Levadas & Peaks: Madeira Hiking Guide
The walks that made Madeira famous – levada trails along old irrigation channels, the Pico do Arieiro ridge, and which routes now need a paid booking.
Updated October 2026
The Best Hikes in Madeira: A Ranked Guide for 2026
A ridge traverse above the clouds, dozens of levada walks and a bare volcanic peninsula. Here are Madeira's best hikes ranked, with 2026 booking rules and fees.Read the guide- Easiest levada
- Flat, tunnel-free, under 2 hours
- Signature hard route
- Pico do Arieiro–Ruivo ridge, PR1
- Booking needed
- Every classified PR trail, from €4.50
- Unclassified levadas
- Still free, no booking
A flat levada walk if you want scenery without exposure, the Arieiro–Ruivo ridge if you want the classic hard trail and don't mind heights, Ponta de São Lourenço for a coastal walk with no levada at all.
Levada walks vs peak trails – different trails, different rules
A "levada" walk follows one of Madeira's centuries-old irrigation channels – mostly flat, shaded, and safe for most fitness levels; see levada walks for the full list. The peak trails around Pico do Arieiro are a different sport: exposed ridgelines, real elevation, and not for anyone uneasy with heights.
Every classified PR trail now needs a paid booking
Since the 2026 rule change, every PR-numbered trail – including Caldeirão Verde (PR9) and the Arieiro–Ruivo ridge (PR1) – needs a timed-entry slot booked through the government SIMplifica portal, from €4.50 per person (€10.50 for PR1, or €3 with a licensed RNAAT tour operator). Unclassified levadas are still free and walk-up.
If you only do one hike
Pick Ponta de São Lourenço for a coastal walk over dramatic dry cliffs with no levada tunnels, or Curral das Freiras for the classic Nuns' Valley viewpoint with an easy option to just drive to the miradouro instead of walking down.
Levada Walks in Madeira: Which Ones to Do and How (2026)
Levada do Caldeirão Verde: Walking PR9 to the Green Cauldron (2026)
Levada das 25 Fontes: How to Walk Madeira's Famous Waterfall Trail (2026)
Pico do Arieiro Sunrise & the PR1 Hike to Pico Ruivo (2026)
Ponta de São Lourenço: Madeira's Wild Coastal Hike (2026)
Curral das Freiras & Eira do Serrado: How to Visit Nuns Valley (2026)
Common questions
Do I need to book Madeira's hiking trails in advance?
Yes, for any trail with a PR number (the classified network, including the famous ones) – book a timed slot on the SIMplifica portal from €4.50. Unclassified levada paths are still free and need no booking.
Is Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo dangerous?
It's exposed with real drop-offs and several tunnels – manageable in good weather with no fear of heights, genuinely risky in fog, wind or rain. Check conditions and don't attempt it in poor visibility.
What should I wear for a levada walk?
Proper trail shoes with grip (the stone paths get slippery near water), a light waterproof, and a torch if the route has tunnels – several of the popular ones do.
Are levada walks suitable for children?
The flat, tunnel-free levadas are – check individual guides for gradient and any unfenced drops before choosing with kids.