommend my beloved Salewa trekking shoes because of the mountain and jungle landscape and the challenging mountain trails:
„Gib deiner Frau die richtigen Schuhe und sie kann die ganze Welt erobern." Zitat von Marilyn Monroe
Take a look at the following pictures in the slider:
Day 2: After a brilliant sunrise, I was greeted by a clear blue sky. My hiking heart was beating faster and I was looking forward to the upcoming coastal hike. A picturesque path awaits you along the beautiful north coast to the Boca do Risco viewpoint, and then you continue along the levadas, the traditional water channels. You will experience the jungle in all its facets for the first time until you finally reach Ribeiro Frio. I would recommend taking a longer break in Portela. There are several viewing platforms there that invite you to linger, as well as an excellent steak restaurant. The rest of the hike along the water channels was a real adventure and very exciting. But it was also wonderfully quiet - apart from the lapping of the water and the singing of the birds, you will hardly hear anything. In Ribeiro Frio, you have the option of booking a room or staying in a tent. There is a trekking camp there called ‘Ribeiro Frio’.
Caution: The coastal hike from Canical to Porto da Cruz is dangerous in heavy rain! It is better to opt for an alternative route through the interior.
Day 3: Now it's time to gather strength for the climb. On the third day, it's a sweat-inducing climb up to Pico de Arieiro and then further along the King's Path - probably the craziest, but also the most beautiful path I've ever hiked - to the highest peak in Madeira, Pico Ruivo. I didn't find the path particularly difficult, but you should definitely take care in bad weather.
Attention: At kilometre 41 of the trek, there is a small change in the path. The ascent to the plateau is now on a path that is the same length but completely different. This leads mostly along game fences and is well signposted. Simply follow the trail markings and signs in the direction of Pico Arieiro.
As you have already left the jungle and there is little shade and you are constantly exposed to the movement of the air, I recommend my beloved Piz Buin Mountain sun cream with SPF 50+ lip care, as well as my ultra-light sun cap and wind blocker.
• Sun cap
"The sun also shines behind the clouds." Quote from Karl Friedrich Wilhelm Wander
Take a look at the following pictures in the slider:
There is a mountain hut and a small campsite on Pico Ruivo. The hut is called ‘Casa de Abrigo Pico Ruivo’ and can be found under the following link: https://picoruivo.com/pt/. There were also numerous tents right next to the mountain hut. The landlord of the hut was very relaxed back then, and I suspect that camping next to the hut is still possible today for a small fee.
Tip: The sunrise and sunset on Pico Ruivo were simply breathtaking - a real sensation! Pure goosebumps!
Enjoy the following pictures in the slider!
Day 4: The magnificent sunrise left a lasting impression on me. During this spiritual moment, I felt a deep connection with nature and a sense of inner peace. I hope you will have similar experiences on this Krafplatz. Now it's time for you to take an easier descent route, which, however, always has small ascents and descents. This route, like the Royal Route, is a real adventure. Finally, you reach Boca Encumeada - the perfect place for a break, as it is about halfway along the route. There you will find a restaurant with an inviting terrace and great views. You then continue your hike along the levadas and walk through a tunnel about 1 km long, which is truly unique - I don't know of any comparable hike with such an impressive tunnel. If you suffer from claustrophobia, you should probably avoid this section. Tip: If you want to shorten this long stage, I can highly recommend the trekking camps ‘Camp Estaquinhos or Caramujo’, which are almost directly on the route, or the trekking camp ‘Bica da Cana’, which can be reached via a short diversions. There is also the ‘Gaya Camping’ campsite before Seixal. Finally you reach Seixal, where you can also book a room.
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 saying goes: "There's no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes!"
Please note: The toughest stage is definitely on day 4 from Pico Ruivo to Seixal. You have to cover around 30 km and 2000 metres in altitude here. However, you can easily split up this stage. You can then use the shortened hiking days for shorter levada hikes in the surrounding area to continue the tour in a relaxed manner. You can easily find accommodation along the shortened stages via platforms such as ‘Booking’ or ‘Airbnb’. I would recommend Encumeada here. There are several places to stay within a radius of 4 kilometres. Alternatively, you can head for the Bica da Cana campsite and visit the Risco waterfall from there before continuing your journey to Seixal. The waterfall is a real natural gem, but also quite overcrowded with tourists.
Tip: Seixal has one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. It is covered in black volcanic sand, which is shiny and extremely soft. The village is also extremely idyllic. Enjoy your time there!
Day 5: Now it's time to grit your teeth again. It's another sweat-inducing climb up to the laurel trees at Fanal Pond. Tip: It is particularly beautiful when the trees are shrouded in mist. This creates a very special, mystical atmosphere - you may recognise this scenery from many Instagram photos.
Please note: There is a slight change in the route at kilometre 78 of the trek. Do not follow the trampled paths heading north here, but make sure you stay on the official path that bends to the left!
Please note: At kilometre 102 of the trek, there is another small change of path. After the last ascent, you circle the Pico de Caldeiro and then turn right onto a very narrow track in the direction of Porto Moniz. Shortly afterwards, you will reach a small stone hut. Just before this hut, turn right and then immediately follow a small stream on the left until you reach the houses!
The route then descends to Porto Moniz. Porto Moniz is the most north-westerly town in Madeira and is best known for its impressive natural swimming pools surrounded by lava rocks. Walk to the western end of the town and gaze out into the vastness of the Atlantic. You've reached your destination - congratulations! If you made it, you deserve my full respect. It wasn't an easy journey, but it was unforgettably beautiful. This tour is my absolute favourite!
‘If you haven't hiked, you haven't seen the world.’ Quote from Christian Sommer alias HikingFex
Accommodation
Trekking camps on Madeira: On the map below I have marked all the campsites, the mountain hut on Pico Ruivo and other bookable accommodation (Booking.com and Airbnb). Alternatively, you can also visit the official website HERE. I have listed the campsites below.
Fonte do Bispo – Calheta
Registration for the campsites: The island offers a number of campsites that can be used free of charge by adventure-seekers. All but a few of the trekking campsites on Madeira are free of charge. For your trekking adventure, however, you must register once at the following link and reserve a pitch. You will then receive a pdf document for your reservation. In rare cases, rangers come by and check the trekking campers. http://www.madeiracamping.com/permission/
Facilities at the trekking camps: The campsites are all equipped differently. On the official homepage you will find signs and information about what is available on the campsites and in their surroundings.
Booking.com and Airbnb: You can book a hotel or flat in any city. The best way to do this is with ‘Booking’ or ‘Airbnb’. You can also simply halve stages if they are too long.
Mountain hut on Pico Ruivo: There is a mountain hut and a small campsite on Pico Ruivo where you can spend the night. The hut is called "Casa de Abrigo Pico Ruivo" and can be found under the following link: https://picoruivo.com/pt/
For optimal preparation for any tour, I recommend the workouts on my YouTube channel:
Weather and best time to travel
In Madeira, there is often a mix of sun, wind and clouds. Temperatures are always between 18 and 30 degrees. The months with the least rainfall are July and August. The months of April, May and June are also ideal for hiking. In general, you can complete the tour all year round, although there may be snow on the mountains in winter. So enquire before starting your tour.
Proverb from Madeira. Come into my garden. I want my roses to know you. Richard B. Sheridan 1751 - 1816.
Madeira thru hike: more information
Money: ATMs and credit cards are available in many places. You should still take enough cash with you on your trip. At the mountain hut on Pico Ruivo, they only take cash.
Water: Unfortunately, you won't always find this. Make sure your water tank is always well filled. I usually had around 2.5 litres with me. You shouldn't drink the water from the lavedas. This is industrial water for agriculture. Sometimes there are also waterfall basins or fountains along the way. However, you should definitely use a water filter. No matter how clear the water may be, it may still contain impurities such as animal faeces or dead animals. However, you can also boil the water.
Water at the campsites: You won't find any water at the trekking camps themselves. You won't always find it on the route either, but there were never any real problems getting water. In the mountains it was possible to fill up at waterfalls (be careful: use a filter anyway!). Otherwise, there is a well or local supply in every larger village. Sometimes there is also a tap at houses. Thanks to the friendly inhabitants, I was able to top up my water supply. Nevertheless, I always used a water filter to be on the safe side.
Catering: Local catering is available in every larger town and at the hut on Pico Ruivo.
Animals or pests: There are practically no pests on the island and it is free of dangerous insects and bugs. But be careful when pitching your tent. I had a damn big spider in the undergrowth. It was a bit of a scare.
Surefootedness: To be safe on the trail, sure-footedness and the right footwear are the most important factors - after all, falls due to tripping and slipping are the most common cause of accidents when hiking. So remember: the right footwear and the right walking technique are therefore incredibly important. You are sure to find the right footwear in the article below!
Packing list
Here I recommend the most important hiking equipment that I own, have tested myself and have also bought myself. I pay a lot of attention to the weight and quality of my equipment. The equipment should simply feel good on longer tours and also be light. I can recommend the equipment for women because my wife uses it and it is basically the same as the equipment for men.
Note: Please keep in mind that the packing list is general and you will have to adapt it depending on the season and your needs!
Advertising note: These product links are affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, I will receive a small commission without you having to pay more. This is for the maintenance of my blog and you support me with my project, for which I am very grateful. Thank you very much!
Clothes
Hiking boots
Hiking shorts
Long hiking pants
Functional shirt
Hybridjacket
Fleece-jacket
Rain jacket
Functional underwear
Hiking socks
Other hiking equipment:
• Sun cap
Hiking backback (approx. 60 litres or as required)
by EXPED - unfortunately not available on Amazon.
• Backback - Ospray (was my old one and is also good)
Technology and orientation:
• Compass
• Headlamp
• GPS device or GPS watch if necessary
• Binoculars if necessary
Catering:
• Sweets to keep up morale :)
Health & first Aid:
• First Aid (small and light)
• Tape
• Bivouac
• Toilet paper
Other:
• Passport/Insurance certificate
• cash
• Gas cartridge
Film equipment:
• Camera
• Drone
• Tripod
• Clip
On the way you will cross the following peaks:
Pico do Furado
Pico das Roçadas (379 m)
Pico do Arieiro (1.818 m)
Pico Ruivo (1.862 m) - Highest mountain in Madeira
Pico do Jorge (1.691 m)
Pico do Tapeiro (1.331 m)
Pico Ruivo do Paul (1.640 m)
Pedreira (1.242 m)
Fanal (1.236 m)
Pico do Caldeirão (418 m)
Long-distance hiking trails in Europe: 90 routes, all countries
Safety advice
Madeira Trekking GPX
The GPX files are available for download from the following providers.
Outdooractive: https://out.ac/I3hJdc
Here is the route on the map (Madeira trail map):
Madeira long distance hike conclusion
The island crossing with a length of almost 105 km is a fantastic long-distance hiking trail that offers an incredible amount. It shows a cross-section of the beautiful landscape of Madeira. I really enjoyed the tour! It is my absolute favourite tour. Have a great time and good luck ;)
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.
Hello, I am Christian, the chief globetrotter of this Site and an enthusiastic adventurer, hiker and filmmaker. I love to explore new paths and inspire people with them, and I love to share my hiking knowledge with you! You can also find my videos on YouTube! On my blog you can find tips for beginners and professionals on the greatest and most beautiful hiking tours there are. I want to encourage people to explore the world as a hiker, whether in the countryside, through the forest or in the mountains. True to the motto: If you haven't hiked, you haven't seen the world,
On my blog, I also write about hiking gear, the right summit training and nature conservation, as well as tips and information about hiking.
When you walked did you have to pay any taxes to use the trails? We've seen the following page: 27677/2025 - Pagamento de Taxas para Percursos Pedestres Classificados - Geral - SIMplifica Can you confirm which trails you walked?
Thank you.
This looks great! Planning to walk this in September. Can we follow signed route(s) or is it GPX only?
Hi,
I love hiking and want to do this trip, but i have raging claustrophobia. Is this still doable?
Thank you
Hi,
I would like to do this crossing, and I would like to know if it is necessary to leave in total autonomy or we can buy food all along the route
Thank you
I am planning the tour for July. Thank you for the information.
see you soon
Ina